While most people don’t envision a winter landscape overflowing with snow and cold as an ideal scenic view to get married in, we have noticed that the true adventurous couples do. Most often people dream of summer flowers, golden hours, or maybe even falling colorful leaves for their elopement, and while there is nothing wrong with that, we’re here to tell you that it’s okay to dream about fresh snow and cool crisp air too.

Winter elopements are exceedingly possible in Northern Michigan, and they are often times the most stress-free, intimate, and visually stunning adventures you could dare to dream of. There’s not much of a better way to enjoy a day together with your best friend, and avoiding crowds, than to elope where many other dare not. Here are some of the reasons why we feel that winter can be perfect for Northern Michigan Elopements, alongside a real winter elopement we had the pleasure of photographing in Munising!

1. Unparalleled Privacy & Intimacy

Naturally people tend to stay inside when nature begins to usher in the winter season. You’ll find crowded but beautiful areas like Pictured Rocks or Tahquamenon Falls abandoned by most all until the following spring season arrives. What this means for you, is that you and your spouse to be can have entire vistas and overlooks, frozen waterfalls, or snow-covered forest paths completely to yourselves.

For example, during the 6 hour Munising Elopement we photographed in the winter of 2022, we were able to explore the cave behind Scott’s Falls, which was frozen over, but void of the crowds and the typical noise of ever passing cars. It was simply the four of us, and the quiet of nature in slumber. The result we feel, speaks for itself, with an unparalleled story and photograph that will stand the test of time, and awe any who look upon it.

2. Winter Caters to the Dramatic Scenery Lovers

Winters in Michigan seem to offer some of the most beautiful, stark, and yet soft light of the year. Because of the shorter days that you find in winter, golden hour seems to stretch to two hours, and can be so pretty against the stark white of the snow all around. The frost laced landscapes seem to invite coziness for all who brave the elements and yet, allow for stunning photographs at any location.

In that same Munising elopement mentioned earlier, we took our clients to Lake Superior, just across the way from Scott’s Falls, and enjoyed a wind swept scene, with roaring waves on the not-yet-frozen Lake, while also soft textures in the clouds as golden hour began to roll in. Our adventurous clients took the winds head on, with plenty of warm-up breaks between photographs and achieved what few can brag about.

3. Meaningful Moments Snuggled Close for Warmth

Of course winter is cold, but once you accept that and prepare for it, you will find that it’s really not as bad as you might think. We ensure that our clients only spend minimal time without any warmth of a coat (only if they choose to go coat-less), with plenty of time to warm up between photos. We know too, that it is cold. Safety is our number one concern during these frigid winter sessions after all. However, we can tell you, even from personal experience of our own winter session with a separate photographer, that the cold invites you to snuggle up close to your significant other and creates beautiful and romantic photographs that will warm your soul every time you look upon it.

During that Munising winter elopement, we took our couple to Wagner Falls, where they snuggled close while looking at the waterfalls that were still just barely flowing under the snow and ice. They enjoyed the challenge of walking on the compacted snow that crowded the boardwalks that lead to the waterfalls, and commented on the beauty and quiet splendor the scene before them.

4. Some Practical Tips for Planning a Winter Elopement for a Stress-free Adventure

Living in Northern Michigan ourselves, and having done some work in the cold winters that Northern Michigan provides, we have some experience to pass along to any who consider the ultimate adventure of Eloping in Northern Michigan during winter. You will definitely want to consider the following:

• Dress for the Elements – You will want to ensure that you have proper attire during your time in the cold harsh elements of winter. This means a down jacket for warming during photos (if you choose to remove it for the photos), wool base layers, insulated boots, and some hand/foot warmers. Ensure too that you have a backup outfit in case your first one gets wet due to wet snow.
• Timing is Key – You will want to aim for either mid-morning or late afternoon for your elopement to take place. If you want to spend most of the day adventuring, then definitely mid-morning to start, while ending in the late afternoon during the sunset. This puts you just in time for dinner which will further warm you up, and where you can relive your adventure with your loved one(s) near a cozy fire.
• Consider Local Motels or AirBnB’s – You will definitely want to book a place to stay for your adventure while also considering doing some of the photos there too. With the rise of AirBnB as in popularity, you can truly get some unique and gorgeous indoor photos that you wouldn’t otherwise if you were to do a more traditional wedding. Most homes in Northern Michigan still have beautiful fireplaces, which only add to the ambiance of a winter elopement.
• Locals Love to Witness – If you’re worried that you won’t be able to get enough witnesses for your vows and marriage certificate, don’t worry about it. The locals are almost always happy to witness you sign it and will offer to sign it as well. (And take a photo with you while doing it.) For our Munising elopement, we stopped at the local coffee shop, and the barista was more than honored to be a part of signing the marriage certificate and the adventure as a whole for our couple.

A Real Munising Winter Elopement for Your Inspiration

As you may have realized, one of our favorite sessions was this stunning and beautiful winter elopement we had the pleasure of capturing in Munising. Our brave and adventurous couple exchanged vows in a silent forest as the wind blew the snow from the branches of the trees down to the couple below. Only their promises, the wind through the trees, and our gentle clicks of our cameras couple be heard. And the photos showcase the pure joy these two had for their adventure and for one another, being wrapped in each other’s arms, laughing through their chattering teeth, and stealing some quiet moments among the frozen beauty that lie asleep all around them.

You will find that winter stripped everything down to what mattered most – their love for one another, the adventure of their unique elopement, and the stunning and quiet beauty that can only be offered in Northern Michigan at wintertime.

We invite you to accept the call that is tugging at you right now for your own winter elopement in Northern Michigan, so you can enjoy an adventure uniquely your own, instead of a big event that will be like all others.

And if you’re ready to start planning your own winter adventure, we invite you to chat with us about turning your vision into timeless and unique photos that you can’t get anywhere else. Send us an email at hello@framedbynaturephotography.com or visit our Northern Michigan Elopement Portfolio to see more stories like this one.

Jess & Jeff
Framed by Nature Photography
Capturing your Northern Michigan love stories, one adventure at a time.