How to Elope in Wisconsin
If even the thought of having a huge wedding with lots of guests, timeline stress, and spending your savings on just a venue gives you anxiety and stresses you out, trust me, you aren’t alone! More couples are wanting to have an intimate and meaningful day with just the two of them and maybe some close friends and family, and I’m here for it. And, if you’re wondering how to elope in Wisconsin, I got you!
From rocky bluffs, golden dunes, cozy downtown alleys, or city backdrops, Wisconsin is full of some gorgeous locations. Whether you’re dreaming of eloping at Kohler Andrae State Park, Rib Mountain State Park, The Madison Capitol, or even downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin is packed with so many different vibes.
I photographed Abbey and Ben’s elopement along the lakefront at North Point Overlook in Sheboygan, and it was really the sweetest day. Just them, their families, and the lakefront. After the ceremony, we took family photos and walked around the lakefront for portraits. We ended the night with a chill after party, mexican food, dancing, and making unforgettable memories.
Wisconsin Elopement Laws
Here’s what you need to legally elope in Wisconsin:
Marriage License- You’ll need to apply in person at a county clerks office. If you live in Wisconsin, you can just apply in the county you live. If you’re from out of state, I recommend applying in the county where you’re getting married.
Waiting period- Wisconsin mandates a 3 day waiting period from when you apply and when you can legally get married, so make sure to plan ahead, especially if you’re traveling from out of state.
Documents: Bring a valid ID, proof of residence, and possibly a birth certificate.
Cost: Marriage license fees vary by county but are usually around $60-$100.
Witnesses: You’ll need two witnesses over 18. I can always do this as well!
Officiant: You’ll need someone to legally marry you. This can be a pastor/priest, judge, or a friend/family member.
Some couples also self solemnize or go to the courthouse in their state before hand and just treat their ceremony as their elopement day.
If you’re eloping at a Wisconsin State Park like Devils Lake or Kohler Andrae, you’ll also need a photography permit and event permit. Each park is different, so check the parks website or call ahead! Permit fees are usually $50-$200.
Best Time of Year to Elope in Wisconsin
Wisconsin is a vibe in every season, but picking the right time to elope depends on what kind of day you’re wanting. Whether you’re into cozy fall colors, lake front vows, or a winter wonderland, Wisconsin has it all!
Spring: For cherry blossoms and mild weather
Summer: For summer activities and vibrant colors
Fall: For leaves changing colors and cozy weather
Winter: For a complete winter wonderland vibe and fewer crowds.
Top Elopement Spots in Wisconsin
-North Point Overlook- Sheboygan, Wisconsin
-Kohler Andrae State Park- Sheboygan, Wisconsin
-Madison Capitol- Madison, Wisconsin
-Devil’s Lake State Park- Baraboo, Wisconsin
-Gibraltar Rock- Lodi, Wisconsin
-Downtown Milwaukee Wisconsin
-Rib Mountain State Park- Wausau, Wisconsin
-Cave Point County Park – Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
-Peninsula State Park- Door County, Wisconsin
-Rock Island State Park- Door County, Wisconsin
-High Cliff State Park- Sherwood, Wisconsin
-Governor Dodge State Park- Dodgeville, Wisconsin
-Rocky Arbor State Park- Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
-Bubolz Nature Preserve- Appleton, Wisconsin
-Madeline Island
Eloping in Sheboygan
Abbey and Ben flew in from Washington to elope here with their family, and they couldn’t have picked a better spot! They got ready at a nearby airbnb with their families. The ceremony was at North Point Overlook, and ended with an afterparty at The Sheboygan Marina.
Sheboygan Ceremony Locations
-North Point Overlook
-Kohler Andrae State Park
-Blue Harbor Resort
-The American Club
-Wade House Historic Site
Getting Ready Ideas in Sheboygan
-Blue Harbor Resort
-Watershed Hotel
-The Osthoff Resort
-The American Club
-Local Airbnbs
After Party/ Reception Locations in Sheboygan
-Sheboygan Marina
-Blue Harbor resort
-The Berkshire
-Breweries or restaurants
Wisconsin Wedding Venues on a Budget
-Dekoven Center- Racine, Wisconsin
-Sheboygan Marina
-Green Bay Botanical Gardens
-Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm- Washington Island, Door County Wisconsin
-Boerner Botanical Gardens- Milwaukee, Wisconsin
-South Shore Pavillion- Milwaukee, Wisconsin
-The Ember Lodge- Caledonia, Wisconsin
-The Clybourn- Milwaukee, Wisconsin
-The Gibson Social Club- Oshkosh, Wisconsin
-The Barn at Homestead Hollow- Germantown, Wisconsin
-The Barn at Buechler Farms- Belgium, Wisconsin
-Pamperin Park- Green Bay, Wisconsin
Sample Elopement Timeline
1:00- photographer arrival at airbnb
2:15- First Look + vows
2:45- Optional Activity (think kayaking, grabbing coffee, book store, rock climbing, exploring, etc)
4:00- Travel/hike/ drive to photo spot
5:15- arrive at ceremony spot
5:30- ceremony
6:00- family photos
7:00- photography is done
6-8 hours is ideal for getting ready, a first look, ceremony, and a small adventure nearby.
Full day (8+ hours) or sunrise to sunset is perfect for traveling to different locations with hiking and an after party.
Wisconsin Elopement Photography Tips
1- Pick a photographer that gets your vibe and vision
2- Think about the season
3- Pick a location that’s already gorgeous so you don’t need as much decor
4- Leave more buffer room in your timeline than you think you’ll need
5- Give yourself permission to ditch any traditions
6- DIY what you can
7- Pick your top 3 vendors and splurge on them
Recommended Vendors for Your Wisconsin Elopement
Planning/ Coordination:
Florist:
Hair and Makeup:
Rentals and Decor:
-Gertrude & Evelyn Vintage Rentals
Officiant:
Caterer:
Videographer:
Content Creation
-Always Magnolia Content Creation
DJ’s:
You definitely don’t need lots of vendors for your elopement. Just start with the must haves (think photographer, videographer planner, florist, hmua), and then from there you can choose more or less if it’s within your budget.
Planning Your Wisconsin Elopement
1- Dream up what your perfect elopement day looks like
-Do you want to hike? Be by the lake? Bring your dog?
-What season feels most like you? Do you love summer? Hate the heat? Love fall?
-Do you want it to be just the two of you or include your favorite people?
-What are 3-5 non negotiables or things that matter most to you? Things you don’t care about?
2- Choose your date and location
-Is there a date or location that is meaningful to the two of you?
3- Make a guest list if having guests
4- Book your vendors
5- Plan your timeline, flights/accommodations, and activities
6- Apply for your marriage license
FAQ’s
“Can we invite family to our Wisconsin Elopement?”
-Yes! Whether you want it to be just the two of you or include parents, siblings, or close friends, elopements are intimate and all about whatever you want!
“Where should we elope in Wisconsin?”
-There’s so many gorgeous spots to elope in Wisconsin. Kohler Andrae, Devil’s Lake, downtown Milwaukee, Madison Capitol, Door County, and countless state parks and nature preserves!
“Do we need an officiant?”
Yes! If you want your ceremony to be legally binding on that day you will need someone to officiate your ceremony. But, you can have a friend get ordained online as well!
“How many witnesses do we need for our Wisconsin Elopement?”
-Wisconsin law requires two witnesses that are at least 18. If you’re eloping just the two of you, don’t worry!! I can act as one, and if you have a planner they can act as one as well, or depending on the day I may be able to bring an assistant as well.
“How much photography coverage do we need?”
This widely varies on location and time of year! Devils lake can be busy in the summer and it can take time to go to different spots in the park, so you will definitely need more time. This also depends if you want to go to multiple different parks, want getting ready photos at an airbnb, want to do any activities, if you’re having an after party, or just want a full day adventure. My most popular packages are my full day experience (9 hours) or my half day experience (7 hours).
“Can we have an after party?”
YES! Eloping doesn’t mean skipping the celebration. You can definitely plan an intimate dinner, backyard after party, or even rent a venue/small space like South Shore Pavilion in Milwaukee, The Sheboygan Marina, The DeKoven Center in Racine, The Donald and Carol Kress Pavilion in Door County, The Gathering Place at Red Oak on the South Shore at Devil’s Lake, The Village at 170 in Sheboygan, Goodman Community Center in Madison, Pamperin Park Pavilion in Green Bay, and so many more.
Ready to Elope in Wisconsin?
Whether you’re dreaming of a intimate lakefront elopement like Abbey and Ben’s, a hike at Devil’s Lake at sunrise like Christie and Ryan’s, or a Door County micro wedding on Washington Island, followed by a dinner party in Fish Creek like Ryan and Rebekah’s day, I’m here to help you plan an elopement day that feels like you.
Ready to start planning your Wisconsin Elopement? Let’s make it happen! Contact me through this link to get in touch.
Hey there!! I’m Jessica, your go to Wisconsin and destination/ travel wedding, elopement, and boudoir photographer. I help couples ditch the big wedding stress and plan a wedding day that’s is authentic to them. Whether you’re dreaming of an adventure elopement, a breathtaking micro wedding, a wedding at a venue, a cozy in home session, a picnic engagement session, or an intimate boudoir session in Milwaukee, I got you! I’m here to guide, plan, and capture it all in an authentic way. My style is storytelling, so expect real moments, genuine emotions, and photos that really feel like you. Let’s create a day that feels unique to the two of you
