How to Elope in Door County, Wisconsin

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Emerie DiGiovanni • January 30, 2024

Eloping in Door County, Wisconsin

A bride and groom are walking on a boat holding hands.

If you're looking to elope but don’t want to travel too far, eloping in Door County, Wisconsin is the perfect place! With its beautiful landscape and known for its multiple areas to explore, Door County is a popular destination for elopements, weddings and getaways.  Remember your wedding should be about you, and if a big wedding isn’t your thing, why not elope?!  Want to try something different? Here I’ll discuss options for those willing to take on a bit more adventure while combining intimacy and relaxation. Let's get started!

Elopement Weather Expectations in Door County, Wisconsin for Elopements

The best time to elope in Door County is during the summer or fall months, when the weather is warmer and the landscape is at its most alluring. Summer (June through September) temperatures in Door County range from 65-80 degrees Fahrenheit. Fall temperatures are slightly cooler, ranging from 45-70 degrees Fahrenheit. 

As we are aware, northern Wisconsin winters can be frigid, but can still bring a fantastic backdrop for your elopement day. Fresh snow on the pine trees and stark contrast of the landscape boasts spectacular scenery. Another positive is you won’t have to fight the crowds. If winter is more your thing, don’t hesitate to reach out, I’m game for anything you are! 

If there’s unexpected weather or if you forget something, that’s what I’m here for; to be prepared and assist in your day going as smoothly as possible. Is there a chance for rain? That’s okay! I will have clear umbrellas with me and we’ll go with the flow! With that being said, no matter what the weather is like, we will make it epic! It’s your day and all about your connection while we create an amazing experience. 

Ideas for Eloping in Door County, WI

The word elope has a new meaning in today’s society. It is no longer considered with a negative connotation and has evolved over the years. Eloping is finding a location that speaks to you, creating an experience that's intimate and special. This can be just the two of you or a small group of family and friends. Whichever route you decide, allow me to help plan your elopement along the way. Here are some ideas to get you started! 


There are so many other things to do in Door County and this is just a start! Fill out the contact form and let’s start planning your day! 


Where to Stay in Door County 

There are endless AirBnb’s and many hotels to choose from so here’s a list of unique stays to help you get started. 


Door County Elopement Photography Packages

What’s Included? Door county is considered under my local to Wisconsin elopement package.  If you’re thinking of having an elopement in WI, then you get my local price! See below for what’s included! 


An online, personal gallery of high resolution edited images and print release.

Assistance with vendor recommendations.

Officiant services.

Up to full day photography coverage of all those big and little moments. 

Location scouting.

A new ally for life!


All this in my local package for $1800.


A travel fee may incur but please feel free to fill out my contact form and let’s get you in the books! 


Permits and Licenses Required for Door County Elopements

Depending on where you choose to elope, a permit may be needed, however, that’s what I’m here to help you with. 

What about making it official? All you need to do is have you and your partner make a stop at the county clerk’s office and apply at least 6 days before your chosen wedding date. There is a 5 day waiting period so it’s best so even if you’re coming from out of state this is something to keep in mind. 

There are many stunning locations in Door County as it is broken up into different bays. Here’s a list of locations to think about and will help you envision your elopement day. These locations will give you basic elopement ideas and can look into permits from there.

The Best Locations for Eloping in Door County, WI. 

Door County offers a wide range of forest, beaches and viewpoints. First off we will start in the south at Sturgeon Bay and work our way north. 


  • Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal Pierhead Lighthouse. 
  • Potawatomi State Park
  • Hold on for more adventure with a Grizzly Scenic Air Tour - https://grizzlyoverdoorcounty.com/
  • Bayshore Blufflands State Natural Area- beautiful in all seasons 
  • George Pinney County Park
  • Cave Point County Park


Whitefish Bay

  • Meridian Park
  • Whitefish Bay Park
  • The Ridges Sanctuary 
  • Whitefish Dunes State Park


Egg Harbor

  • Harbor View Park
  • Frank E. Murphy Park
  • Egg Harbor Beach


Bailey’s Harbor

  • Cana Island Lighthouse-open in summer and fall, closed in the winter months
  • Toft Point State Natural Area


Fish Creek

  • Peninsula State park
  • Fish scenic boat tours- Mix it up and explore more!
  • Eagle Bluff
  • Eagle Terrace


Sister Bay 

  • Pebble Beach
  • Johnson’s Park- rev it up and have some activity on your elopement day with go karting and mini golf! 
  • Sister Bay Marina- where we docked for this sailboat elopement- also right across the street from restaurants.
  • Door County Curvy Highway


Ellison Bay

  • Door Bluff Headlands County Park
  • Europe Bay Woods Natural Area


Washington Island

A ferry is needed to get here but is so worth it! 

  • Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm-full bloom is July and August so it’s best to make plans early as this place can fill up fast.
  • Annie’s Island Moped Rental-see more of the island and add some fun and variety to your day! 


There are many additional locations to elope in Door County, WI. Contact me and I’m always open to suggestions as well. If there’s a place that speaks to you, email me, we can chat further and solidify your special day! 


How to Get to Door County

Door County is considered the most eastern county in Wisconsin and juts out into Lake Michigan. If you’re deciding to fly in, the closest airport is Austin Straubel in Green Bay which is about one hour from Sturgeon Bay. The next closest is Appleton Airport which puts you at one hour and 20 minutes away. The biggest airport is General Mitchell Airport in Milwaukee and does offer car rentals. Door county does have two of their own airports, Cherryland Airport in Sturgeon Bay and Ephraim-Gibraltar Airport in Fish Creek, but are meant for smaller aircrafts. You can certainly contact the airport before you travel. 

If you’re coming by land, no matter which direction you’re driving from, know that Hwy 57 will take you straight into Sturgeon Bay, the start of Door County. 

Life is too short, and are you going to look back and regret investing in yourselves on your wedding day? Of course not! Let me help you capture that experience and you’ll look back on it for a lifetime. Contact me today to book your photography package and start planning your dream elopement!

How To Pick The Perfect Location For Your Engagement Shoot: Tips and Ideas

By SEO Team • February 21, 2025
When planning an engagement shoot, the location is just as important as the love story being told through your photos. It’s not only about finding a pretty backdrop; it’s about choosing a place that holds meaning for both of you. Whether it's a quiet corner of the park where you had your first kiss or the bustling streets where you spend lazy Sundays together, these settings can turn your pictures into cherished memories. As someone who has navigated this process, I know how overwhelming it can be to find that perfect spot—balancing personal significance with great aesthetics and accessibility. But don't worry! With a few thoughtful tips and insights, you’ll soon be ready to capture stunning images that beautifully showcase your journey together. Couples should consider personal significance, accessibility, and aesthetic appeal when choosing a location for their engagement shoot. Factors such as the time of day for optimal lighting, incorporating shared activities, and aligning outfits with the setting can also enhance the overall experience and result in stunning photographs that reflect their relationship. Envisioning Your Perfect Photos Start by conjuring up a mental image of the atmosphere and emotions you want to capture. This vision will not only inspire you but also serve as a roadmap for making choices throughout the planning process. For instance, if you tend to gravitate towards soft colors and natural elements, you might find yourself leaning toward a serene garden or a picturesque hillside as your backdrop. Conversely, if you're a couple who thrives in vibrant city life, envision sleek skyscrapers adorned with twinkling lights at dusk. What does your heart tell you about where your love flourishes? A valuable tool during this phase is a mood board on Pinterest. As you gather inspiration, pin various styles, colors, and even poses that resonate with the aesthetic you desire. This visual collage will help convey your vision more clearly when discussing it with your photographer. By doing so, you'll provide them with context around what excites you and the narrative you wish to create. Once you've settled on a general direction, consider how different locations can enhance that vision. Each setting brings its unique personality—from urban environments that radiate modern chic to rustic locales that whisper stories from the past. Take some time to think about personal connections too; locations such as where you met or favorite hangout spots can add a layer of sentimentality to your pictures, enriching their appeal even further. Here are some aspects to clarify while envisioning your shoot: What emotions do you want your photos to evoke? Are there any specific colors or themes you're particularly drawn to? How do you see yourselves interacting in these settings? Lastly, don't overlook the practical considerations like lighting and accessibility while visualizing your shoot. Perhaps including early morning light flooding over fields invokes a sense of serenity for you, or maybe the golden hour glow cascading through city buildings aligns better with the romantic notion of intertwined lives under a sunset sky. Taking all these elements into account as part of your envisioned perfect photos will ensure a smoother transition into selecting the ideal location. With these clear insights guiding your choices, you're now ready to explore important elements that will enhance your engagement shoot experience further.

Elopement Photography Ideas: Vintage Aesthetic Inspiration for Your Wedding

By SEO Team • February 21, 2025
Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to finding ways to capture your unique love story in photographs. If you're dreaming of an elopement that combines romance with a touch of nostalgia, vintage aesthetics might be the perfect fit for you. Imagine exchanging vows against the backdrop of historical architecture or nestled in a lush garden, surrounded by charm and elegance from another era. Vintage elopement photography allows couples to express themselves creatively while preserving beautiful memories that reflect their personalities. So, let’s dive into some fantastic ideas to inspire your vintage-themed shoot, ensuring it becomes an unforgettable chapter in your journey together! For a vintage aesthetic in elopement photography, consider selecting rustic or historic locations, such as charming cabins or bungalow gardens, and incorporating retro props like antique furniture or classic vehicles. Additionally, opt for soft color palettes and film photography techniques to enhance the nostalgic feel of your images, making your special day visually captivating and uniquely memorable. Vintage Elopement Photography Concepts To successfully capture the essence of vintage allure in your elopement photographs, consider incorporating key themes that resonate with different periods. For example, Old Hollywood embodies glitz and glamour; think opulent dresses paired with classic tuxedos. The dramatic play of light can be amplified by using soft focus techniques, which gives an ethereal quality to images. Combine this with sophisticated backdrops, such as art deco buildings or lush gardens, to create a setting that mirrors the elegance of that era. Similarly, the 1950s countryside aesthetic offers a contrast to urban sophistication; it exudes warmth and intimacy. Imagine exchanging vows amidst wildflowers, surrounded by rustic wooden elements. Photographers often leverage natural light for these shoots—golden hour provides a soft glow that enhances the romance. Subtle, candid moments, like sharing quiet laughter or gentle touches between partners, evoke genuine emotions that truly reflect the couple's bond. Another splendid concept is drawing inspiration from the Victorian era. This style emphasizes luxurious fabrics and ornate details—think vintage lace table runners and delicate floral arrangements. Soft, romantic hues are crucial; using pastel shades evokes a sense of gentility and nobility characteristic of this period. Incorporating props like antique furniture or vintage books can further enrich the scene, allowing the couple to step back in time while capturing their unique narrative.  An essential part of executing these concepts is ensuring your photographer understands the vision you want to achieve. Selecting someone with experience in vintage-style photography not only enhances the final product but also helps establish a comfortable atmosphere during your shoot. A good photographer will discuss your ideas in detail, exploring how they can translate thematic elements into stunning visuals. Once you've solidified your concept and discussed expectations, it's crucial to consider location selections that amplify your chosen themes. Doing so can dramatically enrich the overall experience and help create lasting memories.
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Choosing the Right Style for Your Engagement Photos: Tips and Outfit Ideas

By SEO Team • November 21, 2024
Engagement photos are more than just pictures; they’re a celebration of your love story, and choosing the right style for them is crucial. With so many options out there, it can feel a bit overwhelming—after all, you want to capture your unique relationship in a way that feels genuine. Think of this as an opportunity to show who you are as a couple, whether you're classic romantics or laid-back adventurers. When choosing the right style for your engagement photos , focus on outfits that make you feel comfortable and confident, as this will reflect positively in your photographs. Additionally, coordinate colors without matching exactly, opt for two different outfits to showcase versatility, and consider the location and season to ensure your attire harmonizes with the backdrop. Exploring Various Engagement Photo Styles The beauty of engagement photos lies in their ability to showcase the unique relationship between two people. Each style offers a way to express your personality and set the tone for your upcoming wedding. Every couple, whether traditional or adventurous, can find a way to represent their love story through thoughtful outfit choices that reflect who they are as a couple. Classic Elegance: If sophistication speaks to your heart, consider the classic style. This entails timeless clothing selections designed to withstand the test of time—think tailored suits and elegant dresses in neutral shades like navy blue, cream, or muted pastels. These choices not only provide visual appeal but also ensure that your photos remain relevant for years to come. On the other hand, if you want your photos to embody a relaxed atmosphere, a casual approach may be more fitting for you. Casual/Everyday Appeal: The casual/everyday style is increasingly popular among couples as it reflects their everyday lives. Imagine coordinating outfits featuring comfortable jeans paired with simple yet chic tops or casual dresses that bring out authenticity in every snapshot. A casual look allows your true selves to shine while keeping things relatable and down-to-earth. Couples choose this style for their engagement sessions as it eloquently represents their day-to-day dynamic together, giving viewers a glimpse into what makes their relationship unique. Themed/Cosplay Adventures: Exploring a themed/cosplay engagement photo style invites creativity and shared passions into your session. Whether capturing a favorite movie scene or embracing an era you both love, themed shoots can infuse fun and energy into your experience while showcasing what brings you together as a couple. This style not only makes for striking images but also creates lasting memories filled with laughter. Bohemian/Vintage Vibes: Envelop yourself in flowing fabrics and rustic settings with bohemian or vintage styles. These looks often feature ethereal dresses adorned with floral patterns that evoke feelings of freedom and romance. Picture wandering under soft tree canopies in fields or historical locations bathed in golden sunlight—these backgrounds elevate the dreamlike quality of your engagement photos. Choosing natural light allows you to capture candid moments that feel genuine and airy.  Regardless of which style resonates most deeply with you, focusing on comfort will help you feel at ease during your session, translating beautifully into every captured moment.

Discover the Best Seasons for Your Milwaukee Elopement: Ideal Locations and Tips

By SEO Team • November 21, 2024
Milwaukee, with its charming neighborhoods and stunning waterfront views, is becoming a favorite spot for couples wanting to elope. If you’re looking for a more personal way to celebrate your love, an elopement might be exactly what you need. But with four distinct seasons, each offering unique vibes and picturesque backdrops, how do you choose the perfect time to tie the knot? Let's dive into the best seasons for your Milwaukee elopement, explore ideal venues, and share some tips to make your special day unforgettable! Whether you're dreaming of a lush garden ceremony in spring or a cozy winter wedding amidst the snowflakes, there's something here for everyone. The best seasons for a Milwaukee elopement are generally late spring (May to June) and early fall (September to October), when the weather is mild and picturesque venues are readily available. During these times, you can enjoy beautiful blooming flowers or vibrant autumn leaves, making for stunning backdrops for your special day. Our Top Picks for Milwaukee Wedding Venues Milwaukee offers a variety of stunning elopement venues, each with its own unique charm and beauty. Whether you’re drawn to art, nature, or breathtaking views, there’s a perfect spot for your special day. Here are some top recommendations to consider for a truly memorable elopement experience in this vibrant city. Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum: This venue offers Italian Renaissance-inspired architecture paired with picturesque terraced gardens overlooking Lake Michigan. It's an intimate and breathtaking location, providing couples with a romantic European-like atmosphere right in the heart of Milwaukee. The space is ideal for couples seeking a serene yet visually stunning backdrop for their vows. Milwaukee Art Museum: The Milwaukee Art Museum is a must-see for art lovers. Featuring the magnificent Quadracci Pavilion, resembling a bird in flight, this architectural gem offers dramatic and unforgettable photo opportunities. Due to its popularity, make sure to book well in advance, especially if you want to time your elopement with the golden hour for magical sunset photos. Boerner Botanical Gardens: For those wanting to be surrounded by nature, Boerner Botanical Gardens is a top choice. The lush gardens provide a beautiful setting with vibrant flowers in spring and golden autumn hues, creating a picturesque venue no matter the season. Whether you're exchanging vows among blooming roses or peonies, this peaceful, nature-filled setting offers a perfect escape from the city.  The variety of these venues ensures that every couple can find a place that reflects their vision, making their elopement a day to remember. With so many breathtaking options available, Milwaukee promises unforgettable memories for your special day.
A bride and groom are standing next to each other and smiling at their wedding cake.

Choosing a Sophisticated Wedding Photography Theme: Tips and Ideas

By SEO Team • October 21, 2024
Choosing the right wedding photography theme isn't just about picking a pretty backdrop; it’s about finding a style that resonates deeply with who you are as a couple. Your wedding photos should not only capture beautiful moments but also reflect your unique personalities and bond. Imagine flipping through your album years later and feeling every emotion from your special day come flooding back—the joy, love, and elegance, all encapsulated in each shot. When choosing a sophisticated wedding photography theme, consider the different styles available—such as editorial, photojournalistic, or fine art—and how they resonate with your vision and the emotional narrative you want to capture. Additionally, think about the setting of your wedding, lighting conditions, and your budget, as these can significantly influence the final outcome of your wedding photos. Selecting Your Sophisticated Wedding Photography Theme Personal Preferences Understanding your personal style is crucial for a sophisticated wedding photography theme. Let’s say you've always appreciated the elegance of vintage films; incorporating sepia tones could align perfectly with that aesthetic. Reflecting on what captures your attention in art and photography can lead you down a path where you feel most authentic on such an important day. Think back to moments when you felt a rush of joy just looking at a photograph, whether it was due to striking colors or captivating compositions. This reflection can help distill your tastes into a theme that resonates with both of you as a couple. Conveying the Desired Mood Deciding on the mood is equally vital in establishing your photography style. Each emotion you wish to evoke can dramatically alter how your photos are captured and presented. A well-thought-out mood infuses each photo with deeper meaning, making them unforgettable. Plotting out the emotional journey you want your wedding photos to capture—from candid laughter to tender moments—ensures harmony between what you envision and how it materializes visually. Couple that with your selected color palettes or styles, like those reminiscent of seasonal changes, and you create richer imagery. After considering both personal preferences and mood, it’s essential to also weigh practical elements such as venue choices and equipment that align seamlessly with your vision for the day. Aligning with Wedding Style and Colors Aligning your photography with the overall style and color palette of your wedding creates a beautiful harmony that enhances the storytelling of your special day. Imagine how a meticulously planned wedding can come alive when every picture echoes the elegant motifs woven throughout the event—from the rich emeralds and golds of a regal setup to the soft pastels of a spring garden affair. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about ensuring that your photographs tell a cohesive narrative that reflects your unique love story. To achieve this, make sure to match your chosen photography style to your wedding decor. For example, if you are embracing a rustic bohemian theme, opt for a style that captures the natural textures and earthy colors characteristic of this aesthetic. This could mean selecting photographers who excel at capturing candid moments against a backdrop of wildflowers or vintage lanterns. By doing this, you can ensure that the playful ambiance of your celebration is mirrored in your photos. Lighting plays a significant role in how colors and themes appear in photographs—so it’s wise to consider how the venue's light might interact with those elements. When you envision your wedding, think about the time of day and setting. Will your ceremony take place outdoors under soft golden sunlight, or will you be exchanging vows as the sun sets, casting warm hues over everything? The lighting conditions should influence not only when you schedule shoots but also which colors emerge most vividly in your images. Warm daylight can enhance rich tones, while softer evening light may allow pastels to shine uniquely.  Furthermore, discussing all these considerations with your photographer is essential before the big day arrives. Having these conversations allows them to suggest specific settings and poses that bring out both the decor and emotion of each moment captured. Additionally, sharing images of your decor samples or even bringing props that reflect your theme can serve as excellent discussion points with your photographer. They can experiment with capturing those elements creatively, allowing everything from dress details to floral arrangements to be touched by their artistry.
A man and a woman are holding hands and dancing.

The Importance of Consistent Style in Engagement Photography: Best Techniques

By SEO Team • October 21, 2024
Planning for an engagement shoot can feel like a big deal, and it’s easy to wonder where to even start. After all, these photos are meant to capture the unique story of you as a couple, showcasing the love and fun you share. You may think about outfits, locations, and all those little details that come together to create something beautiful. The good news is that with some thoughtful planning and creativity, you can ensure your engagement photos reflect both your personality and the vibe of your upcoming wedding. Couples can achieve a consistent style in their engagement photography by aligning their color palette, location, and props with the overall aesthetic of their wedding. Additionally, considering the season and how it reflects both the engagement session and wedding plans will help create visual coherence throughout all photographic elements. Establishing Your Personal Style Begin by thinking about what aesthetics make your heart flutter. Do you envision a whimsical, nature-focused setting or perhaps an elegant cityscape? This introspection is crucial as it sets the visual tone for the entire photoshoot, influencing not just the images we create but also the memories attached to them. A modern palette may include clean, sharp lines and muted tones, while a vintage vibe might incorporate rustic elements like lace and warm, sepia hues. Step I: Visual Inspiration: An excellent way to harness these ideas is through visual inspiration. Platforms like Pinterest and Instagram serve as treasure troves for creativity; here, you can explore countless images that reflect various styles. Save images that resonate—this could range from outfits others are wearing to beautiful locations they've chosen. Creating a mood board becomes invaluable at this stage; it’s a visual representation of your dreams, emotions, and styles that will guide every decision from color schemes to props. When you see these themes presented together, you'll identify patterns and cohesive looks that truly express who you are as a couple. Step II: Discuss Your Vision: Engaging in an open conversation with your partner about what resonates with each of you is the next step. Each of you brings unique tastes and perspectives to the table, so combining those ideas will craft a unified vision for your shoot. This collaboration ensures that both your personalities shine through in the final photographs. Incorporating each other's favorites can yield delightful surprises—perhaps one of you loves rustic backdrops while the other prefers sleek urban settings. Finding common ground between these preferences can lead to stunning results. Coordinating Outfits and Colors To create visually stunning engagement photos, it’s essential to pay careful attention to how you coordinate outfits and colors. First and foremost, consider matching the palette. This means selecting colors that not only reflect your personal style but also complement your wedding aesthetic. If you envision a spring celebration, pastels can work beautifully, while vibrant tones suit a summer event. Think about the setting as well; choosing colors that harmonize with the surroundings will enhance the overall composition of your photos. For example, if you're shooting amidst lush greenery, earthy tones such as soft greens or browns can help you blend seamlessly into the natural backdrop. Seasonal choices are also vital when determining your wardrobe for the shoot. Each season brings its own unique texture and color palette. Opt for light, airy fabrics like linen or cotton during summer months—they reflect casual fun and carefree vibes. Conversely, for fall engagements, chic layers in warm hues—think rust orange, mustard yellow, or rich maroon—create an inviting atmosphere that resonates with the essence of autumn. Consider this: while some couples might feel tempted to dive into overly trendy pieces, remember that timeless options often yield the best results in photos over time.  Selecting classic styles allows your engagement photos to withstand the test of time; after all, you’ll want these images to remain relevant long after trends have faded away. Ask yourself if your outfit will still look good five years from now—you’ll want to say yes! When coordinating patterns, if one partner wears something patterned, it’s wise for the other to opt for solid colors that draw a color from the pattern. This balance ensures that neither person overshadows the other while creating visual harmony in the images. It's often these thoughtful touches that capture who you are as a couple—not just in this moment but as lifelong partners preparing for your future together.
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