How to Elope in Door County, Wisconsin

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! 

• 
  Take a sailboat in the bay! Featured in this blog is a sailboat elopement with the help of https://www.saildoorcounty.com/. The crew is so kind, helpful and informative, and I would absolutely recommend them.
• Rev up your engines at go Go-Karting at Johnson’s Park in Sister Bay. http://www.doorcountynavigator.com/activities/go-karting
• Take the Door County Trolley https://doorcountytrolley.com/
• Go hiking! There are countless trails to see and hike, see below for the best locations!
• Hit up a Door County Winery! Again, another element that has many to choose from. See here to get a list- https://www.doorcounty.com/newsletter/8-door-county-wineries-how-to-visit-them-all 
• Go on a picnic in one of the many parks.
• Relax in your getaway home and bring the party to you.
• Visit a lavender farm! Places like these can get busy so it’s advised to go early. https://fragrantisle.com/
• Hold on for more adventure with a Grizzly Scenic Air Tour - https://grizzlyoverdoorcounty.com/
• Rent mopeds on Washington Island! http://www.anniesislandmopeds.com/
• See a movie at the drive-in movie theater. https://www.doorcountydrivein.com/
• Need help with a little more, such as flowers to add some extra beauty to your day? Brittany at Newland Weddings is an awesome wedding planner and picks the most spectacular flowers. Find her here- https://www.newlandweddings.com/ 

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. 

• Unique architect-designed home on waterfront bluff- https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/24230129?adults=2&children=0&enable_m3_private_room=false&infants=0&pets=0&check_in=2023-04-21&check_out=2023-04-23&federated_search_id=7fffcee0-cf6f-4629-a01e-13bb2fd749c9&source_impression_id=p3_1681846981_hJ6GzfhXLxJ49NJ4
• Cozy Waterfront A-frame home- https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/800711352787494886?adults=2&children=0&enable_m3_private_room=false&infants=0&pets=0&check_in=2023-04-21&check_out=2023-04-23&federated_search_id=e2aa9b39-3908-442d-9277-6c9cb2635f9e&source_impression_id=p3_1681847144_g0dKkH91pXmeo%2BGI
• The Shallows, Egg Harbor, WI
• County House Resort, Sister Bay, WI
•  The Landing Resort, Egg Harbor, WI
• White Birch Inn, Sturgeon Bay, WI
• Gordon Lodge, Bailey’s Harbor, WI

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!