Top Wisconsin State Parks to Elope at
Wisconsin is full of natural wonders and places to explore. Many of these areas are protected in our state parks and make an amazing backdrop to your elopement. Always contact a park official for the exact details of what is needed to get married in the park so you can be prepared and have a great experience.
Kohler Andrae State Park
Nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan in Sheboygan, Kohler Andrae State Park is the best place for a more beachy style of elopement. There is easy access to the beach from parking lots across the park as well as picturesque trails through woods or along the boardwalk from the dunes to the beach. If you want to have an indoor option in case of bad weather, there is a shelter building that can be rented. If you are looking to bring your furry friends, dogs are allowed on leash on specified trails and on the beach north of the Sanderling Nature Center.
Kohler Andrae is close to the center of Sheboygan and within an hour’s drive of Milwaukee, leaving many options for restaurants for a meal after your ceremony and a hotel or rental to stay.
Devil’s Lake State Park
Devil’s Lake is situated 30 minutes south of Wisconsin Dells in the town of Baraboo. It’s a perfect mix of rocky outcroppings, lush forests, and a sizeable calm lake making it a popular choice for families and adventure enthusiasts alike. The park does have some shelters open for reservation if you want a space to make a meal. Many of the scenic views in the park are not too far from the parking lot, but many of my favorites are along some of the many trails along the bluffs around and outside of the park.
Baraboo offers many restaurants, bakeries, wineries, and hotel options close to Devil’s Lake State Park to complete your elopement experience.
High Cliff State Park
With views of Lake Winnebago and limestone cliffs, in the town of Sherwood is High Cliff State Park. This park has one of the best indoor shelters to reserve with a large open area with wood beams and walls and a fireplace in the middle to warm up. Just outside of the shelter is a spot to look out at the water or a lookout to climb for a higher view. If you want to get out on the water for a bit during your elopement, High Cliff does have a marina in the park. The many hiking trails across the park are easy level dirt trails that take you into lush forests or closer to views of lime kiln ruins or cliffs.
Honestly you can’t go wrong with getting married at any of the state parks in Wisconsin, but these ones are just some of my favorites! Planning a more outdoorsy wedding will take a bit more prep to be prepared for weather, not having quick access to amenities, but the views and the experience of getting married at a park you love or are exploring for the first time more than makes up for it. What park would you love to get married at?
