Door County is one of those places that just works for an elopement because you can build your day a dozen different ways. It’s flexible without feeling bare-bones, and that’s what makes it such a great choice for couples who want a day that feels like their version of special. It’s honestly one of my favorite areas in Wisconsin to plan elopements; there are so many options!
For their October elopement in Sturgeon Bay, Amanda and Brandon opted for an experience including their family. They did a private first look and vow reading, then met their family at Cave Point County Park for a ceremony and photos, followed by a celebratory dinner back in town.
Here’s how their day flowed:
- 2:30 – 3:30 pm: Group gets ready at AirBnb
- 3:30 – 4:30 pm: Private first look + vow readings
- 5:00 pm: Ceremony + marriage license signing
- 5:30 – 6:00 pm: Family photos
- 6:00 – 7:00 pm: Explore Cave Point for portrait shots
- 7:00 pm: Champagne pop and toast with family before heading out to dinner
Getting Ready Together at the AirBnb
When I walked into their Airbnb in Sturgeon Bay, the mood was that perfect mix of calm and chaotic. The kind where everyone’s chatting like it’s any normal afternoon, but you can feel the “we’re actually doing this” vibes. It reminded me so much of my own elopement, that slow build of excitement that hits you out of nowhere.
Private First Look & Vow Reading
They chose to do their first look and vows privately, just the two of them outside the Airbnb. No crowd, no pressure, just a moment to actually take each other in before everything else kicked off.My husband and I did the same for our elopement, and I’ll always recommend it. Sharing your vows without an audience lets you say what you really mean without feeling like you’re being judged with twenty people listening. Plus, some things are just better kept between you and your partner. (like Taylor Swift once said: “Romance is not dead if you keep it just yours”).
A Ceremony with Family
Their families met us at Cave Point County Park, gathering along the shoreline for the ceremony. Amanda and Brandon chose to self-solemnize, so my husband (and co-photographer) stepped in to guide a short and sweet exchange of rings and a more general version of their vows. They signed their license with their chosen witnesses right there by the water, everything exactly the way they wanted to do it.
Photos at Cave Point During Sunset
After the ceremony, we took family photos and then spent time with just the two of them exploring the park and walking along the shoreline. Between the fall colors and the chill starting to come in off the lake, it was the perfect fall evening in Wisconsin.
Ending With a Toast and Dinner Together
Before heading out for a family dinner, Amanda and Brandon wrapped up our time at Cave Point with a toast. We came back from our mini hike and popped a bottle of champagne with everyone to close out that portion of their evening.
This is a great example of how stress-free eloping can be. You don’t need a big reception or a huge event to celebrate. Sometimes the most meaningful ending is a moment with the people that mean the most to you.
Building Your Day in Door County
The beauty of Door County is that we can create a timeline that fits exactly what you want. Whether that means adding a hike, a sunrise paddle, a lakeside picnic, or wandering through charming towns (like Sisters Bay or Bailey’s Harbor) – it’s all about what feels right for you.
