A Complete Guide to Eloping in Wisconsin

Written By Meaghan H.

So, you’ve decided to ditch the traditional wedding scene and want to elope - now what? If you live in or are choosing Wisconsin as your place to make your marriage official, you’ve landed on the perfect blog post. Bonus, I’m a born and raised Wisconsin girl (Go Pack Go!) who also decided to elope so I’ve got amazing spots lined up and know how to make your day as special and unique as your relationship. In addition to the logistical details, I’m going to cover the best places and times for eloping in Wisconsin. Whether you want to sneak away to the Northwoods and glacial lakes, explore the bluffs surrounding the crystal clear waters of Lake Superior, or find an intimate spot tucked deep in the valleys - eloping in Wisconsin is a nature lover’s dream.

Now, let’s dig into the details.


Self Solemnizing in Wisconsin

Wisconsin is one of the few states where self-solemnizing is allowed, meaning you can get married without an officiant! However, Wisconsin still requires two adult witnesses to be present at the time of your ceremony - my husband and I are more than happy to be your witnesses if needed! You will also want to be sure to apply for your marriage license about a week before you plan on eloping in Wisconsin - it will then be valid for 30 days.


Marriage License

To apply for a marriage license in the state of Wisconsin both parties must:

  • be 18 years or older

  • provide a photo ID and birth certificate

  • show proof of residency (valid driver’s license, utility bill, etc.)

  • disclose SSN

Marriage Licenses in Wisconsin cost between $100-$125 depending on the county you submit your application with. If you’re a resident, you’ll apply in the county you live in. While non-residents will apply in the county the ceremony is in. You’ll typically receive your license within 5 days of applying and will be valid for 30 days.

Permits and Passes

While I will take care of any permits related to photography, you may also need additional permits to hold your ceremony at certain parks and areas around the state. The Wisconsin DNR makes it super simple to plan, check out their site here for more information.

Finding the Perfect Spot

As someone who also eloped, I understand the value of finding the perfect spots for exchanging vows or holding an intimate ceremony. There are of course factors like day of the week, season, and time of day that will play into the crowd levels. But I also have a knack for finding sweet spots off the beaten path - having grown up in Wisconsin, I’ve spent a lot of time exploring our winding “Rustic Roads” (if you know, you know). From the breathtaking overlooks of the Mississippi Valley, paths through the national forests of WI’s Northwoods, to the iconic coastlines of Lake Michigan and Lake Superior, the opportunities for privacy are endless!

When to Elope in Wisconsin

To ensure that you have the best possibility for privacy, I suggest planning your elopement for a weekday and around sunrise or the earlier morning hours. You’ll be less likely to run into larger crowds.

Winter - The winter months here can be a bit brutal. So while I wouldn’t necessarily recommend eloping in the heart of January, there is something so magical about a snow-covered forest. Wisconsin in late November through December could be a great option if you’re looking for a winter adventure including snowmobiling, ice fishing, or exploring ice caves.

Spring - With the melt of all the snow comes gushing waterfalls! If you have your heart set on a wooded adventure leading to a waterfall, March and April will be your best bet. However, do keep in mind it may be a bit muddy!

Summer - There is something so special about summer in Wisconsin, lake life comes alive! Summers here can get pretty warm, even up near Lake Superior. I would recommend eloping in June or late August to avoid our wave of humidity. Summer is also our busiest season so I would recommend weekdays and early mornings in the more popular areas.

Fall - In my opinion fall is the most beautiful time of year here in Wisconsin. The colorful foliage, the crisp cool air, the festivals, apple orchards, and pumpkin patches - there is so much to love. I recommend late September to mid-October for peak colors, depending on where you’re eloping in Wisconsin. Use this map to track the fall color forecasts by county.


A Few of my Favorite Locations

When it comes to finding the perfect place to stay, I recommend using Airbnb or Vrbo to find properties that best fit the vibe you’re going for. Boutique hotels and resort lodges are also a really fun option, especially if you’re inviting a few guests. Here are a few of my personal favorite spots for eloping in Wisconsin- 


Bayfield, WI - close to the Apostle Islands


Door County, WI - close to Cave Point


Baraboo, WI - near Devil’s Lake


The Northwoods of Wisconsin



Ready to start planning your perfect Wisconsin elopement?

Meaghan H.
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