Wisconsin Elopement Packages

Wisconsin has plenty of open space to explore together, including lakes, hills, mountains, and caves. From endless hiking trails to gorgeous meadows with beautiful mountain views, Wisconsin is a great place to elope. Unlike other famous places, Wisconsin gives couples a scenic adventure without the stress of getting overwhelmed by other hikers nearby. Our comprehensive Wisconsin elopement package covers everything from locations, vendors, and tips for your Wisconsin elopement.

* While we don’t offer bundled elopement packages in Wisconsin, we do provide you with all of the information and resources you will need to create your perfect elopement package. Our Wandering Weddings members are also amazing vendors to ask questions. These members have plenty of experience curating awesome elopement experiences for couples.

Vendors to Build Your Wisconsin Elopement Package

Photo by Emilee Meador

When putting together your Wisconsin elopement package, you want to consider your overall elopement budget. Whether you’re planning an elopement in the mountains or a micro wedding near Cooper Falls State Park, your budget is everything when planning! Elopements have a pretty big range when it comes to an average price because it all depends on what vendors you decide to include on your wedding day. Please note that you are not required to include every vendor type in your package.

Are you ready to start planning your Wisconsin elopement?

Check out our vendor categories to consider when thinking about your elopement package:

Photographers

These vendors are where most of your elopement budget will be going towards, but for good reason. On average, our photographers will charge $2,500-$6,000 per elopement. This depends on how many hours of coverage (half-day versus full-day) a couple is looking for in their Wisconsin elopement package.

Videographers

Like elopement photographers, videographers are going to be a great investment for your elopement day to document your adventures together. On average, our videographers will charge $2,500-$6,000 per elopement. Keep in mind, this depends on how long you want your elopement footage to be. For example, a full-day video coverage would cost more versus covering just your elopement ceremony.

Officiants

On average, our officiant members will charge $500-$800 per elopement. Officiants are great for orchestrating your favorite traditions and wedding vows. It’s also important to note that some other vendors are also officiants, so we recommend always asking.

Elopement Planners

You don’t necessarily always need a wedding planner for your elopement adventure, but having a planner does help if couples have a very clear elopement vision. The average price for our planner members is $1,000-$3,000. Planners are also great for couples who don’t want to DIY or worry about anything, or couples who live far from their elopement destination.

Florists

Since you’re planning an elopement, you’ll need less floral arrangement than your average traditional wedding in Wisconsin. If you aren’t down to DIY your own bridal bouquet, then a florist in Wisconsin can average $300 to $600.

Venues

Are you looking to elope in Osceola, Bayfield, Milwaukee, or Madison? Even though there are plenty of public land options to consider eloping to in Wisconsin, there are also some pretty neat private venues in Wisconsin to include in your elopement package. Our team loves private venues because they offer you more privacy and flexibility when you two are going to elope. Private venues, on average, will charge $300 to $4,000, depending on the location.

Places to Elope in Wisconsin

Photo by DeGroot Film Co

Some couples may hesitate to plan their elopement in Wisconsin because they haven’t seen this location go “viral”. Don’t let Wisconsin fool you! There are so many gorgeous spots for your elopement ceremony together. We’re here to mention some of our favorite elopement destinations to better help you decide what you love.

While we are going to mention some of our favorite places to elope in Wisconsin below, it’s important to note that connecting with one of our members who specializes in Wisconsin elopements will allow you to have your elopement at secret locations and trails not many people know about.

As professionals in the elopement industry, it’s our goal to provide you with all the tools and information you need to plan an epic elopement, but it’s also our goal to keep these areas protected. Our list of elopement locations in Idaho should give you a good idea of where you would love to have your ceremony together. Once you know what areas you two are loving, then connect with our members to start planning your adventure!

Copper Falls State Park

Location Map

A waterfall elopement is always a good idea. We love falls in the backdrop of elopement ceremonies because it gives your photos such a unique and whimsical feel. Copper Falls State Park is known for its ancient lava flows, deep gorges, and beautiful waterfalls. This is probably one of the most scenic and popular spots in Wisconsin to visit. This park has plenty of trails to explore along with spots perfect to camp together. If you’re thinking about planning a winter elopement, then this spot looks pretty magical covered in snow.

Kettle Moraine State Forest

Location Map

Kettle Moraine State Forest is perfect for couples who want those gorgeous beams of light through the trees in their elopement portraits. This forest covers more than 22,000 acres of glacial hills, lakes, and prairies. There are over 100 miles to explore here, and you can do way more than just hike here too. Plan a boating adventure, go paddleboarding, fish together, or plan a winter sports adventure. Within this area, you’ll also find other epic spots to elope including Lapham Peak State Park and Nordic Trails.

Pattison State Park

Location Map

If you’re looking for the highest waterfall in Wisconsin (165 feet), then this is the place to visit. Pattison State Park is gorgeous. This is also a great park to elope with your dogs, just make sure they are leashed and attended to at all times. We also love this area because there’s a lake with a beach and some gorgeous scenic hiking trails, perfect for elopement portraits or a secluded ceremony together.

Apostle Islands

Location Map

Something you probably didn’t expect to see from a Wisconsin elopement is an island wedding day. You’ll get to the Apostle Islands by taking a short ferry ride from Bayfield, Wisconsin. Apostle Islands is located on the Southern Shore of Lake Superior and is probably one of the most stunning spots to elope in all of Wisconsin. From beaches to natural rock formations and sea caves, you’ll feel like you entered another world visiting these islands. If you’re looking to plan something extra special, rent a boat and enjoy the sun setting together or plan a picnic by one of the beaches.

Devil’s Lake State Park

Location Map

The largest state park in Wisconsin is Devil’s Lake State Park. Apart from the epic views you’ll see of the lake, you’ll also be able to see unique rock formations and two sandy beaches. While we do love this spot to elope, it can get pretty packed during the Summer. If you’re really loving this area, we definitely recommend teaming up with an elopement vendor to help you pick a remote trail, or elope during the weekday or off-season!

Rock Island State Park

Location Map

You’ll need a ferry to get to Rock Island, but we promise it’s worth the trip. The best thing about this island? There are no cars allowed on the entire island! This is perfect for the couple who appreciates nature and leaving no trace during their wedding day. If you’re looking to plan a multi-day adventure, then plan a glamping trip together and explore the gorgeous shores of the beach.

When to Elope in Wisconsin

Photo by Jenna LeRoy Photography

So when is the best time to elope in Wisconsin? For the best weather, we recommend eloping from May to October. You’ll be able to enjoy warmer weather without the humidity, but you’ll also enjoy a cool breeze and the changing leaves during the Fall months. In Wisconsin, summers are warm and humid, while winters are very cold. Early spring in Wisconsin is usually still very cold and rainy, and it gets pretty chilly past October.

Remember, the best time to elope in Wisconsin, and in any location, you’re deciding to elope, depends entirely on what you two plan on doing together during your elopement adventure. If you plan on visiting one of Wisconsin’s epic ski resorts, then wear extra layers and plan a winter elopement. If, instead, you prefer to explore trails together, then aim for late spring or early fall.  Summer is another option to plan your hiking adventure if you don’t mind humidity, heat, and crowds.

Here’s a look at what each season offers:

Spring (March to May)

Spring in Wisconsin is a season of renewal, with blooming flowers and gradually warming temperatures.

Average Temperatures: High: 50-70°F (10-21°C) Low: 30-50°F (-1-10°C)

Pros:

• Mild temperatures and budding flora create a fresh and romantic atmosphere.
• Fewer tourists, offering more privacy at popular locations.
• Ideal time for a lakeside ceremony as the ice melts and water activities begin.

Cons:

• Weather can be unpredictable, with occasional rain showers and lingering snow in early spring.
• Some areas may be muddy due to melting snow and spring rains.

Summer (June to August)

Summer is the most popular time for elopements in Wisconsin, offering warm weather and long days.

Average Temperatures: High: 75-85°F (24-29°C) Low: 55-65°F (13-18°C)

Pros:

• Warm and sunny weather, perfect for outdoor ceremonies and activities.
• Full access to outdoor venues, lakes, and trails.
• Longer daylight hours allow for flexible ceremony times and extended celebrations.

Cons:

• Popular locations can be crowded, requiring early booking and planning.
• Higher accommodation prices during peak tourist season.

Fall (September to November)

Fall in Wisconsin is marked by cooler temperatures and stunning autumn foliage, making it a beautiful time for an elopement.

Average Temperatures: High: 55-70°F (13-21°C) Low: 35-50°F (2-10°C)

Pros:

• Vibrant fall colors provide a stunning backdrop for your ceremony.
• Cooler temperatures make outdoor activities comfortable.
• Fewer tourists, offering a more intimate and peaceful experience.

Cons:

• Cooler mornings and evenings require warmer attire.
• Shorter daylight hours compared to summer.

Winter (December to February)

Winter elopements in Wisconsin offer a unique and serene experience, especially with snow-covered landscapes.

Average Temperatures: High: 20-35°F (-6-2°C) Low: 5-20°F (-15–6°C)

Pros:

• Snow-covered landscapes create a magical, winter wonderland setting.
• Very few tourists, providing a private and tranquil atmosphere.
• Opportunities for winter activities like skiing, snowshoeing, and cozying up by a fire.

. Cons:

• Cold temperatures require proper winter gear.
• Limited access to some areas due to snow and seasonal closures.
• Shorter daylight hours and potential travel difficulties due to winter weather.

Permits and Marriage License in Wisconsin

Photo by Emilee Meador

When it comes to planning a Wisconsin elopement, you want to make sure you have the permits you need. A lot of Wisconsin state parks and forests allow you to plan a simple ceremony in just about any public area in the park. If, however, you require any equipment, shelter, have a larger crowd, or want to include decor, consult with the manager of the park you want to elope to. It’s important to always double-check with the location before or ask your elopement vendors for advice. Another important thing to remember is to also follow the rules and regulations set in place at your elopement destination. It’s our duty to leave no trace (LNT) when we visit public lands. Let’s all do our part and stay on the trail and respect the lands we are visiting.

Getting a marriage license in Wisconsin takes 7 days. Once you apply for your marriage license and pay your application fee ($50-$110 depending on the county), you’ll have to wait an additional 6 days before the marriage license is issued to you. Once you get the license, it’ll be valid for 30 days. If you’re planning a wedding ceremony, you’ll need two adult witnesses present during the ceremony for your marriage to be legal.

Self-Uniting Marriage in Wisconsin

One of the things we love about Wisconsin elopements is the fact couples have the option to have a Self Uniting Marriage ceremony. This means you can self-solemnize your marriage and literally marry yourselves. The only thing you need to do is fill out a signed form, acknowledging the government can’t guarantee a self-uniting marriage will be acknowledged in all contexts. If you don’t want to be limited by any of these “contexts”, then an approved officiant should be present during your ceremony together, or you can just plan a commitment ceremony.

Places to Stay in Wisconsin

When it comes to finding the perfect place to stay for your Wisconsin elopement, you want to keep in mind where your elopement destination is. Once you have considered travel times to and from your adventure, think about who is staying with you at your accommodation. Finding rentals is always an awesome option for a more intimate and unique stay during your wedding day.

Check out these places to stay we love:

Check out this 4-bedroom house. 

Check out this cabin in the woods.

Check out this 2 bedroom private cabin in the woods.

Check out this 2 bedroom cabin near Lake Superior.

Let’s keep planning your flights and stay in Wisconsin.