The North Shore of Lake Superior is one of the true gems of Minnesota. There is no place like it, and it is loved by all who bear witness to its beauty. For this reason, it is a sought-after location for destination weddings and elopements.
Having shot many a wedding along the lakeshore, I feel there are a few things you need to know when planning your North Shore elopement.
- BRING TWO PAIRS OF SHOES
When you elope along the north shore, you will be going off-road. Those roads might be icy or muddy. Prepare to pack at least two pairs of shoes, and plan on changing them during your session. You might want some pretty and posh shoes for close ups, but you might need boots for traversing the trails we take to get to the perfect photo locations.
- CONSIDER A COVER UP
For as many variables there are on the ground, there are just as many in the air. Temperatures vary even within seasons, so it might be worth the effort to pick a cover up or jacket that goes with your elopement attire. It doesn’t mean it has to be worn in each and every photo, but it will be available for a few, and it will keep you comfortable in between shots.
- SPLURGE ON FLORALS
North Shore elopements are not devoid of detail. If nothing else, it means you can really double down and make those dollars go a little farther in some areas. One of those areas is the wedding florals. You only need a couple arrangements, so why not make the most out of each one by beefing it up with a few extra blooms?
- MAKE A FULL TRIP OUT OF IT
You are cheating yourself out of extended wedding memories by focusing just on the elopement itself. This is your chance to plan a wedding experience of a lifetime by letting it be the honeymoon as well. Live it up! Take in all the sights and sounds of Minnesota’s North Shore. Stop in Duluth to see Glensheen. Stop at Castle Danger to taste their legendary cream ale. Awe at all the waterfalls up to Grand Marais (and be sure to try a World’s Best Donut, if they are open). Minnesota offers so much, and it gets sweeter the farther north you go, so just go as far as you can and take it all in.
- ADD AN ALBUM
It might be cliche to say, but you are writing your own fairytale with your North Shore elopement; why not collect all those memories and save them in your own storybook? I include the opportunity to add an album to any elopement package, and I bet most photographers do, too. Your memories are worth it.
Kayla Lee is a Minnesota-based wedding and elopement photographer. She provides services to elegant, authentic, sentimental couples who not only choose their own adventures, but also live them to the fullest! See more about the KLP Wedding Experience!
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