Michigan Micro Wedding in the Upper Peninsula
When I say the Upper Peninsula of Michigan is one of my favorite playgrounds, I absolutely mean it. Lisa and Marc wanted an intimate micro wedding adventure in Marquette, but they also felt it was important to include their families in the celebration. They envisioned a perfect balance between their adventurous spirits and a comfortable location accessible to all the guests. We played with some ideas and ultimately settled on a micro wedding day with private vows at peaks of Sugarloaf Mountain, just a few miles outside of Marquette and a wedding ceremony in one of the rugged coves at Presque Isle.
Upper Peninsula Micro Wedding: First look at a Marquette airbnb
It was late August when I met Lisa and Marc at their charming airbnb rental in Marquette. Lisa and her sisters were pouring champagne into their glasses, just before the couple started reading congratulatory notes from their friends and extended family.
The couple decided to do first look right after Lisa slipped into her form fitting wedding dress. She met her groom in front of the house before we set off for an adventurous hike through woodsy trails of the Upper Peninsula.
Sugarloaf Mountain wedding vows and stunning views
The Sugarloaf Mountain hike was beautiful and romantic. As we were walking through ferns and mature trees, rain drops started trickling through the leaves. The Sugarloaf Mountain trail loop is less than 2-miles long, but it was a treat to experience these moody UP sceneries with Lisa and Marc.
Marc was sporting a backpack with an attached bridal bouquet from the shop of Lutey’s Floral. When we got to the top of the Sugarloaf Mountain, we gasped. We took a few moments to quietly embrace the never ending views of Lake Superior on one side, and dense forest on the other.
Sugarloaf Mountain is one of the most visited scenic overlooks in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The Sugarloaf Mountain Natural Area consists of trails and stairway segments that lead to the mountain’s summit 470 feet above Lake Superior. There are viewing platforms and additional pathways on the mountain top with views of the rugged coastline and surrounding forestlands for miles.
These true adventurers read their emotional vows in a private spot on the peaks of Sugarloaf Mountain as the breeze and cloud brought more precipitation from the Great Lakes.
Presque Isle wedding ceremony at the Black Rocks Beach
When we arrived at Presque Isle, it was only a few steps to Black Rocks. Presque Isle Park doesn’t require a permit for micro wedding ceremonies, which made the logistics conveniently flexible. The wedding party didn’t have to decide on a specific ceremony location until the last minute.
One of our top choices was a dramatic Black Rocks beach near the Presque Isle Point. While not having reservation for this location kept the plans fairly fluid, it also meant that the cove could be taken. Coincidentally, a larger group of swimmers was just leaving the location, which made our timing seem lucky, to say the least. This rocky beach is on the shore of Lake Superior, nestled between dark colored rock cliffs and is best known for cliff jumping off the rocks into the frigid lake.
Lisa and Marc stood holding hands surrounded by their favorite people in one of the most stunning locations in Michigan. They made their commitment official at a beautiful Black Rocks cove, blessed by turquoise water, tall pines and fresh air of the Upper Peninsula.
Michigan micro weddings
Micro weddings are intimate affairs, typically with no more than 50 wedding guests. They can feature a few staple traditions you’d see at a traditional wedding, but on a smaller scale. These types of weddings favor simple but personalized approach, hand-picked designs and sustainable food options over large scale events with hundreds of guests.
Lisa and Marc took advantage of the enormous opportunities of planning a wedding on a smaller scale, without the pressures of a large wedding with a tight timeline. Imagine the bonding time with your loved ones witnessing your ceremony and sharing an unforgettable meal under the stars or in a fine dining establishment. You can set off to a boutique spa hotel or rent a luxury house in any location, and make a destination wedding out of it.
Another option is to use an alternative venue for your micro wedding and support your local business: cafés, farm-to-table restaurants, local bars, galleries, or simply get married in a stunning location in nature.
Marquette wedding dinner with a sunset photo session on the dock
The couple made dinner plans at a charming local restaurant in Marquette, Elizabeth’s Chop House. The atmosphere was dark and moody, steaks and lobsters were served and the perfect late summer dinner was topped with a unique sunset session on the docks of Lake Superior. Lisa and Marc walked along the docked sailboats holding lanterns and enjoying the last rays of light of their romantic Upper Peninsula micro wedding.
Michigan micro wedding packages
Michigan micro wedding packages start at $2,899 and include:
8 hours of photography coverage
Unlimited wedding planning and consultation
- Includes a personalized elopement timeline
- Vendor recommendations
- Location expertise
- Lodging research
- Hike/Trail research
Hand-picked high-resolution files in a private online wedding gallery
Digital slideshow
Hi lovely, I am Yana, a Michigan based wedding and elopement photographer. When you book me as your wedding photographer, you’re also booking my knowledge of stunning locations in the area. But that’s not all. I spend hours scouting new locations, researching activities and vetting vendors to be able to provide my expertise for a unique experience. I will also become your sounding board to consult ideas about your dream elopement adventure. Through all of this, we will most likely become friends and I will silently shed a tear hiding behind my camera when I witness you exchange your vows with your one and only. To book your complimentary consultation and chat about your plans, fill out the form below.
