HURON-MANISTEE NATIONAL FOREST ELOPEMENT

Did you know that Michigan’s Lower Peninsula has a national forest that contains nearly one million acres? The Huron-Manistee National Forest is a vast and wild choice for an elopement location in Michigan for outdoor lovers. Rivers, forests, dunes, and miles of trails cover this joint federal land. Tracie + Calder chose this spot because they wanted a secluded and special spot outdoors. They collaborated with me to find the exact spot and all the logistics involved in hiking into a location to get married.

huron-manistee national forest elopement in michigan hiking wedding

eloping bride walking away has backpack on with wooden sign during huron-manistee national forest hiking wedding in michigan

HURON-MANISTEE NATIONAL FOREST ELOPEMENT SPOTS

We followed dirt roads into the backcountry and hiked through beautiful Michigan forest. The Manistee River looked gorgeous on the edge of Autumn (this was mid-October). The couple set up their tent, then we scouted out a ceremony spot together along a cliff overlooking the river. Their daughter came along on this adventure – which was very special.

huron-manistee national forest elopement in michigan backpacking

huron-manistee elopement couple have a picnic on the forest floor after their ceremony

huron-manistee hiking elopement in michigan couple navigates through the woods with backpacks on

SECLUDED MANISTEE RIVER HIKING ELOPEMENT

After a couple first looks, we gathered on the cliffside for an emotion-filled ceremony. Their daughter watched, giddy. We celebrated afterwards with a picnic & hike to a sunny meadow. No one was around us, until we got back to the trailhead. We caught the last light and signed the license. I’m ordained, and can make your marriage legal in most states.

huron-manistee national forest elopement couple laughs during ceremony location on cliff above manistee river in michigan

“Emily is beyond talented and a true breeze to work with. Big traditional weddings are beautiful, but that’s not what my husband and I wanted. We decided to hike into the Manistee National Forest, along with my now step daughter, for an outdoor elopement. We said our vows overlooking the river, had a casual picnic, and spent the day exploring as we celebrated our love for one another and as a new family.

Emily was involved with brainstorming plans and ideas and set a relaxed tone and feeling right off the bat. Emily is not only talented, but she has a lovely and genuine soul. She created a safe place where we could be ourselves and completely live in the moment, allowing all the experiences and feels to sink in. With her artistic eye, and her own personal love for nature, she was able to capture all the beauty of the forest, along with our laughter (there was so much laughter!), and the joy and love we experienced.

Emily’s photography skills and pictures provide a snapshot of so much more than an image and we will forever be grateful to her. You won’t go wrong partnering with Emily. She’ll exceed your expectations and completely allow you to focus on the importance of day and be completely present in the moment.”

– Calder + Tracie eloped in the Huron-Manistee National Forest