Beach Weddings in Michigan: A Complete Lake Michigan Wedding Guide

Michigan beach weddings don’t feel flashy or overproduced and that’s exactly why couples fall in love with them.

Instead of crashing saltwater waves and packed boardwalks, Lake Michigan offers wide-open shorelines, soft freshwater light, and a calm that settles in the moment you step onto the sand. A beach wedding here feels intentional and unhurried. Shoes come off. Timelines loosen. The focus shifts away from spectacle and back to what actually matters.

Whether you’re planning an intimate ceremony by the water or a laid-back wedding day along the shoreline, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about beach weddings in Michigan — from Lake Michigan beach venues to permits, timing, and what to realistically expect.

Why Beach Weddings in Michigan Are So Underrated

When people picture a beach wedding, Michigan isn’t always the first place that comes to mind and honestly, that’s part of the appeal.

Michigan beach weddings have a quieter, more grounded energy. The beaches feel expansive without feeling overwhelming. The light is soft and flattering. And the freshwater shoreline means no sticky salt air or harsh coastal winds (most of the time).

For couples who want a wedding day that feels natural, easy, and connected to the landscape, a Midwest beach wedding offers something really special — especially along Lake Michigan.

The Best Places for Beach Weddings on Lake Michigan

One of the best things about planning a Michigan beach wedding is how many options you have, depending on the vibe you want and how many people you’re inviting.

1. Northern Michigan Beaches

Northern Michigan is ideal for couples dreaming of quieter shorelines, scenic overlooks, and a more intimate feel. Many beaches here are perfect for ceremony-only weddings followed by a nearby reception or private dinner.

Favorite Northern Michigan Beaches:

• Petoskey State Park Beach – Known for its long shoreline and Petoskey stones, with softer crowds outside peak summer.
  
• Torch Lake Beach (near Alden) – Not directly on Lake Michigan, but often paired with nearby beach ceremonies for a full Northern Michigan experience.
  
• Elk Rapids Day Park Beach – A quieter option with stunning light and easy access.
  

Nearby Wedding Venue Options:

1. Castle Farms (Charlevoix) – A popular reception option after a beach ceremony.
   
2. Black Star Farms (Suttons Bay) – Ideal for couples combining shoreline vows with a winery celebration.
   
3. Private lakefront Airbnbs – A favorite for intimate receptions and relaxed dinners.
   

2. Sleeping Bear Dunes Area

This area offers some of the most iconic Lake Michigan views, with dramatic dunes and crystal-clear water. It’s especially well-suited for elopements and small weddings where the landscape does most of the talking.

P.S. I share all of the deets for planning a National Park wedding/elopement in this blog post. 

Favorite Beaches Near Sleeping Bear Dunes:

• Platte River Point Beach – A stunning spot where the river meets Lake Michigan, great for elopements.
  
• Glen Haven Beach – A quieter beach with historic charm and open shoreline.
  
• Empire Beach – One of the most popular options, especially for sunset ceremonies.
  

Nearby Wedding Venue Options:

• Cherry Basket Farm (Empire) – A rustic, intimate venue close to the park.
  
• The Homestead (Glen Arbor) – Ideal for couples hosting guests for a full weekend.
  
• Private rentals in Glen Arbor or Empire – Perfect for smaller, experience-focused weddings.
  

3. Traverse City & Old Mission Peninsula

If you love the idea of a beach ceremony paired with a more traditional reception, this area offers flexibility. You can keep the ceremony simple on the shoreline and celebrate later at a nearby venue, winery, or private rental.

Favorite Beaches:

• Clinch Park Beach (Traverse City) – Convenient and scenic, especially for small ceremonies.
  
• Bryant Park Beach (Old Mission Peninsula) – A quieter option with incredible sunset light.
  
• Power Island (accessible by ferry) – Ideal for adventurous elopements.
  

Nearby Wedding Venue Options:

4. Boathouse Restaurant (Traverse City) – A popular reception option after a beach ceremony.
   
5. Chateau Chantal – For couples who want vineyard views after shoreline vows.
   
6. Peninsula Room at Traverse City Golf & Country Club – Combines classic reception space with proximity to the water.

4. West Michigan Shoreline

West Michigan beaches tend to be more accessible and work well for slightly larger guest counts. These locations are great for couples who want a beachside ceremony without feeling remote.

West Michigan beaches tend to be easier to access and work well for slightly larger guest counts, while still offering beautiful Lake Michigan backdrops.

Favorite West Michigan Beaches:

• Holland State Park Beach – Wide shoreline with iconic lighthouse views.
  
• Oval Beach (Saugatuck) – Known for its soft dunes and glowing sunsets.
  
• Tunnel Park Beach (Holland) – A quieter option with natural framing.
  

Nearby Wedding Venue Options:

• The Felt Estate (Saugatuck) – A classic choice for elegant receptions.
  
• Boatwerks Waterfront (Holland) – Ideal for couples wanting a waterfront dinner.
  
• District 5 Schoolhouse (Holland) – A charming option for relaxed celebrations.

See even more places to elope to in Michigan! 

Do You Need a Permit for a Michigan Beach Wedding?

In most cases, yes — especially if you’re getting married on a public beach.

Michigan State Park Permit

Michigan beach wedding permits vary depending on whether the beach is part of a state park, city park, or local municipality. Factors like guest count, setup, and time of day all play a role. Some beaches allow small ceremonies without a permit, while others require advance approval.

This is one of those planning details that feels overwhelming at first, but it’s manageable with the right guidance and it’s worth it for the peace of mind on your wedding day.

However, the process is fairly simple and you can find the application here and more information about the use of state land for your ceremony here. 

National Park Wedding Permit

If you are planning your wedding at the Sleeping Bear Dunes, you will need to obtain a wedding permit from the National Park Service. You can find all of the information about that process here. 

Planning an elopement in Michigan? Head to this blog for the ultimate guide for how to elope in Michigan. 

P.S. I’m always happy to help with this process as well so that you can focus on the good stuff! 

The Best Time of Year for a Michigan Beach Wedding

Timing matters more than couples often expect when it comes to beach weddings in Michigan.

Late spring brings softer crowds and cooler temperatures, while peak summer offers warmer water and longer evenings — but also more wind and busier beaches. Early fall is a favorite for many couples, thanks to fewer people, golden light, and more predictable weather.

Sunset timing is especially important along Lake Michigan, and building your ceremony around the light can make a huge difference in how the day feels (and photographs).

What to Expect on a Midwest Beach Wedding Day

A Michigan beach wedding is beautiful but it’s also real. 

Beach weddings = wind, weather shifts, unpredictability. In this blog, I help you plan for the weather without the stress.

Wind happens. Sand gets everywhere. Hair moves. Dresses brush the ground. And honestly? That’s part of the charm.

Planning for comfort over perfection makes all the difference. Think breathable fabrics, secure hairstyles, simple footwear (or none at all), and timelines that allow space for the unexpected. When couples embrace the natural rhythm of the beach instead of fighting it, the day feels effortless.

Making Your Beach Wedding Feel Intentional (Not Tourist-y)

The most memorable beach weddings in Michigan aren’t overdecorated or tightly scheduled.

They’re smaller. Slower. Thoughtfully planned.

Simple florals, neutral tones, and a guest list that feels intentional help the day feel grounded instead of staged. Letting the landscape speak and trusting your vendors to guide you creates a wedding experience that feels personal, not performative.

See how to plan a slow, intentional wedding day timeline.

Is a Michigan Beach Wedding Right for You?

A beach wedding in Michigan is perfect for couples who care more about experience than production. It’s ideal for elopements, intimate weddings, and multi-wedding days that prioritize connection, presence, and ease.

If you want a celebration that feels relaxed, meaningful, and rooted in a place you love, Lake Michigan might be exactly where your story belongs.

See how to turn your wedding day into a full blown adventure with this blog.