Living in northern Minnesota means we head into Duluth at least once a month for dinner and every. single. time. Lake Superior takes my breath away. Part of it is her vastness and sheer beauty, part of it is that she reminds me of my childhood in Michigan. I love the sound of the waves of the Great Lakes crashing on the shore.
If you are as struck by the beauty of Lake Superior as I am, getting married anywhere along her shores would be nothing short of magnificent. IYKYK, right?!
Here’s a list of our 14 favorite North Shore wedding venues with stellar views of Lake Superior, starting in Duluth and heading up Voyageur Highway to Grand Portage. Some of these are full-blown wedding venues suitable for hundreds of your nearest and dearest while others are just quiet, little beaches with room for you, the waves, and your officiant.
Duluth
Duluth, and neighboring Superior, Wisconsin (otherwise known as the Twin Ports) are the start of Minnesota’s breathtaking North Shore. From here you can experience trendy eats, quirky shopping, outdoor activities galore, and, of course, Lake Superior.
1. Bayfront Festival Park
While you might be familiar with the Bayfront Festival’s Park Hairball or ReggaeFest, did you know you could rent the spacious park located right on Lake Superior?
2. Great Lakes Aquarium
Overlooking Duluth Harbor and the Aerial Lift Bridge, the Great Lakes Aquarium is the perfect example of a North Shore wedding venue with a stellar view! They have room for everything from intimate, micro weddings to large galas with private access to the exhibits, optional touch pools, and even a customizable SCUBA show.
3. Brighton Beach Park
Brighton Beach is currently undergoing some renovations and reinforcement along the shoreline. When complete, this scenic spot will allow you and a few guests to get up close and personal with Lake Superior and all her awesomeness.
4. Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory
Designed as an observation center for raptor migration — hawks, eagles, owls, vultures — the Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory has one of the best views of Lake Superior in Duluth. While it is not the place to plan a sit-down wedding for 300, it can accommodate an elopement or micro wedding with a stellar view.
Two Harbors
Just up the coast from the Twin Ports is Two Harbors. Home to Gooseberry Falls State Park and Split Rock Lighthouse, this area is a dream for hikers and mountain bikers alike. The Gitchi-Gami State Trail starts here and continues all the way up to Grand Marais.
5. Iona’s Beach
Iona’s Beach is famous for its ‘pink’ rocks that ‘sing’ when the waves roll over them juuuust right. It’s a magical place but has little in the way of amenities. The walk from the parking lot is paved but it can be tricky to walk on the shifting rocks. In spite of the drawbacks, this magical beach is a perfect place to say, “I do” with Lake Superior in the background.
6. Larsmont Cottages
Larsmont Cottages are located on a private 40-acre parcel with over 1,300 feet of Lake Superior shoreline. As an added bonus, if you opt for a cool-weather wedding, they even have a wood-fired Finnish sauna, allowing you and your guests to heat up and then jump in the lake to cool down.
7. Grand Superior Lodge
From the beautiful lakeside ballroom to photo ops with Lake Superior’s waves lapping at your feet, Grand Superior Lodge is the epitome of a North Shore wedding venue. Talk to their on-site wedding planner about everything from dog-friendly lakeside cabins to late-night bonfires with s’mores. {We have an affinity for Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups on our s’mores. Don’t knock it til you’ve tried it!}
Silver Bay
Another popular spot for North Shore wedding venues is Silver Bay. From the towering cliffs at Palisade Head to the rocky shores of Black Beach, Lake Superior and the Northwoods are calling.
8. Palisade Head
The imposing cliffs of Palisade Head overlook the vastness of Lake Superior and make a jaw-dropping background for an elopement or small wedding ceremony.
9. Black Beach
If you live up north (we do), you know Black Beach is a hot spot for senior pictures and engagement photos. However, you may not know you can have a small wedding ceremony right on the dreamy beach.
Tofte
As we head further along Voyageur’s Highway, there are still more North Shore wedding venues to explore.
10. Bluefin Bay
Bluefin Bay is actually three resorts in one — Bluefin Bay, Surfside, and Temperance Landing — giving you and guests plenty of options when planning a North Shore wedding. No matter which you decide, each has a beautiful ceremony site on the beach with lake Superior at your feet.
Lutsen
From the Lutsen Mountains to the Cascade River and all the wineries in between, Lutsen is another quaint North Shore town ready for your nuptials.
11. Cedar Cliff Retreat
With a towering stone fireplace and exposed beams, Cedar Cliff Retreat can house you and 20 of your friends and family for the cozy micro wedding of your dreams. Did we mention the 270 feet of Lake Superior’s stunning shoreline right out your back door? Perfection.
12. Summit Chalet at Lutsen Mountains
The Summit Chalet has been one of the iconic North Shore wedding venues for decades. While a fire did damage the main structure’s kitchen, everything should be back up and running by early 2025. Just in time for your magical wedding overlooking the vastness of Lake Superior from the Lutsen Mountains.
Grand Marais
Grand Marais just represents the North Shore for many people. From the crashing waves of Lake Superior to the quaint shops, there aren’t many better places to spend a summer afternoon than Grand Marais.
13. Mayhew Inn
The Mayhew Inn boasts the best view of Lake Superior in town from its rooftop deck. This boutique hotel has all the quirky amenities you love, including an outdoor fire pit, dog-friendly suites, and room for just 28 people.
Grand Portage
Just before the Canadian border lies Grand Portage, a sleepy little town of just over 600 people. During the summer, however, that number surges as vacationers flock to the rocky shores of Lake Superior. If you reminisce about trips to the North Shore and Grand Portage planning a destination wedding there would be a memorable idea.
14. Grand Portage Casino & Lodge
Nestled into the shores of Lake Superior, Grand Portage Casino & Lodge has all the amenities you need to plan the perfect North Shore wedding.
Honorable Mentions:
While we planned on listing 14 North Shore wedding venues along Lake Superior’s mighty shores, we couldn’t let the opportunity go by to mention the two spots below.
Honorable Mention #1: The Kitchi Gamma Club + Leif Erickson Park’s Rose Garden
This option requires walking a few blocks between locations but the view is totally worth it. The Rose Garden in Leif Erickson Park overlooks the Lake Superior and, when the roses are in bloom, it is one of the prettiest North Shore wedding venues. After you say, “I do” and take a few photos, you can walk with your guests and wedding party to the Kitchi Gamma Club and dance the night away.
Honorable Mention #2: Vista Fleet
This may be a bit of a misnomer because the Vista Fleet doesn’t just have great views of Lake Superior, it is a floating event center on Lake Superior! You can book a pre-wedding event like an engagement party or rehearsal dinner, or you can host your entire wedding, including the ceremony, from the deck while enjoying a fantastic Lake Superior sunset.
And, finally, if you love the sounds of Lake Superior as much as we do, here’s a little gift for you.
