Intimate North Shore Elopement at Black Beach

There’s just something about the North Shore that makes it the perfect place to slow down, breathe deep, and soak up every moment. Erin and Colton’s intimate North Shore elopement at Black Beach was a beautiful reminder of that. Their day wasn’t rushed or overly planned. It flowed naturally, with all the unpredictable (but magical) Minnesota summer weather rolled into one. Sun, fog, rain… it all showed up for them, and honestly? It couldn’t have been more perfect.

Getting Ready at Tettegouche Lodge

The morning started tucked away at Tettegouche Lodge, this cozy cabin deep in the woods overlooking the Baptism River. Erin and Colton really wanted to keep things close-knit, so they spent the morning surrounded by just their immediate family and friends. The vibe inside the lodge was warm and earthy. The kind of place where you instantly feel at ease—with wood-paneled walls and soft, natural light pouring through big windows.

While Colton got ready downstairs, Erin shared a quiet moment upstairs with her mom. I could hear their soft laughter as her mom helped her into her dreamy lace gown, both of them pausing every now and then to soak it all in. Downstairs, Colton stood by the window adjusting his tie, taking it all in himself—one of those small but powerful moments you don’t forget.

Capturing Details Overlooking Baptism River

Before heading to their first look, Bobby from Redmond Digital Media (their videographer) and I made sure to capture some of the little details that felt so them. Erin’s dress hung delicately from a tree branch overlooking the Baptism River, the water gliding gently behind it. Their rings and vow books—beautifully bound in leather—sat on a mossy rock nearby, with the sound of the river adding its own soundtrack in the background. Every bit of it felt peaceful and intentional, like their love for nature woven into every corner of their day.

First Look & Ceremony at Black Beach

When it was time for their first look, we met up at Black Beach. Colton stood near those iconic red rocks, the sound of Lake Superior quietly echoing behind him as he waited for Erin. The second she walked up, he turned around—and wow. The way his face completely softened when he saw her was everything. They held each other close for a quiet moment, tucked away from the world, before walking hand in hand toward their ceremony spot.

Their ceremony felt so personal. It took place in a small clearing surrounded by their loved ones, with a soft mist still lingering from the rain earlier that day. Erin and Colton shared their handwritten vows, their words drifting gently across the still lake. And then—almost like nature was celebrating with them—a beam of sunlight broke through the clouds right as they exchanged rings, casting a warm glow over the moment. Truly one of those moments you couldn’t plan if you tried.

After the ceremony, we spent some time exploring Black Beach. The dark, moody sand paired so beautifully with Erin’s flowing gown and Colton’s classic suit. Fog rolled in off the lake, wrapping them up in this almost cinematic, surreal scene. They walked barefoot along the shore, sharing quiet kisses and bursts of laughter as the waves lapped at their feet. I watched them skip stones, twirl each other, and just be—letting the day unfold without any pressure or timeline.

Since we had time, we made a stop at Palisade Head for even more photos. If you’ve been there, you know the view is unreal—cliffs that stretch out over Lake Superior, with the water seeming to go on forever. Erin and Colton stood together at the edge, the wind tossing their hair as they looked out over the lake. It was such a powerful, grounding moment, and it felt like the perfect way to wrap up their adventure.

Private Chef Dinner & Sunset First Dance

That evening, Erin and Colton headed back to the lodge for a private dinner with their family. They hired 5 Course Catering to create a cozy meal featuring locally sourced ingredients, and the whole dinner felt so intimate. Candlelight flickered around the table while an acoustic guitarist softly played in the background. Laughter filled the room as Erin’s dad shared sweet (and funny) stories from her childhood, and Colton’s best friend toasted to the adventures that had led them there.

Later, as the sun set and the sky shifted into soft shades of amber and pink, Erin and Colton shared their first dance out on the cabin’s deck. No grand audience—just them, under the trees, wrapped in each other’s arms while the distant call of loons carried across the lake. The leaves rustled softly above them, and for a few quiet minutes, time felt like it stood still.

Their intimate North Shore elopement at Black Beach wasn’t just about the photos or even the vows, it was about slowing down, embracing the unpredictable, and celebrating their love in a way that felt true to them. From the shifting weather to the quiet moments tucked into nature, every part of their day felt like a reflection of who they are: adventurous, grounded, and completely in love.

If you’re dreaming of your own intimate North Shore elopement at Black Beach, know that it doesn’t have to follow a traditional script. You get to make it yours—whether that means hiking cliffs, cozying up in a cabin, or dancing under the stars. And I’d be honored to document every moment along the way.