Eliza and Emily’s elopement was one of those mornings that sticks with you. They picked this gorgeous lodge nestled right on Minnesota’s Boundary Waters—just the three of us, plus two kind strangers who agreed to witness. The place was stunning. It was remote, and the lake stretched out like glass, reflecting the trees and early morning light. I could see why they chose it; they wanted a quiet, meaningful start to their marriage.

Their decision to elope first, before the big wedding celebration a week later, was so them. Both morning people, they dreamed of a sunrise ceremony where they could focus entirely on each other. No bustling family or guest list, just a time to truly connect. They even saved their vows to write until we got there.

Eloping first was their way of prioritizing their relationship, creating this special moment to start their journey without distractions. It was simple, beautiful, and entirely theirs—a perfect prelude to the big wedding celebration they were excited for but knew would feel completely different. This was just for them, and it was perfect.

Logistics

Planning the logistics for Eliza and Emily’s elopement in such a remote spot required some extra coordination. We ended up sharing a cabin, which isn’t usually the norm, but given how far off-grid we were—no cell service, no last-minute calls—it made sense. Before meeting up, we planned a specific time to text the day before, set to the moment they’d have one last cell signal, just to confirm all our plans. Having that touchpoint beforehand was a lifesaver in feeling fully prepared.

Since the elopement took place on a Sunday, we expected it to be a little busier, especially along Minnesota’s North Shore, which sees more traffic on weekends. The extra cars on the road added some travel time, but the early start helped us get there in time. For anyone planning something similar, budgeting for extra travel time on weekends is key—it’s definitely worth the effort for a peaceful, meaningful experience like this.

5:00 AM: Coverage Time Starts

As I said, Emila and Eliza are morning people—so we woke up bright and early and this is when photo coverage began. 

5:45 AM: Details + Getting Ready in the Cabin

Emily’s dress, a beautiful second-hand find, and Eliza’s from Etsy, perfectly reflected their style. Though they’d already seen each other’s outfits, they still chose to do a “first look” moment, which was as sweet as any surprise reveal. It’s a reminder that these traditions are yours to customize—you don’t need a first-time outfit reveal to make it special.

After they got ready, we shared a quiet moment over tea and coffee to make for a perfect, peaceful way to kick off the big day.

6:30 AM: Travel to Ceremony Location

We stepped out of the cozy cabin and into the crisp morning air, heading to the lakeside ceremony spot. With everything packed and ready, we took in the quiet surroundings as we traveled. The early light made the moment feel even more magical.

6:45 AM: Ceremony and Vows by the Dock

We arrived at the dock as the sky began to lighten. Sunrise was set for 6:59 AM, and the air was crisp. Even in the warmer months, you’d want layers, hand warmers, and something hot to sip on. Eliza and Emily had tea, which was the perfect touch for the chilly morning.

The dock, which I’d only scouted on Google Maps, offered enough privacy thanks to the trees around us. With a bit of flexibility (which, trust me, is the top thing you need for an elopement), we made it work beautifully.

When the first sunlight peeked over the horizon, they began their vows, standing close as they spoke softly, creating a sacred, private moment. I kept a respectful distance to let them soak it in. They exchanged rings using a little trick I recommend for couples who don’t have someone to hold the rings for them: keeping their partner’s ring on a pinky until the perfect moment.

A helpful tip: Plan who will say their vows first ahead of time—it takes off a bit of pressure when the moment comes.

7:30 AM: Ceremony Ends + Signing the Papers

By this time, the ceremony was wrapping up and it was time to sign the marriage license to officially seal their vows. 

However, finding witnesses in rural northern Minnesota came with challenges. While the setting was beautiful, the area’s more conservative leanings brought a bit of worry for us. We’d all anticipated some judgmental stares, but it didn’t make the glares any less uncomfortable. It was a tough reminder of the challenges LGBTQIA+ couples still face, even on days meant to be filled with joy.

I felt anxious knowing we needed two witnesses to sign, yet I didn’t want to risk asking just anyone. Luckily, I made a connection with a kind person at the lodge’s front desk. She not only agreed to sign but also found someone else supportive to help make it official. 

7:45 AM: Honeymoon Bluff Picnic

We headed back to the cabin, where Eliza and Emily grabbed their picnic supplies—and we snapped a few photos with their cats! It was a first for me, and it was so meaningful for them to have their fur babies there (but the cats stayed back when we set off for our hike, for the record).

We made our way to Honeymoon Bluff for a breakfast picnic. Though we found a private spot, we still caught a few unwelcome stares from passing hikers. It’s sad to see such reactions on such a beautiful morning, but the stunning views and peaceful setting helped keep the focus on the love and joy Eliza and Emily shared that day. For anyone planning a similar elopement, consider weekday or off-peak times if you’d like fewer onlookers!

9:15 AM: Canoeing

The lodge had canoes available for rent, which made it easy. I was also prepared with extra water safety gear to protect my equipment from any surprise splashes. I also brought a waterproof disposable film camera, which added a fun, vintage feel to the shots.

When it came to canoeing, safety was our number one priority. We took a few quick photos without life jackets but made sure they stayed on otherwise.

12:00 PM: Coverage Ends

By noon, my coverage came to an end. Reflecting on the morning, I can honestly say this elopement was a dream come true—not just for them, but for me, too. The whole day felt like it was woven together with intention, filled with beautiful, quiet moments that captured everything special about their love.

There’s something so humbling about being part of someone’s story in this way. It’s not just about taking pictures; it’s the privilege of helping two people get married, witnessing their vows, signing their marriage license, and creating a space for these precious moments to unfold. I helped plan this entire day with them, shared in their happiness as their officiant, and documented every heartfelt moment. I mean, come on—what an incredible honor!

This day reminded me why I do what I do and why I love working with couples who prioritize their love above all else. Emily and Eliza’s elopement will stay with me forever, not just as a beautiful morning on the Boundary Waters but as a powerful testament to love and commitment. 

Final Thoughts

Final takeaway? Sunrise elopements are seriously underrated! Emily and Eliza’s day was proof of how magical those early hours can be. And if there’s one thing I hope you take from their story, it’s to do what feels right for you. For example, Eliza couldn’t imagine her wedding day without Honeymoon Bluff and a canoe ride, and that’s exactly what we made happen. So don’t hold back on your dreams because they seem “too complicated” or because you’re worried about what others might think. This day is yours—make it about you!

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P.S. If you’re in the elopement planning stage and want a photographer along for the ride, reach out to me—let’s capture a day as magical as this one!