There's something special about a wedding that keeps things simple. Just the people who matter most, a beautiful place, and time to enjoy it all.
This late-October elopement at Kohler-Andrae State Park near Sheboygan, Wisconsin, was exactly that.
A Lakeside Ceremony with Family (and Their Dog!)
The couple chose a beautiful stretch of sandy beach along Lake Michigan for their ceremony, surrounded by their closest family members and their dog.
The bride's dad walked her down the sandy aisle toward the water, where they exchanged vows with the waves rolling in behind them.
For late October in Wisconsin, we lucked out with a surprisingly warm day. There was plenty of wind coming off Lake Michigan, but the temperature was comfortable enough that it hardly seemed to matter.
The ceremony was simple and personal, with nothing taking attention away from the reason everyone was there.
Beach Portraits and Fall Colors at Kohler-Andrae
After the ceremony, we spent some time along the shoreline taking portraits. The wide sandy beach, soft skies, and movement from the wind made such a beautiful setting.
One of my favorite things about Kohler-Andrae State Park is how much variety there is within a relatively small area. Beyond the beach, there are sandy dunes, tall grasses, wooded trails, and beautiful pockets of fall color.
After finishing along the water, we headed into the park to find some of the best autumn colors. The golden grasses and bright orange and yellow leaves were especially beautiful in the late-afternoon light.
It gave the couple two completely different settings for their wedding photos without having to travel to another location.
A Simple, Beautiful Way to Get Married
After photos, the couple headed off to continue celebrating with their family over dinner at a restaurant.
What I loved about this day was how easygoing everything felt. There was no complicated schedule or rushing between locations. Just a meaningful ceremony on the beach, time with family, and a relaxed walk through the park for portraits.
Kohler-Andrae State Park is a beautiful option for couples planning an intimate wedding or elopement near Sheboygan. Between the Lake Michigan shoreline, sandy dunes, and wooded trails, there's so much to work with in every season.
And as this October wedding showed, sometimes keeping things simple makes for a really lovely day.
Planning a Wisconsin Beach Elopement?
Whether you're imagining a ceremony along Lake Michigan or something tucked into the woods, I'd love to help you find a location that feels right for you. I photograph intimate weddings and elopements throughout Wisconsin, with help planning the locations, timing, and little details that make the day come together naturally.
