My wife and I were married by Jim on October 18, 2025, with Margaret capturing our photos -- and we truly cannot say enough wonderful things about Elope Up North! From our very first conversation with Jim in late summer 2024, we knew this was the perfect place for us. He was warm, prompt, and genuinely invested in helping us create something meaningful. He even invited us to visit at the end of wedding season so we could explore the property, take photos, and choose our perfect ceremony spot. Their packages are flexible, the setting is stunning, and Jim and Margaret were incredibly accommodating -- from letting my kiddo walk me down the aisle to helping with me ensure my wedding music. They were great. We're laid-back people who wanted something simple yet meaningful, and Jim completely "got us." We chose to exchange letters privately before the ceremony, leaving him to craft the words -- and he absolutely nailed it. His ceremony was heartfelt, emotional, full of laughter and love, and so us. Every guest commented on how touching and personal it was. A small but unforgettable detail -- I've always loved birch trees, and I fell in love with the big birch on their property during our visit. The week before the wedding, Jim mentioned how the leaves were just beginning to turn. That he remembered that tiny detail spoke volumes about his character and genuine care. And Margaret -- what a gift she has behind the camera! Our photos are absolutely beautiful and capture our energy and love perfectly. She somehow caught every smile, every tear, and every little moment that made our day so special. Jim's words, the rhyme he shared, and the promises he spoke for us will stay in our hearts forever. Lake Michigan and the U.P. now hold an even deeper meaning for us because of this incredible experience. Thank you, Jim and Margaret, for helping us create a day that was easygoing, emotional, and absolutely unforgettable. You two are truly special. read more

Jim and Margaret, Thank you both for making our wedding day so special, and for sharing your beautiful peace of heaven with us! The two of you provided us with an inexpensive elegant wedding that was truly magical! Your attention to detail allowed us to relax and enjoy our time with you. Our cottage room was spacious and inviting, we loved having choices of sites for the ceremony, and being able to select the music we arrive to. The ceremony was beautifully performed, and we will cherish the hearts given to us and carry them with us on our journey together! The photography was also expertly done and we thoroughly enjoyed the choices of pictures and our stay. We will highly recommend your venue and the services that you provide! The two of us will carry a special place in our hearts for you for creating such a beautiful memory for us on our wedding day. Rick and Kathi Wolfgram. read more

I would like to HIGHLY RECOMMEND Elope Up North if you are looking for a wedding venue or a place to renew your vows. Jim and Margaret were absolutely fantastic and they had some unexpected surprises during our ceremony - things neither of us have ever seen in a wedding ceremony. (Of course we can't tell you, it was a surprise)! They were both very easy to work with and made this stress free! They had several places on the property that you could choose where you wanted to get married - you find the one that speaks to you as a couple. Absolutely beautiful (and affordable!) - again, we highly recommend them! read more

Our daughter was all set to have a spring wedding. Then Covid hit. Like everyone else we watched the news hoping Michigan would allow small wedding. They did not. Enter Elope up north. Our daughter and son in-law were married just after the state opened. There were 6 of us. Jim the officiate and his wife Margaret treated us like royalty. The kids were able to pick which spot they wanted to get married in. They changed into their wedding clothes and met Jim to review how the ceremony would go. He did a fantastic ceremony, just long enough, added stories and everything a wedding should be. Full of heart. Margaret did a fantastic job of taking photos and guiding us to the best picture areas. The grounds are beautiful and well kept. It was a spectacular day and we were all very happy to have the wedding on the actual date it was planned. Thank you Jim and Margaret for helping our kids day be everything they could hope for. read more