May 24

How to get married at Devil's Lake

Are you wondering how to get married at Devil's Lake? If so, this blog is for you!

There are so many beautiful outdoor areas in Wisconsin that could easily be the backdrop for your intimate wedding or elopement. However, Wisconsin has an abundance of amazing state parks which make it one of the most beautiful states in the Midwest to elope. Devil's Lake State Park is one of the best Wisconsin state parks for a wedding or elopement for couples looking for an outdoorsy or adventure-ish wedding day.

I am an expert in planning and photographing weddings and elopements at Devil's Lake, so don't hesitate to reach out to make your dream elopement day at Devil's Lake happen! Not sure where to start? Keep scrolling for inspiration!

Easy steps for planning your wedding or elopement at Devil's Lake State Park:

1. Choose your wedding date!

Consider the time of year or season that you would like to get married
Consider any dates that are meaningful to you as a couple

2. Choose a shelter for your reception and reserve it with the DNR

Red Oak Shelter:
- The Gathering Place at Red Oak shelter on the South Shore of Devil's Lake is the most popular shelter for wedding receptions. It is the park's largest and only indoor shelter on the South Shore. It has recently been renovated and looks incredible inside.
- The shelter holds 100 guests and features a wood burning fireplace.
- The shelter can be reserved from May 1 through October 31.
- Public rental rates range from $200 to $900 depending on the day of the week.
- This shelter cannot be reserved through the DNR booking site like the open-air shelters listed below.
- To reserve the Red Oak Shelter - email reserveredoak@gmail.com
- You should plan to reserve the shelter up to 11 months (or more) in advance since it books up quickly.
- Check out photos and a video walkthrough of the Red Oak Shelter at this link: https://devilslake.com/weddings-special-events/
North Shore open-air + indoor shelter options:
- Rock Elm Shelter
South Shore open-air shelter options:
- Shagbark Shelter
- White Pine Shelter
- White Oak Shelter
- Red Cedar Shelter
- White Birch Shelter
To search for open-air shelter availability to go this site: https://wisconsin.goingtocamp.com/
- Choose "Day Use"
- Choose "Shelter"
- Choose Devil's Lake Park, your desired date, and your number of guests to find available shelters to book

3. Review the guidelines for a wedding at Devil's Lake

Read these guidelines specific to weddings at the park
Read these guidelines for general park shelter usage
Consult the Devil's Lake property manager for more information or if you have specific questions by calling (608)356-8301
Any large equipment (tent, stage, trailer-sized grill, catering van, etc.) must have approval in advance in the form of a special event permit.

4. Hire a photographer to capture your event!

If you hire me as your photographer, I can help you choose other vendors, location scout for your ceremony and portraits, and plan your timeline.

5. Hire an officiant for your ceremony.

Your officiant can be a friend or family member if they are ordained. (It's easy to get ordained online!)
If you want to hire a civil official or judge, you can find a list of available here: Officiants
There are often people who are ordained that perform wedding ceremonies that are not civil officials. Search on google for wedding officiants to find someone who suits you.
You can work with your officiant to write your wedding ceremony script.
Note: You will need your officiant's information when applying for your marriage license (step 7).
Don't want to have an officiant? You can self-solemnize! Learn more here.

6. Plan other wedding details such as:

Your wedding attire (dresses, suits, shoes, rings, etc)
Hire other vendors such as florists and caterers
Put together your guest list
Find your ceremony location at Devil's Lake (this is something I can help scout for you!)
Write your wedding ceremony script (you can work with your officiant to do this!)
Write your vows
Figure out fun activities to do at Devil's Lake on your wedding day (see some inspiration here!)

Check out more tips and activity idea inspiration for your all-day wedding or elopement at Devil's Lake here: https://www.briannakraftphotography.com/post/all-day-elopement-at-devil-s-lake-state-park-tips-timelines-locations

7. Apply for a marriage license

You can apply for a marriage license in Wisconsin starting 60 days out from your wedding day. Learn more about applying for a marriage license here
Don't forget to bring your marriage license to your ceremony!
You and your partner, your officiant, and your witnesses will sign the marriage license after the ceremony to make it official!

8. Plan your reception at the park shelter or a nearby restaurant

What kind of food do you want to serve? (I can recommend some excellent caterers!)
What kind of drinks do you want to serve?
Are there any activities that you want to provide for your guests?
Check out my restaurant recommendations here

More Helpful Tips for getting married at Devil's Lake:

All vehicles entering the park must have an admission sticker.
- Park entrance fees apply to all guests (cost is per vehicle)
- Daily Devil's Lake Vehicle Entrance fees:
  - $13 for WI license plates
  - $16 for out-of-state plates
- To purchase an annual state park admission sticker in advance or to pre-purchase day-use entrance passes for your guests: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/admission
Chairs are allowed to be set up wherever you want at the park, within reason.
An archway backdrop and carpet-esque item for the ceremony are allowed.
No amplified sound is allowed without approval by the property manager.
Acoustical sound is allowed.
Your photographer is required to have a "commercial use of state properties" permit
Alcohol is allowed.
Pets are allowed, but not inside buildings or inside picnic shelters. Pets must be on a leash at all times.
Facilities may not be occupied before 6 a.m. and must be vacated by 11 p.m.
Equipment or food may be delivered that day only.
Any decorations should be temporary, non-damaging, and completely removable.
Many picnic areas and day use facilities do not have trash or recycling receptacles. All visitors must clean up and remove all trash generated by their event. Carry-in, carry-out policy.
If you are planning a simple event for a small group, you can have the wedding in just about any public place in the park.