If you’re looking for a place that is unique and gorgeous, then look no further than Black Beach in Silver Bay, MN. This beach is tucked away on Lake Superior and has black sand, which makes it that much more stunning! This beach is a great spot to elope, get engaged, have a picnic and so much more! I want to walk you through how to use this beach for your elopement location! 

So how do we get married on Black Beach?

Step 1: Make sure this is where you want your big moment to occur!

• Things to keep in mind: This is a public beach. People will be coming and going as it is a very popular spot on the North Shore. But most of the time, people are respectful about a ceremony that is happening.

Step 2: Choose a photographer who knows the area! I am a North Shore resident and have taken many photos at Black Beach. With it’s unique black sand, many clients want their photos there. I am also ordained, so I can do the marrying part as well! 

Step 3: Start planning: The planning process does not have to be stressful. Things I suggest asking yourself are these questions: 

• Do I want family there?
• Do I want to spend my entire day at Black Beach?
• What activities can we do around Black Beach?

Step 4: Apply for your marriage license! This is super easy and I have a blog that can help you through the process right here! Blog Here

Step 5: Who will be your two witnesses? Minnesota does require that you have at least 2 witnesses (no they don’t have to watch you get married, but they do need to sign the license)!

Step 6: The most exciting part, GET MARRIED!

Rules for getting married on Black Beach:

One of their biggest rules is not leaving any trace that you were there. If you bring something in, you need to bring it out with you. If you pop champagne, we will need to pick up the cork, if you throw flower pedals, we will need to clean that up.

As of right now (2026) there is no permit needed to elope on this beach. But it is public so do expect there to be people  visiting the beach!

When should you consider getting married on Black Beach?

This beach is beautiful year round, but my favorite time to see couples get married here is fall! 

The North Shore is known for it’s foliage, so planning a late September to mid October elopement is truly the best time. One thing I like to tell couples is to consider choosing a weekday! Weekends get awfully congested up here because everyone wants to see the foliage. If you are someone who is not crazy about fall, I would say that late May through late October is the best time to elope here. 

If we want to get really specific, I would consider getting married at sunrise, as the sun rises over Lake Superior. There is nothing more magical than a sunrise over Lake Superior. 

Where should you stay for your Black Beach elopement?

Black Beach Inn (less than a minute away)

North Shore Camping Co Yurts (10 minutes away from the Black Beach)

Wild Pines Cabin (10 minutesaway from Black Beach)

Wildhaven Yurt (30 minutes from beach)

Some Airbnbs you gotta check out in the area:

A-Frames (11 minutes away from Black Beach)

Tiny Home (11 minutes away from Black Beach)

Cabin on Lake Superior (7 minutes away from Black Beach)

Secluded Cabin on Knife River (40 minutes away from Black Beach)

Cottage in Two Harbors (40 minutes away from Black Beach)

Best places to eat (somewhat) near Black Beach:

Timber Coffee Company (Silver Bay): Great coffee and breakfast sandwiches! 

Rustic Inn: Arguably the best pie on the North Shore (yes I know, it’s not Betty’s, but please try it)!

Vanilla Bean (Two Harbors): Such a cute cafe! They make great coffee and have great breakfast.

Judy’s Cafe (Two Harbors): Truly a hole in the wall, with a great menu. 

New Scenic Cafe (between Two Harbors & Duluth): a really unique menu as it is always changing with the season! 

To finish, there are many reasons to consider eloping at Black Beach. It has a unique beauty with the contrast of the black sand to the white caps of Lake Superior. There are definitely spots nearby to hike and to take in even more views of Lake Superior. With Black Beach being one of the more popular spots on the North Shore, I would make sure you are comfortable with knowing that there will be people coming to visit the beach during your elopement. But also know that there are somewhat “private” spots on the beach that could be utilized. 

I love Black Beach and I have shot there so many times, I’d love to help you plan your Black Beach Elopement! 

LET’S START PLANNING YOUR BIG DAY!