When my now husband took me up north in Michigan to Mackinac Island to propose, I was on cloud nine. It was a picturesque weekend in early August and the island was simply magical. We rode bikes, hiked and explored during the day and spent the evening dining at the opulent Grand Hotel and sipping drinks on the porch. It was so perfect that I still dream about that weekend nearly 10 years (and two kids) later.
So it is simply no surprise that since our engagement, most of our family has traveled to the northern parts of Michigan for some part of their wedding, whether it be the engagement, reception or honeymoon. Now, I want to share some of my favorite spots that would be magical and perfect for your Michigan engagement.
- The Grand Hotel Porch
This may be the longest hotel porch ever built, but it feels surprisingly quaint and intimate when you are sipping on a cool beverage on a summer afternoon. And it is a lovely location for a proposal.
// Image via Flickr
2. Old Mission Peninsula
Wine, beautiful scenery and secluded beaches are what Old Mission is all about. There are so many spots on this stretch of land that would make for a perfect engagement setting. One of my picks would be Chateau Chantal’s scenic vineyard views – heaven!
// Image via Pinterest
3. Dark Sky Park
The Headlands International Dark Sky Park in Mackinaw City looks incredible. This seems to be the quintessential destination for a romantic engagement that you will talk about for the rest of your life. Having some serious proposal envy right now!
// Image via Michigan Dark Sky Park
4. Tawas Point Lighthouse
I had to include one of Michigan’s lighthouses on the list, because they are just so iconic to the up north experience. Tawas Point lighthouse is one of my personal favorites. The trails leading to the lighthouse boast some beautiful views and you can spend your time walking along the beach before and after the proposal. We also love that this never feels crowded, so you can definitely find an intimate moment at this park.
// Image via Pinterest
5. Arch Rock
I know we started the list on Mackinac Island, but I couldn’t leave this off the list! I love that in order to get to Arch Rock, you have to hike through some pretty spectacular forests. You can also mountain bike, if that’s your thing. Gazing at this awesome natural architecture creates a perfect setting for a proposal. And, there are usually a few other people around, so you can get a good photo afterwards!
// Image via Pinterest
I think it is pretty clear that Northern Michigan offers some stunning locations for your engagement. I know I only touched at the list, so if you have your own up north engagement story, please share it in the comments! (And I’d love to see a pic too!)
– Ellen Hughes
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