How to Get Married at Devil’s Lake State Park in Baraboo, Wisconsin
Are you and your partner thinking of getting married at Devil’s Lake in Baraboo, Wisconsin? This is for you! I’ll go over everything from:
- finding and booking your photographer
- finding an officiant
- suggesting places to celebrate after
As an expert in documenting couples getting married at Devil’s Lake State Park, this guide will help you every step of the way.
Step one: Choose a photographer (aka, ME!)
Photographers aren’t just for traditional wedding days. Your elopement deserves to be memorialized with gorgeous photographs that you can cherish for years to come.
My favorite thing about photographing elopements at Devil’s Lake State Park is the focus being entirely on you as a couple. One of the key things I do as your photographer is suggest locations and build your timeline. I make sure to focus on what you two want for your wedding day and build a timeline that reflects your vision. Do you want to spend a lot of time taking portraits? Hiking to the bluffs? Grabbing a drink at a nearby winery? Maybe stop at the first Culver’s to grab custard? I’ve got you covered!
My style of photography is relaxed, adventurous and candid. This allows you and your partner to fully embrace your elopement at Devil’s Lake State Park. It’s my job to document your day exactly as it happened.
Ready to make this official? Contact me today!
Step two: Find an officiant
Besides choosing to get married, the first thing you’ll need is someone to legally marry you. I suggest finding someone asap because they may have limited availability.
You could ask a friend to marry you and they can register to become ordained online at the Universal Life Church. The bonus of asking a friend to marry you is that they can tailor your ceremony to be more personal and will likely not charge a travel fee to Devil’s Lake.
If you’re interested in hiring a civil official to marry you, you can contact the Sauk County Clerk at 608-355-3286 Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm.
Note: You will need your officiant’s name, address, phone number and email address when you are applying for your marriage license.
Step three: Pick a wedding day & apply for a permit
Once you’ve chosen your officiant, the next step is to pick a date. I’d recommend picking a weekday morning or evening as Devil’s Lake State Park is bound to be less crowded. Devil’s Lake is open to the public 6:00am – 11:00pm year round. I recommend summer or fall for your elopement to ensure good weather!
If you are planning to elope and have a photographer at Devil’s Lake State Park, you must apply for a special use permit by mail at least 14 days in advance. Learn more about the permit process here.
You can find the permit application online here.
Are you planning something more last minute? If you can’t get your permit in time, call the office at 1-608-356-8301 and you can purchase one over the phone.
Although it may be a pain to purchase a permit, it’s highly recommended so we can continue to enjoy our beautiful state parks for years to come.
Step four: Apply for your marriage license
When you are 60 days away from your wedding date and you have selected a date, location and time for your ceremony, you must schedule an appointment to apply for a marriage license on the Dane County’s website here.
Marriage license appointments are held via Zoom and are online only. You must have your photo ID and Social Security number, a document with your current physical address, and a certified copy of your birth certificate. There are a few other stipulations that are outlined on the Dane County Clerk’s website here. The total fee for your license will be $120 and is due at the time of your application.
After applying, there is a three day waiting period before your marriage license is issued. You may apply for a waiver for an additional $25 fee.
Note: These rules can change anytime so be sure to double check before applying to make sure that you have the proper documents and requirements.
Step five: Invite guests
Legally, a ceremony in Wisconsin consists of five (5) people: the couple, your officiant, and two witnesses. This means your photographer is able to sign as a witness and so is any passing person who “witnessed” your ceremony taking place.
I’d recommend inviting at least two people who can celebrate with you once your ceremony is over.
Step six: Secure a florist, attire and the rings
Just because your wedding is at a State Park doesn’t mean you can’t have all the bells and whistles of a typical wedding day.
Flowers are a beautiful addition to elopement days. Some florists will work with last minute clients if you just need a bouquet and boutonniere, but be sure to call ahead and tell them your date and vision. Being less picky about the flowers you have will be helpful and allow your florist to create beautiful designs.
My favorite florists for Devil’s Lake State Park elopements are Hy-Vee, Daffodil Parker, Wild Apples Florist, and Sunborn Gardens.
Make sure you find a fit that is comfortable for you. Devil’s Lake State Park is huge and can involve a lot of walking and hiking if you’re aiming to get some views!
A few of my favorite sites for dresses are Asos, BHLDN, Baltic Born, Lulu’s and David’s Bridal.
For suits, be sure to lean on the side of being comfortable and finding a suit that fits well. Men’s Wearhouse is a good option as well as Indochino, Bonobos, Sene, Suit Shop, The Black Tux. Please make sure you have enough time to order and tailor your suit before your wedding day.
Another option is to thrift, borrow or mix and match with what is already in your closet. This applies to each of you! You don’t need to spend thousands on attire that you’ll only wear once. If you want to wear something non-traditional, it’s your day – remember you can do anything you want.
When it comes to rings, it’s important to make sure that you have rings that fit. If you want to wear silicone rings, that’s totally okay! Just make sure to get them before your ceremony!
Step seven: Plan a celebratory dinner or drinks for after your ceremony
One of my favorite ways couples celebrate on their elopement days is when they reserve a table at a nearby restaurant for dinner after their ceremony. There are so many amazing five-star restaurants close to Devil’s Lake State Park that are perfect for celebrating your marriage.
My biggest recommendations are Ishnala Supper Club, Kaminski’s Chop House, The Del Bar, Balanced Rock Winery, and Wollersheim Winery
Be sure to inquire early and make reservations!
I hope this was helpful as you plan to get married at Devil’s Lake State Park! Check out more of my favorite tips and tricks for any couples planning to get married in Wisconsin:
Best Venues for Your Intimate Elopement in Madison, Wisconsin
How to Elope in Wisconsin
Top Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer
Are you looking for a wedding photographer for your elopement at Devil’s Lake State Park? Get in touch!
