Hannah + Jake’s Intimate Outdoor Wedding in Marquette, Michigan

Hannah and Jake planned an intimate outdoor wedding in Marquette, Michigan, with a very simple priority: to get married, surrounded by nature and the people who mattered most to them. With just sixteen guests, their day centered on faith, presence, and connection rather than tradition or scale. Even though Marquette wasn’t a place tied to their history, it offered exactly what they were hoping for, space to slow down, breathe deeply, and experience the day together.

This intimate outdoor wedding unfolded across some of the most beautiful landscapes in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. As an Upper Peninsula wedding photographer, days like this are a reminder that weddings don’t have to be elaborate to be deeply intentional.

A First Look and Private Vows at Presque Isle Park Overlook

Their wedding day began with a first look at a quiet overlook in Presque Isle Park. This wasn’t a moment designed for performance. It was private, intentional, and unhurried. After seeing each other, Hannah and Jake exchanged private vows. I helped position them initially, then stepped back entirely. There was no posing, no interruptions, and no timeline pressure. They took exactly as much time as they needed. This moment set the tone for the entire day, calm, focused, and rooted in their relationship and faith.

Planning Insight: Why an Intimate Outdoor Wedding Timeline Works So Well

One of the strengths of an intimate outdoor wedding is its flexibility. Hannah and Jake planned six hours of coverage, which gave them space for a meaningful first look, a relaxed ceremony, portraits, and a private dinner without ever feeling rushed. Because there were fewer moving parts, the timeline supported presence rather than pulling attention away from it. Instead of transitioning quickly from one event to the next, they were able to linger in moments that mattered.

For couples considering an intimate wedding, this kind of pacing often creates a more grounded experience overall, one where the day feels lived rather than scheduled. This is my favorite way to approach weddings.

An Outdoor Wedding Ceremony at Black Rocks in Marquette

Following their first look and private vows, we headed down to Black Rocks for the ceremony. Surrounded by Lake Superior, tall rock formations, and a small group of family and friends, Hannah and Jake were married in a setting that felt expansive and deeply reverent. Their pastor, Bob Johnson, traveled from Ann Arbor to officiate, adding another layer of intention and connection to the ceremony. The overcast skies and early fog softened the light, creating a quiet, even atmosphere that fit the tone of the day beautifully. There were no formal aisles or elaborate décor — just creation, community, and commitment.

Family Photos After the Ceremony at Black Rocks

Family photos took place immediately following the ceremony, right where everyone already was. Keeping this part of the day close to the ceremony helped it feel like a continuation rather than an interruption. Family photos can carry a lot of emotional weight, especially in smaller, more intimate settings. By focusing on immediate family and keeping the list intentional, this time stayed meaningful without becoming overwhelming. These are the images that often grow more valuable with time — parents, siblings, and shared history captured in one place, at the beginning of a new chapter.

Wedding Portraits Along the Lake Superior Shoreline

After family photos, Hannah and Jake and I moved through different areas of Black Rocks for portraits. Because photography was important to Hannah, we treated this time as exploration rather than a checklist. Even though she had a few requests for specific kinds of photos, Hannah trusted me to capture their love according to the day. We were able to make sure we got the photos she had in her mind’s eye without it becoming a checklist or things feeling forced.

We walked, talked, and paused where the light felt right. We incorporated trees (Jake is an arborist after all!) and the beautiful Lake Superior, and all the natural texture of the Black Rocks shoreline. The Upper Peninsula has a way of inviting people to be present, even if they don’t have longstanding ties to the place. There’s something about the waves against the shore and the smell of the pines.

A Midday Break for Ice Cream in Downtown Marquette

From Black Rocks, we made a stop at Dockers for ice cream. This wasn’t planned as a “photo moment” but as a break — a chance for Hannah and Jake to enjoy each other and soak in the day. Although I couldn’t resist taking a couple cute portraits. While they finished their ice cream, I photographed a few details, letting them have uninterrupted time together. These kinds of pauses often become some of the most grounding parts of an intimate wedding day.

An Intimate Wedding Dinner at The Delft Bistro

The evening continued at The Delft Bistro, where Hannah and Jake hosted an intimate family dinner in a private room. The restaurant even placed their names on the marquee outside, which made for a sweet moment before heading inside. Instead of a traditional reception, the evening centered on conversation, shared stories, and reflection. Toasts were filled with warmth, humor, and tears. There was no dance floor, no grand exit. Just presence, laughter, and time together.

Planning Insight: Choosing an Intimate Outdoor Wedding Location in Michigan

Hannah and Jake chose Marquette and the Upper Peninsula not because of personal history, but because of the pace and atmosphere the region offers. Michigan’s Upper Peninsula has a way of encouraging people to slow down, whether they’re locals or visiting for the first time.

For couples planning an intimate outdoor wedding in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, this region offers natural beauty without the pressure of over-programming the day. Locations like Presque Isle Park and Black Rocks provide access to landscape, privacy, and flexibility — all of which support a more present experience.

An Intimate Outdoor Wedding in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

Hannah and Jake’s wedding was a reflection of what mattered most to them. Faith. Family. Nature. And the freedom to experience the day at their own pace. They prove that you don’t need deep roots in a place to feel grounded there. Sometimes it’s enough to choose a location that invites you to slow down and be together.

As an Upper Peninsula wedding photographer, documenting days like this is an honor. Weddings that prioritize presence and connection tend to linger long after the day is over.

Hannah and Jake, thank you for trusting me with yours.