Everything You Need to Know About Getting a Wedding Permit at Little Presque Isle
Google map image of Little Presque Isle and surrounding areas in Marquette Michigan.
If you've been dreaming of getting married on the shores of Lake Superior, Little Presque Isle in Marquette, Michigan is one of the most breathtaking spots in the Upper Peninsula. The rugged shoreline, ancient cedars, and wild beauty make it an incredible backdrop for an elopement or intimate ceremony — but before you say "I do," there are some important permit requirements to know about.
Here's a complete breakdown of what's required, what's allowed, and what to expect from the process.
Do You Need a Permit?
Yes. Any wedding or ceremony over 20 people held at Little Presque Isle requires a permit through the Michigan DNR. The property is co-managed across multiple DNR divisions, which makes the process a little more involved than a typical state park event permit — but it's very manageable once you know the steps.
Permits are handled through Van Riper State Park. You'll want to reach out to them directly to start the process, as these costly permits are relatively new and handled on a case-by-case basis.
How Much Does It Cost?
The total permit fee is $200-$400, broken down as follows:
$100 — Application fee
$100 — Monitoring fee (a staff member will be present to ensure rules are followed and the site is cleaned up after the event)
$200 — State land use fee (this includes use of the land commercially and may only be required of your photographer)
What's Allowed:
Seating: Chairs are permitted for guests during the ceremony, but must be removed from the site immediately after the event ends.
Decorations: Decorations are allowed as long as they are self-contained, freestanding, and fully removable. Nothing can be attached to or hung from any trees, shrubs, or plants. Any florals, arbors, or ceremony items must be removed immediately following the event, and flowers must not contain seeds that could fall and spread invasive species.
Sound: A sound system is permitted for the ceremony only, but it must be battery-operated. Bluetooth speakers are recommended. Generators are not allowed to power audio equipment, and loudspeakers or PA systems follow the same ceremony-only rule.
What's Not Allowed
There are several important restrictions to be aware of:
No alcohol east of County Road 550 — and no exceptions are made for wedding toasts
No glass containers east of County Road 550
No open fires (except in designated fire rings or grills west of CR 550)
No confetti, birdseed, or rice — these are prohibited to prevent the spread of invasive species
No paint of any kind on the property
No drones — drone use is not permitted anywhere within the Little Presque Isle area
No cutting of vegetation
No unleashed pets in designated quiet or day use areas
Parking & Access
Parking is limited, so your guests should carpool as much as possible. Parking along County Road 550 is not allowed unless specifically permitted by local law enforcement and the Marquette County Road Commission.
All vehicles entering the Little Presque Isle, Wetmore Landing, and Wetmore Pond areas require a Michigan Recreation Passport. Passports can be obtained through the Secretary of State, any State Park or Customer Service Center, or via the self-registration stations in the main parking areas. Commercially owned vehicles require a commercial recreation passport.
Visiting hours for permitted events are 8am–10pm.
A Few More Things to Keep in Mind
This does not grant exclusive use of the area. The public will still have access to the trails and shoreline during your event.
Your event cannot obstruct trails, stairs, or public access to the area in any way.
Leave no trace — no litter of any kind may be left on the property.
All standard State Land Use Rules apply, including both Parks & Recreation Rules and Forest Recreation Land Use Rules and Regulations.
How to Get Started
Reach out to Van Riper State Park to begin the permit process. Because these permits are co-managed across multiple DNR divisions and are still relatively new, it's a good idea to contact them well in advance of your date — especially if you're planning a busy-season wedding in summer or fall.
Little Presque Isle is worth every bit of the planning it takes. The rocky shoreline, the sound of the lake, the towering trees — it's one of those places that makes the whole ceremony feel effortless and real. If you have questions about logistics, timeline planning, or what to expect on the day of, feel free to reach out.
A quick note: the information in this post was put together to the best of my ability using details gathered directly from staff at local DNR offices. That said, these permits are still relatively new and details can change — so please use this as a starting point, not a final checklist. When you call Van Riper State Park to apply, confirm the current fees, rules, and requirements directly with them. A two-minute conversation can save a lot of headaches down the road.
