Aubriana Sturdivant Aubriana Sturdivant

40 MIDWEST ELOPEMENT AND MICROWEDDING DESTINATIONS

Japanese Gardens Elopement at U of I.

Hey there! Are you considering eloping or having a microwedding in the midwest? Need destination ideas so you can start creating that inspo board? Here is a list of FORTY locations in the midwest that may be the perfect elopement/microwedding destination for you!

I'm narrowing down my focus to elopements and created a list of locations I want to capture so that I can create a directory for future couples. These locations have their pros and cons and if you're considering one of them, I'd love to help you figure out what suits your needs best. Sand dunes, canyon overlooks, beautiful forest views, waterfalls, and more... you can't go wrong with the midwest. While there are 40 destinations shared, there are still so many more I haven't mentioned!

So here it goes...

  1. Starved Rock, Utica, IL

  2. Indian Sand Dunes, Chesterton, IN

  3. Giant City State Park, Makanda, IL

  4. High Knob Lookout, Junction, IL

  5. Cliff View Park, Alto Pass, IL

  6. Bell Smith Springs, Ozark, IL

  7. Little Grand Canyon, Pomona, IL

  8. Garden of the Gods, Herod, IL

  9. Cave in Rock State Park, Cave in Rock, IL

  10. Cache River State Natural Area, Belknap, IL

  11. Inspiration Point, Wolf Lake, IL

  12. Castle Rock Overlook, Oregon, IL

  13. Waterfall Glen Trail, Willowbrook, IL

  14. Jubilee State Park, Brimfield, IL

  15. Northerly Island Loop Trail, Chicago, IL

  16. Dells Canyon, Matthiessen State Park, IL

  17. Loess Hill Scenic Overlook, IA

  18. Horsecreek Ranch, IA

  19. Maquoketa Caves State Park, IA

  20. Black Beach Park, Silver Bay, MN

  21. Palisade Head, Beaver Bay Township, MN

  22. Grand Marais – Artist Point, MN

  23. Cuyana Cove Campground, Crosby, MN

  24. Black Hills and Badlands, SD

  25. Door County, WI

  26. Mackinac Island, MI

  27. Hocking Hills, OH

  28. Galena, IL

  29. Lake Geneva, WI

  30. Stillwater, MN

  31. Ozark National Scenic Riverways, MO

  32. Grand Haven, MI

  33. Brown County State Park, IN

  34. Ludington State Park, MI

  35. Madeline Island, WI

  36. Saugatuck, MI

  37. Nebraska Sandhills

  38. Traverse City, MI

  39. Lake of the Ozarks, MO

  40. Big Creek Cave Falls, Ozarks, MO

People tend to gravitate towards the west for adventure elopements and I truly feel the midwest is SO UNDERRATED... Why? Aside from that, the midwest has some of the most down to earth people you'll meet. Those small towns with thriving main streets? Yeah, they still exist here! You can have it all and more in the midwest. Okay, well maybe not glaciers and rain forests but, I'm sure there's a botanical garden that can fill that tropical vibe if needed. What do you think? Any other locations that need some more love and a shout out? I'd love to know your thoughts!


Best,

Aubriana

Milkweed Moments

Read More
Aubriana Sturdivant Aubriana Sturdivant

Date Night in Peoria, IL

Are you needing Date night ideas in Peoria IL? This blog may be of help!

Hey there! Thanks for checking out my blog! I’d love to help share some ideas for date night in the Peoria, IL area if you are stumped and not sure what to do! So here it goes…

  • Skateland Roller Rink (Canton, IL)

    I think it is super cute in there! The ambiance is retro and very well kept!

  • Kartzville (Peoria, IL)

    Let’s be real— this place is a legend in the peoria area. Can’t go wrong with this classic fun place.

  • First Accent Rock Climbing (Peoria, IL)

    The instructors are super friendly and knowledgeable. Get those endorphins going with some climbing!

  • Bingo Halls

  • Eyes Up Equestrian (Brimfield, IL)

    For you animal lovers out there who enjoy exploring scenery on horseback. This would be a great photo shoot idea too. *wink wink*

  • Peoria Planetarium (Peoria, IL)

    This would make for a far out experience and there are plenty of dining options in the area for date night.

  • Milkweed Moments (Shameless plug, Book a couples session! We can have fun with flash photography somewhere or do some thing more sultry and romantic!))

  • Jukebox Comedy Club (Peoria, IL)

  • Dozer Park Baseball Games (Peoria, IL)

  • Rivermen Games (Peoria, IL)

  • Peoria Players Club or Corn Stock Theatre (Peoria, IL)

  • Wildlife Prairie Park (Hanna City, IL)

    They offer kayak and canoe rentals for a romantic ride in the water!

  • 8-Bit Arcade (Peoria, IL)

    This place is a local gem! Bring on the nostalgia!

  • Kenny's (Peoria, IL)

    Can’t rave enough about Kenny’s, I love to capture bands here. The food is great and the jams are so worth the visit!

  • Generation Candle Co (Peoria Heights, IL)

    I actually really love having the chance to make my own scents however, disclaimer if you have sensitivies to strong smells this might not be for you! My favorite combo is Almond and Hazelnut!

  • Fired Up (Peoria Heights, IL)

  • The Cookery (Morton, IL)

  • Craftology (East Peoria, IL)

  • Crafted DIY Studio and Bar (Peoria, IL)

  • Luthy Botanical Gardens (Peoria, IL)

    This is a great free option and pair it with dinner down the street in the Heights for a date night. Pour bros is a fun dive and they have a concert series in the summer!

  • Gone Social Axe Throwing and Escape Rooms (Peoria, IL)

  • Art at the Bodega (Washington, IL)

  • Tres Rojas Winery (Washington, IL)

  • Cornerstone Inn (Washington, IL)

    Need a night away from the kids? This would be a lovely place to stay for the night!

  • Rhythm Kitchen Music Cafe (Peoria, IL)

  • Paradise Casino (East Peoria, IL)

  • Roc Ice Cream and Mini Golf (East Peoria, IL)

  • Civic Center Events (Peoria, IL)

If you have anymore date night ideas for this area please share in the comments below! If this is helpful please give it a share!

Thanks for visiting!

Best,

Aubriana

Milkweed Moments

Read More