Couples Sessions Pricing
The wedding day isn’t the only special reason to get photos taken of yourselves! Your love deserves to be captured and cherished in every season!
Adventure Session
✳︎
Proposals
✳︎
Vow Renewal
✳︎
Adventure Session ✳︎ Proposals ✳︎ Vow Renewal ✳︎
Table of Contents
Why get married at Kohler-Andrae
Wedding ceremony locations
Permits, reservations & pricing
Getting here from Milwaukee, Madison & Chicago
Where to stay, eat & explore
Wedding planning tips
Your elopement photographer
Frequently asked questions
Why get married at Kohler-Andrae State Park?
Located just two miles south of Sheboygan, Kohler-Andrae is one of Wisconsin's beautiful Lake Michigan destinations.
It's perfect for couples who want a natural outdoor setting without the traditional wedding venue experience.
What makes it special:
Sandy beaches and beautiful Lake Michigan views.
Scenic dunes and wooden boardwalks.
Pine forests and peaceful natural surroundings.
Outdoor ceremony spaces for larger gatherings.
Easy access from Milwaukee, Madison, and Chicago.
Nearby restaurants, resorts, and accommodations.
You can exchange vows along the shoreline, explore the dunes for portraits, and celebrate with your favorite people afterward.
2. Where can you get married at Kohler-Andrae State Park?
There are several options depending on your guest count and the kind of wedding you're envisioning.
1. The beach
For couples dreaming of a Lake Michigan beach wedding, this is the spot.
Exchange vows with your toes in the sand, the waves behind you, and your closest people gathered around. It's a beautiful option for intimate ceremonies, especially if you love a simple, natural setting.
Beach ceremonies require advance coordination with the park. See the permit section below.
2. The outdoor amphitheater
Surrounded by tall pine trees, the amphitheater is a beautiful choice for couples inviting more guests.
Capacity: 198
Stage and built-in bench seating.
Electrical outlets and fire ring.
Parking in lots 4 and 5.
2026–2027 renovation update: The park informed me that renovations were planned to begin just after Labor Day 2026 and are expected to be completed by Memorial Day 2027. Check the reservation website for updated closures and availability.
3. The outdoor shelter
A great option for an intimate ceremony or gathering with family.
Capacity: 40
32 x 32-foot open shelter.
Picnic tables, grill, fire ring, and electrical outlets.
Located near the playground.
4. The indoor shelter
A good option if you want more room or weather protection.
Capacity: 100
Two indoor rooms.
Tables, chairs, fireplace, grill, and electrical outlets.
Large windows overlooking the surrounding park.
You can also consider reserving the indoor shelter as a backup for an outdoor amphitheater wedding.
3. Kohler-Andrae wedding permits, reservations & pricing
One of the biggest questions couples have is whether they need a permit to get married at Kohler-Andrae.
Here's a quick breakdown.
Small, simple elopements
If you're planning a small, pop-up style ceremony without reserving or setting up a dedicated space, park staff have confirmed that a special event permit is not required.
A few things to remember:
You cannot reserve a particular beach or public area without approval.
Other park visitors must still have access.
Your ceremony needs to be flexible.
You cannot set up an area hours ahead of time and leave it there to claim the space.
What about flowers, rugs, or decorations?
If you're planning a small altar, flowers, chairs, or other props, check with the park superintendent before your wedding.
The park's published wedding guidance says chairs, flowers, arches, and decorations set up outside a rented space require a special event permit. Staff have also clarified that temporary setups for small pop-up ceremonies are different from leaving an area reserved throughout the day.
When in doubt, get approval before bringing decorations.
Larger weddings and ceremony reservations
For larger gatherings, reserving the amphitheater or one of the shelters is generally the best option.
If you keep your event within your reserved space, the park has indicated that an additional special event permit should not be necessary. Decorations or signage outside the reserved area may require one.
Kohler-Andrae shelter and amphitheater rental prices
The park offers three reservable wedding facilities:
Facility Guest capacity
Outdoor shelter 40
Indoor shelter 100
Outdoor amphitheater 198
How much does it cost?
The Wisconsin DNR directs couples to its reservation system for current facility rental rates. Prices are not published on the park's wedding information page, and rates can change.
You can view current pricing and availability here: Select Day Use- Kohler Andrae State Park
CHECK SHELTER & AMPHITHEATER PRICES →
Reservations can generally be made up to 11 months ahead.
Other costs to plan for:
Wisconsin State Park vehicle admission passes for guests.
Special event permit, if required.
I'll take care of my own commercial photography permit.
For questions about permits, contact Kohler-Andrae State Park directly at 920-451-4080.
4. Getting to Kohler-Andrae State Park
Is it worth the drive? Absolutely!
Kohler-Andrae is an easy Lake Michigan getaway for couples traveling from throughout Wisconsin and the Midwest.
Approximate driving distances:
Sheboygan/2–5 miles/5–10 min
Milwaukee/55–60 miles/1–1.25 hrs
Madison/110–120 miles/2–2.25 hrs
Green Bay/65–75 miles/1–1.25 hrs
Chicago/140–160 miles/2.5–3 hrs
The closest major airport is Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE), approximately an hour away.
If you're traveling with family, consider making a weekend out of your wedding. There are plenty of local restaurants, accommodations, and activities nearby.
5. Where to stay, eat & explore near Kohler-Andrae State Park
One of my favorite things about getting married here is how much there is to explore nearby.
Here are a few local places to check out while you're visiting.
Sheboygan, Wisconsin
Coffee shops, waterfront dining & local attractions.
Just minutes north of the park, Sheboygan is the closest city and a convenient place for guests to stay.
Local favorites:
Paradigm Coffee and Music – Coffee, breakfast, and a relaxed local atmosphere.
Field to Fork – A casual café for breakfast and lunch.
Il Ritrovo – Italian food and wood-fired pizza.
The John Michael Kohler Arts Center – Contemporary art and rotating exhibits.
Kohler, Wisconsin
Resorts, dining & a little luxury.
Just a short drive from the park, Kohler is a lovely place to celebrate.
Local favorites:
The American Club – Historic resort, accommodations, and spa.
The Blind Horse – Restaurant and winery with a beautiful setting.
Kohler Design Center – A unique stop for architecture and design.
Waelderhaus – Beautiful architecture and local history.
Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin
Small-town charm and lakeside getaways.
About 25–30 minutes west of Kohler-Andrae, Elkhart Lake is another wonderful place to spend a wedding weekend.
Local favorites:
The Osthoff Resort – Lakeside accommodations, dining, and spa.
Siebkens Resort – Historic resort with plenty of character.
Paddock Club – A special-occasion dinner option.
Lake Street Cafe – A relaxed local restaurant.
Off The Rail – Coffee and breakfast.
Whether you're planning a romantic getaway for two or bringing family along, these nearby communities make it easy to turn your wedding into a weekend experience.
6.What to know before your Kohler-Andrae wedding
Photographer Insider Scoop. A few helpful details to keep in mind:
Parking: Summer weekends can get busy. Parking is first-come, first-served, and lots can fill before 11 a.m. The park recommends considering ceremonies after 4 p.m. on busy weekends.
Park admission: Every vehicle entering the park needs a valid vehicle admission pass. Ask the park about group-rate passes if you're reserving a shelter.
Photography permits: Professional photographers need a Commercial Use Permit. I'll handle this on my end.
Weather: Lake Michigan can be windy and unpredictable. Have a backup plan and bring layers.
Accessibility: Some beach access involves crossing a small hill. Consider this when inviting guests with limited mobility.
Pets: Pets are not permitted in the picnic areas around lots 4–8, the shelters, or the amphitheater. Check park rules if you're hoping to include your dog.
Leave no trace: Remove all decorations and trash after your event and respect the natural dunes and shoreline.
Meet Jaclyn!
Your Christian Elopement Photographer, Planning Partner, and Adventure Sidekick.
More than just your wedding photographer.
You don't have to figure out every detail before reaching out.
As your Kohler-Andrae elopement photographer, I'll help you find the right locations, plan around the best light, build a relaxed timeline, and think through all the little details that make your wedding day feel like yours.
I want you to feel comfortable, enjoy your people, and actually be present for the day you're creating.
My approach is natural, laid-back, and focused on the real moments in between.
I especially love working with couples who value their relationship, their faith, and the meaning behind getting married.
You bring the person you're marrying. I'll help with the rest.
Clarity Backed by Expertise
Yes, beach ceremonies are possible, but contact the park superintendent about special event permit requirements and location approval before your wedding.
Can we get married on the beach at Kohler-Andrae?
1
Yes. Park staff have confirmed that small, simple pop-up ceremonies without a reserved setup do not require a special event permit. You must remain flexible and share the public space.
Can we elope with just a few guests?
2
Reservations can generally be made up to 11 months in advance.
How far in advance can we reserve the amphitheater or shelter?
3
Can we bring decorations?
4
If you are reserving the amphitheater or shelter, yes. Decorations outside a rented space may require a special event permit. Confirm your plans with the park before bringing anything.
What is the best time of year to get married at Kohler-Andrae?
5
Late spring through fall are popular for outdoor ceremonies. Summer offers warm beach weather but I’d pick a weekday to avoid crowds, while September and October bring cooler temperatures and beautiful seasonal scenery.
Can we have a reception nearby?
6
Absolutely. For smaller groups I suggest renting the indoor shelter at the park. If you have a larger group I suggest Sheboygan, Kohler, Elkhart Lake or Port Washington offer restaurants, resorts, and private event spaces for celebrating after your ceremony.
Let's plan your Kohler-Andrae wedding.
Whether you're dreaming of a simple beach elopement or an intimate wedding surrounded by family and friends, I'd love to hear what you're envisioning.
You don't need to have everything figured out. Tell me about the two of you, your guest count, and what you'd love your wedding day to feel like.
I'll help you turn those ideas into a plan.
I'm Jaclyn, a Wisconsin elopement photographer, and I can't wait to hear what you're dreaming up.
[INQUIRE ABOUT YOUR KOHLER-ANDRAE WEDDING →]
Photographing intimate weddings and elopements in Sheboygan, Kohler, Kohler-Andrae State Park, Door County, and throughout Wisconsin.
2025
New York
The Atlast Project →
“Communication was top-notch and the final outcome was even better than we imagined. A great experience all around.”
Former CustomerGet In Touch
If you're interested in working with us, complete the form with a few details about your project. We'll review your message and get back to you within 48 hours.