A Romantic Northwoods Wedding at Coons Franklin Lodge

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A Romantic Northwoods Wedding at Coons Franklin Lodge

Nestled among pines and lake views, Ellie and Brad’s wedding weekend at Coons Franklin Lodge felt like a Northwoods dream. A celebration defined by timeless romance, elevated elegance, and heartfelt moments. Capturing their wedding weekend was a true honor and a wedding I will forever remember.

Coons Franklin Lodge Wedding in Minocqua, Wisconsin

Coons Franklin Lodge sits along the serene shoreline of Coons Lake in Minocqua, Wisconsin. It is a romantic Northwoods wedding venue perfect for timeless celebrations. Its classic lodge feel and peaceful setting create an intimate, elevated weekend-long wedding experience.

Ellie and Brad’s wedding at Coons Franklin Lodge captured everything couples love about a Minocqua wedding. It was defined by intention, deep family connection, and a setting that invited everyone to slow down. It felt like stepping into a scene from The Parent Trap. Warm, romantic, and filled with nature everywhere you look.

**Coons Franklin Lodge** – All photos by @laurenelizabethphotography_

A Clear Tent Wedding on the Lake

The heart of Ellie and Brad’s celebration unfolded beneath a clear lakeside tent, blending Northwoods nature with timeless black-tie elegance. As daylight faded, string lights and candlelight reflected off refined linens and thoughtful details, elevating the entire space.

The clear tent framed the lake, trees, and sky, creating a reception that felt cozy yet refined, nostalgic yet editorial. Guests dined and danced beneath the stars, surrounded by nature while immersed in an atmosphere that was undeniably romantic.

This blend of clear tent elegance and lakeside charm makes a Coons Franklin Lodge wedding unforgettable. Perfect for couples drawn to timeless style yet being in the great outdoors.

Why Coons Franklin Lodge Is the Perfect Northwoods Wedding Venue

Coons Franklin Lodge offers more than just a beautiful backdrop, it offers a full wedding weekend experience.

Why couples love Coons Franklin Lodge:

On-site lodging for family and friends
Perfect for weekend-long celebrations
Stunning lakeside sunset photo and video opportunities
A warm, family-oriented atmosphere
Classic Northwoods charm with flexibility for elevated, black-tie design

For Ellie and Brad, hosting their wedding at Coons Franklin Lodge meant inviting loved ones into their new home. It gave everyone a chance to experience the slower pace, natural beauty, and joy of Northwoods life.

Wedding Day Story & Favorite Moments

Ellie and Brad met in July 2022 at a surprise birthday party in Milwaukee. From the very first night, they felt an undeniable connection. They spent hours talking, exchanged numbers, and later realized they had both texted friends saying, “I just met my husband” and “I met my wife tonight.”

Just one week later, Brad drove four hours from Minocqua to Lake Geneva for their first date. They talked so long at the restaurant that they were practically kicked out, neither wanting the night to end. From that point on, weekends were spent traveling between lake life in northern Wisconsin and Lake Geneva. They focused on meeting families, dreaming about the future, and building something deeply intentional.

When Brad’s marina closed for the winter, their lives naturally blended. Ellie moved north that spring, and by September, they were engaged, a proposal filled with thoughtful surprises, heartfelt moments by the water, and a celebration surrounded by family and friends.

Their wedding day reflected everything they love most: celebrating by the water, the love for the outdoors, and spending meaningful time with every person who traveled to celebrate them. From getting ready with loved ones to an emotional ceremony, and finally to a joyful lakeside reception, the day was full of laughter, happy tears, and unforgettable connection.

Tips for Planning a Coons Franklin Lodge Wedding

If you’re planning a wedding at Coons Franklin Lodge, here are a few expert tips to make the most of this incredible venue:

Best season: Late spring through early fall is ideal for clear tent weddings and lakeside celebrations
Make it a weekend: Host welcome drinks, lake days, pickleball welcome parties, and farewell brunches to maximize time with loved ones
Lean into activities: Kayaking, boating, pickleball, and relaxing by the water make the weekend feel like a vacation
Design with intention: Clear tents allow you to elevate the space while still highlighting the surrounding nature

Coons Franklin Lodge is perfect for couples who want their wedding to feel relaxed, meaningful, and deeply personal. Do note, this venue only takes on 3-5 weddings per year so it is essential to book early.

Coons Franklin Lodge Wedding Videographer

Ellie and Brad envisioned their wedding film as something they could return to every anniversary, a story that captures not just how the day looked, but how it felt. From quiet getting-ready moments to emotional vows, handwritten letters, heartfelt speeches, and the energy of the dance floor, their film was crafted to preserve every layer of the experience.

As a wedding videographer, I specialize in cinematic, documentary-style films that honor real moments, genuine emotion, and meaningful connection, filming throughout Minocqua, the Northwoods, and beyond. Ultimately, if you’re planning a Coons Franklin Lodge wedding and want a film that tells your story with intention and artistry, I’d love to connect. Contact Chelsea here!