The United States National Parks offer some of the most epic and breathtaking views, creating the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable wedding. Whether you’re planning to elope just the two of you, or you’re hoping to invite a few friends and family, I highly recommend considering a National Park wedding.
Here are the things you should know and be prepared for when it comes to getting married in a National Park.
First and foremost, make sure to inquire with the Park Ranger and apply for a Special Use Permit. Unfortunately, you cannot just show up at the National Park in your wedding dress. You have to first apply for a Special Use Permit and get approval from the Park Ranger.
Almost all U.S. National Parks allow weddings, and their permit prices range anywhere from $50-$300 depending on the park. Your best bet is to go to that specific parks website, or find that park on nps.gov, and contact the Park Ranger for the park you’d like to elope at. Reach out, let them know your wedding date, and just confirm that you’ve covered all of your bases as far as permits and photography consent goes.
(P.S. Typically it is the couple’s responsibility to book the permit, not the officiant/photographer/wedding planner.)
If you are hoping to have a National Park elopement, I strongly suggest planning early!
As mentioned above, every park requires a Special Use Permit and certain parks require that you apply a YEAR in advance to get that permit. There are some parks that have shorter application requirements, such as 20 days, but if you have a specific park in mind it’s best to apply as soon as possible and make sure that your date is available.
So you’ve decided on which National Park you’d like to elope at (good for you! that’s half the battle because they’re all so wonderful!). However, now you can’t decide where within that park will be THE spot that you have your big moment.
My best advice is to go there yourselves and find a trail or lookout that speaks to you and takes your breath away. If you’re unable to go there on your own, reach out to the Park Ranger and ask what secluded spots or iconic views they recommended. Lastly, lean on your photographer. Your elopement photographer should be the expert at this and will have location recommendations (and if they don’t, then maybe pick a more knowledgable photographer!).
When getting down to the nitty gritty details of your National Park elopement, be sure to plan around tourist crowds! For example, sunset is an awesome time for photos, but if you’re choosing to elope at a popular lookout on a Saturday at sunset, chances are there will be swarms of people in that same spot spoiling your moment.
Plan your day-of timeline around when there won’t be many crowds. If you are early risers and want to beat the rush, hike up at sunrise. If you’re choosing a popular spot, consider a weekday instead of a weekend.
Also, be sure to plan enough time into your schedule to reach your ceremony location if you will be hiking into a certain spot. Give yourself time to go slow, take in the scenery, and enjoy the journey.
The biggest thing to remember if you are saying “I Do” in a U.S. National Park is that these parks are sacred places. Our National Parks have been preserved and maintained for years and years, and they are some of the few remaining magnificent places in our world today.
Because of this, every park firmly upholds a ‘Leave No Trace’ policy, and many of the parks have regulations to ensure that nothing from your wedding or elopement will damage the land.
Restrictions depend on the park, but here’s a few examples- many parks restrict what types of props and decorations you can bring and do not allow arches that require being dug into the ground (a great alternative to an arch or alter, is a cute, colorful rug!). Additionally, most parks do not allow dogs, sparklers or candles, confetti or glitter, etc.
Some parks also limit the number of people you may have attending your elopement. Typically it’s less than 50 guests.
These are all great things to ask the Park Ranger when you reach out. Be sure you have a clear understanding of any and all restrictions so that you do not get fined or cause any damage to these amazing parks.
A few more things to consider:
Bring a different pair of shoes to hike in, don’t just bring your cute sandals or wedges or (heaven-forbid) heels. If you want to wear those for photos, that’s great! But bring another pair to wear until you get to the spot you’ll be exchanging your vows.
Also- be prepared for any weather! Bring layers; sweaters, jackets, rain coats, and maybe umbrellas if the forecast shows precipitation.
Another good idea is to bring water and snacks along…. and something bubbly and celebratory to pop of course!
For some more inspiration, here’s a few National Park weddings I’ve photographed:
Acadia National Park Intimate Wedding
Grand Teton National Park Elopement
To help you get rolling, I’ve compiled a list below of popular U.S. National Parks for destination weddings and elopements, along with the Special Permit Fee rate for each park.
If you have any other questions on planning a National Park wedding or elopement, contact me and I’d love to help make your vision a reality! Happy planning!!!
Denali National Park Special Permit Fee: $150
Lake Clark National Park Special Permit Fee: Varies
Wrangell-St Elias National Park Special Permit Fee: $200
Petrified Forest National Park Special Permit Fee: $100
Saguaro National Park Special Permit Fee: $100
The Grand Canyon Special Permit Fee: $175
Channel Islands National Park Special Permit Fee: Varies
Joshua Tree National Park Special Permit Fee: $120
Lassen Volcanic National Park Special Permit Fee: $150
Redwood National Park Special Permit Fee: Varies
Sequoia &Kings Canyon National Park Special Permit Fee: $175
Yosemite National Park Special Permit Fee: $150
Black Canyon of the Gunnison Special Permit Fee: Varies
Great Sand Dunes National Park Special Permit Fee: $200
Rocky Mountain National Park Special Permit Fee: $250
Biscayne National Park Special Permit Fee: $100
Everglades National Park Special Permit Fee: $100
Haleakala National Park Special Permit Fee: $150
Acadia National Park Special Permit Fee: $50
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park Special Permit Fee: Varies
Yellowstone National Park Special Permit Fee: $50
Glacier National Park Special Permit Fee: $150
Yellowstone National Park Special Permit Fee: $50
Great Basin National Park Special Permit Fee: Varies
Great Smoky Mountains Special Permit Fee: $50
Crater Lake National Park Special Permit Fee: $50
Great Smoky Mountains Special Permit Fee: $50
Guadalupe Mountains National Park Special Permit Fee: $100
Arches National Park Special Permit Fee: $55
Bryce Canyon National Park Special Permit Fee: $100
Zion National Park Wedding- Special Permit Fee: $100
Shenandoah National Park Special Permit Fee: $150
Mt Rainier National Park Special Permit Fee $60
Olympic National Park Special Permit Fee: $50
Grand Tetons National Park Special Permit Fee: $100
Yellowstone National Park Special Permit Fee: $50
If you have any questions about eloping in one of these locations, feel free to send me a message! I’d love to help you plan your best day ever!
Here’s a few more articles that you’ll love:
Or check out my Planning Tips page for more wedding and elopement advice. Happy planning!!
I’m a destination wedding & elopement photographer with a passion for marriage.
As your photographer, I'll capture images that are natural, authentic, and honestly illustrate your love for one another so that you can always remember exactly why you fell in love.
Whether you're eloping just the two of you, or getting married in your favorite place with all your favorite people, I'd love to capture the photos that will help you to cherish your marriage for a lifetime.