How to Get Married in a U.S. National Park

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. 

Special Permit Fees

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.)

Planning Early

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. 

​Picking THE spot

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!).

Timing

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.

Leave No Trace! 

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.  

More National Park Wedding Tips

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

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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!!!

Best National Park Elopement Locations:

Alaska

Denali National Park Special Permit Fee: $150

Lake Clark National Park Special Permit Fee: Varies

Wrangell-St Elias National Park Special Permit Fee: $200

Arizona

Petrified Forest National Park Special Permit Fee: $100

Saguaro National Park Special Permit Fee: $100

The Grand Canyon Special Permit Fee: $175

California

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

Colorado

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

Florida

Biscayne National Park Special Permit Fee: $100

Everglades National Park Special Permit Fee: $100

Hawaii

Haleakala National Park Special Permit Fee: $150

Maine

Acadia National Park Special Permit Fee: $50

Michigan

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park Special Permit Fee: Varies

Idaho

Yellowstone National Park Special Permit Fee: $50

Montana

Glacier National Park Special Permit Fee: $150

Yellowstone National Park Special Permit Fee: $50

Nevada

Great Basin National Park Special Permit Fee: Varies

North Carolina

Great Smoky Mountains Special Permit Fee: $50

Oregon

Crater Lake National Park Special Permit Fee: $50

Tennessee

Great Smoky Mountains Special Permit Fee: $50

Texas

Guadalupe Mountains National Park Special Permit Fee: $100

Utah

Arches National Park Special Permit Fee: $55

Bryce Canyon National Park Special Permit Fee: $100

Zion National Park Wedding- Special Permit Fee: $100

Virginia

Shenandoah National Park Special Permit Fee: $150

Washington

Mt Rainier National Park Special Permit Fee $60

Olympic National Park Special Permit Fee: $50

Wyoming

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:

• How to Write Your Wedding Vows– How to write personal, original vows for your wedding or elopement.
• How to Elope Without Hurting Feelings– Tips for breaking the news to family and friends, and letting your loved ones feel involved in your day even if they won’t be present.
• Best Places to Elope– For even more elopement location ideas, check out my list of the best destinations around the U.S. and beyond!

Or check out my Planning Tips page for more wedding and elopement advice. Happy planning!!