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How To Plan a National Park Wedding or Elopement

How To Plan a National Park Wedding or Elopement

Photography: Liz Koston Photography

To those adventurous couples out there who are thinking of saying your vows in one of our stunning 63 National Parks we have a blog for you! 

From permits to our four-legged friends we have all the information you need covered.  Come with us as we go deep into all the things you need to know before planning your special day.

Permits

All National Parks allow for ceremonies and elopements on their beautiful grounds.  With that, they do require a special permit.  Check with the park you specifically want to say I-do in for pricing and the proper forms.

Most parks just need a simple “Special Use Permits” for $50 that you can pay online at pay.gov. But some parks require different permits for photography and guides, be sure to do your research before planning the rest of your big day.

Though you can try to elope or have your wedding without the proper permits, who leave that to chance on your special day?  (Plus, $50 is a lot cheaper than most wedding venues.)

duration of wedding in a national park
duration of wedding in a national park duration of wedding in a national park Photography: Lindsay Elaine Photography duration of wedding in a national park
duration of wedding in a national park duration of wedding in a national park Photography: Micahla Vaugn Wedding Photography

Duration

Now it is time to think about the duration you would like to spend at the National Park.  Would you like to do a small simple elopement or a roaring party?  Would you like to just say your vows, or have a reception as well? 

Once you have decided, this will determine the rest of your wedding in terms of décor, food, ect.

duration of wedding in a national park
duration of wedding in a national park duration of wedding in a national park Photography: Anne C. Salas Photography
duration of wedding in a national park
duration of wedding in a national park Photography: Melissa Fe Chapman Photography

Weather + Season

When thinking of the date and time of your big day, just like at a traditional venue, you need to take into account weather and season.  You might not want to get married in Joshua Tree at 2pm in August, or outside in Glacier National Park in the dead of winter.  Summer heat, winter storms, peak seasons, these are all things to keep in mind. 

Weather can cause certain trails and roads to be closed.  And peak seasons can raise up the price or your wedding, as well the amount of tourists that might be around as well.   

duration of wedding in a national park
duration of wedding in a national park duration of wedding in a national park Photography: Kristen Marie Parker
duration of wedding in a national park
duration of wedding in a national park duration of wedding in a national park Photography: Tiffany Woerz Photography

Mobility

Now with this, you need to think about in two different ways.  For yourself and for your guests, if you choose to have them in the park with you. 

  1. Research your ideal vow location. Is this a secluded overlook in Yosemite, that requires a decent hike in?  Or is it a remote scenic place in the Grand Canyon that requires 4-wheel drive?  Make sure you have been to this location before.  You do not want to get lost on the wrong trail on the day of your wedding. 
  2. Now to think of your guests.  Make sure whatever location you are looking into your mom, dad, and even Nana can get there too. Chances are some relatives might not be too happy if they have to hike 10 miles into The North Cascades to see you get married. 

duration of wedding in a national park
duration of wedding in a national park duration of wedding in a national park Photography: Wild Flower Photography
duration of wedding in a national park
duration of wedding in a national park duration of wedding in a national park Photography: Inez J Photography

Coordinator

Now the details.  Trust us when we say a coordinator is your best friend when it comes to your wedding day.  They will handle the rentals, the timing of the wedding day, the photo list to help the photographer, the small details.  They usually also have all the tools to fix things in case something does not go as planned, which is so big on the day of.

Your job should just be to be happy and excited to marry the love of your life.  Not worry about small or big problems. 

Even a National Park elopement or wedding needs a coordinator.  Especially one who specializes in weddings at the park you want to say I-do in.  Their knowledge and services will be invaluable.   

catering in a national park
catering in a national park catering in a national park Photography: Lindsay Elaine Photography

Invitations

Set the tone early for your guests.  Use your invitations as a way to tell them what to expect out of your NP extravaganza!  Will they need special clothing or shoes?  Special accommodations?  Let them know there. 

Plus, this is a fun way to add to your décor and overall theme of your wedding.   

duration of wedding in a national park
duration of wedding in a national park duration of wedding in a national park Photography: Kellie Jane Creative | Wild Flower Photography | Sam Rae Photo

Décor + Rentals

Plan out your décor ahead of time.  Regardless of elopement or full wedding, will you be wanting a ceremonial arch behind you?  Will you be wanting florals, rugs, macrame hangings?  This is something to think of before-hand. 

If you are having guests at your wedding, more décor comes with that.  Tables, chairs, flatware and drinkware, ect.  This is where a coordinator will be most helpful on your special day.

décor and rentals in a national park
décor and rentals in a national park décor and rentals in a national park Photography: Sam Rae Photo
décor and rentals in a national park
décor and rentals in a national park décor and rentals in a national park Photography: Sam Rae Photo

Catering

The biggest thing to remember here is PACK IN, PACK OUT! That is the slogan to those in the parks.  Meaning, whatever trash you carry into the park, you must carry it out.  Not all trails and locations are not equipped with trashcans.

With that, make sure you get a caterer who knows the rules of the park.  Some do not allow open flame or fire in certain seasons, and some parks are more remote.  Allowing food and supplies to be limited.  Get your catering through a local lodge or restaurant, or just bring a cake along for your elopement.  Whatever you choose, just remember the most important part: pack in, pack out.

catering in a national park
catering in a national park catering in a national park Photography: Jenny Renee Photography
catering in a national park
catering in a national park catering in a national park Photography: Reagan Suitt Photography

Furry Friends

This is a huge this to think about if you want your dog or pet at the wedding.  Most parks do not allow dogs on the trails, for dogs can throw the ecosystem out of whack with the local animals and plant life.  Dogs are allowed however in developed areas, campsites, some lodging facilities, and paved roads – so that is an option for you in terms of location. 

Or another option is to find a trail or location that follows along a State park route.  Such as, if you are wanting to say I-do in the North Cascades you can bring your dog on the Diablo Lake trail for it follows a state park trail overlooking the turquoise water of the National Park.  Or also in the PNW, your furry friend can accompany you on the beaches near Kalaloch Lodge Cabins. 

There are ways for your special four-legged friend to be there at your wedding.  Just make sure to do your research.

catering in a national park catering in a national park Photography: Peyton Elizabeth Photography

Other Things to Keep In Mind

Here is a small list of other things to keep in mind:

  • Proximity to the bathrooms – either for you to get ready in, or for your guests who may need one.
  • Sleeping accommodations – not only for you, but for guests. Do you all want to be at the same lodge?  Do you want to camp or get an AirBnb/Hipcamp?
  • Alternative to having the wedding at the park: have your wedding elsewhere like the lodge or in-town venue. Then the next day spend the time in the park with your photographer getting all the pictures you want.
  • Plan ahead with COVID restrictions.  Each park and state has their own restrictions, check ahead of time.

duration of wedding in a national park
duration of wedding in a national park duration of wedding in a national park Photography: Liz Koston Photography
duration of wedding in a national park
duration of wedding in a national park duration of wedding in a national park Photography: Jenny Renee Photography

We hope this blog helped you with planning you NP elopement or wedding!  And as always, we love seeing the fun and adventurous places our couples get married in. Please tag us on social media or email us at [email protected] so we can see yours too.