Getting married in a national park is an undeniably incredible experience. From the breathtaking views to the intimate moments shared, you can have a national parks elopement that is unforgettable. Let’s walk through how to make it happen — from two professional elopement photographers.
Decide on the perfect national park for your elopement
With 63 to choose from, deciding on a national park to elope in can be a challenge all on its own. To be honest, you will come across amazing views and immersive experiences in almost any of these national parks (after all, that’s part of why they were preserved — for their remarkable beauty).
The most important factor will be choosing a location that resonates with what you want. If you and your partner are true adventurers and want to explore the rugged terrain for several days, choose a park that is known for its wilderness or natural excursions (the Alaskan National Parks come to mind). As elopement photographers, our favorite elopement locations are Yosemite National Park or Olympic National Park.
But there are more sentimental options too. Maybe there is a national park that is close to home, or a particular destination that means something special to your relationship, or a destination that you’ve dreamed about visiting together. In the end, it will be the meaning of the location that will contribute most to the experience you have.
National park wedding permits: dependent on the location
Permits will vary at each national park, so it is important to stay up to date on the latest requirements. Check with your elopement photographer or planner — they are often well-versed regarding permits and permissions for each park.
However, you can also learn about the permits on your own — simply head to the National Park Service website and look for your chosen park. Once you’re there, search for permits and click the heading for “Special-Use Permits.” There, you should find all the necessary information for weddings and elopements in the park.
We recommend applying for your permit as early as possible since availability is usually limited. The fees typically cost around $150; however, you and any guests will be responsible for entrance and reservation fees as necessary.
Find the right vendors
Having knowledgeable vendors by your side throughout the elopement planning process can make all the difference. Whether you work with an elopement planner, or you find an elopement photographer who knows the national parks well (hey, that’s us!), these vendors often specialize in navigating all the logistics that need to be considered when planning a national park elopement.
It’s also important to work with vendors who respect the natural environment. Leaving no trace and minimizing the impact on the landscape is an important consideration for every elopement so that these areas can be enjoyed for generations to come.
Choose the best ceremony location for you
There are several important factors that can impact your location choice, starting with the park guidelines themselves. Many parks provide a list of locations that are approved for wedding and elopement ceremonies, while others are completely off limits. Additionally, some may simply not be accessible depending on the time of year.
You and your partner should also consider how the location can fit into the vision for your elopement. If you want to include a few loved ones in the ceremony, maybe a lookout point with easy accessibility is best. Or if an adventure is important to you, you’ll want to choose a spot that is suited to your hiking or excursion preferences.
A few reminders + other tips
There will be rules + limitations
The ultimate purpose of these parks is to preserve and protect the natural landscape and wildlife that live within it. This means that the park will have certain guidelines and limitations to prevent harm or impact on the environment. This likely means that florals will be limited to small bouquets, or even designs that include only varieties native to the location. Throwing things like petals, rice, or seeds will also be prohibited as it could harm the local wildlife and plants. Be sure to read up on the restrictions for your chosen park, as they could vary!
Consider lodging near or inside the park
Not only will this make logistics significantly easier, but you’ll also be able to kick off the honeymoon early with an extended stay after your elopement.
This could also be a great option if you want to have a larger wedding. Many of the scenic locations throughout the park will have restrictions on the number of guests allowed present. However, if you stay at a local hotel, you could easily host a celebration for loved ones there, then hop on over to the national park for an intimate ceremony or even just a quick photo session.
Need some location inspiration?
Here are some of our favorite places for elopements:
California
Washington
Michigan
Looking for guidance for your national parks elopement?
Whether you have no idea where to begin, or you’ve had the details decided for years, we’re happy to jump in as your elopement photographers and help you document this defining moment. Learn more about how we can make this experience an unforgettable one.
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