How to Plan a National Park Wedding: Permits, Cost, and Best Parks

Planning a national park wedding can feel incredibly overwhelming. What park should you choose? Do you need a permit? How much is this actually going to cost? Will there be a ton of crowds? And are you even allowed to have a ceremony at the spot you saved on Pinterest?

So you start Googling, open about 17 tabs, find three different answers to the same question, and somehow feel even more confused than when you started. Not exactly helpful.

Thankfully, you don’t need 17 tabs open to plan this. In fact, planning a national park wedding is way easier than you think. After photographing more than 100 national park weddings and elopements over the past seven years, Iโ€™ve got the process down to a science.

And once you know the process, you’ll realize that every national park wedding follows the same basic planning steps, whether you want a mountaintop ceremony in Glacier, a beach elopement in Olympic, or a red rock reception in Zion.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to plan a national park wedding, including:

  • The best national parks to get married in
  • Which permits you need and how to get them
  • How much a national park wedding costs
  • Guest limits and ceremony restrictions
  • How to avoid crowds
  • Common rules and restrictions

By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap for how to plan a national park wedding or elopement, no 17 tabs required.

A bride and groom walking on the beach at sunset along the Oregon Coast.

Can You Get Married in a National Park?

Yes, you can get married in a national park. In fact, you can get married in any of the 63 national parks in the United States. However, it’s not as simple as showing up and having a ceremony.

Most parks require a Special Use Permit, and many have restrictions on where ceremonies can happen, how many guests you can bring, what dates are available, whether decorations are allowed, and more.

It sounds like a lot, but donโ€™t worry. I’m breaking all of it down throughout this guide so you know exactly what to expect and what you need to plan for.

How to Get Married in a National Park (My 8-Step Method)

This is it, folks. This is my entire foolproof method for planning a national park wedding. After helping plan and photographing dozens of ceremonies across different parks, this is the exact process I walk my couples through from start to finish.

Iโ€™ll break each step down in more detail throughout this guide, but if youโ€™re sitting down to plan your national park wedding right now, this is the roadmap to follow.

Step 1: Choose Your National Park

This is the fun part. There are 63 national parks to choose from and one out there for every kind of couple. When narrowing down your options, consider what landscapes you love, how much hiking youโ€™re up for, how many guests youโ€™re bringing, what time of year youโ€™re getting married, and how much privacy you want. Some parks are perfect for adventurous hiking elopements, while others have easy-access ceremony spots that work much better for family and friends.

Step 2: Find a Ceremony Location

Once youโ€™ve picked your park, itโ€™s time to figure out where you can actually have the ceremony.

Some national parks only allow weddings at specific, pre-approved sites. Others don’t. Glacier, for example, requires couples to choose from designated ceremony locations, while Olympic allows ceremonies anywhere in the park.

Before falling in love with a spot, check the parkโ€™s official wedding or Special Use Permit page to make sure ceremonies are actually allowed there.

The easiest way to find it is to search โ€œ[national park] wedding permitโ€ or โ€œ[national park] wedding locations.โ€

Step 3: Pick a Date

Now that youโ€™ve chosen your park and ceremony location, itโ€™s time to pick a date.

Before you lock anything in, double-check whether your ceremony site has restrictions on certain days or times. Some national parks only allow weddings at specific locations during limited windows. At Mount Rainier, for example, some ceremony sites are only available on weekdays from 3pm-10am.

This is also the time to make sure your chosen location can accommodate your guest count.

Photographer tip: Ceremonies on weekdays at sunrise or sunset will always give you the least amount of crowds!

Step 4: Apply for a Wedding Permit

Nearly every national park wedding requires a Special Use Permit, and fees typically range from $50โ€“$300 depending on the park.

Each park has its own application process, fees, and turnaround times, so this is one step you don’t want to leave until the last minute. Most applications will ask for your ceremony location, date, guest count, vendors, and any setup you plan to bring.

Because permits can be limited in some parks, apply as early as you can once your date and location are set. A good rule of thumb is 3-6 months out.

Click here to jump to how to get a national park wedding permit!

A couple holding clear umbrellas and kissing on their wedding day in the Hoh Rainforest in Olympic National Park.

Step 5: Hire Vendors

Once your permit is in progress, itโ€™s time to start booking vendors.

I may be a little biased, but I recommend hiring your photographer before you even lock in a wedding date. A photographer who knows the national park system can help you choose locations, understand permit rules, avoid crowds, and more.

After photographing hundreds of national park weddings and elopements, Iโ€™ve seen how much easier the process is when couples have someone experienced in their corner from the beginning. Your photographer often ends up being part planner, part guide, and part logistics person throughout the process.

Other vendors may include an officiant, florist, hair and makeup artist, private chef, or anyone else you want involved in the day.

Step 6: Book Your Travel

Once your date and location are locked in, book the boring-but-important stuff: flights, lodging, and your rental car.

Lodging near popular national parks can fill up months in advance, especially during peak season, so I recommend booking as soon as your plans are locked in.

Step 7: Get a Marriage License

Before the big day, youโ€™ll need to get a marriage license for the state where youโ€™re getting married.

This is completely separate from your national park wedding permit. Your permit gives you permission to hold the ceremony inside the park. Your marriage license is the legal document that allows you to actually get married.

The exact process varies by state and county. Some require an in-person appointment and some have waiting periods. Make sure you check the requirements early so there arenโ€™t any last-minute surprises.

Step 8: Get Married in a National Park

You did it! The permit is approved, your bags are packed, and all of the planning is finally behind you. Now you get to do the part you actually came here for: get married in one of the most beautiful places in the country.

Show up, follow the park guidelines, take your time, and soak it all in. Oh, and don’t forget the snacks!

A bride and groom kissing on top of a mountain.

How Far in Advance Should You Plan a National Park Wedding?

I recommend starting the planning process 6โ€“12 months before your wedding date, especially if youโ€™re considering a popular national park like Yosemite or Glacier.

That doesnโ€™t mean you need a full year to plan. Iโ€™ve helped couples pull things together much faster (try 2 weeks!). But starting early gives you the best shot at your preferred ceremony location, lodging, vendors, and permit availability.

Some parks accept wedding permit applications up to a year in advance, while others donโ€™t open applications until closer to your date. Popular ceremony sites can also fill quickly, especially for summer and fall weekends.

If youโ€™re planning less than six months out, donโ€™t panic. Heck, even 3 months out, you’re totally fine. You may just need to be a little more flexible with your date, ceremony location, or guest count.

  • 12+ months: Best for highly competitive parks like Yosemite, Glacier, and Grand Teton, especially for peak-season dates
  • 6โ€“12 months: The sweet spot for most national park weddings
  • 3โ€“6 months: Very doable, especially if you’re choosing a park that isnโ€™t as competitive for weddings
  • Under 3 months: Still 100% possible, but expect fewer options for permits, ceremony locations, and lodging

How to Get a National Park Wedding Permit

Most national park weddings require a Special Use Permit, even if itโ€™s just the two of you. Fees usually range about $50 to $300 depending on the park. Application deadlines and ceremony rules vary by park, but the process is usually pretty straightforward.

Hereโ€™s exactly how to apply.

  1. Go to the National Park Service website.
  2. Search for โ€œ[Your park] permit in the top right corner.โ€
  3. Look for the parkโ€™s Weddings, Special Use Permits, or Special Park Uses page.
  4. Review the approved ceremony locations, guest limits, fees, dates, and any park-specific restrictions.
  5. Download and complete the wedding or Special Use Permit application.
  6. Submit the application using the method listed by that park. Some accept email, while others require you to mail it in.
  7. Wait for the park to review your request and follow any additional instructions they send.
  8. Once approved, you’ll pay the permit fee via online or by mail.
  9. After you get the signed permit, keep a copy of it with you on the wedding day.

Photographer tip: Apply as early as you can once your date and ceremony location are chosen. Some parks accept applications up to a year in advance, while others require a minimum lead time of several weeks or months. Popular ceremony locations can fill quickly.

National parks do not issue permits on holiday weekends.

How Many Guests Can You Bring to a National Park Wedding?

It depends on the park and the specific ceremony location, but many national park wedding sites are designed for smaller groups, often around 20 people or fewer.

Hereโ€™s the deal: the smaller your guest count, the more flexibility you usually have. Youโ€™ll have more ceremony locations to choose from, fewer restrictions to work around, and an easier time finding a spot that actually looks like the national park wedding you pictured.

Larger weddings are still possible in some parks. Places like Yosemite, Glacier, and Joshua Tree have select ceremony sites that can accommodate 50โ€“100 guests, and in some cases even more. These are often amphitheaters or picnic areas, which may not have the kind of backdrop you were imagining. Because there are only a handful of high-capacity sites, they can also book up quickly.

In my experience, I recommend keeping your guest count to 12 people or fewer whenever possible. Smaller groups give you far more flexibility and usually much better location options.

Photographer tip: Vendors like your photographer, officiant, etc. count towards your guest count in national parks!

How Much Does It Cost to Get Married in a National Park?

The permit itself usually costs somewhere between $50 and $300, but the total cost of a national park wedding can vary a lot depending on where you’re getting married, how far you’re traveling, and how many vendors you hire.

Most couples spend anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000 for their entire wedding or elopement once travel, permits, lodging and vendors are factored in.

To make the numbers a little less abstract, I put together two sample budgets for a 4-day, 3-night elopement in Yosemite National Park during peak season in August.

Luxury Elopement

A bride and groom kissing on Ruby Beach in Olympic National Park.
  • $750 โ€“ Plane tickets for 2 (Chicago to Fresno)
  • $450 โ€“ Rental car (SUV from Hertz)
  • $1,500 โ€“ Airbnb (high end option)
  • $10,000 โ€“ Elopement photographer (full-day coverage)
  • $800 โ€“ Florals (bouquet + boutonniรจre + table)
  • $1,000 โ€“ Hair and makeup
  • $500 โ€“ Officiant
  • $900 โ€“ Private chef
  • $30 โ€“ Entrance pass
  • $100 โ€“ Marriage license
  • $150 โ€“ Special use permit

Total cost: $16,180

Affordable Elopement

  • $750 โ€“ Plane tickets for 2 (Chicago to Fresno)
  • $300 โ€“ Rental car (sedan from Hertz)
  • $700 โ€“ Airbnb (mid range option)
  • $6,000 โ€“ Elopement photographer (4 hours coverage)
  • $400 โ€“ Florals (bouquet + boutonniรจre)
  • $0 โ€“ Hair and makeup (DIY)
  • $0 โ€“ Officiant (friend or family member)
  • $30 โ€“ Entrance pass
  • $100 โ€“ Marriage license
  • $150 โ€“ Special use permit

Total cost: $8,430

Of course, these numbers are just estimates. Your actual cost will depend on the park, time of year, travel distance, guest count, lodging, and which vendors you decide to bring along.

The nice part is that national park weddings can be scaled up or down pretty easily depending on what matters most to you. Spend more on photography and lodging, skip hair and makeup, bring fewer vendors, or splurge on a private dinner.

If youโ€™d rather have someone handle it for you, I offer custom national park elopement packages that include photography, travel, vendors, and more, which often saves couples a huge amount of stress (and $$$).

Entrance Fees

Don’t forget, you’ll also need a national park pass! Unfortunately, your permit doesn’t cover your entry into the national park.

The entrance fee is $30 for a 7-day pass or $80 for an annual pass that covers entry to all U.S. national parks for one year. You can easily purchase a pass at the entrance station when you arrive by car, or online in advance through the National Park Service website.

A deer looking at a bride on her wedding day in a national park.

National Park Wedding Restrictions and Rules

National park weddings come with rules. A lot of them.

Theyโ€™re there to protect the landscape and make sure your ceremony doesnโ€™t interfere with other visitors. Every park is a little different, but there are a handful of restrictions that come up again and again.

Here are the big ones to know before you start planning:

Guest Counts

Most national parks only have a handful of ceremony locations that can accommodate larger groups, usually somewhere in the 50 to 100 guest range.

If you want more flexibility with where you can get married, I recommend keeping your guest count to 12 people or fewer. Smaller groups usually have access to more ceremony locations.

It also gives you a better chance of choosing a spot for the scenery, not just because itโ€™s one of the only places big enough to fit everyone.

Dates and Times

Some national parks limit weddings to certain days, times, or seasons. Even within the same park, one ceremony location might be available all week while another is restricted to weekdays.

Mount Rainier is a good example, where certain ceremony sites have stricter scheduling rules than others.

Before choosing your date, check the parkโ€™s official wedding or Special Use Permit page so you know exactly when your top location is available for a ceremony.

Crowds and Privacy

National parks are popular for a reason, which means you need to go into it knowing that you probably wonโ€™t have your ceremony location completely to yourself. In some of the busier parks, you may even see other couples getting married nearby.

If privacy is high on your list, choose a weekday, avoid peak season when possible, and aim for sunrise or sunset. Those three things can make a huge difference.

Timed Entry Reservations

Some national parks require timed entry reservations during peak season, even if you already have a wedding permit.

That means you may still need a separate reservation just to drive into certain areas of the park during busy hours. Depending on the park, your guests and vendors may need one too.

These reservations are usually released on specific dates and can sell out quickly, so check your parkโ€™s rules before locking in your ceremony time.

Decorations

National parks have very strict rules when it comes to decor. Chairs, arches, tables, and large setups are usually not allowed. Amplified music and speakers are often prohibited, as are artificial decor items, non-native florals, and throwing rice, petals, or confetti.

Pets

Unfortunately, national parks arenโ€™t always the most dog-friendly places. Many parks limit pets to roads, parking areas, campgrounds, or designated picnic areas, and theyโ€™re often not allowed on trails or at certain ceremony locations.

If having your dog with you is a must, make sure to check the parkโ€™s pet rules before choosing your ceremony spot.

Photographer tip: If bringing your pet is non-negotiable, consider a nearby national forest or state park instead. Theyโ€™re often more flexible with dogs, are less crowded, and often times don’t require a permit.

A bride and groom sitting on a small bridge on their elopement day in Redwood National Park.

10 Best National Parks to Get Married In

Now that weโ€™ve covered permits, guest limits, crowds, and all the other logistical stuff, we can finally talk about the best part: the locations.

As someone who has photographed elopements in almost every national park throughout the United States, these are my top 10 best national parks to get married in based on scenery, crowds, permits, accessibility, and overall experiences from past couples.

1. Olympic National Park, Washington

Olympic National Park is, hands down, one of the most incredible places you can get married in the country. After photographing dozens of elopements here over the years, itโ€™s still my favorite national park for weddings and elopements in Washington.

Youโ€™ve got mountains, lakes, temperate rainforests, beaches, waterfalls, old-growth forests, rivers, and wildflowers all inside one park. Itโ€™s literally the one-stop shop of national parks.

Another huge perk is that Olympic has plenty of snow-free locations year-round. And even though itโ€™s popular, it usually doesnโ€™t feel nearly as packed as places like Yosemite, Glacier, or Mount Rainier.

  • Landscapes: Mountains, lakes, forests, beaches, rivers, rainforests, waterfalls, wildflowers
  • Best time of year to elope: May-June and September-October
  • Crowd level: Moderate
  • Permit cost: $50
  • Guest capacity: 50

I’ve got an entire guide on how to elope in Olympic National Park that you can check out here!

Best for couples who: Want a wide variety of scenery in their photos, prefer a park that never feels overly crowded, don’t mind longer drives between locations, have larger guest counts, and want something open year-round.

2. Redwood National Park, California

Iโ€™ll be honest, Redwood National Park was very close to taking the number one spot on this list. If you asked me which national park is the most underrated for weddings, Iโ€™d say the Redwoods without hesitation.

After photographing several elopements here over the years, I keep coming back to the same reasons. First, itโ€™s incredibly remote, which means crowds are much easier to avoid than in places like Yosemite or Glacier. Second, the Redwoods are so much more than just giant trees. Youโ€™ve also got black sand beaches, coastal overlooks, fern-covered canyons, rivers, and elk.

And because the park stays snow-free and accessible year-round, you have a lot more flexibility with dates than you do in mountain-heavy parks.

Bonus: itโ€™s also one of the more dog-friendly national parks on this list.

  • Landscapes: Forest, beaches, rivers, meadows, fern canyons
  • Best time of year to elope: April-June and September-October
  • Crowd level: Low
  • Permit cost: $175-$320
  • Guest capacity: 20

Interested in the Redwoods? Be sure to read my ultimate Redwood National Park elopement guide!

Best for couples who: Have smaller guest counts, need a dog-friendly location, don’t mind traveling a bit longer to reach the park, need a national park without crowds, and love beaches.

3. North Cascades National Park, Washington

Calling all mountain lovers! North Cascades National Park is the national park for you. With the nickname โ€œThe Swiss Alps of America,โ€ you already know this park is home to some of the most incredible mountain landscapes in the United States, from alpine lakes and golden larches in the fall to wildflowers, glaciers, and mountain goats.

Because of heavy snowfall, much of the park is only accessible for a short window each year (July-early October), and most of the best ceremony locations in the North Cascades require a bit of hiking

If you want the same mountain drama with easier access, I usually point couples toward Mount Baker just next door. You get similar views, less hiking, and fewer national park restrictions.

  • Landscapes: Mountains, lakes, forests, rivers, rainforests, waterfalls, wildflowers
  • Best time of year to elope: August-September
  • Crowd level: Low to moderate
  • Permit cost: $50
  • Guest capacity: 12

Iโ€™ve put together a complete planning guide for eloping in North Cascades National Park!

Best for couples who: Want mountains, don’t mind hiking, have smaller guest counts, want something more remote, and are getting married in the summer or early fall.

4. Mount Rainier National Park, Washington

A couple in front of Mt. Rainier National Park on their wedding day.

One of the biggest perks of Mount Rainier National Park is how much scenery you can access without hiking for miles. Itโ€™s famous for its summer wildflowers and mountain views, and many of the best viewpoints are right off the road or just a short walk away.

That makes Rainier one of my favorite national parks in the PNW for elopements, especially for couples bringing family or anyone who wants mountains without turning the day into a hiking extravaganza.

If you do want to explore farther, there are also some incredible trails I love taking couples on for portraits.

The downside is the permitting system. Mount Rainier has fairly strict rules around where and when ceremonies can happen, and the number of weddings allowed is limited. If youโ€™re flexible with your date, time, and ceremony location, though, itโ€™s absolutely worth considering.

  • Landscapes: Mountains, lakes, forests, rivers, waterfalls, wildflowers
  • Best time of year to elope: August-September
  • Crowd level: High
  • Permit cost: $275
  • Guest capacity: 24

If Rainier is at the top of your list, here’s my guide on how to elope in Mt. Rainier National Park.

Best for couples who: Love wildflowers and mountains, need accessible ceremony sites, don’t mind getting married in a busier national park, and are flexible with dates and times.

5. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

A bride and groom holding hands and walking through a meadow in Grand Teton National Park.

Grand Teton National Park one of my top recommendations for couples bringing guests. Many of the parkโ€™s best viewpoints are just steps from the car. In fact, there are very few, if any locations, that require a hike.

Itโ€™s also an incredible honeymoon destination, with Yellowstone National Park and Jackson Hole both just minutes away.

The tradeoff is the permit system. Grand Teton is extremely competitive, especially for ceremonies with more than 12 people. Larger groups are limited to a smaller number of approved sites, and the most popular locations book out 9-12 months in advance.

If Grand Teton is high on your list, this is one park where planning early really matters.

  • Landscapes: Mountains, lakes, forests, rivers, wildflowers
  • Best time of year to elope: May-June and September-October
  • Crowd level: High
  • Permit cost: $200
  • Guest capacity: 40

Curious about Grand Teton? You already know I have the best Grand Teton elopement guide for you!

Best for couples who: Want mountain views without hiking, are bringing guests and need accessible ceremony locations, want nearby lodging, and are planning ahead for a competitive permit process.

6. Acadia National Park, Maine

A bride and groom looking at each other and smiling on a cliffside in Acadia National Park.

Acadia National Park is a sunrise loverโ€™s dream and one of the most scenic national parks on the East Coast. Home to the tallest point on the Atlantic coast, this park is especially famous for its sunrises and fall colors. After photographing a few weddings and elopements here, I see why it’s so highly rated.

This is one of my favorite parks for couples who want coastal views, granite cliffs, and forests without having to travel all the way to the West Coast. While Acadia can get crowded during peak season, there are still many times throughout the year when you can visit without the crowds. If youโ€™re willing to explore a bit, youโ€™ll find a good amount of hidden gem locations for photos.

  • Landscapes: Granite coastlines, hills, lakes, forests
  • Best time of year to elope: June and October
  • Crowd level: Moderate to high
  • Permit cost: $75
  • Guest capacity: 50

Best for couples who: Love sunrise ceremonies, want coastal scenery, love fall colors, are flexible with timing to avoid peak crowds, and want a park on the East Coast.

7. Joshua Tree National Park, California

A bride and groom looking at each other in Joshua Tree National Park.

As a self-proclaimed desert hater, I canโ€™t say I was thrilled to visit Joshua Tree National Park for the first time. But after that trip, I quickly became a โ€œhey, letโ€™s plan another trip to Joshua Treeโ€ kind of person. And after photographing several elopements here, Iโ€™m fully on board with the desert.

This park is simply cool. I donโ€™t have another word for it. With massive rock formations, one-of-a-kind Joshua trees, and some of the best stargazing in the world, it offers couples a wedding in a place that feels completely different from anywhere else.

I love Joshua Tree for its good number of approved ceremony locations and its proximity to Palm Springs and Los Angeles, which is great for couples looking to honeymoon or for guests who need to fly into a large airport. Joshua Tree truly shines in the winter months, and because the park is so big, itโ€™s easy to find a secluded ceremony spot with no one else in sight.

  • Landscapes: Joshua Trees, rock formations, sand dunes, flat valleys
  • Best time of year to elope: March-April and October-November
  • Crowd level: Moderate
  • Permit cost: $120
  • Guest capacity: 100

Don’t forget to read my guide that has everything you need to know about eloping in Joshua Tree National Park.

Best for couples who: Are bringing guests, want a winter-friendly national park, want easy access to a major airport, and don’t mind a small variety of landscapes for photos.

8. Yosemite National Park, California

A groom kissing his brides head at Tunnel View in Yosemite National Park.

You expected this one to be at the top, didnโ€™t you? You canโ€™t talk about national park weddings without mentioning Yosemite. Itโ€™s the national park, one of the best places for elopements in California.

Yes, Yosemite is absolutely stunning. From granite cliffs and waterfalls to meadows and forests, there truly is something here for everyone. Yosemite is also one of the few national parks that can accommodate weddings with up to 100 guests in select locations, which is rare for most national parks.

That said, when you choose Yosemite, you’re also choosing the crowds. Itโ€™s popular for a reason, but that popularity comes with lines for photos, sharing overlooks with other visitors, and a highly competitive permit system. I included Yosemite on this list purely because few places in the world are this iconic. But if privacy is high on your priority list, I would strongly recommend considering other parks.

  • Landscapes: Mountains, waterfalls, rivers, meadows, forests
  • Best time of year to elope: May-June and October
  • Crowd level: High
  • Permit cost: $150
  • Guest capacity: 100

My guide covers permits, locations, timelines if you’re planning to elope in Yosemite National Park!

Best for couples who: Dream of getting married in one of the most famous national parks in the world, are bringing a larger guest list, donโ€™t mind crowds, and are comfortable planning far in advance for competitive permits.

9. Glacier National Park, Montana

Similar to Yosemite, Glacier National Park offers a little bit of everything, from lakes and waterfalls to wildlife, glaciers, and mountains. Itโ€™s easily one of the most scenic national parks in the country, and it tends to be a favorite for guests as well.

One of Glacierโ€™s biggest advantages is its wide range of designated ceremony sites. Many of the parkโ€™s amphitheaters and overlooks can accommodate anywhere from 100 to 250 guests, which is practically unheard of for a national park.

However, with that comes a con which is Glacier’s popularity. Glacier has exploded on social media in recent years, especially when it comes to weddings, so donโ€™t be surprised if you see other couples getting married here during peak season.

  • Landscapes: Mountains, waterfalls, lakes, rivers, meadows, forests
  • Best time of year to elope: September
  • Crowd level: High
  • Permit cost: $125
  • Guest capacity: 250

For all things Glacier, check out my guide to eloping in Glacier National Park!

Best for couples who: Want dramatic mountain views, are bringing a larger guest list, want many ceremony site options, and donโ€™t mind crowds.

10. Zion National Park, Utah

Zion National Park.

Last on my list of the best national parks to get married in is Zion National Park. You could say this about many parks in Utah, but Zion truly is one of a kind. Where else can you find red rock cliffs, winding rivers, canyons, sandstone walls, and 360 degree overlooks all in one place? It’s also beautiful every season.

That said, Zion is one of the busiest national parks in the country, so timing is everything. Choosing the right time of day and season makes a huge difference! Lots of couples in Utah use this park for bridal portraits, so don’t be surprised to see other couples on your big day.

  • Landscapes: Red rocks, rivers, canyons, valleys, sandstone cliffs
  • Best time of year to elope: April-May and October-November
  • Crowd level: High
  • Permit cost: $100
  • Guest capacity: 100

Best for couples who: Love red rock scenery, want canyon backdrops, are comfortable planning around crowds, and prioritize bold landscapes.

National Park Wedding Venues

If you’re planning a more traditional wedding with chairs, tables, speakers, and a designated reception space, you may want to consider renting a wedding venue just outside a national park.

These venues usually still have beautiful views of the national park while providing amenities that aren’t allowed for most national park weddings. They tend to work best for couples who have a large guest count, are planning a full wedding reception, or want more privacy.

Traditional wedding venues will cost more than getting married inside a national park. National park ceremonies are designed to be minimal, which keeps permit fees low.

For many couples, the higher cost is worth it. Renting a venue allows you to host more guests comfortably, use chairs and tables, and have more privacy. In many cases, you can still take wedding photos inside the national park before or after your ceremony, giving you the experience of both a traditional and national park wedding.

Below are some of the best national park wedding venues in the United States.

A bride and groom under a mossy tree looking at each other in Olympic National Park.
A bride and groom hugging at sunset outside North Cascades National Park.

National Park Wedding Photographer

Wow! That was a lot of information!

Hopefully, though, youโ€™re walking away from this guide feeling a whole lot less overwhelmed and a whole lot more excited about planning your national park wedding or elopement.

Iโ€™m Brianna, a Pacific Northwestโ€“based elopement photographer who specializes in weddings and elopements in national parks. After photographing hundreds of national park ceremonies across the country, I offer both standard and all-inclusive elopement packages, depending on how much help you want along the way.

You can check out both of these packages on my pricing page or get a sneak peek below!

National Park Elopement Packages

  • 4 hours – 2 days of elopement coverage in any national park
  • A personalized elopement planning experience with unlimited assistance
    • Personalized elopement location recommendations
    • Vendor, lodging, and activity recommendations
    • Assistance and information to help you with permits, licenses, etc.
    • 90+ page elopement planning guide filled with tips and tricks
    • Customized elopement timelines
    • Optional complimentary officiant services
  • Online gallery with full resolution images and printing rights
  • 24-48 hour sneak peeks to share with the world
  • Travel fees to anywhere in the world are already included
  • Starting at $6,500

All-Inclusive National Park Elopement Package Pricing

If the idea of handling permits, travel, vendors, lodging, and all the little moving pieces sounds like a lot, this package was made for you.

I created my all-inclusive option for couples who want the national park experience without having to coordinate every detail themselves. After photographing hundreds of weddings and elopements across the country, I know how much easier the process is when someone already understands the permits, location rules, weather, crowds, and all the other stuff that can quickly pile up.

You tell me what youโ€™re imagining. I make it happen.

My all-inclusive packages include the following:

  • 8+ hours of photography coverage
  • Travel booked
    • 2 roundtrip plane tickets
    • Rental car booking
    • 2 night stay in upscale lodging
  • Vendors booked
    • Hair and makeup artist
    • Florist
    • Officiant
    • Cake or dessert of choice
    • Activity of choice (helicopter ride, private chef, luxury picnic, etc.)
  • Personalized planning experience
    • Personalized elopement recommendations
    • Completion of all permits and licenses
    • Custom timeline
    • Curated travel guides
    • 90+ page elopement guide
  • Complimentary officiant services

If youโ€™re planning from out of state, short on time, or simply want an experienced expert to guide you through every step, I’d love to plan and photograph your national park elopement or wedding.

Learn more about my all-inclusive national park elopement packages here.

And if full-service planning isnโ€™t quite what youโ€™re looking for, I also offer elopement packages that include personalized planning support without full coordination.

National Park Wedding FAQ

Getting married in a national park comes with questions. I come with the answers.

Can you get married in a national park?

Yes, you can get married in any of the 63 national parks in the United States.

How much does a national park wedding cost?

Technically, the only required fee is your special use permit, which usually costs between $50 and $300. In reality, most couples spend anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000 on a national park wedding once you include travel, lodging, photography, and vendors.

How many people can you bring to a national park wedding?

Most national parks limit weddings to 10โ€“20 guests, though a few parks allow up to 50โ€“100 people at select ceremony sites.

Can I just show up to a park and get married?

No. Nearly all national parks require a special use permit and approved ceremony location before you can legally get married in the park.

Do you need a permit to get married in a national park?

Yes. Almost every national park requires a wedding permit, even for small elopements, with fees typically ranging from $50 to $300.

How far in advance should you plan a national park wedding?

Most couples should plan 3โ€“12 months in advance, especially for popular parks.

Can you get married anywhere in a national park?

Usually no. Most parks require you to choose from a list of designated ceremony locations, though a few allow more flexibility.

Can you bring chairs, arches, or decorations?

In most parks, no. Large decor, chairs, arches, amplified music, and artificial items are usually prohibited.

Are pets allowed at national park weddings?

Usually not. Most national parks do not allow pets at ceremony sites or on trails, though a few have limited pet-friendly areas.

Pin for Later

Add these graphics to your Pinterest board so you can come back to this how-to guide again and again!

Don’t forget your FREE elopement guide!

Planning an elopement sounds simpleโ€ฆ until you realize there are approximately 147 things to figure out.

This free guide walks you through choosing a location, permits, timelines, what to pack, vendors, weather, and more.

Whether youโ€™re dreaming of getting married in the Redwoods or exchanging vows on the Oregon Coast, this is a solid place to start.


You? You’re the kind of person that gets a lil’ teary eyed looking at an epic view…

That moment when you turn to the person youโ€™re with and ask, โ€œAre you seeing this?โ€ I live for it. Places with trees and mountains and soft breezes that make you say, โ€œI canโ€™t believe this place exists,โ€ I spend pretty much all of my free time searching for and exploring them.

These places have always felt like home to me. And if youโ€™re the kind of person who also feels more at home surrounded by trees than by people? Then weโ€™ll get along really well. The Redwoods are full of secret spots that are too special to share with just anyone. But it would make me happy to share them with you on your wedding day.

If the mountains/beaches/redwood forests are calling your name, go aheadโ€ฆ

(I promise you wonโ€™t regret it.)

P.S. I’m Brianna, a Redwoods elopement photographer whose mission is to create custom, one-of-a-kind elopement experiences that allow couples to fully immerse themselves in the highest levels of excitement and wonder on a day designed exclusively for them.

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