15 Best National Park Wedding Venues in the U.S.

National park weddings and elopements have been very popular the last few years, and for a good reason! Not only do national parks have some of the most beautiful landscapes in world, but compared to the standard wedding venue, getting married in a national park is extremely affordable! Whether you’re exploring the idea of getting married in a national park or are set on it, you’ve come to the right place.

This is a list of the 15 best national park wedding venues in the U.S.

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

Getting married in a national park is not free. In fact, almost all national parks require you to obtain what’s called a “special use permit” to have a wedding ceremony in the park. Permits typically range from $50-$300 depending on the park. To apply for a permit, visit the National Park Service website, type in your national park, and from there, search for the term “permit.” You’ll then click on the term “special use permit” where you should be able to see specific information about the cost and process of getting married in the national park.

It’s also important to apply for a permit as soon as you can. Most national parks put a limit on how many weddings can occur in the park each year. National parks also do not issue permits on holiday weekends.

Lastly, don’t forget your national park pass! An annual pass costs $80 and grants you access to all national parks. You can also buy a day pass for around $35 if you prefer that instead.

Pro tip: As an elopement photographer who specializes in national park elopements, I completely handle the permit process for each of my couples!

How Many People Can I Invite to My National Park Wedding?

This depends on the park, but most national parks have a limit of 50 people. I recommend bringing no more than 20 guests, as your ceremony location options could be limited by bringing more.

For example, Mount Rainier National Park has certain ceremony sites that only allow up to 6, while Grand Teton National Park has ceremony sites that allow up to 40. Always be sure to do your research before sending out those RSVPs.

Can I Bring My Dog?

Unfortunately, national parks are pretty strict when it comes to bringing your furry friend along. While some national parks have dog-friendly beaches and picnic sites, almost all national parks don’t allow pets to be on trails, so it’s best to keep your furry friend at home.

Pro tip: If bringing your pet is important to you, consider getting married in a national forest! National forests are much more dog-friendly.

15 Best National Park Wedding Venues in the U.S.

Below are the 15 best national parks in the U.S. for your wedding or elopement!

North Cascades National Park

North Cascades National Park is hands-down one of the most beautiful and underrated places to get married. In fact, it’s actually one of the least-visited national parks in the U.S. With a nickname of “The Alps of America,” it’s hard to wonder why. North Cascades is known for its sweeping mountain views, alpine lakes, and numerous hiking trails. Believe me when I say you don’t want to skip over this national park located in Washington State.

Permit Information

A permit is $50. Information on how to obtain a permit can be found through the park’s website here.

Best Time of Year to Get Married in North Cascades National Park

Due to it’s high elevation, North Cascades National Park is only accessible July through October (it can be accessed in the winter but is very dangerous). The best time to get married here is during August, where wildflower meadows are flourishing and all hiking trails are snow-free. However, if you’re hoping for less crowds, opt for the fall season in early October.

Best Wedding Venues in North Cascades National Park

Artist Point

If you’re looking for a location that requires minimal hiking, will take your breath away, and has some epic sunsets, look no further than Artist Point. This one-of-a-kind venue is perfect for small weddings. Artist Point is a drive-up wedding venue with 360 degree views of mountains.

Washington Pass Overlook

Washington Pass Overlook is another great option if you’re looking for something family-friendly. This trail is ADA accessible and provides sweeping views of the nearby mountain range. This location tends to get a bit busy due to its accessibility, but if you time it just right, you may have this lookout to yourself.

Bagley Lakes

Bagley Lakes is another one of my favorite hidden gems. A short walk will take you to the base of this alpine lake. The actual base of the lake is not large and not meant for weddings with over 5 people, but if you decide to opt for a national park elopement, add this location to your list.

More Elopement Inspiration

To read more about the park including where to stay, what to do, and more location inspiration, check out my North Cascades National Park elopement guide!

Olympic National Park

Second on the list is Olympic National Park, also located in Washington State. Olympic is famous for its landscape diversity. Lakes, mountains, forests, waterfalls, and beaches are just a few of the many sites you can see in the park. It’s a Pacific Northwest lover’s dream and nothing short of amazing.

Permit Information

If you have less than 5 people (including your photographer, officiant, etc.), a permit is not needed. If you have more than 5 people, the permit is $50-$100 depending on the amount of guests you have. Information on how to obtain a permit can be found through the park’s website here.

Best Time of Year to Get Married in Olympic National Park

Because Olympic is so diverse, there really isn’t a bad time of year to get married here. Even in the middle of January, you’re guaranteed a snow-free location. However, I do recommend the months of June and October if you’re hoping for pleasant weather, snow-free trails, and less crowds.

Best Wedding Venues in Olympic National Park

Hurricane Ridge

Hurricane Ridge is one of the most popular national park wedding venues. This location is a drive-up location with no hiking required. The sunrises and sunsets are incredible, and there are a multitude of different picnic areas, hiking trails, and wildlife to see.

Hoh Rainforest

The Hoh Rainforest is not only the most quiet location in the continental U.S., but it’s also the most dreamy (in my opinion). Imagine exchanging vows under the moss-covered trees with no sound but the nearby birds. The Hoh Rainforest is the most visited location in the park though, so be sure to plan accordingly.

Ruby Beach

Ruby Beach is the picturesque Pacific Northwest beach equipped with fog, rock formations, and driftwood. This is also one of the select few locations in the park that’s dog-friendly! It’s close to the town of Forks as well, you know, the famous town in Twilight? Definitely a must-stop if you’re a fan!

More Elopement Inspiration

Check out my Olympic National Park elopement guide, along with some elopements I’ve shot in the park at Hurricane Ridge, Lake Cushman, and Ruby Beach.

Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is located along the coast of Northern California and is one of my personal favorite national park wedding venues. While most people think of the giant redwood trees, Redwood National Park also has many incredible beaches to explore. It also happens to be one of the most dog-friendly locations on this list.

Permit Information

The permit is $100. Information on how to obtain a permit can be found through the park’s website here.

Best Time of Year to Get Married in Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is located along the coast, meaning temperatures are fairly consistent year-round. I personally adore this area in the fall and spring. If you’re hoping for no crowds, winter is the way to go. While the park does experience a good amount of rain in the winter, you’d be surprised at how well-covered you are by the trees.

Best Wedding Venues in Redwood National Park

Organ Donor’s Grove

Organ Donor’s Grove is a mini hidden gem in the park. It’s located right off the main road and is extremely secluded. This grove doesn’t have very many large coast redwoods, but it’s still a wedding venue I highly recommend, simply due to the lack of visitors this spot experiences.

Crescent Beach

Crescent Beach is a dog-friendly beach with sweeping views. There are a few different hiking trails in this area that I adore. The beach is just over 3 miles long, so finding a secluded ceremony site is easy.

Schmidt Grove

Schmidt Grove is my favorite wedding venue for ceremonies and portraits. It’s located at the end of a long windy road, but the trek is well worth the effort. There are dozens of road pull-offs, and even a beautiful hiking trail towards the end. If I had to get married in the redwoods, it would be at this spot.

More Elopement Inspiration

Check out my Redwoods National Park elopement guide for all the tips and tricks on how to plan your own wedding in the park!

Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park has recently boomed in popularity amongst couples looking to get married in a national park. Not only is the park absolutely stunning, but it’s right down the road from one of America’s most visited national parks: Yellowstone. Grand Teton is famous for its mountain range, forestry, and large lakes.

Permit Information

The permit is $200. Information on how to obtain a permit can be found through the park’s website here.

Best Time of Year to Get Married in Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton really shines in the spring and fall season, specifically at the end of May and in mid-October. If possible, avoid this park in the summer. It’s super busy, prices are very high, and there’s a ton of traffic. In the winter, most of the park is unaccessible due to snow.

Best Wedding Venues in Grand Teton National Park

Schwabacher’s Landing

Schwabacher’s Landing is Grand Teton’s most popular wedding venue. This famous location has one of the most scenic views in all of the park. During sunrise is when Schwabacher’s really shines.

Mormon Row

Mormon Row is a great location for weddings or elopements with guests. There’s a ton of open space for a ceremony, and of course, you can’t beat the backdrop of the Tetons in the distance. Like Schwabacher’s, this location is popular, so plan you ceremony around sunrise or sunset.

Mountain View Turnout

Mountain View Turnout is an incredible location if you’re hoping to be right up against the mountains. There’s lots of room and areas for a ceremony. This is the location I recommend to most of my couples.

More Elopement Inspiration

I have an entire Grand Teton National Park elopement guide filled with everything you need to know about the park!

Kenai Fjords National Park

Kenai Fjords National Park, located in Alaska, is hands-down one of the most underrated national parks in the U.S. (it’s also one of the least-visited)! Kenai Fjords is Alaska’s most accessible national park. It’s open year-round and boasts steep fjords, glaciers, temperate rainforests, and tons of coastline. If you’re looking for stunning scenery, tons of wildlife, and an epic adventure, Kenai Fjords is the national park wedding venue for you.

Permit Information

The permit is $100. Information on how to obtain a permit can be found through the park’s website here.

Best Time of Year to Get Married in Kenai Fjords National Park

Summer, specifically June-August is an incredible time to visit Kenai Fjords. Not only are all the attractions open, but the days are long and temperatures are warm. In the winter, most of the park is inaccessible and dangerous.

Best Wedding Venues in Kenai Fjords National Park

Exit Glacier

Get up close and personal with a glacier with your wedding ceremony. The Exit Glacier View loop is a 1-mile trail that takes you through the forest and along the glacial creek. This is a great elopement location or wedding venue for celebrations with a small guest count.

Resurrection River

If you’re looking for an accessible location with minal crowds and stunning views, Resurrection River is a great choice. There are also numerous hiking trails near the area that will give you a great view of the nearby glaciers and mountains.

Harding Icefield Trail

If you love hiking, you’ll love the Harding Icefield Trail. This is a difficult 9.2 mile hike with the best views in Kenai Fjords. You’ll pass by forests, rivers, mountains, glaciers, and wildlife all to reach the Harding Icefield, one of the largest icefields in the United States.

More Elopement Inspiration

If you’re interested in learning more about different places in Alaska, be sure to check out my Alaska elopement guide!

Denali National Park

Denali National Park is the third largest national park in the United States, right after Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve and Gates of the Arctic National Park, both of which are also located in Alaska (and highly underrated). Denali is famous for its rugged, mountainous terrain and wildlife.

Permit Information

The permit is $200. Information on how to obtain a permit can be found through the park’s website here.

Best Time of Year to Get Married in Denali National Park

Similar to Kenai Fjords, Denali is best visited during the warm summer months where the days are long and the adventures are grand. However, Denali is quite popular in Alaska, so if you’re hoping for a wedding or elopement without the crowds, consider the fall season.

Best Wedding Venues in Denali National Park

Horseshoe Lake

Horseshoe Lake is a popular drive-up lake with jaw-dropping views. There is a 2 mile trail around the lake if you want to explore more of the area, as well as a gorgeous overlook of the lake.

A Glacier

Did you know you can get married on a glacier? Alaska is famous for their helicopter tours, where you and your partner can exchange vows on a private glacier. Unfortunately, most helicopters have a max capacity of 6 people, so this would be perfect for a small elopement.

Mount Healy

If you’re looking for an adventure, consider hiking up to Mount Healy. It’s a steep 6.9 mile hike with epic views at the end. This trail is especially gorgeous in the fall and offers a variety of different landscapes.

More Elopement Inspiration

Check out my Alaska elopement guide to learn all things about Alaska!

Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park, located along the coast of Maine, is one of the most peaceful national parks I’ve been too. The park is famous for its rocky beaches, lighthouses, and overlooks. While it is one of the more popular national parks out there, there are still little pockets of seclusion I find every time I visit.

Permit Information

A permit is not required if you have less than 10 people at your ceremony. If you have more than 10, the permit is $75. Information on how to obtain a permit can be found through the park’s website here.

Best Time of Year to Get Married in Acadia National Park

The East Coast is known for their fall foliage, and the park is no exception. However, this stunning foliage comes with higher amounts of tourism, so I recommend planning your wedding on a weekday during this time.

Best Wedding Venues in Acadia National Park

Otter Cliff

Otter Cliff is one of the most beautiful national park elopement locations, especially during sunrise. The area is popular, but it’s also large, meaning finding a secluded area to exchange vows at is possible.

Cadillac Mountain

Cadillac Mountain is the most popular location in the park. It’s famous for its sweeping sunrises and sunsets, and while you can’t have your ceremony during these two times of day, don’t let that deter you from this location. In the fall, this is one of the most beautiful places in the U.S.

Schoodic Point

Schoodic Point is an underrated location right along the coast. This is one of the best places to watch the waves crash on the shore.

More Elopement Inspiration

Check out the national park website for Acadia to learn more about this national park!

Joshua Tree National Park

If you love the warmth of the desert, look no further than Joshua Tree National Park. Joshua Tree is one of my personal favorite national parks. It has unique rock formations, sweeping landscapes, and is one of the most best places for stargazing.

Permit Information

The permit is $120. Information on how to obtain a permit can be found through the park’s website here.

Best Time of Year to Get Married in Joshua Tree National Park

Because Joshua Tree is so hot in the summer, winter is the best (and most safe) time to visit the park. It’s not too busy, the weather is nice, and prices are low.

Best Wedding Venues in Joshua Tree National Park

Hidden Valley Picnic Area

Hidden Valley Picnic Area is one of my personal favorite venues in the park. It hold up to 35 people, and the picnic site itself is huge. There are tons of beautiful areas for a ceremony and pictures.

Indian Cove Amphitheater

Indian Cover Amphitheater is the perfect wedding venue for larger weddings. It holds 100 people and comes with seating for guests. The landscape around the amphitheater is beautiful, as it’s backed by Joshua Tree’s famous rock formations.

Cap Rock

Cap Rock is the most popular wedding venue in Joshua Tree. It’s a super unique rock formation surrounded by groves of beautiful Joshua Trees.

More Elopement Inspiration

Check out my Joshua Tree wedding guide to learn more about planning your wedding in the park!

Mount Rainier National Park

To round out our list of national parks in Washington, we have Mount Rainier National Park. This is Washington’s most famous and traveled national park. This is a great wedding venue for couples who love hiking, as there are some incredible trails that run throughout the park. There are some more accessible locations as well, though they tend to be a bit busier.

Permit Information

The permit is $175. Information on how to obtain a permit can be found through the park’s website here.

Best Time of Year to Get Married in Mount Rainier National Park

Due to the popularity of Mount Rainier, I recommend steering clear of the summer months. Instead, opt for the fall season where you can still have pleasant weather and epic views without the crowds.

Best Wedding Venues in Mount Rainier National Park

Tolmie Peak

Tolmie Peak is a 5.6 mile trail famous for its ending view of Mount Rainier. The trail is steep and known for being popular, but when you’re passing alpine lakes and wildflower meadows along the way, you’ll realize why it’s so popular.

Grove of the Patriarchs

Grove of the Patriarchs is a great trail for those bringing friends and family who aren’t big hikers. The trail is easy to access and has a suspension bridge that crosses the river. The trail goes through an old-growth forest.

Silver Forest Trail

Silver Forest Trail is famous for not only its views of Mount Rainier, but for its stunning wildflower meadows that line the trail. The entire trail is 2 miles long, though you don’t need to hike very far to get jaw-dropping views.

More Elopement Inspiration

Learn more about planning your national park wedding with my Mt. Rainier elopement guide.

Lassen Volcanic National Park

Lassen Volcanic National Park, also known as a “mini Yellowstone” is one of the least-visited national parks in the U.S. Lassen is located in Northern California and is known for its variety of different volcanoes, wildflower meadows, and lakes. This is also an amazing spot for star-gazing after your wedding or elopement.

Permit Information

The permit is $75. Information on how to obtain a permit can be found through the park’s website here.

Best Time of Year to Get Married in Lassen Volcanic National Park

Lassen should be visited during the fall season when crowds are minimal and colors are vibrant. Summer is also a great time to visit, though it gets quite hot throughout the park. Due to heavy snowfall, Lassen is not accessible in the winter.

Best Wedding Venues in Lassen Volcanic National Park

Lassen Peak

Hike 2.5 miles (5 miles roundtrip) up to Lassen’s tallest peak. At the top, you’ll see sweeping views of the valley floor, a lake, and a ton of trees. Talk about feeling like you’re on top of the world!

Bumpass Hell

Bumpass Hell is why Lassen gets its “mini Yellowstone” nickname. Bumpass Hell is known for its bubbling mud pots, sulfur vents and boiling pools. This 2.7 mile hike is easy to do and perfect for weddings with guests.

Manzanita Lake

Manzanita Lake is a beautiful drive-up lake backed by pine trees and Lassen Peak. There is a 1.9 mile loop that goes around the lake with different viewpoints. This lake is especially beautiful in the fall when Lassen Peak has been dusted with snow.

More Elopement Inspiration

Read more about Lassen in my Northern California elopement guide!

Yosemite National Park

You can’t talk about national parks and not bring up Yosemite. Located in Northern California, Yosemite is one of the most-visited national parks in the U.S. With a variety of hiking trails, waterfalls, and picnic areas, Yosemite is the perfect place for a wedding of any size.

Permit Information

The permit is $150. Information on how to obtain a permit can be found through the park’s website here.

Best Time of Year to Get Married in Yosemite National Park

Yosemite is extremely crowded, so I highly recommend steering clear from the busy summer months unless you want to sit in traffic and be shoulder to shoulder with other visitors. The fall and winter season is magical in Yosemite, and while many of the trails close in the winter, the lack of people and magic of snowfall make this one of the most peaceful places to visit.

Best Wedding Venues in Yosemite National Park

Glacier Point Amphitheater

Glacier Point Amphitheater is a great location if you have guests. This area accommodates up to 50 people and has one of the best views in the entire park. Weddings are not scheduled here in July or August due to its popularity.

El Capitan Meadow

El Capitan Meadow is an accessible location famous for El Capitan, a soaring rock famous amongst rock-climbers. There are a variety of different places for a ceremony in the meadow. It’s a favorite for small weddings.

Tunnel View

Tunnel View is known for its iconic view of Yosemite Valley. It’s the most photographed spot in the park, so try having your wedding here during sunrise if possible.

More Elopement Inspiration

Read all things Yosemite in my Yosemite elopement guide!

Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park, located in Montana, has quickly become a fan-favorite national park. It’s popular for its turquoise water, jagged peaks, and glaciers. While Glacier is more strict than others when it comes to weddings, it’s still a park that should be considered, especially if you’re eloping or having a small wedding.

Permit Information

The permit is $125. Information on how to obtain a permit can be found through the park’s website here.

Best Time of Year to Get Married in Glacier National Park

Glacier is best visited during the fall, specifically in late September or early October. In the summer months, ceremony locations have heavy restrictions, and in the winter, the park is inaccessible.

Best Wedding Venues in Grand Teton National Park

Lake McDonald

Lake McDonald is the largest and most popular lake in the park. It’s famous for its colored rocks and sweeping views. It’s popular in the summer for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

Logan’s Pass

Unfortunately, wedding ceremonies are not permitted at Logan’s Pass, but pictures are, which is why I wanted to include it on this list. Logan’s Pass, while it is the most visited location in the park, has a stunning view of the nearby mountain range and is especially beautiful during sunrise.

Bowman Lake

Bowman Lake is located on the side of the park not many people visit, making this one of the more secluded wedding venues in the park. The backdrop is stunning and the landscape is very peaceful.

More Elopement Inspiration

I have an entire Glacier National Park elopement guide where you can learn more about how to plan your very own elopement in the park!

Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is located in Colorado and is one of the most visited national parks in the country. It has an incredible range of environments, from jagged mountains to alpine lakes. There is truly something for everyone in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Permit Information

The permit is $300. Information on how to obtain a permit can be found through the park’s website here.

Best Time of Year to Get Married in Rocky Mountain National Park

If you’re hoping for an unforgettable experience, you can’t beat the fall season in Rocky Mountain. The park is covered in color, the weather is nice, and there are not as many people as the busy summer months.

Best Wedding Venues in Rocky Mountain National Park

3M Curve

3M Curve is the most popular wedding venue in Rocky Mountain National Park, but for a good reason. It has the best mountain views of Longs Peak and is fairly secluded from other locations in the park. This is the place for an epic overlook!

Sprague Lake

Sprague Lake is open year-round and is one of the most popular alpine lakes in the park. There’s an adorable dock for pictures, and the path to reach the lake is ADA accessible.

Bear Lake

Bear Lake is another accessible alpine lake in Rocky Mountain. This lake is extremely popular, so having it to yourself is very rare. However, the views make up for the crowds.

More Elopement Inspiration

Learn more about Rocky Mountain National Park here!

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is not only the hottest national park in the country, but it’s also the lowest point in North America. Surprisingly, this national park isn’t too popular, but has some of the most unique scenery you can’t find anywhere else.

Permit Information

The permit is $300. Information on how to obtain a permit can be found through the park’s website here.

Best Time of Year to Get Married in Death Valley National Park

Due to the heat exhaustion risk you can face in Death Valley, winter weddings are recommended in the park. Whatever you do, don’t visit in the summer. Temperatures regularly surpass 100 degrees, and many people get heat exhaustion in the park each year.

Best Wedding Venues in Death Valley National Park

Artist Palette

Artist Palette is one of the most beautiful national park wedding venues in the United States. Artist Palette is a series of hills with bright, vibrant colors. These colors are from volcanic deposits rich in compounds such as iron oxides and chlorite.

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes

If you love simple yet stunning landscapes, the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes is the wedding venue for you. The sand dunes are huge, so finding a secluded spot is almost guaranteed.

Zabriskie Point

Zabriskie Point is one of the most unique landscapes you’ll come across. It’s hard to explain without looking at pictures, but just know that this location is sure to blow your socks off.

More Elopement Inspiration

Learn more about how to elope in Death Valley in my Death Valley elopement guide!

Great Basin National Park

Located in Nevada, Great Basin National Park is one of the least-visited national parks in the U.S., though it’s hard to understand why. Due to Great Basins drastic elevation changes, you can find everything in the park from deserts and mountains to lakes and glaciers, making this one of the best national parks in the U.S. for weddings and elopements.

Permit Information

The permit is $75. Information on how to obtain a permit can be found through the park’s website here.

Best Time of Year to Get Married in Great Basin National Park

The end of September and beginning of October is the best time to visit Great Basin. You’ll have nice weather, beautiful fall foliage, and no crowds.

Best Wedding Venues in Great Basin National Park

Alpine Lakes Loop

Alpine Lakes Loops is a 2.7 mile walk that will take you to two different alpine lakes. It’s one of my personal favorite hiking trails and reminds me a lot of alpine lakes you can find in Rocky Mountain National Park, a much busier national park in Colorado.

Wheeler Peak

If you’re up for the challenge, hike 4.1 (8.2 miles roundtrip) up to Wheeler Peak where you’ll be rewarded with 360 degree views of the nearby mountains. Along the hike, you’ll pass an alpine lake and trees.

Sky Islands Forest Trail

Sky Islands Forest Trail is the perfect location for weddings with guests. The 0.3 mile loop will take you through a high alpine conifer forest with stunning views year-round.

More Elopement Inspiration

Check out the national park website for Great Basin to learn more about what the park has to offer.

National Park Wedding and Elopement Packages

I’m Brianna, a Northern California based elopement photographer who specializes in national park weddings and elopements. I believe in offering much more than just pretty pictures, which is why I help each of my couples plan their perfect day by creating location lists, vendor recommendations, timelines, and so much more. See everything I have to offer in my elopement packages below.

• 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 for CA, OR, WA or $8,500 for anywhere in the U.S.

Need more national park inspiration? Check out my hiking elopement guide, Olympic National Park elopement guide, and my North Cascades National Park elopement guide!