How to Plan a National Park Wedding: Costs, Venues, and Permits

I’ve been photographing national park weddings and elopements for over 7 years and have helped more than 100 couples get married in some of the most beautiful national parks in the country. I can promise you this: planning a national park wedding is much easier than you think.

If you’re dreaming of getting married in a national park, you might be wondering where to start. From choosing the best national park for your ceremony, to applying for permits and knowing what to budget, the planning process can feel a bit overwhelming.

Whether you’re narrowing down your location, figuring out permit requirements, or simply exploring what’s possible, you’re in the right place. I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to plan the perfect national park wedding.

Can You Get Married in a National Park?

Yes, you can absolutely get married in a national park. Most parks require a special use permit and have a few rules around things like group size and ceremony locations, but once you understand the rules, the process is very simple. I’ve helped plan dozens of national park weddings, and I’ll walk you through it all, step by step.

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

It depends on the park and the specific ceremony location, but most national parks cap weddings at around 20 guests.

Here’s the deal: if you have a small guest count, you get more ceremony locations to choose from, an easier permit process, and fewer restrictions.

Larger weddings are still possible in some parks. Locations like Yosemite, Glacier, and Joshua Tree offer a small number of ceremony sites that can accommodate anywhere from 50-100 (sometimes even 250) guests. These are typically amphitheaters, which may not offer the backdrop most couples picture when they think of a national park wedding. Because there are so few large-capacity locations, they book very quickly. If another couple already has a permit for that site on your date, you’ll need to choose a different location or adjust your wedding date.

In my experience, I personally recommend keeping your guest count to 12 people or fewer. Smaller groups have far more flexibility and better location options.

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

This is my 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. I’ll cover many of these topics in greater detail throughout this guide, but if you’re looking for a simple checklist to reference as you plan, this is it.

Step 1: Choose Your National Park

This is the fun part. There are 63 national parks to choose from, each one offering something completely different from the next. When narrowing down your options, consider what scenery you like, accessibility, crowd levels, weather, permit availability, and how many guests you plan to invite. Some parks are better for adventurous hiking elopements, while others are better for guest-friendly ceremonies. For a list of my favorite national parks for weddings and elopements, keep scrolling or click here to jump straight to the best national parks for weddings.

If you’re planning a more traditional wedding, you may prefer a national park wedding venue rather than a ceremony inside the park itself. Many parks have privately owned venues located just outside park boundaries. These wedding venues tend to have great views of the park, higher guest capacity, and designated reception areas. Click here to jump to my favorite national park wedding venues.

Step 2: Find a Ceremony Location

In most cases, each national park will have a list of pre-approved ceremony locations listed on its website. Some parks require you to choose from these designated sites, while others don’t. For example, Glacier National Park only allows ceremonies at specific locations listed on their site, whereas in Olympic National Park, couples are allowed to hold their ceremony almost anywhere within the park.

Before settling on a location, it’s important to check your park’s official guidelines. The easiest way to do this is to search “[your national park] wedding locations” and review the park’s wedding or special use permit page.

Step 3: Pick a Date

Now that you’ve chosen your national park and ceremony location, it’s time to select a date. Before settling on anything, make sure your ceremony site doesn’t have specific restrictions. Some parks limit certain locations to select days or times. For example, at Mount Rainier, some ceremony sites are only available on weekdays from 3pm-10am. These rules can directly affect which dates are even possible. While you’re at it, make sure your ceremony location can accommodate your guest count!

Step 4: Apply for a Wedding Permit

Nearly all national park weddings require a special use permit. Permits usually range from $50-$300 depending on the park. Each park has its own application process, fees, and processing timelines, which can range from a few weeks to several months. You’ll typically need to provide details about your ceremony location, guest count, vendors, and setup. Because permits are often limited and competitive, applying early is one of the most important steps in the planning process. I cover the full permit process in detail later in this guide, including how to apply and what to expect. You can click here to jump straight to how to get a national park wedding permit!

Step 5: Hire Vendors

Once your permit is in progress or approved, it’s time to book your vendors. I may be a little biased here, but I strongly recommend booking your photographer before you even choose your wedding date. Working with a photographer who understands the national park system and is familiar with permit rules, ceremony locations, and park logistics is an absolute game changer.

As someone who has photographed hundreds of national park weddings and elopements across the country, I’ve seen firsthand how much easier the planning process becomes when couples start with an experienced national park photographer. From recommending the best ceremony locations and ideal times of day to helping navigate permits, timelines, and park restrictions, your photographer often becomes your unofficial planner and guide throughout the entire process.

Other vendors usually include your officiant, florist, hair and makeup artist, and any other vendor you may need.

Step 6: Book Your Travel

After your date and location are confirmed, you can begin booking flights, lodging, and rental cars. Lodging near national parks often fills up months in advance, especially during peak seasons so be aware of this in advance.

Step 7: Get a Marriage License

Before your ceremony, you’ll need to obtain a marriage license from the state or county where your national park is located. Requirements vary by state and may include waiting periods or in-person appointments only.

Step 8: Get Married in a National Park

With your planning complete, all that’s left to do is enjoy your wedding day! Arrive early, follow park guidelines, and take time to soak it all in. After all, you’re in one of the most beautiful places in the country!

Now that you understand how the general process works, it’s time for the fun part, exploring the best national parks to get married in!

10 Best National Parks to Get Married In

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

1. Olympic National Park, Washington

Olympic National Park is the most diverse national park in the US. After photographing dozens of elopements here over the years, it still remains my favorite national park for weddings and elopements in Washington. In Olympic, you’ll find mountains, lakes, temperate rainforests, beaches, waterfalls, old-growth forests, wildflowers, rivers, and more. It offers nearly every landscape you can imagine, with the exception of the desert. It’s one of the few national parks that’s also snow-free and open year-round. You’d think this would make Olympic a popular place to visit, and while it is, it surprisingly never feels as crowded as other national parks out there.

• Landscapes: Mountains, lakes, forests, beaches, rivers, rainforests, waterfalls, wildflowers
• Best time of year to elope: May, June, September, and 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!

2. Redwood National Park, California

I’ll be honest, Redwood National Park was almost my number one choice on this list. If you were to ask me which national park is the most underrated for weddings, the Redwoods would be it, hands down. After photographing elopements here over the years, it remains one of the best national parks to get married in for so many reasons.

First, it’s incredibly remote, which means you’re unlikely to run into crowds. While summer can be slightly busier, the park is so vast that it’s easy to find a ceremony location without anyone nearby. Second, the Redwoods offer much more than just trees. You’ll also find black sand beaches, coastal overlooks, fern canyons, rivers, and more. Lastly, Redwood National Park stays snow-free and open year-round. And as a bonus, it’s one of the most dog-friendly national parks on this list!

• Landscapes: Forest, beaches, rivers, meadows, fern canyons
• Best time of year to elope: May, June, September, and October
• Crowd level: Low
• Permit cost: $175-$200
• Guest capacity: 20

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

3. North Cascades National Park, Washington

Calling all mountain lovers! North Cascades National Park is the national park for you. With the nickname “The Swiss Alps of America,” it’s easy to see why. 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), making summer and early fall the prime seasons for weddings and elopements here.

Most of the best ceremony locations in the North Cascades require a bit of hiking, which makes this a perfect spot for adventure elopements. However, if you’re looking for something more accessible, I often recommend Mount Baker, located just next door to the park. It offers equally stunning mountain scenery without the longer hikes, and it’s one of my go-to recommendations for couples who want the national park look with easier access.

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

I’ve put together a complete planning guide for eloping in North Cascades National Park!

4. Mount Rainier National Park, Washington

One of the most popular national parks on this list, Mount Rainier National Park, is such a great choice for couples who are looking for some incredible nature just outside the city. This park is famous for its summer wildflowers and mountain views. This is one of my personal favorite national parks in the PNW for elopements because of the sheer number of ceremony locations available without any hiking required. Many of the best viewpoints can be seen right off the side of the road. However, if you’re up for it, there are some pretty amazing trails I like to take my couples on for photos.

The only downside of Mount Rainier is its permitting system, which limits the number of ceremonies and includes fairly strict rules about where and when weddings can take place. That said, if you’re flexible with your date and location, this is an absolutely beautiful national park to consider.

• Landscapes: Mountains, lakes, forests, rivers, waterfalls, wildflowers
• Best time of year to elope: August and 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.

5. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Grand Teton National Park is one of the most popular national parks on this list, and for very good reason. If you love mountains, wildlife, and the feeling of being remote while still being just minutes from town, you’ll love getting married in Grand Teton. This is one of my most recommended locations for couples who are bringing guests and need accessible, no-hiking-required ceremony locations. Many of the park’s best viewpoints are just steps away from the car, which makes planning simple for couples and their families. It’s also an incredible honeymoon destination, with Yellowstone National Park and Jackson Hole both just minutes away.

The biggest downside to the Tetons is its competitive permit system. Permits for larger groups sell out extremely fast, and if you’re planning a ceremony with more than 12 guests, your selection of approved ceremony sites becomes much more limited. In many cases, permits for popular locations for elopements with more than 12 guests book out nine to ten months in advance, so early planning is a must.

• Landscapes: Mountains, lakes, forests, rivers, wildflowers
• Best time of year to elope: May, June, September, and 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!

6. Acadia National Park, Maine

Acadia National Park is a sunrise lover’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 can see why it’s 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 you’re willing to explore a bit, you’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

7. Joshua Tree National Park, California

As a self-proclaimed desert hater, I can’t say I was thrilled to visit Joshua Tree National Park for the first time. But after that trip, I quickly became a “hey, let’s plan another trip to Joshua Tree” kind of person. And after photographing several elopements here, I’m fully on board with the desert. This park is simply cool. I don’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 minimalistic landscape, which photographs beautifully, 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, it’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, October, and 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.

8. Yosemite National Park, California

You expected this one to be at the top, didn’t you? You can’t talk about national park weddings without mentioning Yosemite. It’s the national park. One of the best place for elopements in California. And 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 also have to accept the crowds. It’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 for its scenery, 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!

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 mountain peaks. It’s easily one of the most scenic national parks in the country, and it tends to be a fan favorite among guests as well.

One of Glacier’s biggest advantages is its wide range of designated ceremony sites. Many of the park’s amphitheaters and overlooks can accommodate anywhere from 100 to 250 guests, which is incredibly rare for a national park. The tradeoff is popularity. Glacier has exploded on social media in recent years, especially when it comes to weddings, so don’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!

10. Zion National Park, Utah

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? The scenery here is absolutely incredible and photographs beautifully in 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.

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

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, have privacy, and keeps things simple for friends and family. 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.

• Olympic National Park Wedding Venues: Evermore Haven and NatureBridge
• Redwood National Park Wedding Venues: Emerald Forest Cabins and Ridgefield Weddings
• North Cascades National Park Wedding Venues: Spring Creek Ranch and Wandering Waters
• Mount Rainier National Park Wedding Venues: Cooper Creek Inn and Crystal Mountain Resort
• Grand Teton National Park Wedding Venues: Jackson Lake Lodge and Teton Mountain Lodge
• Acadia National Park Wedding Venues: Bar Harbor Inn and Bar Harbor Club
• Joshua Tree National Park Wedding Venues: Sacred Sands and Morada
• Yosemite National Park Wedding Venues: Firefall Ranch and Autocamp
• Glacier National Park Wedding Venues: Great Northern Resort and Grouse Mountain Lodge
• Zion National Park Wedding Venues: Cave Lakes Canyon and Amangiri

How to Get a National Park Wedding Permit

To get married in a national park, you’ll need a special use permit. Permit fees typically range from $50 to $300 depending on the park, and nearly every national park requires one, even for small elopements.

Here’s exactly how to apply.

1. Go to the National Park Service website.
2. Search for “[Your park] permit in the top right corner.”
3. Click on the first link, which will direct you to the page that should have a “weddings” section where it outlines ceremony locations, permit fees, and application instructions.
4. Fill out the permit application with details about your ceremony location, date, guest count, vendors, and setup. Most parks require you to submit the form by email or through the mail.
5. After submitting your application, the park will review your request and send a payment link if your date and location are available. Sometimes, you’re requested to send in payment with your application if it’s via mail.
6. Once approved, you’ll receive your official permit to bring with you on your wedding day.

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

Technically, it only costs between $50 and $300 to get married in a national park, which covers your special use permit. In reality, though, most couples spend anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000 for the full elopement or wedding once travel, permits, lodging and vendors are factored in.

To give you a realistic idea of what to expect, here’s an estimated cost breakdown for a typical 4-day, 3-night national park elopement.

Of course, these numbers are just estimates and can vary widely depending on your location, travel dates, park, guest count, and vendor choices. I offer custom national park elopement packages that include photography, travel booking, vendor booking, 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! It’s $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.

National Park Wedding Restrictions and Rules

National parks have strict rules in place to protect their landscapes and visitor experience, especially when it comes to weddings. While each park has its own specific guidelines, these are the most common restrictions you should know about when planning a national park wedding or elopement.

Guest Count

Most national parks only have one or two designated ceremony sites that can accommodate larger groups, often up to 50 to 100 guests. If you’re hoping for more flexibility in ceremony locations and fewer permit restrictions, I recommend keeping your guest count to 12 people or fewer. Smaller groups are typically allowed in far more locations and make the permit process much easier.

Dates and Times

Many national parks restrict weddings to specific days and time windows. For example, parks like Mount Rainier only allow ceremonies at certain locations on select weekdays or during limited hours. You can usually find these details listed on the park’s wedding or special use permit page.

Crowds and Privacy

National parks are extremely popular, especially during peak season. Go into your wedding knowing that you most likely won’t have the space to yourself, and in certain parks, you may see other couples getting married. For the best chance at privacy, consider planning your elopement during the off-season, on a weekday, or at sunrise or sunset.

Timed Entry Reservations

Some national parks now require timed entry reservations during peak seasons in addition to your wedding permit. These reservations are often required just to drive into certain areas during busy hours and can be purchased online.

Even if you already have a wedding permit, you may still need to secure a timed entry reservation for yourself, your guests, and sometimes your vendors. These reservations are released on specific dates and can sell out quickly, especially for popular parks like Yosemite, Rocky Mountain, and Arches.

Before finalizing your ceremony time, make sure to check whether your park requires timed entry and how it applies to weddings.

Decor

National parks have very strict rules when it comes to decor. Items such as 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. In most cases, ceremonies must remain simple and follow Leave No Trace principles.

Pets

Unfortunately, national parks are not very dog-friendly. While a few parks allow dogs in designated picnic areas or parking lots, most do not allow pets on trails or at ceremony locations. In many cases, it’s best to leave your furry friend at home on your wedding day.

National Park Wedding Photographer

Hey, I’m Brianna! I’m a Pacific Northwest–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 for couples who want expert guidance and a stress-free planning experience. 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 planning a national park wedding feels overwhelming, especially if you’re planning from out of state, an all-inclusive national park elopement package might be for you!

After photographing hundreds of national park weddings and elopements across the country and spending multiple seasons living and working in different parks, I created all-inclusive elopement packages specifically for couples who want a stress-free, done-for-you planning experience. National parks are incredible places to elope, but they also come with not-so-fun logistics, permits, location restrictions, weather considerations, and travel planning. Having someone who truly understands the national park system can make a huge difference.

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 you’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 isn’t quite what you’re looking for, I also offer elopement packages that include personalized planning support without full coordination.

National Park Wedding FAQ

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