7 Tips for Planning your National Park Wedding: How to Get Married in U.S. National Parks and Forests

Why Get Married in a National Park?

The U.S. is home to 63 breathtaking National Parks (plus many more national forests, monuments, and recreation areas), offering some of the most stunning landscapes for couples who want an adventurous and intimate wedding. If you and your partner love the outdoors, eloping in a National Park is the perfect way to celebrate your love while surrounded by nature’s beauty. From towering red rock formations in Zion to the glacier-carved peaks of Yosemite, these parks provide the most epic backdrops for your special day. However, planning a National Park elopement comes with unique challenges, from permits to park regulations. Here’s everything you need to know to make your dream adventure wedding a reality!

1. Hire an Experienced Adventure Wedding Photographer & Guide

Getting married in a National Park is very different from planning a traditional wedding, and having a professional who knows the ins and outs of adventure weddings can make all the difference. An experienced elopement photographer (like me!) will help with:

• Location scouting based on your ideal scenery and accessibility needs

• Navigating permit requirements and paperwork

• Planning timelines to ensure the best lighting and crowd-free moments

• Offering packing lists for the terrain and weather

• Providing guidance on Leave No Trace principles to preserve the beauty of the park

If you’re planning a hiking or off-road elopement, be sure that any vendors you bring along, such as an officiant or musician, are up for the adventure!

2. Get the Right Permits

Most National Parks require a special use permit for weddings, and applying well in advance is crucial. Fees range from $50 to $500 depending on the park. Some examples:

• Zion National Park: $100

• Rocky Mountain National Park: $300

• New River Gorge National Park: $50

If you prefer to avoid the permit process, another option is to hold your ceremony outside the park (like at a cabin rental) and take your portraits inside the park. Be sure to check the rules, as parks can fine couples for unauthorized photoshoots.

3. Follow Park Rules & Regulations

Each park has its own regulations, so it’s important to check with park officials beforehand. Some key rules include:

• Guest Count Limits: Some parks allow up to 100 guests, while others cap it at 10, including vendors.

• Designated Ceremony Locations: Many parks require weddings to take place in specific areas, even for small elopements.

• Floral Restrictions: Some parks prohibit real flowers to prevent the spread of invasive species.

• Decor & Setup Rules: Most parks don’t allow arches, chairs, or throwing materials like rice or petals.

• Music & Sound Limitations: Amplified music may not be allowed, so check with the park in advance.

• Pet Policies: If you want to bring your dog, verify that pets are permitted in your ceremony area.

4. Pick the Perfect Time for Your Elopement

Timing can make or break your National Park elopement experience. Consider these factors:

• Best Season: Avoid extreme heat in summer (especially in desert parks like Zion) and heavy snowfall in high-altitude parks during winter.

• Best Day of the Week: Weekdays are ideal to avoid crowds, especially in popular parks.

• Best Time of Day: Sunrise elopements provide cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and soft, dreamy lighting. Sunset has great lighting as well and usually works best for convenience, but you'll encounter more crowds and parking issues.

Avoid peak tourist seasons, like summer break and holiday weekends, to have a more peaceful experience.

5. Follow Leave No Trace (LNT) Principles

Respecting the natural environment is essential when eloping in a National Park. Be sure to:

• Pack out everything you bring in (trash, flowers, decorations, etc.).

• Stay on designated trails to protect fragile ecosystems.

• Avoid picking flowers, moving rocks, or disturbing wildlife.

• Keep a safe distance from animals and never feed them.

• Be mindful of other park visitors and respect their experience.

For more on Leave No Trace, visit: lnt.org

6. Add an Adventure to Your Wedding Day

Elopements aren’t just about saying “I do” and taking photos—they’re about creating an unforgettable experience! Consider adding an adventure to your day:

• Jeep tour to a secluded overlook

• Kayaking or paddleboarding on a mountain lake

• Hot air balloon or helicopter ride

• Hiking to a breathtaking summit

• Horseback riding through a scenic valley

• Ski lift or gondola ride to a mountain peak

• Stargazing in a dark sky park

• Roasting marshmallows around a campfire

7. Research State Marriage Laws

Each state has different marriage license requirements. Some key things to check:

• How far in advance do you need to apply?

• Can you apply online or must you apply in person?

• Do you need an officiant, or is self-solemnization allowed?

• Are witnesses required?

Many couples choose to handle the legal paperwork at home before or after their elopement to simplify the process.

Let's Plan Your Dream National Park Elopement!

I'm Carly, a destination wedding and elopement photographer + planning guide who's documented weddings from Hawaii to Scotland. My top priority on elopement days is to help you create an experience, not just deliver great photos. I want to tell your wedding story, share the emotions you felt that day and the fun you shared together, and provide you with memories that you'll love forever. And in addition to photography, I'll also provide:

✓  Location Scouting & Research

✓  Vendor Recommendations

✓  Customized Timeline Building

✓  Activity Recommendations

✓  Assistance with Permits

✓  An exclusive elopement planning guide

If you're ready to take the first step towards your best day ever, fill out the contact form on my site! We'll talk about all of the possibilities, ease your mind of any hesitations you may still have about eloping, and get planning!