The Ultimate Guide to Planning Your National Park Wedding
So, you’re thinking of planning your wedding in a national park? Look no further! This ultimate guide is going to walk you through everything you need to know about getting married in a national park, from someone who has photographed couples in more than 20 of them! Everything from permits and legalities to the top 20 best parks I’d recommend, and locations and activities for all of them - you’ll leave this guide having a great understanding of what’s needed to plan a national park wedding, and also which national park might be best for your big day! Let’s dive in…shall we?
Table of Contents
National Park Wedding or National Park Elopement?
Getting A Marriage License For Your National Park Wedding
Best Time of Year for a National Park Wedding
Do I Need an Officiant or a Witness for my National Park Wedding
How Much Does a National Park Wedding Cost
National Park Wedding or National Park Elopement?
National park wedding versus elopement versus micro-wedding vs small wedding…which one is best for you!? Truth be told, these words are all quite synonymous with one another. I’m guilty of interchanging these words and saying elopement for something that might truly classify as an intimate wedding or vise versa. So most importantly, know that in general throughout this post, whether it’s just the two of you or a small group of people, either one is okay and both can be extremely intentional, personal and memorable. However, here are some things to think about.
National Park Wedding: (microwedding, small wedding, intimate wedding etc) this is typically a wedding day that involves guests outside of the couple. Whether that’s immediate family, chosen family, close friends - who that list includes is entirely up to you! However if you’re having guests, you’ll likely want to factor in spending time with them, which might change up the way your day looks compared to a 2 person elopement. Additionally, it could impact how and where you’re permitted to be within a national park, depending on your group size.
National Park Elopement: this is typically just the couple on their wedding day (and me!!). The three of us set off on an adventure with no additional guests, which can sometimes (this is not necessary!) involve a bit more adventure, if it’s just the couple. It also can give a bit more freedom for where you’re allowed to have your ceremony within the park, and whether or not you need to apply for a permit.
So when deciding if you want to have a national park wedding versus a national park elopement, maybe consider how important the factors of flexibility and freedom are compared to having your loved ones there, and that might help you sway one way or another in your decision!
National Park Wedding Permits
Do you need a permit to have your wedding in a national park? Great question! And a complicated answer. In short, most of the time.
Every national park is different. Some require you to have a special use permit for any time of ceremony and vow reading, no matter how many people are there. Some only require it over a certain number of guests. Many national parks have designated areas that are approved for permits based off of group size. Some parks are very easy to get permits for, where some of the more popular ones have stricter processes and require a bit more planning, with permits becoming available on a certain day of the year, and selling out quickly.
Below, I share information on 20 national parks, and for each park, I have a brief overview of their permit process and what to expect. When planning your national park wedding, it’s best practice to visit the National Park Service park specific website for information about if you’ll need a permit, and how far in advance you want to apply for it, and then you can continue planning from there. However, I generally recommend that couples wait to apply for their permit until we’ve worked together to have a general plan for the day, including timing and locations, so that you’re apply for the right location and timeframe that fits the rest of the day. Most permit applications need to be submitted no later than 4 weeks before the wedding day, and generally have an application fee ranging from $50 - $350 per park.
Overall, it’s fair to expect that you’ll likely need a permit to have a wedding inside a national park.
Getting a Marriage License for your National Park Wedding
Getting a marriage license for your national park wedding depends on the state where the park is located, since marriage licenses are issued at the state or county level, not by the National Park Service. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Find Out the Park’s State & County
Determine which state and county your national park (or specific ceremony location) is in.
Example: Glacier National Park spans Flathead County and Glacier County, Montana.
Visit the county clerk’s or state vital records website to find:
ID requirements (e.g. driver's license, passport)
Fees (typically $30–$90)
Waiting periods (some states have them; others don’t)
Expiration period (e.g. valid for 30–90 days)
Whether you can apply online, by mail, or in person
If both partners need to be present
Apply for the Marriage License
Most couples apply in person a few days before their wedding.
Some states (like Colorado or California) allow online applications or mail-in requests.
Pick Up & Sign the License
Bring it to your ceremony and have it signed by:
Your officiant
Two witnesses (if required by that state—some don’t need witnesses)
Some states even allow self-solemnization (like Colorado!).
Return the License
Usually, your officiant is responsible for returning the signed license to the issuing office.
Once processed, you’ll receive your official marriage certificate.
Don’t Confuse with a Special Use Permit
You’ll still need a special use permit from the National Park for your wedding ceremony.
This is separate from your marriage license.
Best Time of Year for a National Park Wedding
The best time of year for a national park wedding depends on the park! The national park’s climate, accessibility, and how much privacy or adventure you want can all be factors into choosing which park is best at what time, for you. In my park by park breakdown further down this guide, I mention the best time to be in that particular park, however, here’s a general guide by season, followed by specific recommendations for popular parks:
Spring (March–June)
Best for: Wildflowers, moderate temps, fewer crowds (except spring break areas)
Joshua Tree and Death Valley – Ideal weather before summer heat
Great Smoky Mountains or Shenandoah – Beautiful wildflowers and blooming trees
Acadia - especially late spring, beautiful weather and blooms, without summer crowds
Zion – Great for temperatures, though it can get busy
Summer (late June–August)
Best for: High-elevation parks, alpine access, long days
Glacier, Yellowstone, Grand Teton – Snow is melted at higher elevations
Denali, Kenai Fjords, Lake Clark – Peak accessibility and wildlife viewing
North Cascades, Olympic, Mt. Rainier – Full trail access and beautiful weather
Fall (September–October)
Best for: Crisp air, fall colors, fewer tourists
Acadia – Stunning fall foliage in early October
Shenandoah – Peak fall colors and cooler temps
Yosemite, Zion, Grand Tetons – Beautiful transitions and quiet trails
Winter (November–February)
Best for: Desert elopements, solitude, snow-covered scenes
Death Valley & Joshua Tree – Cool temps, unique landscapes
Zion – Snow-dusted red rocks
Do I Need an Officiant or Witness for my National Park Wedding?
Whether or not you need an officiant and/or witnesses to get married in a national park is based off of the state your park is in, rather the national park. Generally, you do need an officiant and a witness or two, however some states do allow you to self-solemnize, which means no officiant is required!
Self-solemnizing states (no officiant required):
Colorado
Pennsylvania
Wisconsin (Quaker-style marriages allowed)
Washington D.C.
As for witnesses, most states require 1–2 witnesses to sign your marriage license. But again, this varies:
1 Witness: Common in states like California and Arizona
2 Witnesses: Required in places like Washington, Oregon, Montana
0 Witnesses: Colorado, if self-solemnizing
When it comes to finding an officiant, you have a few options!
Hire an officiant
I have recommendations for amazing officiants in every national park. When you hire an officiant, they will work with you to plan a ceremony that is personalized to you, and they will also help you in navigating the legal side of your wedding license and making sure you have everything you need.
Have a guest be your officiant
That’s right! It’s incredibly easy to become ordained (I recommend going through Universal Life Church). If you’re having friends or family at your national park wedding, you can ask one of them to become ordained if they’re not already, and perform the ceremony for you! This always adds a really sweet and personal touch to your ceremony!
I can be your officiant!
I am also ordained through Universal Life Church, soley for the purpose of being able to legally marry my couples who don’t want to bring guests or hire an officiant. This allows you to for the most part, lead your own ceremony, and still make it legal! This small service is included in all of my elopement collection, so it’s available to you if needed!
How Much Does A National Park Wedding Cost?
A National Park wedding can essentially cost as much or as little as you want it to cost. The only requirement for getting married in a national park is potentially your special use permit. After that, you have a bit more say in what you invest or don’t invest into your experience! Here’s a common breakdown of what certain things might cost for your national park wedding:
Special Use Permit: $100 - $400
National Park Entry Fee: $30/vehicle or $80 annual pass
Marriage License: $30 - $150
Photographer: $5000 - $10000+ (for ample coverage)
Travel + Lodging: $500 - $3000+
Officiant: $200 - $800+
Florals: $100 - $500+
Attire: $300 - $3000+
Hair + Make Up: $200 - $600
Adventure Activities (jeep tour, helicopter tour etc): $100 - $1000+
Picnic or Dinner Set up: $100 - $1000+
Budget-Friendly Example (DIY Elopement) – $1,500–$5,000
Self-solemnizing
Permit: $150
Photographer: $2,500
Travel: $1,000
Minimal gear and picnic
Mid-Range Example (Full-Day Adventure Elopement) – $10,000 - $25,000
Permit: $300
Photographer: $8,000
Hair/Makeup: $500
Florals + attire: $2,000
Travel: $3,000
Luxury Example (Multi-Day Wedding with Guests) – $30,000+
Photographer
Private chef or lodge rental
Helicopter tour or jeep adventure
Decor setup (if allowed)
When budgeting for your national park wedding, I recommend having some conversations about what your priorities are, and what you want to invest into. From there, you can decide how much of your budget is allocated to each thing.
With the average cost of a traditional wedding in the United States being $33,000 - $36,000, you can plan a luxury vacation multi-day wedding with a small list of guests for the same cost, if not less, than a traditional wedding. So that’s pretty exciting!
National Park Wedding Planning Checklist
Choose Your National Park + Photographer
Research park locations (landscape, accessibility, rules, weather)
Book your photographer. Your photographer will help you in choosing locations, activities, building a timeline and most other things through the planning process, so it’s important that they’re one of (if not the first thing!) that you decide on for your wedding.
Decide on the vibe: elopement, micro-wedding, adventure wedding?
Set guest count (just you two? up to 10? 30+?)
Consider time of year for weather, crowd levels, and permits
Timeline & Logistics
Build a full-day or multi-day itinerary
Pick locations and activites for the day
Consider transportation needs
Rental car? 4WD? Shuttle system in the park?
Book necessary entrance passes or annual park pass ($30–$80)
Book any private spaces outside of the park if you plan on having a dinner or small gathering
Legal + Permit Requirements
Apply for a Special Use Permit with the park
Research and secure your marriage license in the correct state
Research local requirements for officiants and witnesses
Schedule a courthouse appointment if needed
Determine if you’ll need:
Officiant (or self-solemnize if allowed)
Witnesses
Hire Other Vendors
Officiant
Hair & Makeup Artist
Florist (packable bouquet, dry flowers if hiking)
Catering, picnic vendor, or private chef
Gear & Packing
Wedding attire (hike-friendly, weather-appropriate layers)
Comfortable footwear or boots
Warm layers, rain gear, sun protection
Vows and vow books
Rings
Backpack or garment bag
Blanket or ground cover for seated photos or picnic
Water, snacks, headlamps (for sunrise/sunset)
Pack out all trash—Leave No Trace
Guests (if applicable)
Confirm group size limits per your permit
Send digital invites or custom elopement announcements
Share detailed logistics (meeting point, what to wear, when to arrive)
Provide a backup plan for weather or park closures
Accommodation + Travel
Book lodging early (inside or near the park—rustic cabins, glamping, or lodges)
Book travel (flights + rental car)
If backpacking or overnighting in the backcountry, apply for wilderness permits
Final To-Dos (1–2 Weeks Before)
Confirm all permits are approved
Check park conditions & weather forecasts
Pack all gear (use checklist above)
Confirm vendors and timeline
Email guests with a final update & weather prep tips
Get marriage license (some states have a waiting period)
Wedding Day!
Stick to Leave No Trace ethics
Bring printed permits and marriage license
Be flexible—embrace weather, wildlife, and adventure!
Take time to soak it all in 💛
Celebrate with an experience that feels meaningful to you
Best Locations for a National Park Wedding
Okay, now that you have an idea of what is necessary to plan a national park wedding, here is a breakdown of the top 20 national parks I would recommend for weddings and elopements, and a look at what your national park wedding could look like in each of them!
National Park Table of Contents
Acadia National Park
Best time of year: Early to mid June for mild weather and fewer crowds than peak summer (and wildflowers!), or late September to mid-October for fall foliage!
How to get there: Fly into Bangor International Airport (1.5 hrs away) or Portland International Airport (3 hrs), then drive to Mount Desert Island, which is the home of most of Acadia National Park.
Acadia National Park Wedding Pro Tip: Book a place to stay in Bar Harbor for your Acadia National Park wedding, and you’ll be in walking distance to so many fun shops, restaurants, and coffee shops, and even a cute little ocean walking path!
Acadia National Park Wedding Permits Required: No permit required if you have 10 or less people present, and you can get married anywhere in the park! If you have 11-50 people, you’ll need to apply for a permit for certain ceremony approved locations within the park, depending on your group size.
Acadia National Park Wedding Activities:
Sunrise at Cadillac Mountain - the first place the sun rises in the United States!
Hiking the famous Beehive Trail
Picnic at Jordan Pond
Sailboat ride around the islands
Eating lobster roll and blueberry pie, of course!
Acadia National Park Wedding Locations:
Cadillac Mountain
Sand Beach
Otter Cliffs
Otter Point
Little Hunters Beach
Acadia National Park Wedding Sample Timeline:
8:45 - Getting ready at airbnb
10:45 - First look at Schooner
11:30 - Private vows along Ocean Path
12:30 - Ceremony at Otter Point
1:00 - Family photos
2:30 - Lunch at a dockside lobster shack
4:00 - Boat ride around Mount Desert Island
6:15 - Head to the Bubbles
6:45- Hike the Bubbles for sunset photos
8:12 - Sunset
Acadia National Park Wedding Examples:
Beech Mountain Sunset Hike Elopement
Arches National Park
Best time of year: March–May and September–October for mild weather and fewer crowds.
How to get there: Fly into Grand Junction (1.5 hrs) or Salt Lake City (4 hrs), then drive to Moab.
Arches National Park Wedding Permits Required: A permit is required for all wedding ceremonies in Arches National Park and can only be at designated lcoations. Apply for a permit on the NPS website.
Arches National Park Wedding Activities:
Sunrise hike to Delicate Arch
Off-roading in nearby BLM lands
Stargazing
Picnic at Devils Garden
Sunset portraits in the Windows section
Arches National Park Wedding Locations:
Delicate Arch Viewpoint
Sand Dune Arch
Park Avenue
Balanced Rock
Pine Tree Arch
Arches Park Wedding Sample Timeline:
5:00 am: Sunrise hike to Delicate Arch
7:30 am: Breakfast at the trailhead
9:00 am: Explore Windows Section + portraits
12:00 pm: Lunch in town in Moab
2:00 pm: Vow exchange at Sand Dune Arch
4:00 pm: Scenic drive through the park
6:30 pm: Sunset portraits at Park Avenue
8:00 pm: Stargazing session
Arches National Park Wedding Example:
Bryce Canyon National Park
Best time of year: May–October; September offers the best combo of warm weather and fewer crowds. Winter can be beautiful if you’re up for cold temps!
How to get there: Fly into St. George (2.5 hours), Salt Lake City (4 hrs), Las Vegas (4 hrs), then drive.
Bryce Canyon National Park Wedding Permits Required: Up to 30 people are allowed for a wedding ceremony in Bryce Canyon National Park. The only locations that ceremonies are allowed are two spots near Sunset Point, however you can take portraits around the park. You can apply for a permit through the national park website.
Bryce Canyon National Park Wedding Activities:
Hike the Queens Garden + Navajo Loop
Horseback riding among hoodoos
Watch sunset from Inspiration Point
Picnic on nearby BLM land
Stargazing
Bryce Canyon National Park Wedding Photo Locations:
Sunrise Point
Sunset Point
Bryce Point
Mossy Cave Trail
Inspiration Point
Bryce Canyon National Park Wedding Sample Timeline:
7:30 - Sunrise Portraits at Sunset Point
9:00 - Drive to BLM land
10:00 - Ceremony at BLM canyon
11:00 - Luxury picnic and live music
1:00 - Hike to Mossy Cave Trail
3:00 - Horseback riding through the hoodoos
5:00 - Dinner in town
Death Valley National Park
Best time of year: November–March; summer is dangerously hot!
How to get there: Fly into Las Vegas (2 hrs) or Los Angeles (4 hrs), then drive.
Death Valley National Park Wedding Permits Required: A special use permit is required for all weddings and ceremonies in Death Valley. You can apply for a permit on the NPS website and learn more about designated locations and size restrictions.
Death Valley National Park Wedding Activities:
Sunrise at Zabriskie Point
Picnic on the sand dunes
Walk salt flats at Badwater Basin
Scenic drive through Artist’s Palette
Stargazing
Death Valley National Park Wedding Locations:
Zabriskie Point
Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
Badwater Basin
Dante’s View
Death Valley National Park Wedding Sample Timeline:
5:30 am: Sunrise portraits at Zabriskie Point
7:30 am: Coffee + breakfast at Furnace Creek
9:00 am: Sand dune portraits
12:00 pm: Break indoors and cool down!
2:00 pm: Vow exchange at Badwater Basin
4:00 pm: Scenic drive through Artist’s Palette
5:30 pm: Sunset at Dante’s View
7:00 pm: Night portraits under stars
Denali National Park
Best time of year: June–early September; avoid spring and fall due to limited access.
How to get there: Fly into Fairbanks (2 hrs drive) or Anchorage (4 hrs), then drive or take Alaska Railroad for a fun adventure!
Denali National Park Wedding Permits Required: A special use permit is required for weddings in Denali National Park. Depending on your group size and equitpment needs, there are different applications. Gather more information and apply for your permit on the NPS website.
Denali National Park Wedding Activities:
Wildlife viewing
Helicopter glacier landing
Aerial flight tour of the peaks
Hiking Horseshoe Lake Trail
River rafting
Denali National Park Wedding Locations:
Savage River area
Polychrome Pass
Wonder Lake (requires planning)
On a glacier via helicopter or plane
Denali National Park Wedding Sample Timeline:
7:00 am: Coffee + get ready at your cabin
8:30 am: Scenic bus into park for wildlife views
12:00 pm: Lunch + vow exchange near Savage River
2:00 pm: Explore Polychrome Pass
4:00 pm: Aerial Flight Tour with Glacier Landing
6:30 pm: Private chef dinner at airbnb
Glacier National Park
Best time of year: Late June–early October; July and August are ideal for weather and accessibility of the Going to the Sun Road.
How to get there: Fly into Glacier Park International (FCA) in Kalispell, then drive 1 hr to park entrances.
Glacier National Park Wedding Permits Required: A special use permit is required for all ceremonies or vow readings within the park. There are several locations that are permitted for various group sizes. Photos can be taken throughout the park in other locations. Apply for your special use wedding permit through the national park website.
Glacier National Park Wedding Activities:
Hike to waterfalls
Kayak or SUP on Lake McDonald
Picnic at Logan Pass
White water rafting
Pick huckleberries
Glacier National Park Wedding Locations:
St. Mary Lake
Lake McDonald
Logan Pass
Avalanche Lake
Pray Lake
Glacier National Park Wedding Sample Timeline:
5:30 am: Sunrise ceremony at St. Mary Lake
7:00 am: Breakfast picnic
9:00 am: Hike Avalanche Lake Trail
12:00 pm: Picnic Lunch near the river
2:00 pm: White water rafting
4:00 pm: Clean up at the airbnb
6:00 pm: Sunset portraits at Lake McDonald
Glacier National Park Weddings:
Going to the Sun Road Elopement in Glacier National Park
Grand Teton National Park
Best time of year: Late June to early October for clear skies and full access to scenic locations
How to get there: Fly into Jackson Hole Airport (JAC), located within the park. Easy peasy! And enjoy the incredible views of the park as you land!
Grand Teton National Park Wedding Permits Required: A Special Use Permit is required for all wedding ceremonies. Site-specific permits are limited to 60 per year per location and are issued on a first-come, first-served basis. However, if you have 12 or less people, you can apply for a small dispersed wedding permit which allows you to get married anywhere in the park, as long as it’s approved. You can apply for your Grand Teton National Park wedding permit on their website.
Grand Teton National Park Wedding Pro Tip: One of the things that makes the Grand Tetons so incredible is the wildlife! However, make sure to be bear aware and carry bear spray with you throughout the park, just to be safe!
Grand Teton National Park Wedding Activities:
Wildlife viewing at dusk or dawn
Hiking to Hidden Falls
Swim in Jenny Lake
Picnic in the meadow overlooking the mountains
Aerial flight over the mountains
River rafting to spot bald eagles
Grand Teton National Park Wedding Locations:
Mormon Row (40 person max)
Schwabacher’s Landing (25 person max)
Glacier View Turnout (25 person max)
Mountain View Turnout (25 person max)
Colter Bay Swimming Area (40 person max)
Snake River Overlook (25 person max)
Grand Teton National Park Wedding Sample Timeline:
10:45 - Getting ready at airbnb
12:15 - Leave Airbnb for BLM hike
12:45 - Hike BLM land trail to ceremony location
2:00 - Ceremony
2:30 - Champagne Toast + enjoy the view
3:30 - Hike back to cars
4:30 - Leave BLM for Schwabacher Landing
5:15 - Portraits at Schwabacher Landing
6:00 - Portraits at Blacktail Ponds
6:38 - Sunset
8:00 - Private chef dinner at airbnb
Grand Teton National Park Weddings:
Best Places to Elope in the Grand Tetons
Snake River Rafting Elopement in the Grand Tetons
Fly Fishing Pre Wedding Portrait Session in the Grand Tetons
Haleakala National Park
Best time of year: April to October for drier weather; mornings offer clearer views from the summit.
How to get there: Fly into Kahului Airport (OGG) on Maui, then drive to the park entrance.
Haleakala National Park Wedding Pro Tip: Haleakala isn’t too far from the Road to Hana. While most of the Road to Hana area isn’t part of the national park, it’s has some amazing locations that can be a great addition to your Haleakala National Park wedding day!
Haleakala National Park Wedding Permit Required: A Special Use Permit is required for weddings. Ceremonies must be small, private, and conducted away from high visitor use areas. No ceremonies of more than 25 people will be approved. Ceremony approved sites include Pu’u’ula’ula, Haleakalā Visitor Center area, Pa’ka’oao, Kalahaku Overlook, Leleiwi Overlook, Kūloa Point and Kūloa Loop Trail Coastal Trail from Kūloa Point to Kīpahulu Campground. You can apply for your wedding permit on the national park website.
Haleakala National Park Wedding Activities:
Sunrise at the summit
Exploring the Sliding Sands Trail
Driving the nearby Road to Hana
Swimming or snorkeling
Hike Pipiwai Trail
Haleakala National Park Wedding Locations:
Hosmer Grove
Kalahaku Overlook
Kīpahulu Overlook
Haleakala National Park Wedding Sample Timeline:
5:30 am - Getting ready at airbnb
7:00 am - Sunrise ceremony at Waianapana Beach
8:00 - Leave Waianapanapa for Pipwai Trail
8:45 - Hike Pipiwai
1:45 - Lunch at Mama’s Fish House
3:00 - Stop at Ho’okipa Beach to see turtles
3:30 - Leave for Haleakala Summit
5:00 - Haleakala Sliding Sands Trail
6:38 - Sunset at Haleakala National Park
Haleakala National Park Wedding:
Full Day Adventure Elopement in Maui, ending at Haleakala National Park
Joshua Tree National Park
Best time of year: March to May and October to November for mild temperatures.
How to get there: Fly into Palm Springs International Airport (PSP), then drive to the park.
Joshua Tree National Park Wedding Permit Required: All wedding ceremonies within Joshua Tree National Park require a special use permit. There are permitted locations with person and vehicle limits that are available to choose from. You can apply for your Joshua Tree National Park wedding permit through the NPS website.
Joshua Tree National Park Wedding Activities:
Rock climbing
Exploring Hidden Valley
Stargazing
Visiting Cholla Cactus Garden
Hiking in the National Park
Picnic at Hidden Valley Picnic Area
Joshua Tree National Park Wedding Locations:
Cap Rock (25 people, 8 vehicle limit)
Hidden Valley Picnic Area (35 people, 8 vehicle limit)
Indian Cove Amphitheater (100 people, 1 vehicle limit)
Turkey Flats (35 people, 8 vehicle limit)
Rattlesnake Picnic Area (20 people, 8 vehicle limit)
Split Rock (15 people, 5 vehicle limit)
Quail Spring Picnic Area (15 people, 8 vehicle limit)
Porcupine Wash (12 people, 4 vehicle limit)
Queen Valley Mine Intersection (10 people, 5 vehicle limit)
Lost Horse Parking Lot (10 people, 5 vehicle limit)
Live Oak Picnic Area (5 people, 3 vehicles limit)
Joshua Tree National Park Wedding Sample Timeline:
6:00 am: Sunrise ceremony at Cap Rock
8:00 am: Breakfast picnic
10:00 am: Explore Hidden Valley
1:00 pm: Lunch break
3:00 pm: Visit Cholla Cactus Garden
5:30 pm: Sunset portraits at Keys View
7:00 pm: Stargazing session
Joshua Tree National Park Weddings:
Kenai Fjords National Park
Best time of year: June to September for accessible trails and boat tours, best in August!
How to get there: Fly into Anchorage, then drive or take the Alaska Railroad to Seward.
Kenai Fjords National Park Wedding Pro Tip: There are several cool activities to have in the Kenai Fjords (kayaking, boating, helicopters, hiking etc.) so book a two day elopement to maximize the area, but not rush yourself!
Kenai Fjords National Park Wedding Permit Required: A special use permit is required for Kenai Fjords National Park weddings. You can apply for it through the NPS website.
Kenai Fjords National Park Wedding Activities:
Wildlife watching boat tour
Hike Exit Glacier
Kayaking in Resurrection Bay
Helicopter Tour
Picnic along Resurrection Bay in Seward
Kenai Fjords National Park Wedding Locations:
Exit Glacier area
Private helicopter accessible mountain locations
Fox Island
Private boat charters
Kenai Fjords National Park Wedding Sample Timeline:
7:00 am: Coffee and breakfast in Seward
8:30 am: Helicopter tour
12:00 pm: Picnic lunch
2:00 pm: Hike Exit Glacier trails
5:00 pm: Sunset boat ride to Fox Island for ceremony
Kenai Fjords National Park Wedding:
Lake Clark National Park
Best time of year: June to September for bear viewing and accessible weather.
How to get there: Fly into Anchorage, then take a chartered bush plane to the park.
Lake Clark National Park Wedding Permit Required: A special use permit is required for Lake Clark National Park weddings. You can apply for it through the NPS website.
Lake Clark National Park Wedding Activities:
Bear viewing at Silver Salmon Creek
Hiking Tanalian Falls Trail
Kayaking on Lake Clark
Fishing on Lake Crescent
Lake Clark National Park Wedding Locations:
Silver Salmon Creek
Tanalian Falls
lakeside beaches
Lake Clark National Park Wedding Sample Timeline:
8:00 am: Depart Anchorage on a float plane
10:00 am: Bear viewing tour
1:00 pm: Lunch break
3:00 pm: Vow exchange at lakeside
5:00 pm: Kayaking or fishing on Lake Crescent
7:00 pm: Sunset portraits
Mt. Rainier National Park
Best time of year: Late July through September for the best weather and full trail access.
How to get there: Fly into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), then drive approximately 2 hours to the park.
Mt. Rainier National Park Wedding Permit Required: A Special Use Permit is required for all wedding ceremonies within Mount Rainier National Park. Applications should be submitted at least four weeks in advance. You can apply for your wedding permit through the NPS website.
Mt. Rainier National Park Wedding Activities:
Hiking to Paradise or Sunrise areas
Exploring wildflower meadows (but staying on trail!)
Visiting waterfalls like Narada Falls
Picnic in the park
Cozy up in your airbnb hot tub
Mt. Rainier National Park Wedding Locations:
Paradise Meadows
Sunrise Point
Reflection Lakes
Christine Falls Bridge
Mt. Rainier National Park Wedding Sample Timeline:
5:30 am: Sunrise portraits at Reflection Lakes
7:00 am: Back to airbnb for a slow morning
9:00 am: Hike to Myrtle Falls
12:00 pm: Lunch picnic in the park
2:00 pm: Vow exchange at Paradise Meadows
4:00 pm: Hike Skyline Trail for sunset portraits
Mt. Rainier National Park Wedding
North Cascades National Park
Best time of year: July through September for accessible trails and favorable weather.
How to get there: Fly into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), then drive approximately 2.5 hours to the park.
North Cascades National Park Wedding Pro Tip: Another popular area of the North Cascades Mountain Range is the Mt. Baker Ski Area. This is not technically National Park Land but is instead National Forest. There are incredible views and hikes to be had up here as well, and a bit more options when it comes to accommodations.
North Cascades National Park Wedding Permit Required: A special use permit is required to have a wedding ceremony in North Cascades National Park. Visit the NPS website for more information and the permit application.
North Cascades National Park Wedding Activities:
Hiking to Cascade Pass
Boating on Ross Lake
Picnic at Diablo Lake Overlook
Wildlife viewing
North Cascades National Park Wedding Locations:
Diablo Lake Overlook
Washington Pass Overlook
Thunder Knob Trail
Colonial Creek Campground
North Cascades National Park Wedding Sample Timeline:
6:00 am: Sunrise ceremony at Diablo Lake Overlook
8:00 am: Breakfast picnic
10:00 am: Hike Thunder Knob Trail
1:00 pm: Lunch break
3:00 pm: Boat ride on Ross Lake
5:30 pm: Sunset portraits at Washington Pass Overlook
North Cascades National Park Weddings:
North Cascades National Park Hiking Elopement
Olympic National Park
Best time of year: May through September for the best weather across diverse ecosystems.
How to get there: Fly into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), then drive to the park, or ferry across the puget sound and continue the drive to the park. It’s typically about 3-4 hours of travel time from Sea-Tac airport, depending on the destination within the park.
Olympic National Park Wedding Permit Required: A special use permit is required to have a wedding ceremony in Olympic National Park if you have more than 5 people present. Under 5 people, you are able to get married anywhere in the park, without a permit. Visit the NPS website for more information and to apply for your Olympic National Park wedding permit.
Olympic National Park Wedding Pro Tip: If you’re looking for the most diversity in landscapes, Olympic would be my pick for you! Olympic boats incredible mountains, seascapes, rainforests, lakes, waterfalls and more, making it an incredibly scenically diverse park.
Olympic National Park Wedding Activities:
Exploring Hoh Rain Forest
Hiking Hurricane Ridge
Picnic at Lake Crescent
Beachcombing at Rialto Beach
Tide Pooling at Ruby Beach
Soak in the Sol Duc Hot Springs
Olympic National Park Wedding Locations:
Hurricane Ridge
Hoh Rain Forest
Rialto Beach
Lake Crescent Lodge area
Olympic National Park Wedding Sample Timeline:
5:30 am: Sunrise ceremony at Hurricane Ridge
7:00 am: Breakfast picnic
9:00 am: Hike Marymere Falls
12:00 pm: Kayak Lake Crescent
3:00 pm: Hike in the Hoh Rainforest
5:00 pm: Sunset portraits at Ruby Beach
Olympic National Park Weddings:
How to Elope in Olympic National Park
Redwoods National Park
Best time of year: May through September for drier weather and accessible trails. However, there really isn’t a bad time to elope in the Redwoods.
How to get there: Fly into Arcata-Eureka Airport (ACV), then drive approximately 1 hour to the park.
Redwoods National Park Wedding Permit Required: A Special Use Permit is required for wedding ceremonies in Redwood National and State Parks. Pre-approved locations have a $100 application fee, while other locations require a $200 fee and staff review. Visit the Redwoods NPS website for more information and your national park wedding permit application.
Redwoods National Park Wedding Pro Tip: The Redwoods National Park neighbors a lot of State Parks that also have groves of Redwood trees. Depending on the area you’d like to visit, you might be better off eloping on state park land or national forest land, so make sure you pay attention to the land jurisdiction of the Redwood trails you are on.
Redwoods National Park Wedding Activities:
Walking among ancient redwoods
Visit Fern Canyon
Explore Prairie Creek
Beachcombing and tidepooling
Enjoy quiet time in your airbnb hot tub
Redwoods National Park Wedding Locations:
Crescent Beach Overlook
High Bluff Overlook
Lost Man Creek Gate
Berry Glen
Redwoods National Park Wedding Sample Timeline:
6:00 am: Sunrise ceremony at High Bluff Overlook
8:00 am: Breakfast picnic
10:00 am: Explore Fern Canyon
1:00 pm: Lunch break
3:00 pm: Walk among redwoods at Prairie Creek
5:30 pm: Sunset portraits and beach combing at Crescent Beach
Redwoods National Park Weddings:
Elopement in the Northern California Redwoods
Rocky Mountain National Park
Best time of year: June through September for full trail access and favorable weather.
How to get there: Fly into Denver International Airport (DEN), then drive approximately 1.5 hours to the park.
Rocky Mountain National Park Wedding Permit Required: A Special Use Permit is required for all wedding ceremonies in Rocky Mountain National Park. Permits are issued for designated locations with group and vehicle limits. The permit fee is $250. Visit the NPS website for more information and to apply for your permit.
Rocky Mountain National Park Wedding Activities:
Hiking to Dream Lake
Exploring Bear Lake area
Scenic drives on Trail Ridge Road
Wildlife viewing
Rocky Mountain National Park Wedding Locations:
3M Curve
Bear Lake
Sprague Lake
Lily Lake Dock
Rocky Mountain National Park Wedding Sample Timeline:
5:30 am: Sunrise ceremony at Sprague Lake
7:00 am: Breakfast picnic
9:00 am: Hike to Dream Lake
12:00 pm: Lunch break
2:00 pm: Scenic drive on Trail Ridge Road
5:00 pm: Sunset portraits at 3M Curve
Sequoia National Park
Best time of year: May to October for warm weather and full access to trails and groves. Snow can limit access in winter.
How to get there: Fly into Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) or Los Angeles (LAX), then drive 1.5–4 hours to the park.
Sequoia National Park Wedding Permit Required: A Special Use Permit is required. The application fee is $150, and group size limits apply (generally no more than 20 people). Visit the NPS website for more information and the permit application!
Sequoia National Park Wedding Pro Tip: Sequoia National Park is right next door to Kings Canyon National Park. If you’re wanting to combine two national parks into your wedding day, pair up Sequoia and Kings Canyon for double the adventure!
Sequoia National Park Wedding Activities:
Strolling among giant sequoias
Hiking Moro Rock
Exploring Crystal Cave
Stargazing at night
Sequoia National Park Wedding Locations:
Beetle Rock
Crescent Meadow
Halstead Meadow
Giant Forest
Hazelwood Nature Trail
Sequoia National Park Wedding Sample Timeline:
6:00 am: Sunrise ceremony at Beetle Rock
8:00 am: Breakfast picnic in Giant Forest
10:00 am: Hike to Moro Rock
12:00 pm: Lunch break
2:00 pm: Portraits at Crescent Meadow
5:00 pm: Sunset views from Hanging Rock
Sequoia National Park Weddings:
Shenandoah National Park
Best time of year: April–June for blooming wildflowers or late September to November for peak fall colors!
How to get there: Fly into Dulles International Airport (IAD) or Charlottesville (CHO), then drive 1–2 hours to the park.
Shenandoah National Park Wedding Permit Required: A Special Use Permit is required for weddings with 16 guests or more. With 15 or under, you can get married anywhere in the park, without a permit. For more information and to apply for your permit, visit the NPS website.
Shenandoah National Park Wedding Pro Tip: Shenandoah is a really great option if you live on the east coast and want a national park in drivable distance! Especially great for DC locals wanting a nature escape!
Shenandoah National Park Wedding Activities:
Exploring Skyline Drive overlooks
Hiking to waterfalls
Picnic on a mountain summit
Wine tasting at nearby wineries
Stargazing
Shenandoah National Park Wedding Locations:
Big Meadows
Crescent Rock
Stony Man Overlook
Pinnacles Overlook
Hawksbill Mountain
Shenandoah National Park Wedding Sample Timeline:
9:00 - Getting ready photos at Massanutten Airbnb
10:15 - First look at Airbnb
10:00 - Coffee shop visit in town
11:30 - Visit a vineyard
1:00 - Ceremony at the Point Overlook
2:00 - Hike Story of the Forest Trail
3:30 - Hike Hawksbill Mountain
5:00 - Sunset at Hawksbill
5:30 - Back to Airbnb
6:30 - Hot tub and pizza
Shenandoah National Park Weddings:
Full Day Elopement in Shenandoah National Park
Yosemite National Park
Best time of year: May–June and September–October for best weather, waterfall views, and fewer crowds. Winter in Yosemite can be incredibly beautiful but also unpredictable.
How to get there: Fly into Fresno (FAT), San Francisco (SFO), or Sacramento (SMF), then drive 2.5–4 hours to the park.
Yosemite National Park Wedding Permit Required: A $150 Special Use Permit is required for all weddings. There are 11 pre-approved ceremony sites to choose from. Visit the NPS website for the wedding permit application and more information.
Yosemite National Park Wedding Pro Tip: There are incredibly different views and experiences to be had from the valley compared to the top of Glacier Point Road. Make sure you go when Glacier Point Road is accessible and that you experience both areas during your elopement day!
Yosemite National Park Wedding Activities:
Hiking to a waterfall
Picnic in El Capitan valley
Take in sunset from Taft Point
Mariposa Grove walk
Stargazing from Tunnel View
Yosemite National Park Wedding Locations:
Glacier Point
Tunnel View
El Capitan Meadow
Bridalveil Fall
Taft Point
Yosemite National Park Wedding Sample Timeline:
5:00 am: Sunrise portraits at Glacier Point
7:00 am: Coffee + breakfast picnic
9:00 am: Waterfall hike
12:00 pm: Break/lunch
2:00 pm: Vow exchange at El Capitan Meadow
4:00 pm: Sunset hike to Taft Point
Yosemite National Park Weddings:
Best Yosemite National Park Elopement Locations
Night Sky Elopement in Yosemite National Park
Zion National Park
Best time of year: March–May and late September–early November for cooler temps and ideal hiking conditions.
How to get there: Fly into St. George (1 hour), Las Vegas (2.5 hours) or Salt Lake City (4.5 hours) and then drive into the park.
Zion National Park Wedding Permit Required: A special use permit is required for all ceremonies, and are allowed at select approved locations. The application fee is $100 and must be applied for at least 3 weeks in advance. Visit the Zion National Park website for information on your wedding permit, and to access the application.
Zion National Park Wedding Pro Tip: Stay in Springdale to have walking distance access to restaurants and shops, as well as the national park shuttle which will take you into busy area of the park!
Zion National Park Wedding Activities:
Hiking Canyon Overlook trail
Exploring the Narrows
E-biking the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive
Picnic or lunch at Zion Lodge
Canyoneering or ATV guided adventures
Stargazing
Zion National Park Wedding Locations:
Temple of Sinawava
Zion Lodge Lawn
Timber Creek Overlook
South Campground Amphitheater
Zion National Park Wedding Sample Timeline:
6:30 am: Sunrise hike and portraits at Canyon Overlook
8:00 am: Breakfast picnic in a secret slot canyon
10:00 am: Bike the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive
3:00 pm: Vows and Ceremony at Temple of Sinawava
5:00 pm: Sunset at from Kolob Canyon
Zion National Park Weddings:
Two Day Zion National Park Wedding
Next Steps to Planning Your National Park Wedding
Deep breaths! I know that was a lot of information, but hopefully you’re feeling so pumped about planning your national park wedding or elopement! I hope this brings clarity to choosing the national park for your wedding, logistical things to think about and a starting point to begin planning your national park wedding!
If you’re feeling ready to start the conversation with a photographer, I’d love to hear from you! Get in touch below and we can get the conversation started with where we go from here in planning your the national park wedding day of your wildest dreams!
