The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Magical National Park Elopement

A national park elopement is one of our favorite ways to see people celebrate love, surrounded by some of the most epic views in the United States. 

Exchanging vows with nature as your witness, in some of the most stunning places in the United States is a dream come true for adventurous couples.

After photographing over 75+ elopements within the National Parks we have put together this guide for you to start planning + dreaming up your own elopement day in a National Park! We hope you enjoy learning about how to elope in the National Parks in this blog, but also enjoy the beautiful imagery we have captured over the years from elopements in the parks!

Understanding National Park Elopements

Knowing where to start when planning your elopement can feel overwhelming at times. But the journey is also so rewarding. As adventure elopement photographers, we have learned how utilizing national parks for elopements allows you and your partner to enjoy a stunning wedding venue and create meaningful adventures to begin your lives together.

What is a National Park Elopement?

Eloping in national parks offers a breathtakingly beautiful backdrop for your wedding day. But what exactly is an elopement? It’s not just a quick trip to the courthouse anymore! Today, elopements are intentional, meaningful ceremonies that prioritize the couple’s connection and love over tradition and guest lists. 

They’re intimate, focusing on the couple and their commitment to each other. If you want a step up from an elopement, consider a micro wedding—slightly larger, with a few more guests, but still keeping that intimate vibe. One of our favorite spots for these adventures is Olympic National Park. Imagine saying “I do” with the stunning coast and mountains as your witness! An elopement is a day that’s all about you, your partner, and your love story, set against the grandeur of nature.

How to Elope in a National Park?

While no national park elopement guide could possibly cover every single nuance that may be important to you, these are the main things everyone should consider when they are looking to elope.

• Choose Your Perfect Location: Research different national parks to find the one that resonates with your unique story. Choose a location that is meaningful to you, or that provides the vibe you want for your elopement day.
• Check for Permits: Ensure you obtain the necessary permits for your elopement to avoid any legal hiccups. You will need a special use permit to elope in most parks. We know navigating the permit process can feel intimidating which is why this service is included in our elopement packages.
• Find the Ideal Ceremony Spot: Scout out the perfect ceremony location within the park that reflects your style and resonates with your unique love story. Oftentimes, the park will have a pre-approved list of locations to choose from where elopement ceremonies can take place. 
• Hire a Photographer: Capture every moment with a professional wedding photographer who understands the intricacies of elopements. This day is a once-in-a-lifetime moment, so make sure you have those moments covered.
• Consider Logistics: Plan for any travel arrangements, accommodations, and backup options in case of unexpected weather.

Capture your love story in breathtaking locations. Make sure those memories are saved for a lifetime.

Hire a professional photographer for your national park elopement.

Should I Have an Elopement or Wedding?

Elopements offer a sense of freedom and intimacy that can be challenging to achieve in a traditional wedding setting. Opting for an elopement in a national park allows you to focus solely on your love story, without the pressures and expectations that often accompany large ceremonies. Couples often report how much easier and freeing having a national park elopement is over a wedding. A wedding, on the other hand, incorporates more friends and family while utilizing more traditional venues, typically outside the park boundaries, and more traditional rituals.

Weddings and elopements are both meaningful commitments and there’s no one size fits all. However, eloping allows you an opportunity to prioritize what truly matters – your connection and commitment to each other. 

Need more help deciding between a wedding and an elopement? Read our guide on Elopement vs Wedding: Key Differences & Deciding What Fits You

Essential Permits and Regulations: Do I Need a Permit to Elope in a National Park?

Yes, you typically will need a special permit to elope inside a national park. Permits are essential to protect the park’s natural beauty and wildlife while managing the impact of ceremonies on the environment. By obtaining a permit, you contribute to the preservation of these iconic landscapes for future generations to enjoy while also ensuring your marriage is legally sound. 

While many couples may try to elope without a permit, this is not something we advise and often times ends up costing much more in the long run due to potential fines and the environmental impact on the parks themselves.

Wedding Permit Requirements & Restrictions When You Get Married in a National Park

When applying for a wedding permit through the National Park Service, you will need to provide details such as the date, location, number of guests, and any additional services you plan to include. Some parks have restrictions on the use of certain areas or items as well as sometimes limiting the number of attendees to minimize disruptions to the ecosystem.

The application process for a special use permit may vary depending on the park, so it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the specific guidelines for your chosen location. Permit fees can also vary from park to park and typically range from $50 to $300.

By understanding and adhering to these permit requirements and restrictions, you can ensure that your big day is not only memorable but also respectful of the natural surroundings and wildlife that call these parks home.

With Adventure & Vow, not only do you get a specialized adventure photography team. Our elopement packages also include FREE in-house officiating services to take one more thing off your plate.

Choosing the Perfect National Park for Your Elopement

With over 60 national parks to choose from in the United States, each offering its own unique blend of paradise, you’ll have plenty of options for your elopement. 

15 of the Best National Parks to Elope

Yosemite National Park

The best part about a Yosemite elopement is being surrounded by the stunning environment: iconic granite cliffs, waterfalls, and ancient sequoia trees, You can choose from specific ceremony locations including iconic places like Glacier Point and Merced Grove. Portraits can be taken anywhere within the park. Some of our own as well as our couples favorite photos come from here, particularly in the meadows with any of the falls in the background. We have found that this park is also pretty family-friendly for its permitted ceremony locations! 

• Address: Yosemite National Park, California
• Website: nps.gov/yose 
• Best time to visit: Early May to late October.
• Closest airports: Fresno Yosemite International Airport (1.5-hour drive), Oakland International Airport (3.5-hour drive), and San Francisco International Airport (4-hour drive).
• Our favorite trail to recommend: Four Mile Trail (Specifically when the road is closed to Glacier Point for a unique experience having the iconic vistas to yourself.)

Olympic National Park

One of the top places to elope in Washington state, this park boasts diverse ecosystems ranging from rainforests to rugged coastlines. There are over a million acres to explore in this park giving countless options for your outdoor elopement. Some of our favorite locations for a wedding ceremony include Ruby Beach, Hurricane Ridge, HOH Rainforest, and Lake Crescent. Currently, a permit is only needed here if your elopement party exceeds 5 people!

• Address: Olympic National Park, Washington.
• Website: nps.gov/olym 
• Best time to visit: June through Early October
• Closest airports: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (2.5-hour drive), Portland International Airport (4-hour drive), and Victoria International Airport (2-hour drive + ferry).
• One of our favorite trails to recommend: Mount Storm King

Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier is a staple to Washington State. It is a sight to see sitting at around 14,000ft. We even eloped here on the Wonderland Trail, a trail that goes around the entire mountain! To us, this is one of the best mountain National Park locations for a just-you-two elopement! For this park, we typically recommend considering eloping just you two to get access to the most beautiful parts of the park for your ceremony.

• Address: 46°51′N 121°45′W / 46.850°N 121.750°W
• Website: https://www.nps.gov/mora/index.htm
• Best time to Visit: Summer (late June – early October)
• Closest Airports: SEA TAC (1 hour and 40 minute drive)
• One of our favorite trails to recommend: The Wonderland Trail (we got married here!)

North Cascades National Park

The Cascade mountain range that runs through Oregon and Washington ends here! This area is known for its jagged peaks, alpine lakes and mountain goats. The hikes are long and will transport you into valleys of peaks. This park is one of the least visited, likely due to its remoteness.

• Address: 810 State Route 20. Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284
• Website: https://www.nps.gov/noca/
• Best time to visit: Fall (September + early October)
• Closest airports: SEA TAC (2 hours and 15 minutes)
• One of our favorite trails to recommend: Sahale Arm

I also want to add here, that a lot of people mistake Mt Baker National Forest with elopement locations for the North Cascades.

Glacier National Park

Situated in Montana, this park showcases snowy mountain peaks, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife. From the iconic vistas of Going-to-the-Sun Road to the serene beauty of Lake McDonald, there’s no shortage of breathtaking backdrops for your special day. With its rugged beauty and pristine wilderness, Glacier National Park is one of the most incredible destinations for adventurous couples looking to tie the knot.

• Address: Glacier National Park, Montana.
• Website: nps.gov/glac 
• Best time to visit: Summer (late June to early September)
• Closest airports: Glacier Park International Airport (30-minute drive), Great Falls International Airport (3-hour drive), and Missoula International Airport (2.5-hour drive).
• Our favorite hike to recommend: Avalanche Lake

Kenai Fjords National Park

Just one of the many stunning National Parks in the Last Frontier. All of the National Parks would make incredible locations for an elopement, however many of them are very hard to access without a helicopter, float plane or private plane. It is also important to consider the weather conditions within the parks in Alaska. However, this park is stunning and accessible!!! Here you can you visit the glaciers by hiking or heli-tours, view the park by water on boats and share part of your experience with guests at unique Airbnbs that offer stays for elopements.

• Address: Seward, AK 99664
• Website: https://www.nps.gov/kefj/
• Best time to Visit: Summer + Fall (July – late September)
• Closest Airports: Anchorage International Airport (2 hours and 25 minutes drive)
• Our Favorite trail to recommend: Harding Glacier

Joshua Tree National Park

With its otherworldly landscapes and distinctive Joshua trees, this desert park is a favorite of many couples. Locations like Joshua Tree are ideal for an easily accessible ceremony, with many of the designated ceremony sites being a short distance from the parking area. This park is super accessible and guest friendly when it comes to permitted ceremony locations!

• Address: Joshua Tree National Park, California
• Website: nps.gov/jotr 
• Best time to visit: late February, March, early April, late September, October, and early November
• Closest airports: Palm Springs International Airport (1-hour drive), Ontario International Airport (2-hour drive), and Los Angeles International Airport (2.5-hour drive).
• Our favorite trail to recommend: Arch Rock Trail

Zion National Park

Towering red cliffs, slot canyons, and the Virgin River are just a few of the reasons we love this Utah park! Zion has a list of six pre-approved locations to exchange your vows and does require keeping your guest count under 100. Whether exploring Zion Canyon or Kolob Canyon, Zion is an incredible place for an adventure wedding.

• Address: Zion National Park, Utah.
• Website: nps.gov/zion 
• Best time to visit: Spring or Fall.
• Closest airports: St. George Regional Airport (1-hour drive), Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (2.5-hour drive), and Salt Lake City International Airport (4-hour drive).
• Our Favorite trail to recommend: Angel’s Landing (permit needed)

Death Valley National Park

Despite its name, a Death Valley elopement offers a dramatic and otherworldly desert landscape with salt flats, sand dunes, and colorful canyons. For a truly memorable experience, consider eloping at Zabriskie Point, where you can exchange vows against a backdrop of golden badlands and rugged mountains. Here you can even reserve your own private section of the park to hold your ceremony!

• Address: Death Valley National Park, California.
• Website: nps.gov/deva 
• Best time to visit: Winter or Early Spring.
• Closest airports: Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (2-hour drive), Ontario International Airport (3.5-hour drive), and Los Angeles International Airport (4-hour drive).
• Our favorite trail to recommend: Artist Palette

Breathtaking images that you can cherish forever. Don’t miss your moment. 

Arches National Park

Located near Moab, Utah, Arches National Park is renowned for its stunning natural arches and rock formations. Imagine saying “I do” framed by the iconic Delicate Arch, or exchanging vows while gazing into each other’s eyes surrounded by the towering sandstone fins of the Fiery Furnace. For a more rugged setting, consider eloping at the secluded Double Arch or the Landscape Arch. Whichever location may be right for you in the park, you’re sure to have a truly unforgettable day with a truly unforgettable backdrop.

• Address: Arches National Park, Utah
• Website: nps.gov/arch 
• Best time to visit: November – February
• Closest airports: Grand Junction Regional Airport (1.5-hour drive), Salt Lake City International Airport (4-hour drive), and Denver International Airport (5-hour drive)
• One of our favorite trails to recommend: Firey Furnace (permit needed)

Canyonlands National Park

Utah is home of the Big 5 National Parks and this one has to be the most vast! Canyonlands is a magical place to spend sunrise and sunset on the massive cliffs. This National Park is very accessible when it comes to views or ceremony locations with family. There are also some off road routes in the park that will steal your heart.

• Address: 38°10′01″N 109°45′35″W / 38.16691°N 109.75966°W
• Website: https://www.nps.gov/cany/
• Best time to visit: Spring + Fall (Fall being less windy than Spring)
• Closest airports: Grand Junction Regional Airport (1.5-hour drive), Salt Lake City International Airport (4-hour drive), and Denver International Airport (5-hour drive)
• One of our favorite trails to recommend: Mesa Arch (go at sunrise!)

Rocky Mountain National Park

Offering some of the most iconic mountain ranges, alpine lakes, and quiet meadows, this Colorado park is one of the top elopement locations in the United States. The park offers a wide range of options for your national park wedding or elopement.

• Address: Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado.
• Website: nps.gov/romo 
• Best time to visit: Summer or Fall.
• Closest airports: Denver International Airport (2-hour drive), Colorado Springs Airport (2.5-hour drive), and Cheyenne Regional Airport (2.5-hour drive).
• Our favorite trial to recommend: Chasm Lake Trail

Grand Canyon National Park

Offering incredible views, Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona is a stunning location for your elopement. Carved by the mighty Colorado River, the Grand Canyon is a testament to the power of nature and a truly magical setting for your special day.

• Address: Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
• Website: nps.gov/grca 
• Best time to visit: Spring or Fall
• Closest airports: Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (1.5-hour drive), Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (3.5-hour drive), and Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (4.5-hour drive)
• Our favorite trail to recommend: Bright Angel (make it a backpacking trip for the best time)

Grand Tetons National Park

This beautiful mountain landscape is just outside of Jackson Hole, WY, which is a perfect town to celebrate getting married at! The park itself is pack with wildlife like grizzly bears and moose! There are many trails to get lost on and connect with the wilderness.

• Address: Moose, WY 83012
• Website: https://www.nps.gov/grte/
• Best time to visit: mid June to early October
• Closest Airports: Jackson Hole Airport is actually in the park, but more expensive because it is small. Otherwise, we recommend flying into Salt Lake City and driving up from there.
• Our favorite trail to recommend: Cascade Canyon Trail

Redwood National and State Parks

Immerse yourselves in ancient redwoods and stunning coastlines for a serene elopement experience among the world’s tallest trees. Picture exchanging vows in the Cathedral of the Redwoods or amidst the lush ferns of Fern Canyon. For an intimate ceremony, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park offers serene walks among towering redwoods. These parks provide a unique and unforgettable backdrop for your special day.

• Address: Redwood National and State Parks, California.
• Website: nps.gov/redw 
• Best time to visit: Summer or Fall.
• Closest airports: Arcata-Eureka Airport (1-hour drive), Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport (4-hour drive), and San Francisco International Airport (5-hour drive).
• Our favorite trail to recommend: Trillium Falls Trail

Your elopement deserves beautiful photos. Limited dates are available.

Factors to Consider When Selecting a National Park for Your Elopement

When choosing a park for your elopement, consider factors such as:

• Travel: Accessibility, accommodation options, and transportation within the park.
• Availability of Elopement Venues: Check if the park has designated elopement spots or if you can choose your own location. Applying sooner rather than later is encouraged to make sure your preferred site is available and reserved.
• Permit Requirements: Research any necessary permits for ceremonies or photography sessions.

Overall Vibe of the Park: Consider the ambiance, scenery, and desired mood for your elopement and how it aligns with you.

Planning your National Park Elopement

It can be difficult to know where to start in planning your elopement. In addition to the tips mentioned previously, there are a few other factors to consider when planning.

How Much Does Eloping at a National Park Cost?

Eloping typically costs much less than a traditional wedding. The estimated cost for an elopement in a park can vary depending on factors such as location, guest count, amenities, and any additional services you may require. On average, couples spend between $8,000 to $20,000+ for a national park elopement.

Ensuring you have a clear budget in mind and understanding the fees associated with the specific park you choose will help you plan effectively and avoid any financial surprises along the way. Within your budget for a National Park elopement you should consider:

• Fee for entering the park
• Fee for your Special Use Permit
• Attire
• Stay
• Flight
• Rental Car
• Photographer
• Videographer
• Officiant (included in our services)
• Any other vendor you may need specific to your elopement
• Food

Creating an Elopement Timeline

Crafting a well-thought-out elopement timeline is essential to ensure your day runs smoothly and stress-free. Do not worry, we are here to build your timeline for you based on our expertise in photography and the knowledge for typical time needed for couples to share whatever activity they have decided on for their day.

Special use permits typically will also require specific details on the time frame you need your specified ceremony site reserved. Here’s a breakdown of key tasks to consider when creating your elopement timeline:

1. Choosing a Date: Select a date that holds significance for you both and aligns with your preferred season, crowd conditions, and weather conditions at the park. It’s important to also factor that many popular dates also tend to fill up quickly, so be sure to plan ahead to lock in your preferred date.
2. Ceremony Planning: After you’ve chosen your date, it’s time to decide on the ceremony location within the park. Take into account accessibility, nearby activities and accommodations, privacy, and the backdrop you desire for your vows. 
3. Photography Sessions: Coordinate photography sessions with a professional photographer to capture the special moments of your elopement day at various scenic spots around the park. Usually, portraits can be taken in most places throughout the park truly letting your adventurous spirit out. 
4. Post-Elopement Celebrations & Special Activities: Many couples choose to have an adventure elopement. This can include things like multi-day backpacking trips or spending the day kayaking before arriving at a magnificent waterfall where you exchange vows. Whether as a part of your elopement, or a post-elopement celebration, we always encourage couples to take advantage of the setting by utilizing the activities available in the park, or nearby. 

By establishing a detailed elopement timeline, you can ensure that every aspect of your special day is thoughtfully arranged, allowing you to focus on each other and the beauty of your surroundings. We highly recommend not applying for your Special Use Permit until you have a clear timeline and plan for your day.

Focus on your connection, we will take care of capturing the beautiful memories.

Vendors For Your National Park Wedding

You’ll need a few vendors even in the most basic of elopements. 

National Park Elopement Photographer

Your national park elopement photographer is not just someone who captures images; they are the storytellers of your special day. With your favorite park as your backdrop, a skilled photographer can immortalize your love and adventure in a way that resonates with your unique story. Look for a photographer who shares your passion for nature and adventure, one who can effortlessly blend into the surroundings to capture candid moments authentically. 

Remember, your elopement photos will be cherished for a lifetime, so investing in a the right photographer for you is investing in memories that will last forever. Let’s lock in those memories.

Officiant

Whether you opt for a traditional or customized ceremony, your officiant will be the voice that seals your commitment and love in the heart of the park. Our elopement packages can also make this a breeze with Bill being an officiant. Choosing an officiant who understands your vision and values is essential as they will set the tone for your ceremony.

Other Wedding Vendors to Consider

Apart from a photographer and officiant, other vendors can enhance your elopement experience and cater to your unique needs and preferences:

• Florist: a talented florist can create bouquets and floral arrangements that complement the park’s surroundings.
• Videographer: Relive your elopement through a film, preserving not just moments but emotions that can be revisited for years to come (depending on local restrictions, this is also something that can be included in your elopement photography package at Adventure & Vow)
• Stylist: a stylist who can curate the perfect look for you and your partner, reduces the number of decisions you have to make. 
• Caterer: Enjoy a romantic picnic or intimate dinner in the heart of the park from a caterer who specializes in creating delicious and personalized menus for elopement celebrations. 

Each vendor you choose should align with your vision of your national park elopement. Remember, it’s the combination of these vendors’ talents and services that will make your elopement unforgettable.

Final Tips for Ensuring a Memorable Wedding Day Experience

Planning a National Park elopement is a unique and unforgettable experience. To make sure your special day is everything you envision, it’s important to remember a these important principles.

Leave No Trace Principles

When eloping in a National Park, it’s crucial to adhere to Leave No Trace principles. Respect nature by minimizing your environmental impact. Avoid disturbing wildlife, stay on designated paths, and pack out all trash. By following these principles, you contribute to preserving the beauty of these natural spaces for yourself and for future generations.

The Leave No Trace Principles are as follows:

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
4. Leave What You Find
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
6. Respect Wildlife
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

Bonus Leave No Trace Principle: Do not geo-tag locations on social media platforms. This leads to devastation in areas that can not handle the amount of foot traffic sometimes caused by places going viral.

What are the Disadvantages of Eloping in a National Park?

You might be thinking, how can there be a disadvantage to eloping in a National Park? However, there are a few, depending on who you are, and what you are looking for experience-wise. Here are a few of our thoughts on some down falls to choosing a National Park over other land areas for your elopement:

• No pets allowed. Some National parks do not allow dogs at all, while others have designated trails. If you want to include your dog heavily within your elopement day this could be something to consider. If you just want your pup there for getting ready and a few portraits at the stay, then a National Park Elopement still may be a green light!
• If you plan to have guests picking the right National Park for your elopement will be a huge point when planning your day, or it could mean not picking a National Park. The NPS has more strict rules on ceremony locations and guest count than most other land management. Typically for a National Park elopement, we recommend eloping just you two or in some parks, we recommend no more than 8-12.
• National Parks are busy!!! We typically recommend to our couples eloping in National Parks to plan their elopement around the shoulder or off-season. If we are going in during the season, you want to plan ahead and/or pick a time that is less likely to be busy, like sunrise.
• No drones! This only matters if drone footage is really important to you in photo or video.

Do not let these things discourage you from planning to elope in a national park, these are just things to be aware of. We are here to help you navigate these potential downfalls as needed.

If you have any interest in helping protect your right to elope in National Parks and photographers’ rights to capture elopements in National Parks we highly recommend checking out Public Land Creatives and making a donation to the work they are doing to protect public rights on Public land.

Where can you elope other than a National Park?

Other than National Park land you can elope on:

• BLM land
• Forest Service Land
• State Parks
• DNR

Public land in general is what you are looking for! Where you can elope specifically depends on rules that land management has around elopements. It can be confusing, but that is also why we are here to stay on top of the laws/rules and know what locations make for great elopements! When you are planning your elopement, please know you do not have to know exactly where you want to elope when reaching out, that will come as we chat about the experience you wish to have for your elopement day!

If you are looking for an elopement location beyond the National Parks, definitely check out our Best Places to elope page. While National Parks are on the list, it goes a lot deeper than that and includes abroad elopement locations.

Your National Park Elopement Photographers!

Ready to have the elopement of a lifetime? 

Hi there! We are Traci + Bill a husband and wife elopement photography team! We eloped in Mount Rainier National Park on a backpacking trip, it was the best choice we’ve ever made together to elope just us two out in the backcountry.

We are here to help support you in bringing your elopement day vision to life! As you photographer, officiant, videographer and logistic wrangler. We look forward to connect with you both!

Get in touch!

See elopement day stories from the National Parks!

Two Day Southwest Elopement

Yosemite Wedding

Moab Elopement Day Story

Mount Rainier Sunrise Adventure + Sunset Ceremony with family

Full Day Olympic National Park Elopement

Joshua Tree Super Moon Elopement