Post Summary: In this guide, I’ll be answering all of your biggest national park elopement questions, from how to get your national park elopement permit to the 25 best U.S. national parks for elopements!

By now, you’ve probablyyy noticed that I’m completely obsessed with national parks and visiting as MANY as I can in my lifetime! (And if you haven’t noticed yet, you clearly haven’t taken a peek at all the national park guides I’ve published recently on the blog) 😉 So I decided to dedicate an entire guide to solely national park elopements for all of you out there who maybe know you want to elope in a national park, but aren’t sure what the logistics will look like – or which national park to pick! 

If you’re not totally obsessed with national parks already, then I wish you the best of luck – because I guarantee you will be by the end of this 😆

Why Elope in a National Park?

I truly believe that the huge amount of breathtaking, well-preserved national parks is one of the most incredible parts of living in the U.S. These parks contain some of the most beautiful, sought-after landscapes in the country, ranging from the lush rainforests of the PNW, to the jagged mountain ranges of Colorado, to the vast canyons of the Midwestern desert. 

A few fun national park facts for ya:

• There are 424 national park sites in the country that are part of the National Park System! These sites span across more than 84 million acres, even extending into the U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.  
• These 424 national park sites cover a whole 3.4% of the U.S. – how freaking cool!
• The National Park Service (NPS) was created way all the way back in 1916, when there were only 35 national parks & monuments established at the time.
• California has the most national parks out of any state, with 9 total that range from redwood forests to desert oases!
• There are 20 states that don’t have any national parks, most of them on the east coast or in the southern part of the U.S. (including Alabama, Louisiana, New York, & Vermont).
• Here in the PNW (which I’ll consider to be Washington, Oregon, & Idaho), we have 4 incredible national parks: Mount Rainier NP, North Cascades NP, Olympic NP, and Crater Lake NP.

More and more couples have chosen to elope in recent years, with adventure elopements, specifically, becoming increasingly popular as they realize that eloping outdoors is an option! While you can absolutely have an incredible outdoor elopement in your backyard, at a local city park, or in a state park, the beauty of U.S. national parks is hard to beat – and fortunately, most of them allow couples to get married within their boundaries.

You should elope in a national park if you:

• Want to get married in private, or with just a small group of guests
• Would rather celebrate out in nature instead of at a traditional wedding venue
• Prioritize your elopement experience over items/material things
• Love being outdoors and experiencing the awe-inspiring beauty of nature
• Dream of saying your vows in front of a jaw-dropping landscape
• Want to find an epic trail that you can hike, bike, or walk on your elopement day
• Are prepared to follow the Leave No Trace principles & minimize your impact
• Want to save money on renting a traditional venue
• Are prepared to go through the permit process & follow all park regulations

If you’re still not quite sure if you want to elope in the first place, I’d encourage you to check out my new blog post, Should We Elope or Have a Big Wedding?, so you can figure that out before you continue reading this elopement guide!

National Park Elopement Basics

Let’s dive into all the most important information you need to know about eloping in a national park, because there are quite a few things you’ll need to consider that wouldn’t apply to a larger wedding at a traditional venue.

Do I need a permit to elope in a national park?

Yes, you almost always need a permit to elope in a national park. Most parks will require you to obtain a Special Use Permit, which will give you permission to hold your wedding ceremony inside the park limits. It can take a few weeks or months to receive your permit once you apply, so it’s best to start the application process as EARLY as you’re able to – especially for parks like Rocky Mountain or Yosemite, which have stricter permitting processes in place & give out a limited number of permits.

The cost of this Special Use Permit varies by park. You’ll typically have to pay a non-refundable application fee that ranges anywhere from $75-$500, and potentially an additional hourly park monitoring fee if it’s determined that your elopement will need a monitor present.

If you plan on having a photographer at your ceremony, you will most likely need a Commercial Use Permit (sometimes called a Still Photography Permit) as well, which allows them the permission to take professional photos inside the park. Sometimes your Special Use Permit might cover this without you needing to get an additional permit, but many parks do require this separate permit with a separate fee & application process. Make sure you talk to your photographer about this permit so that you’re all on the same page in terms of what’s required of you by the park!

How much does it cost to get married in a national park?

The cost varies by park, but Special Use Permits typically cost anywhere from $75-$500. In addition to permit costs, you’ll most likely also have to pay the regular park entrance fees & parking fees. Some parks include the entrance fee in your Special Use Permit, but most of the time you, your guests, & your vendors will all need to follow the regular entrance fee schedule. A few parks (such as Glacier National Park) also require a vehicle reservation, which may tack on an additional cost!

How many people can I invite to my national park elopement?

While some national parks do have sites that can accommodate larger groups, I recommend eloping in a national park with no more than 10 people. Large groups can have a devastating impact on the environment, even if you’re careful – it’s hard to avoid stepping off-trail if the trail is crowded. Be sure to read my Leave No Trace Elopement Planning Guide to learn more about why LNT is so important, and how your adventure elopement can be as environmentally-conscious as possible!

Some locations can facilitate ceremonies with more people – usually designated amphitheaters or paved parking areas – but these are often heavily-trafficked and have lots of rules & regulations that you need to follow. These spaces typically don’t have the best scenery, either, so the smaller of a group you have, the more options you’ll have for a ceremony with stunning views.

If you do want to have more than 10 guests, I recommend having your ceremony at a private venue, a designated reception/event space, or a private property such as an Airbnb or VRBO rental! Finding a spacious cabin or home near a national park is an awesome way to spend more quality time with your loved ones AND have a larger ceremony, without disturbing the well-preserved land in the national park. You can have your ceremony at your Airbnb (maybe in the front yard, the backyard, or on the front deck), head into the national park for a hike or an adventurous portrait session, and then spend the evening back at your Airbnb with your guests. 

Many national parks also have intimate wedding venues, either within park bounds or just outside, that are great for larger groups! For example, Glacier National Park has multiple beautiful lodges that you can stay at + hold your wedding ceremony at, and a few parks such as Zion and the Grand Canyon offer luxury glamping accommodations that can double as a wedding venue! The options are seriously endless, and you can create your perfect day to look however you want it to, whether your ceremony is inside a national park or somewhere nearby where you can host all your fam & friends.

What is the best time of the year to elope in a national park?

It completely depends on the location and what sort of activities you want to do! One of the first things to think about when choosing a national park for your elopement is what type of landscape you want, and that will affect what time of year you can have your elopement. For example, mountainous national parks will have a shorter season because of snow at higher elevations, whereas desert national parks might have year-round accessibility. Waterfall locations may be at their peak in the spring, when the season’s rainfall has created a heavy, cascading flow of water, but coastal locations may be beautiful and ready to explore at any time! 

When you’re choosing the time of year to elope in a national park, here’s what you should consider:

• Weather & potential extreme conditions (e.g. storms, wildfires, etc.)
• Crowds
• Travel & accommodation costs
• Lighting
• Activities
• Accessibility
• Permit costs & restrictions

What is the best time of day for eloping in a national park?

I recommend eloping in a national park at sunrise or sunset. These are typically the best times of day for beautiful lighting and the most epic views, especially if you elope on a clear, sunny day! Sunset will typically be the most crowded time of day since everyone wants to experience the gorgeous landscapes as the sun goes down, so keep that in mind when you’re choosing your elopement location. Try to find a less popular spot that may have fewer tourists around, or elope at sunrise instead!

Make sure you do your research on (or talk to your photographer about) what the lighting is like at different parts of day, at your elopement location, because that will greatly impact your photos and your ceremony. Certain parks may be absolutely stunning at sunset, but the cliffs or massive rocks might cast weird, unflattering shadows at sunrise – or vice versa!

How do I choose an elopement location within a national park?

Some national parks have pre-designated ceremony sites for you to choose from, while some just have general restrictions that you need to follow and you can have your ceremony anywhere where your group can comfortably fit. You should consider not only the scenery and landscapes that you want as a backdrop to your ceremony, but also the accessibility of the location/how difficult it is to reach. E.g. If you're inviting friends along who have mobility limitations, don’t choose a crazy hike that they won’t be able to complete with you! Or if you really want to be careful not to get super sweaty & ruin your makeup, choose a hike that doesn’t require too much uphill climbing or have a lot of steep sections.

I highly recommend hiring an expert elopement photographer who is experienced in national park elopements (like me!) to help you with customized location-scouting, so that you can find the perfect locations within the park for your unique day!

Where can I stay for my national park elopement?

Many national parks have a variety of lodges, resorts, or campgrounds within park bounds that you can stay at, or you can find somewhere outside of the park. Airbnb’s are great if you want a more private space to stay (whether by yourselves or with your guests), whereas camping within the park is a really incredible way to experience it. There’s also been a rise in the popularity of national park glamping in recent years, with companies like Under Canvas and AutoCamp offering incredible, one-of-a-kind upscale camping experiences within or just outside of national parks across the U.S.!

Can I bring my dog to my national park elopement?

It depends on the park. Some national parks such as North Cascades & White Sands allow dogs on trails, whereas some parks like Rocky Mountain & Mount Rainier don’t allow dogs on trails at all. Certain parks may allow dogs in established campsites, on specific trails, or in paved parking areas, but not on trails. Check the “Pets” section of your park’s NPS page to find out what is/isn’t allowed when it comes to your four-legged friends! 

If you are allowed to bring your dog to your national park elopement, make sure you pack doggy bags, treats, a leash, and portable bowls for food & water. Always, always clean up after your pets, and if you forget to bring bags with you, most parks will have stations where you can take some for free!

What are some common restrictions I might experience with my national park elopement?

When you elope in a national park, it’s important to be aware of the rules & restrictions that the park has in place for wedding ceremonies. Here are some common restrictions that you might find at the national park you choose:

• Guest count & vehicle count are often limited
• Ceremony sites may be limited to certain trails/areas
• Props & rentals may be limited to small, non-invasive setups, or not allowed at all
• Alcohol may not be allowed
• Dogs may not be allowed
• Open flames (e.g. candles, sparklers) are usually not allowed
• Throwing confetti/birdseed/rice is usually not allowed
• Flowers may be restricted to only non-seeded and/or native flowers

What should I bring with me to my national park elopement?

Here are a few things you won’t want to forget to pack for your national park elopement:

• Plenty of water
• Snacks
• Layers (rain jacket, coats, etc.)
• Offline maps 
• Hiking shoes
• Appropriate hiking gear
• Appropriate clothing for the weather conditions (and all potential weather conditions)
• Headlamps/lanterns
• GPS
• First Aid kit
• Bear spray (if needed)
• Bug spray
• Sunscreen
• Printed copy of your Special Use Permit (if required)

Top 25 Best U.S. National Parks for Elopements

Below is a list of the top 25 best U.S. national parks for elopements, and the most important info you need to know about each one!

1. Arches National Park

Entrance Fee: $30

Special Use Permit Fee: $185

Max Guest Count: 15-80 

Dogs Allowed on Trails? No

2. Big Bend National Park

Entrance Fee: $30

Special Use Permit Fee: $50

Max Guest Count: 30-50

Dogs Allowed on Trails? No

3. Bryce Canyon National Park

Entrance Fee: $35

Special Use Permit Fee: $100

Max Guest Count: 30

Dogs Allowed on Trails? No, except for a few specified trails

4. Canyonlands National Park

Entrance Fee: $30

Special Use Permit Fee: $185

Max Guest Count: 10-25

Dogs Allowed on Trails? No

5. Crater Lake National Park

Entrance Fee: $30

Special Use Permit Fee: $50

Max Guest Count: Varies

Dogs Allowed on Trails? No, except for a few specified trails

6. Death Valley National Park

Entrance Fee: $30

Special Use Permit Fee: $210

Max Guest Count: Varies

Dogs Allowed on Trails? No

7. Glacier National Park

Entrance Fee: $35 + vehicle reservation fee

Special Use Permit Fee: $125

Max Guest Count: Varies

Dogs Allowed on Trails? No

Don’t miss my full Glacier National Park Elopement Guide if you’re interested in eloping here!

8. Grand Canyon National Park

Entrance Fee: $35

Special Use Permit Fee: $240-$500

Max Guest Count: 30

Dogs Allowed on Trails? Yes, above the canyon rim

9. Grand Teton National Park

Entrance Fee: $35

Special Use Permit Fee: $200

Max Guest Count: 25-40

Dogs Allowed on Trails? No

10. Great Sands National Park

Entrance Fee: $25

Special Use Permit Fee: $200

Max Guest Count: 16

Dogs Allowed on Trails? Certain trails

11. Haleakalā National Park

Entrance Fee: $30

Special Use Permit Fee: $150

Max Guest Count: 25

Dogs Allowed on Trails? No

12. Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

Entrance Fee: $30

Special Use Permit Fee: $150

Max Guest Count: 15

Dogs Allowed on Trails? Certain trails

13. Joshua Tree National Park

Entrance Fee: $30

Special Use Permit Fee: Varies

Max Guest Count: 5-35

Dogs Allowed on Trails? No

14. Kenai Fjords National Park

Entrance Fee: None

Special Use Permit Fee: $100

Max Guest Count: Varies

Dogs Allowed on Trails? No

15. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Entrance Fee: $30

Special Use Permit Fee: $75

Max Guest Count: Varies

Dogs Allowed on Trails? No

16. Mount Rainier National Park

Entrance Fee: $30

Special Use Permit Fee: $60

Max Guest Count: Varies

Dogs Allowed on Trails? No

I’ve got a whole Mount Rainier Elopement Guide for you to check out, too!

17. North Cascades National Park

Entrance Fee: None

Special Use Permit Fee: $50

Max Guest Count: Varies

Dogs Allowed on Trails? No, except on the Pacific Crest Trail

Thinking of eloping in the North Cascades? Take a peek at my complete North Cascades Elopement Guide!

18. Olympic National Park

Entrance Fee: $30

Special Use Permit Fee: Varies

Max Guest Count: Varies

Dogs Allowed on Trails? Certain trails

You guessed it – I also have a full Olympic National Park Elopement Guide!

19. Redwoods National Park

Entrance Fee: None

Special Use Permit Fee: $100

Max Guest Count: Varies

Dogs Allowed on Trails? Certain trails

20. Rocky Mountain National Park

Entrance Fee: $35 + timed entry permit reservation

Special Use Permit Fee: $300

Max Guest Count: 30

Dogs Allowed on Trails? No

21. Saguaro National Park

Entrance Fee: $25

Special Use Permit Fee: $100

Max Guest Count: Varies

Dogs Allowed on Trails? Paved trails

Here’s a complete Saguaro National Park Elopement Guide for more info!

22. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park

Entrance Fee: $35

Special Use Permit Fee: $150

Max Guest Count: Varies

Dogs Allowed on Trails? No

23. White Sands National Park

Entrance Fee: $25

Special Use Permit Fee: $100

Max Guest Count: Varies

Dogs Allowed on Trails? Yes

24. Yosemite National Park

Entrance Fee: $35

Special Use Permit Fee: $150

Max Guest Count: 11 for all park locations; 50 for designated ceremony locations

Dogs Allowed on Trails? No

Check out these 20 Best Yosemite National Park Elopement Locations!

25. Zion National Park

Entrance Fee: $35

Special Use Permit Fee: $100

Max Guest Count: 100

Dogs Allowed on Trails? No

Find out more about eloping at Zion in this Zion National Park Elopement Guide!

National Park Elopement & Intimate Wedding Photographer

I hope you’ve loved this national park elopement guide and are now feeling MUCH more confident planning your big day! I’d freaking love to guide you through the process and help you pick the perfect national park for what you’re envisioning, and to scout the best spots for you ahead of time. I’m a national park elopement & intimate wedding photographer who is obsessed with telling your story in the most authentic way possible and taking you on the grandest adventure of your lives – you in?! Let’s chat!

---

PIN FOR LATER

If you found this guide super helpful, I’ve got plenty more where it came from – browse through some of my recent fave planning resources below!

Best Time of Year to Elope in the PNW

100 Unique Elopement Ideas + Activities for an Epic Celebration

Why You Need to Have Backup Plans for Your Elopement