Getting Married in a National Park

December 29, 2021

Being a proud outdoor person, I LOVE the outdoors. Especially visiting such epic places like our many National Parks! You just can’t beat how beautiful they are. So, if you want to get married in one of these spectacular places, here are some tips you are going to love (and need) for a National Park Wedding!

Just like with any wedding venue, there are some things to consider that can effect your wedding planning! Let’s go over specifically the national or state parks or on BLM lands. So make sure to take some time to do your research and look into the items below for the specific outdoor place you are thinking of getting married in! After all, we don’t want any surprises on your wedding day! So to best avoid the potential surprises there are 5 things I like to remind my couples.

Also, if you don’t love the idea of how crowded the parks can be, check out my other blog post called “when to get married in a national park“.

So, here are some helpful planning tips if you are eloping in a National Park:

1. Time of Year.

This one is important for many reasons but specific to National Parks it might be a dictating factor.

How come?

Well because many National Parks close some of their roads to public travel after certain dates. So make sure to do research on your specific time of year at the park you have your heart set on.

Typically they close in mid to late fall and open back up late spring but the exact dates depend on the park itself! (You can check those out by clicking here!)

2. Number of People at your Ceremony.

Some parks also have restrictions on the number of people attending at certain ceremony locations. If having people at your elopement is very important to you, this one is high on the planning priority list!

Make sure the number of people you have on your list is permitted in the ceremony location or you might have to pivot. Either in the list of people coming to your elopement or the location itself!

If you have a large group of guests your location choices will need more planing! And that’s ok! Utilize your vendor team! After all, we do this all the time.

3. Permits.

Most national, state and BLM lands require a permit for weddings or photography (or both!). If you apply for the permit and its approved the permit will include terms and conditions.

These are in place to protect park resources while allowing you to enjoy the park (without interfering with other park visitors.)

So be sure to check into permits early! This can be a limiting factor depending on what you need.

4. Off the Beaten Trail.

If your schedule permits, visit the iconic spots at off hours. Not only will you be able to enjoy the park at a better time but there will be less people around! It allows you to enjoy the beauty of the park in serenity.

One of the best things you can do is find a knowledgeable photographer or planner who will find less traveled trails for your wedding ceremony and photos.

5. Leave No Trace.

I can’t stress just how important it is to follow the park’s “Leave No Trace Principles” for protecting the wildlife. There are seven principles to stick to that will help you make sure you are doing your part to protect the parks.

Every park has a unique ecosystem! So review their specific guidelines beforehand. And if you are unsure make sure to ask for some help from your vendor team!