How to Elope in A National Park (Expert Tips)

Elopements, Resources

September 20, 2023

Last updated on October 14th, 2025

Couple holding hands during their elopement in a national park.

There’s something about standing in the middle of a national park—the smell of pine, the quiet hum of the wind, the kind of peace you can actually feel—that just hits different. That’s why I absolutely love photographing national park elopements. They’re raw, intentional, and rooted in what truly matters: the two of you and the incredible landscape around you.

If you’ve been wondering how to get married in a national park, you’re in the right place. I’ve helped couples plan and document their elopements all across the U.S., and every single one feels like its own little adventure. Whether that means hiking to your ceremony spot at sunrise or exchanging vows beside a quiet lake, the experience is always unforgettable.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to elope in a national park—from permits and planning tips to some of my favorite national park elopement locations—so you can start dreaming up a day that feels perfect for you.

Table of Contents

Why Elope in a National Park?

I’m a huge advocate for national park elopements. They’re awesome options for couples wanting to escape traditional wedding venues and feel super close to nature at the same time. Here’s why so many couples fall in love with the idea of eloping in a national park:

1. Unforgettable Scenery

I still get goosebumps every time I watch a couple say their vows with mountains, lakes, or deserts behind them. National parks have some of the most incredible landscapes on the planet. And part of the fun is helping couples find the perfect spot — whether that’s a quiet forest nook, a sunrise overlook, or somewhere few people know about. Honestly, the best national parks to elope are full of these hidden gems, and I love helping couples discover them.

2. Intimate and Private

Eloping in a national park naturally keeps things small and meaningful. Most of the time, it’s just the two of you (and maybe a photographer and a few witnesses). Sure, it’s public land, so you won’t always have total privacy, but that’s also part of the charm.

3. Adventure Built-In

Adventure is part of what makes national park elopements so magical. Whether it’s a sunrise hike, a paddle across a still lake, or stargazing after your ceremony, these experiences are unforgettable, especially on these protected lands. I love seeing couples connect in these moments of shared adventure (it’s when we get some of the most genuine photos, too!).

4. Convenient Planning

While eloping in a national park requires permits and other logistics, it is still a convenient option compared to a wedding venue with hundreds of guests. With the proper guidance, you can have a relatively straightforward process that’ll get you well on your way to saying “I do” to the love of your life. As a photographer with lots of experience shooting elopements in national parks, I can offer a helping hand, from location selection to logistics management.

National park map, boots, elopement rings, camera, and bouquet.

How To Elope in A National Park

So, you’ve gone through the initial brainstorming stages of planning an elopement, and you and your partner have decided that getting married in a national park speaks to you. Firstly, congratulations! You just took a big step. So, how do you actually elope in a national park? Here’s a simple step-by-step breakdown:

1. Pick Your Photographer

Choosing your national park elopement photographer as your first step ensures you have someone to capture all the big and small moments of your special day. But that’s not all. We can also guide you through the essential stages of planning a national park elopement. 

When you book your national park elopement package with me, you don’t just get stunning photos. I’ll also help you through the permit process, help you scout out specific locations within the park for your ceremony and other elopement activities, and offer my insights on logistics, like accommodations, timing, and packing.

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2. Obtain Permits

The permit process can feel a little daunting, especially if you’ve never done this before. Permits and permissions are necessary to ensure a smooth ceremony that abides by national park regulations and requirements. Each national park may differ in what it does and doesn’t allow.

To get your permits, contact the park’s office. Let them know about your intentions to elope in the national park so they can provide essential information about the permit process, available ceremony locations, and any restrictions or scheduling conflicts. The types of permits can vary, but typically, you’ll need to get:

  • Special Use Permit: This authorizes you to have a wedding or elopement on-site.
  • Photography Permit: This gives your photographer permission to photograph or film within the park. 

Again, I have loads of experience in the world of obtaining permits. I can handle the photography permit on my end and help you get a special use permit. Keep in mind that it’s best to do this step well in advance—it can often take time to find the right person to contact, and it can take anywhere from two weeks to over a month to get approved. 

3. Choose the Best Elopement Locations

Now we get to go on a little adventure together! We’ll scope out the best places in the park to hold your ceremony and other elopement activities throughout the day. During this step, it’s essential to consider any area-specific restrictions the park sets.

Finding the best elopement locations within the national park also depends on your vision for the day. For example, consider what you want to see and experience. If you wish to elope on the top of a mountain, we can do research into the best hikes. If you want a quiet spot by a creek, we can find that too. We’ll also scout out various locations for photography shoots throughout the day.

Many national parks also have elopement venues if you’d like an intimate indoor space. These are usually lodges and cabins, and can double as your accommodations in some cases. One of the best things about these venues is that they offer the convenience of easy access to the park grounds. Here are some examples:

4. Plan Your Activities

One of my favorite parts of a national park elopement is that your day can be completely your own. Maybe you start with an early morning hike to catch the sunrise, sip coffee together at a cozy cabin, or take a drive to a hidden overlook. You could pack a picnic to enjoy by the lake or rent a canoe for the afternoon. And, as the day winds down, you can stargaze, have a fire, or just curl up under a blanket watching the sunset. The possibilities are endless!

Check out my example itinerary in my ultimate elopement guide to give you some ideas for planning your day.

Couple eloping in a national park.

Eloping in A National Park: Things to Consider

To ensure your day is everything you could ever dream of, here are some things to keep in mind when it comes to eloping in a national park:

  1. Elopements are generally small, usually 30 people or fewer. If you want to invite guests, ensure this fits the park’s guidelines. Many couples prefer to keep it small and intimate with just them, a few witnesses, an officiant, and a photographer.
  2. Always remember the principles of Leave No Trace. National parks are spaces we want to conserve and respect, so following best practices, like disposing of waste properly and being mindful of wildlife, is crucial. 
  3. If you bring any ceremony decorations to the site on your day, ensure these abide by park guidelines and have minimal environmental impact. Additionally, some parks don’t allow specific decorations, like chairs. We can discuss alternatives together if accessibility is an issue—elopements are for everyone!
  4. When establishing your budget, keep in mind that many national parks have an entrance fee. Permits may also come with a cost.
  5. When planning your national park elopement, leave lots of time for photos (like 8 to 12 hours, if possible). 
  6. Also, when building your itinerary, leave lots of time for breaks. It’s your day, and there’s no need to rush from place to place!
  7. There are usually better times in the year for eloping in national parks than others. This is where you’ll want to consider peak tourist seasons. I recommend eloping on a weekday or closer to shoulder season if you prefer a quieter setting.
  8. As mentioned above, many national parks have venues and lodging. You can also book an Airbnb or other rental property nearby—but just be mindful of the distance from your elopement location!

What to Bring When You Elope in A National Park

Your packing list depends on the time of year and activities you plan for your special day. Generally, make sure you have:

  • Identification
  • Necessary permits
  • Marriage license, vows, and rings
  • Outdoor gear
  • Snacks and water
  • Safety essentials
  • Trash bags

Read More: Elopement Packing List (Printable)

Best National Parks to Elope

Couple eloping in a National Park.

The U.S. is full of national parks that each come with its own unique experiences and landscapes. Here are some of the most popular spots that many couples consider:

Rocky Mountain National Park Elopement (Colorado)

With never-ending peaks, wildflower meadows, and scenic trails, Rocky Mountain National Park is perfect if you love mountains and adventure. Sunrise hikes here are stunning, and there are plenty of quiet spots for a small, intimate ceremony.

Glacier National Park Elopement (Montana)

Glacier National Park is all about dramatic mountains and cliffs, turquoise lakes, and (you guessed it) glaciers. It’s ideal if you like the kind of mountain vibe that is so expansive that it really makes you pause, reflect, and just take it all in.

Zion National Park Elopement (Utah)

Zion’s red rock canyons and unique desert landscape make it a favorite for couples who love warmer temperatures and the look of cliffs. There are tons of hiking options for all skill levels and secluded spots for exchanging vows.

Yellowstone National Park Elopement (Wyoming, Montana, Idaho)

Yellowstone is mostly in Wyoming, though it stretches into Montana and Idaho, which can make planning super fun. The landscape here feels wild in every sense—bubbling geysers, steaming hot springs, and wide-open valleys with bison and elk.

Joshua Tree National Park Elopement (California)

Joshua Tree is mostly a desert landscape full of giant bouldars and spiky Joshua trees. It’s especially magical at sunrise or sunset, giving your national park elopement photos a super artsy vibe.

Olympic National Park Elopement (Washington)

One of the things I love most about Olympic National Park is that it’s one of those places that surprises you with variety. You’ve got a coastline, mossy rainforests, and alpine peaks in one park, which means you can have different types of scenery at your elopement without having to travel far.

Yosemite National Park Elopement (California)

Yosemite is iconic for a reason, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find private spots for your ceremony. Between the granite cliffs, waterfalls, and giant sequoia trees, there’s no shortage of stunning views. Like all popular national parks, I recommend eloping during the off season, so that you can have a bit more intimacy with less tourists around.

Voyageurs National Park Elopement (Minnesota)

Voyageurs is a quieter, lesser-known gem in the country, and as someone from Minnesota, I can personally vouch for it. The park is full of lakes, forests, and waterways that make it feel remote and peaceful—the kind of place where you can truly focus on each other without crowds around. It’s perfect for a low-key, intimate elopement, whether you want to paddle a canoe, watch the sunrise over the water, or just soak in the calm of the northern wilderness.

Read More: Eloping in Voyageurs National Park

National Park Elopement Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! You can absolutely get married in a national park. You’ll just need a special use permit and, in some cases, a photography permit. Each park has its own regulations about ceremony size, decor, and locations, so always check with the park office before setting your date.
Eloping in a national park typically involves choosing your location, obtaining the right permits, and hiring your national park elopement photographer. From there, you can plan your timeline, activities, and accommodations to fit your ideal experience.
Yes, nearly all U.S. national parks require a permit for weddings and elopements. The type and cost of the permit vary depending on the park, ceremony size, and location.
All national parks offer their own beauty. Some of the most popular options include Yosemite, Zion, Glacier, Rocky Mountain, Olympic, Joshua Tree, and Yellowstone. I personally really love the less popular hidden gems, like Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota.
Absolutely! National parks are public lands open to everyone. As queer folks, the biggest thing we need to consider is the state the national park is located in. For example, Montana is a very conservative state, so while you'll likely be safe and comfortable within the national park, travelling outside the park should come with exercised caution.
Yes—many photographers (myself included!) offer elopement packages that include photography coverage, location scouting, and permit guidance.

Ready for Your Dream National Park Elopement?

Trust me on this one: There really is nothing like getting married in a beautiful national park. If you’re ready to take the next step in this planning journey and want someone to help capture your love, reach out to me! I can’t wait to meet you and help make your day everything you’ve ever dreamed of.

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