ARTICLE OVERVIEW: National Park Weddings
With more than 325 million visits in 2023, we know people fall in love with national parks. Yet, what about when you fall in love AT a national park or want to have your wedding or elopement ceremony at one? You’ll be happy to know all national parks in the USA allow weddings, some more openly than others.
Glacier National Park weddings offer more than two dozen sites, while the most visited national park, Great Smoky Mountains, hosts hundreds of happy couples each year. Say “I Do” under the beauty of Bridalveil Falls in Yosemite, or head for Hawaii, where the sunrise at Haleakala can be the backdrop for your vows.
I’ve touched base with all 63 parks to find the most updated information for a national park wedding or elopement in 2024 and beyond. What you’ll find next is an overview and contact information for each park, plus epic planning tips to help your application for a permit stand out.
TABLE OF CONTENTS: National Park Weddings
Table of contents: National Park Weddings
- Things to Know About National Park Weddings
- What’s the Secret to an EPIC Wedding at a National Park?
- Wedding and Elopement Details for Every National Park
- Acadia National Park
- Arches National Park
- Badlands National Park
- Big Bend National Park
- Biscayne National Park
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
- Bryce Canyon National Park
- Canyonlands National Park
- Capitol Reef National Park
- Carlsbad Caverns National Park
- Channel Islands National Park
- Congaree National Park
- Crater Lake National Park
- Cuyahoga Valley National Park
- Death Valley National Park
- Denali National Park
- Dry Tortugas National Park
- Everglades National Park
- Gates of the Arctic National Park
- Gateway Arch National Park
- Glacier National Park
- Glacier Bay National Park
- Grand Canyon National Park
- Grand Teton National Park
- Great Basin National Park
- Great Sand Dunes National Park
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Guadalupe Mountains National Park
- Haleakala National Park
- Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
- Hot Springs National Park
- Indiana Dunes National Park
- Isle Royale National Park
- Joshua Tree National Park
- Katmai National Park
- Kenai Fjords National Park
- Kings Canyon National Park
- Kobuk Valley National Park
- Lake Clark National Park
- Lassen Volcanic National Park
- Mammoth Cave National Park
- Mesa Verde National Park
- Mount Rainier National Park
- National Park of American Samoa
- New River Gorge National Park
- North Cascades National Park
- Olympic National Park
- Petrified Forest National Park
- Pinnacles National Park
- Redwood National Park
- Rocky Mountain National Park
- Saguaro National Park
- Shenandoah National Park
- Theodore Roosevelt National Park
- Virgin Islands National Park
- Voyageurs National Park
- White Sands National Park
- Wind Cave National Park
- Wrangell St. Elias National Park
- Yellowstone National Park
- Yosemite National Park
- Zion National Park
- Final Thoughts on National Park Weddings
- Our Top 20 BEST National Park Wedding Choices
- Helpful Related Links
Things to Know About National Park Weddings
Even simple weddings come with complex considerations sometimes. I hope this checklist of questions and clarifications helps take a little bit of stress off planning a national park wedding.
Keep It Short, Sweet & Simple
National parks suit the wants and needs of the general public while preserving natural and cultural resources. That means national park wedding requirements limit many of the traditional items in weddings. Plus, you’ll get married in the middle of whatever crowds show up that day.
Time limits for ceremonies will be anywhere from 30 minutes to three hours, and most locations prohibit receptions. That said, I do encourage you to look through this list to see where you can have a simple reception.
If you’re looking for a bigger wedding after reading this list, national park wedding venues and wedding planners are numerous around each park – even Gates of the Arctic, the least visited national park.
Leave No Trace
Even on your big day, the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace reign. In fact, the rules go a bit further into what I like to call “Bring No Mess.” All parks won’t allow things like rice, balloons, decorations, arches, and amplified music. Even the type of flower you can carry or wear falls under the restrictions.
If your comfort level covers just you and your partner showing up with the appropriate-sized wedding party (location specific), a national park wedding is right for you.
Entrance Fees & Venue Fees
I remember just one park offering free entrance to the couple getting married, but by and large, you’ll pay an entrance fee (where applicable), as will every member of your wedding party.
The Special Use Permit fee covers most park locations, but for those using a pavilion, amphitheater, campground, or other reserved location, additional fees could be added on top of the SUP fee.
Plan a Visit
The form to fill out requires a lot of specifics, down to drawings of the area you plan to stand and where your guests will stand or sit. Most forms give you the option of a preferred date and three backup dates. The same goes for the location and time.
Visit these spots ahead of time during the time of day you want the ceremony to happen (though it’s not required) so you know exactly what to expect. Consider the sun angle, weather challenges (is it near an area that floods easily?), and expected park crowds. In most cases, you will not have privacy or a reserved spot at the location.
Fill Out the Form Entirely
You need to know a lot of information for this form, and only one of the people getting married can send in the form – no photographers or wedding planners.
Most forms give you the option of a preferred date and three backup dates. The same goes for the location and time. Plus, you need to figure out how many vehicles you’ll want to request for access, which could mean setting up a shuttle service or planning pickups, drops offs, or carpooling.
The goal is to explain in as much detail as possible how your ceremony won’t impact the other visitors at the park or cause any disturbances to the habitat or landscape. Also, check if your wedding photographer and officiant are considered part of the party size or separate. This can vary by park.
What About a Wedding License?
These rules will vary by state, and some parks require a wedding license before you enter the day of the wedding, while others won’t require it. Add that to the list of things to ask the preferred park when you contact them. Also, keep in mind some states require a waiting period for a license and additional documentation to supplement the request.
Do You Need Insurance?
Depending on the size and location of your wedding, a national park wedding could require you to get commercial liability insurance. This helps protect the park and the government from any accidents, injuries, or damage done during the wedding that might otherwise lead to lawsuits.
Parks that require this insurance need a policy that is up to $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate.
Do You Need a Park Monitor?
If a wedding ceremony appears to be elaborate or large, the park in question could determine whether an employee must monitor the event. The park monitors come at an hourly cost, usually between $35 and $50 an hour. They are not there to assist with the wedding but to ensure the event does not impact the natural and cultural resources.
Does Your Photographer Need a Permit?
Professional photography generally requires a special use permit of its own, but not all parks have the same rules on that aspect. You should ask the park about that when inquiring about your own special use permit. We’ve heard from several happy brides who told us the photographer helped immensely.
Do You Even Need a Permit?
Some national park wedding requirements only include the special use permit if the wedding group is larger than a certain number of people. This is one reason it’s wise to call the park before filling out anything. If you are eloping, you might get to skip the permit process altogether.
What’s the Secret to an EPIC Wedding at a National Park?
We talked with several couples who chose national park weddings for their vows, and not a single one had a regret. We did collect some great advice for brides and grooms to be.
Local Knowledge
The more we listened, the more a common theme came through – the photographer is everything. (For some of you considering a national park wedding, that might be your wedding planner instead of the photographer.)
For Allison and Tom Stafford, Patrick Pike was their national park wedding expert. Even though the adventurous couple lived in Florida, they chose Yosemite National Park for their views. Once they contacted Pike at Patrick Pike Studios, everything clicked.
“Patrick alleviated what could have been a source of stress. His knowledge of the park, the permitting process, and local vendors saved me a huge amount of time, plus I trusted him. He had first hand knowledge that I could not have gotten from online searches alone.”
Allison stafford, married at Yosemite National park
Pike also had a backup plan for every concern. “If we could not get a permit, then he knew of beautiful places outside of the park; if it rained, he had a plan for that as well. In the end, everything worked out beautifully,” Stafford added. “We had the ceremony in a meadow, then drove to Taft point and hiked (in our wedding clothes) out to the peak for our first dance at sunset. We hiked backed in the dark (again, all Patrick’s magic and planning) and it was breathtakingly beautiful and magical.”
All About You
Another common thread from the brides was letting go of traditional expectations, trying to make everyone happy, and focusing on what they wanted as a couple.
Allison Stafford told us, “A traditional wedding would have created a challenge to have friends and family coming from far away. I just did not want to deal with the stress – I wanted our wedding to be a moment in time between us, without any stress about seating charts or anything like that. It was so intimate, and all of our focus was on each other, and the significance of the day.”
Six weeks later, the Staffords celebrated with family and friends in Florida and played the ceremony video for everyone.
Bayley Lynch got engaged at Arches National Park and eloped in Grand Teton National Park two years later. “It was so fun to have beach goers cheering us on and crying with us,” Lynch wrote.
Plan Around the Crowds
The final theme we picked up on when talking with brides was choosing dates and times that worked for their ceremony dreams but also would be more likely to get approved by the National Park Service permit coordinators.
Stafford explains her September 19, 2019, wedding date in Yosemite, “We wanted to be married in the fall, and we had to guess the earliest some of the park roads could potentially be closed for the season. I wanted to be married on a weekday for fewer crowds in the park. We knew we wanted the sunset dance at Taft Point, so we figured out the sunset time and worked backward from that. The ceremony was at 4:00.”
Lynch was also thinking of crowds and access points for her Grand Teton wedding. “We picked to elope on a Monday and there were more openings that day of the week than others! We eloped on a beach in a 30 minute time slot.”
Leoni Baier had a secret elopement in Glacier National Park, and she said, “Because we went in early October, it was very easy!”
Wedding and Elopement Details for Every National Park
Acadia National Park
- Wedding Allowed?: Yes
- Cost: $75 for a permit of more than 10 people
- Size Limit: Varies by location but averages 20-50
Acadia National Park allows weddings year-round, with 11 specific locations for wedding ceremonies with more than 10 people. Park officials need the permit application at least 10 days ahead of time. If your wedding party includes 10 or fewer people, skip the permit.
Wedding ceremonies should last less than one hour at Acadia. It’s important to note that weddings are allowed at Cadillac Mountain, but not during sunrise or sunset.
The full list of permitted locations is on the map to the right.
MORE INFO: Acadia National Park Weddings
Arches National Park
- Wedding Allowed?: Yes, in certain locations
- Cost: $185
- Size Limit: 15-80 (Depending on location)
Schedule a wedding at Arches National Park up to a year in advance. Give at least four weeks’ notice to process your permit. If you prefer a different location than the ones listed below, please call Arches National Park for a special request.
Location | Group Size |
---|---|
Park Avenue | 15 |
La Sal Mountains Viewpoint | 50 |
Double Arch | 25 |
The Windows | 25 |
Panorama Point | 50 |
Devils Garden Campground Amphitheater | 80 |
Badlands National Park
- Wedding Allowed?: Yes
- Cost: $100
- Size Limit: Not specified
Whether you want to just take wedding photos or have your wedding at Badlands National Park, you’ll need a permit from the park. Wedding ceremonies are allowed anywhere in the park aside from wilderness areas. Patti Vanscyoc with Badlands National Park tells us no size limit exists for wedding parties, but limited designated parking gets set aside for weddings.
Big Bend National Park
- Wedding Allowed?: Yes
- Cost: $100.00 (as of May 20, 2024)
- Size Limit: 30 People
Whether you want to say “I Do” in the mountains, desert, or near the Rio Grande, Big Bend National Park is a photo shoot waiting to happen. Submit the applications at least six weeks in advance with the number of people attending and the specific location preferred. Call (432)477-1108 with more questions.
Biscayne National Park
- Wedding Allowed?: Yes
- Cost: $100
- Size Limit: Depends on location
South Florida weddings never came so affordable with such tropical landscapes as you’ll find at Biscayne National Park. Choose from the mainland or island wedding ceremony, but read the Superintendent’s Compendium to see which areas are off-limits for public use.
NOTE: This is not the same as Key Biscayne. However, weddings are permitted at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park on the beach or on the lighthouse grounds.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
- Wedding Allowed?: Yes
- Cost: $100
- Size Limit: Not specified
The dramatic landscape of this Colorado national park creates plenty of options above the Gunnison River to take the plunge for love. Contact the Special Park Use Coordinator for questions about location options, size limits, and how to best complete an application before you send it in. Plan for at least 10 days in advance to submit the paperwork and fee.
Bryce Canyon National Park
- Wedding Allowed?: Yes
- Cost: $100
- Size Limit: 30 People
This Utah park known for the catchphrase “Hoodoo You Love?” makes Bryce Canyon a perfect place to answer the question.
The park allows Sunset Point weddings at either the Amphitheater Overlook or Silent City.
Couples need a Utah marriage license in addition to the Bryce Canyon National Park Special Use Permit. The latter takes up to four weeks to process. As a nice gesture, the park doesn’t charge an entrance fee to the bride, groom, or wedding officiant.
Canyonlands National Park
- Wedding Allowed?: Yes
- Cost: $185
- Size Limit: 15-25, depending on the location
Utah’s largest park offers wedding locations at Island in the Sky and Needles districts. We’ve listed the designated spots below, but call the park (435-719-2123) if you have someplace special in mind. We love the campsite wedding options!
Locations at Island in the Sky | Group Size |
---|---|
Shafer Canyon Overlook | 25 |
Green River Overlook | 25 |
Grand View Point | 25 |
Locations at The Needles | Group Size |
---|---|
Pothole Point | 15 |
Needles Group Campsites | Dutch Oven Group Site: 50 Wooden Shoe Group Site: 25 Split Top Group Site: 15 |
Capitol Reef National Park
- Wedding Allowed?: Yes
- Cost: $100
- Size Limit: 20 at most locations, some up to 100 people!
The main limitation for weddings at Capitol Reef National Park is that there are no ceremonies in the backcountry. Choose a spot in the frontcountry sections, at the picnic area, or at the campground. Plan up to a year in advance or as little as a week ahead of time. Check out the full list of rules for wedding ceremonies at this splendid Utah park.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
- Wedding Allowed?: Yes, but not in the cave
- Cost: $100
- Size Limit: 20 People
The approved place for weddings in Carlsbad Caverns National Park is the amphitheater at the entrance, but it can’t coincide with any bat flights. If you have a preferred spot above ground, you’ll need to get special approval from the park for that. The couple needs a license from the local county clerk (Eddy County).
Channel Islands National Park
- Wedding Allowed?: Yes
- Cost: $250
- Size Limit: Not specified
The island getaway of California’s Channel Islands National Park makes an idyllic wedding location, especially if you want to prove you can handle rough waters. I strongly recommend you visit the park and your preferred island before you fill out the application – this park is known for strong winds, and winter is the wet season. Private boats can dock on certain islands without a permit.
WEDDING TIP: Be sure to ask about the times of year when birds swarm the islands. Otherwise, you’ll be at risk of more than a photobomb, if you catch my drift.
Congaree National Park
- Wedding Allowed?: Yes
- Cost: $50
- Size Limit: Not specified
South Carolina’s only national park allows wedding ceremonies but doesn’t provide much information upfront. Your best bet is to call (803) 776-4396 before you fill out the form. Pick the right season here, as summers can be oppressively humid and bug-ridden, while remnants of hurricanes or tropical storms can literally rain on your wedding parade from June through November.
Crater Lake National Park
- Wedding Allowed?: Yes
- Cost: $50
- Size Limit: Not specified
All wedding location options at Crater Lake National Park cover only outdoor spots, and we’ve added a link to the downloadable map of those below. You’ll choose from nearly 50 options! A key point to a wedding at Crater Lake comes with the immense snowfall each winter, and that means roads aren’t fully open until July. No ceremonies allowed at the lodge or attached facilities. Apply at least eight weeks in advance for a wedding permit.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
- Wedding Allowed?: Yes
- Cost: $75 minimum
- Size Limit: Not specified
Wedding ceremonies require a permit at Cuyahoga Valley National Park, but not wedding photos. Your best option is to call 440-546-5991 and ask for the Special Events Coordinator. I can help you with one popular question – no weddings at Brandywine Falls or the Gorge Trail allowed during October or holidays and weekends the rest of the year.
For a more formal wedding that incorporates the park into the setting, check out the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park venues.
Death Valley National Park
- Wedding Allowed?: Yes
- Cost: $300
- Size Limit: Depends on location
Oh my – do I have a surprise for those of you considering a wedding at Death Valley National Park! Not only is the park open to weddings of various sizes at many public locations, but there’s also a private space for weddings. Breakfast Canyon, just south of Furnace Creek Inn, can be booked for weddings.
Contact the park and ask to see photos of that location. You can also get a look from above at Zabriskie Point. Submit your application at least 30 days in advance.
Denali National Park
- Wedding Allowed?: Yes
- Cost: $200
- Size Limit: Not specified
Get married in the shadow of America’s tallest mountain at Denali National Park. Special Use Permits issued for weddings should be submitted at least 10 days in advance. The forms differ if you have five or fewer people involved or more than five. You can read more here and get the link to contact the event coordinator.
Dry Tortugas National Park
- Wedding Allowed?: Yes
- Cost: Depends on location
- Size Limit: Not specified
About 70 miles off the coast of Key West sits a collection of islands and a national park that is 99% water. Dry Tortugas National Park allows weddings, but please contact the special event coordinator to talk logistics. The phone number is 305-242-7744.
One thing to keep in mind about Dry Tortugas National Park is that you’ll need reservations for the ferry or seaplane, possibly months in advance. Even thought it ranks among the “least visited national parks,” usually there’s a long waitlist to get there. Also, bring everything you need because you won’t find amenities on the island. Be super cautious about weddings during the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 through November 30.
Everglades National Park
- Wedding Allowed?: Yes
- Cost: $100
- Size Limit: Not specified
For those who haven’t been to Everglades National Park, the sheer size could surprise you. With three entrances and four areas to consider for a national park wedding, it’s worth a trip in advance. Permits should be sent in at least 15 days ahead of time.
The humidity and bugginess of the park might deter some people, but you should know there is a list of venues in the park up for reservation. Call (305) 242-7734 for more information about national park weddings here.
Gates of the Arctic National Park
- Wedding Allowed?: Yes
- Cost: $200
- Size Limit: Not specified
Before you go running to wedded bliss north of the Arctic Circle, definitely call the park at 907-457-5752 to get information about wedding locations and safety. This remote park has no roads leading to it or trails within it, so you’ll need a pretty adventurous wedding party. Even with a willing group, the wilderness designation here could severely limit the locations where the ceremony is held.
Gateway Arch National Park
- Wedding Allowed?: Yes
- Cost: $200
- Size Limit: Depends on location
Since Gateway Arch National Park partners with the private Gateway Arch Park Foundation, the options for wedding venues are more robust (and more expensive, potentially) than other national park options.
The museum below the arch opens for night events between Labor Day and Memorial Day. In fact, you can even add on a trip for your guests to the top of the Arch, overlooking St. Louis and the Mississippi River.
Also, consider the riverboat bookings and Old Courthouse (after renovation is complete in 2025). As a St. Louis native, I would draw your attention to the “Old Cathedral,” as we call it, though its full name is the Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France.
Weddings here date back to 1744, but it’s important to note that this is NOT part of the National Park Service property. I took the liberty of getting you Old Cathedral wedding information if you want to check it out.
Glacier National Park
- Wedding Allowed?: Yes!
- Cost: $125
- Size Limit: Depends on the location, but up to 250!
I’m wondering how many of you came right to this section looking for Glacier National Park wedding information. Glacier National Park is one of the most popular parks for nuptials and also one of the most accommodating parks for those planning a wedding.
More than 30 ceremony sites for a wedding in Glacier National Park stretch across the park. Not all of them stay open throughout the year, and some require a hike or cross-country skiing to get there. Your permit reservation only gives you two hours for the ceremony and related events.
After reading the fine print about Glacier National Park weddings, it’s important to note that you’ll have more responsibility than you might realize. For example, you get a permit for a wedding location that is subsequently blocked by road construction. You have to contact the park to figure out the alternate plans.
Also, some idyllic spots have little to no parking. Construction projects through the spring of 2026 will limit some access points or increase noise levels.
Glacier National Park Wedding Location Photos
You know weddings at Glacier National Park are popular when the park puts together a photo album with 150 pictures of ceremony locations.
Glacier Bay National Park
- Wedding Allowed?: Yes
- Cost: $50
- Size Limit: Not specified
More commonly seen by those on cruise ships, reaching Glacier Bay National Park is an easy plane ride or ferry from Juneau to Gustavus. This is another park I must recommend you contact directly for wedding location options, as you might be daring enough to get hitched on a glacier or want a more amenity-filled area of the park (and there aren’t many!).
Call 907-697-2567 for more information. If your honeymoon includes a boat on Glacier Bay, get a permit.
Grand Canyon National Park
- Wedding Allowed?: Emphatically YES!
- Cost: $240-$500, depending on site
- Size Limit: Depends on location
Getting married at Grand Canyon National Park is a truly magical experience. Choose to keep it simple with a basic elopement or go “grand” with a Grand Canyon Wedding Package. Be sure to get your permit at least 30 days in advance, and remember that the North Rim locations will not be available from mid-October through mid-May due to winter.
The Shrine of Ages on the South Rim is the only indoor location. Outdoor locations on the South Rim include:
- Shoshone Point (May 15- October 15)
- Pima Point
- Grandeur Point
- West Rim Worship Site
- Moran Point
- Lipan Point
That’s in addition to the North Rim sites of Point Imperial and Cape Royal Amphitheater.
Check out this list of wedding location photos in Grand Canyon National Park. Here’s where to get a wedding license from the state of Arizona. Finally, if you need clergy to handle the wedding, the park has a list ready for you.
Bride Advice: We had several brides tell us that Grand Canyon Wedding Packages made their day that much more special.
Grand Teton National Park
- Wedding Allowed?: Yes
- Cost: $200
- Size Limit:25-40 people, depending on location
If you want to get married in the Grand Tetons, six locations are up for consideration.
- Colter Bay Swim Beach – 40 person limit
- Schwabacher Landing – 25 person limit
- Mormon Row (North or South) – 40 person limit (North) or 25 people (South)
- Mountain View Turnout – 25 person limit
- Glacier View Turnout – 25 person limit
- Snake River Overlook – 25 person limit
Grand Teton National Park does wedding permits differently from other parks. For each calendar year, the permits for weddings or other ceremonies go up for grabs in early December. For example, wedding permits between May 10 and October 20 of 2024 were opened for permits on December 4, 2023.
Another Grand Teton National Park wedding option is to choose a “small, dispersed ceremony” at any location in the park.
There are spots prohibited from a small, dispersed ceremony, like Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point.
Again, the fine print details the expansive rules and regulations of getting married in Grand Teton.
Great Basin National Park
- Wedding Allowed?: Yes
- Cost: $75
- Size Limit: Not specified
Eastern Nevada’s Great Basin National Park offers a mix of honeymoon activities, like cave tours, summiting Wheeler Peak, and some of the darkest night skies in the Lower 48. That makes it a great spot for a national park wedding, too! Permits take at least 30 days to process at Great Basin National Park, but it’s wise to call the Special Use Coordinator at (775) 234-7511 first.
Great Sand Dunes National Park
- Wedding Allowed?: Yes
- Cost: $200
- Size Limit: 15 at the dune field, more than 15 at the amphitheater
Some of the unique places for national park weddings are in Colorado, and Great Sand Dunes National Park lets you get married right on the sand dune. Scheduling starts January 1 for weddings within that calendar year but booking needs to happen at least a week out.
While Great Sand Dunes National Park includes a long list of rules and requirements, you’ll find it’s a relatively easy list to comply with and plenty of options for national park wedding locations.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Wedding Allowed?: Yes
- Cost: $50
- Size Limit: Depends on the location, but usually 25 people outdoors
Great Smoky Mountains National Park sees more than 350 national park weddings each year. First, review the list of approved spots to find the top three you’d prefer. Please note that some of the locations are historic structures, like chapels, not just scenic outdoor locations.
Locations like the Appalachian Clubhouse, Spence Cabin and Picnic Pavilions can be rented for private use. Most locations require no interference with the general public, so this is a nice option.
Notice must be given at least two weeks in advance. Check the restrictions in October during peak leaf-peeping season. You know a location has gotten a lot of national park wedding locations when they go and produce a video about it. Hopefully this helps answer some of your questions, too.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
- Wedding Allowed?: Yes
- Cost: $150
- Size Limit: Varies, but around 20 people
A national park wedding at the Guadalupe Mountains gives that rustic, rugged appeal that caters to outdoor lovers. The park allows weddings with a special use permit, but I’d recommend checking out the location first.
The park is road-free, with the only access points at a few different stops on the perimeter. Depending on where you want the ceremony, it would be anywhere from a half-mile to a half-day hike.
Submit your application at least four weeks out. Email [email protected] if you have additional questions.
Haleakala National Park
- Wedding Allowed?: Yes
- Cost: $150
- Size Limit: 25 people
About 20,000 – 30,000 people get married in Hawaii each year, and 3,500 of those are on the island of Maui. You’ll need to email [email protected] to get the special use permit application, but let’s talk about where you can and can’t request to get married quickly.
NO Haleakala National Park weddings at:
- Any designated wilderness area
- Ka’apahu or Alelele areas near KÄ«pahulu
- Halemauu Trail
- Keonehe’ehe’e (Sliding Sands) Trail
National Park Weddings at Haleakala National Park can be held at:
- Summit area: Pu’u’ula’ula (Red Hill), Haleakala Visitor Center area, Pa’ka’oao (White Hill), Kalahaku Overlook, and Leleiwi Overlook
- Kipahulu area: Kuloa Point, and Kuloa Loop Trail Coastal Trail from Kuloa Point to Kipahulu Campground
Remember the summit area is at or near 10,000 feet above sea level, which could cause altitude sickness for those in your party not used to high elevations. Also, the unpredictable weather yet surprisingly cool climate at the top could impact your wedding attire or photos.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
- Wedding Allowed?: Yes
- Cost: $150
- Size Limit: Doesn’t specify
The chasm between national park wedding information that is helpful and more confusing just keeps expanding. I’m assuming some parks leave the gray areas there to force a phone call or contact. Quite frankly, that’s a great way to start with any park.
At Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, weddings are allowed at approved locations. However, those locations aren’t spelled out. The only limitations listed are the Halema’uma’u crater or the hula platform. I recommend calling 808-985-6027 to get more information.
Hot Springs National Park
- Wedding Allowed?: Yes
- Cost: $100
- Size Limit: $20 – $200 depending on location
Hot Springs National Park clearly and concisely details all you need to know about getting approved for a national park wedding. Approved locations are Arlington Lawn, Whittington Park, Hot Springs Mountain Pagoda, and West Mountain Overlook.
Each location has a time limit, with West Mountain Overlook being just 30 minutes. For the areas with larger crowds allowed, consider setting up a shuttle service due to limited parking.
Indiana Dunes National Park
- Wedding Allowed?: Yes
- Cost: $65
- Size Limit: 20 – 100+, depending on location
National park weddings are allowed at Indiana Dunes National Park, with some restrictions for summer (May 1 – September 30). The park also offers a bunch of Frequently Asked Questions to help with planning. Weddings are limited to two hours. The permit won’t guarantee any parking spots.
Location | Summer Permit Hours | Off-Season Permit hours | Maximum Group Size |
---|---|---|---|
West Beach | 8:00 am – 8:00pm Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 11:00 am Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays | 8:00a-8:00p | 100+ |
Portage Lakefront Patio | 6:00 pm – Dusk | 8:00 am – Dusk | 20 |
Portage Lakefront Beach | 8:00 am- 12:00 pm Monday – Friday | 8:00 am – Dusk | 50 |
Portage Lakefront Classroom | by reservation | by reservation | 40 seated 50 standing |
Kemil Beach | 8:00 am – 12:00 pm Monday – Friday | 8:00 am – Dusk | 50 |
Dunbar Beach | 8:00 am – 12:00 pm Monday – Friday | 8:00 am – Dusk | 20 |
Paul H. Douglas Trail | 8:00 am – Dusk Saturday – Sunday | 8:00 am – Dusk Saturday – Sunday | 25 |
Calumet Dunes Trail (paved trail) | 8:00 am – 12:00 pm Saturday – Sunday | 8:00 am – Dusk Saturday – Sunday | 25 |
For other location requests, please e-mail the Permit Coordinator |
Isle Royale National Park
- Wedding Allowed?: Yes
- Cost: Undisclosed
- Size Limit: Not specified
I’m not sure if it’s a lack of demand or more about telling a happy couple exactly how challenging it is to get married on Isle Royale, but limited information is available. We do know weddings are allowed, but with the bulk of the park being wilderness, it’s worth it to email the Permit Coordinator and get the most updated information.
Don’t let the remote location deter your wedding dreams. Landing in Rock Harbor means you have access to Rock Harbor Lodge and its climate-controlled rooms or cabins.
Joshua Tree National Park
- Wedding Allowed?: Yes
- Cost: $120
- Size Limit: 5-100, depending on location
Joshua Tree National Park weddings will be considered anywhere from 15 days to a year in advance. The park has plenty of information about approved locations on its website. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Location | Number of People | Number of Vehicles |
---|---|---|
Indian Cove Amphitheater | Up to 100 | 1 |
Hidden Valley Picnic Area | Up to 35 | Up to 8 |
Turkey Flats | Up to 35 | Up to 8 |
Cap Rock | Up to 25 | Up to 8 |
Rattlesnake Picnic Area | Up to 20 | Up to 8 |
Quail Springs Picnic Area | Up to 15 | Up to 8 |
Split Rock | Up to 15 | Up to 5 |
Porcupine Wash | Up to 12 | Up to 4 |
Queen Valley Mine Intersection | Up to 10 | Up to 5 |
Lost Horse Parking Lot | Up to 10 | Up to 5 |
Live Oak Picnic Area | Up to 5 | Up to 3 |
A wedding license isn’t required, but a special use permit is. However, both Riverside County (CA) and San Bernardino County (CA) have marriage license requirements to follow. Call (760) 367-5551 or email [email protected] with additional questions about national park weddings at Joshua Tree.
Katmai National Park
- Wedding Allowed?: Yes
- Cost: $200
- Size Limit: None specified
A national park wedding among dozens of fat bears sounds as unique as a ceremony can get, but there’s a lot to unpack when visiting Katmai. First, boats or flights are required to get there since there aren’t any roads. Those costs will add up quickly.
Two special use permits are available, one for parties of five or fewer people and another for six or more. Email [email protected] with additional questions, especially about where the ceremonies can be held because that information isn’t publicly displayed.
Kenai Fjords National Park
- Wedding Allowed?: Yes
- Cost: $100
- Size Limit: Not specified
A national park wedding at Kenai Fjords means the amenities of Seward are close by, plus you’ll get road access! While the permitted wedding locations aren’t listed on the National Park website, you should scout the locations before you call (907-422-0500).
Keep in mind that road access gets you only as far as Exit Glacier and the Harding Icefield Trail trailhead. Accessing other parts will require a boat or plane.
Kings Canyon National Park
- Wedding Allowed?: Yes, but please read the places where it’s not allowed.
- Cost: $150
- Size Limit: 15 – 100, depending on location
You can always tell how frequently weddings happen at a national park by the details provided on the park’s website. Sequoia & Kings Canyon offers so much that it’s like a free wedding planner! Skip trying to get a spot during a busy holiday weekend and keep the gathering and ceremony to under three hours.
The approved locations for national park weddings at Sequoia & Kings Canyon are:
- Giant Forest Area, Sequoia National Park: Beetle Rock, 75 People
- Giant Forest Area, Sequoia National Park: Giant Forest Museum Patio, 50 People
- Lodgepole/Other Sequoia Areas: Halstead Meadow, 30 People
- Lodgepole/Other Sequoia Areas: Crescent Meadow, 20 People (not accessible during winter)
- Lodgepole/Other Sequoia Areas: Long Meadow / Wolverton, 100 People
- Lodgepole/Other Sequoia Areas: Lost Grove, 25 People
- Grant Grove, Kings Canyon National Park: Panoramic Point, 15 People (access road is not plowed in winter)
- Kings Canyon National Park: Muir Rock/ Roads End, 20 People
In addition, here’s some help about wedding license and officiant information from the California Department of Health.
Kobuk Valley National Park
- Wedding Allowed?: Yes
- Cost: Not disclosed
- Size Limit: Not disclosed
Due to the remote nature of Kobuk Valley National Park, above the Arctic Circle and well beyond any roads, you should contact the park to get a special use permit application and ask all the questions you can. Anyone attending this ceremony should be comfortable in remote wilderness where they can self-rescue.
Lake Clark National Park
- Wedding Allowed?: Possibly
- Cost: Not Disclosed
- Size Limit: Not Disclosed
The pristine lake and surrounding mountains of Lake Clark National Park would set an ideal backdrop for a national park wedding, but you’ll need to speak with the park directly about the permit. While this is yet another roadless national park, the flight from Anchorage is just an hour or so.
Also, when looking for lodging or accommodations, focus on Port Alsworth or other hotels on the lake, like Stonewood Lodge or Chulinta Lodge.
Lassen Volcanic National Park
- Wedding Allowed?: Yes
- Cost: $75
- Size Limit: Not specified
I want to update this section when I get more information, but for now, Lassen Volcanic National Park does allow weddings with a special use permit (SUP). However, the form available for an SUP says it expired on November 30, 2023. That’s due to the park moving all Commercial Use Authorizations (CUA) to a new online system.
At the same time, the CUA isn’t the same thing as an SUP. Weddings aren’t listed on the new website as an option. Email [email protected] with more questions about getting married there if I don’t have this section updated by the time you need the information.
Mammoth Cave National Park
- Wedding Allowed?: Yes, but not in the cave. Only above ground.
- Cost: $180
- Size Limit: Not disclosed
A national park wedding at Mammoth Cave’s above-ground area starts with an email [email protected] or call (270) 758-2180 to the park office. This is the form you’ll need to fill out when applying for a wedding special use permit at Mammoth Cave National Park.
A formation in the caves named Bridal Alter once hosted weddings but is no longer available. However, nobody can stop you from proposing in the caves, and this could be the perfect spot for that! The Bridal Alter formation is on the Gothic Avenue cave tour.
Mesa Verde National Park
- Wedding Allowed?: Yes
- Cost: $100
- Size Limit: Not specified
A national park wedding at Mesa Verde National Park requires a special use permit and a $100 fee. The park states that the “inspiring viewpoints and natural settings are ideally suited for small, informal weddings.” Call 970-529-4612 to get a list of approved locations.
Mesa Verde has a lot of rehabilitation work going on over the next few years, so check park conditions before you do anything.
Mount Rainier National Park
- Wedding Allowed?: Yes
- Cost: $250
- Size Limit: 1-60+, depending on locations
Nearly 40 locations are available for Mount Rainier National Park weddings. Camp Muir (10,188 feet), Camp Sherman (9,500 feet), and Paradise-Muir Snowfield (7,300+ feet) are among the most remote allowed spots.
Campground amphitheaters allow crowds of 60+. Places like the Fremont Lookout Tower limit the size to no more than eight people. Submit your application at least four weeks in advance.
Contact the park by email [email protected] or via phone at 253-307-6361 to ask more questions.
National Park of American Samoa
- Wedding Allowed?: Possibly
- Cost: $100
- Size Limit: Not disclosed
A national park wedding in American Samoa provides breathtaking scenery, but the park isn’t too transparent about where and when weddings are allowed. Like any other park, a special use permit is required.
It also helps to know some of the customs, etiquette, and traditions of American Samoa before choosing this spot.
New River Gorge National Park
- Wedding Allowed?: Yes
- Cost: $75
- Size Limit: 15-30 People
New River Gorge National Park does national park weddings a little differently, but you can still have a ceremony at specific locations. The first thing to do is choose the place where you want to get married; I’d recommend getting a list of five spots together.
Then, call the park at 304-465-6517 to see if any of those locations are available on the day you want. If available, the spot is held for two weeks, during which time you fill out and submit the application.
While most locations limit attendance to 25 people, the North Grandview Overlook has a 15-person limit. Most ceremonies won’t be allowed to go longer than 30 minutes, and that includes photos. Between April 1 through October 31, you should plan on a ceremony ending before 11 am due to crowds.
If you’re looking for a large national park wedding venue near New River Gorge, the tourism website for the region has all the resources you need.
North Cascades National Park
- Wedding Allowed?: Yes
- Cost: $50
- Size Limit: Not specified
North Cascades National Park presents a stunning venue for weddings amidst its rugged mountain peaks, cascading waterfalls, and pristine alpine lakes. The park’s unspoiled wilderness and expansive vistas offer a majestic backdrop for couples exchanging vows.
With its abundance of hiking trails and secluded spots, North Cascades provides an intimate setting for a romantic and unforgettable national park wedding ceremony immersed in the splendor of nature. Plus, no crowds!
The park offers several locations for weddings of various sizes. You need to contact them to get that list and find the perfect spot for your big day – (360)854-7213.
Olympic National Park
- Wedding Allowed?: Yes
- Cost: $50-$100
- Size Limit: Please Contact the Park
In one of the most diverse series of ecosystems, Olympic National Park weddings and elopements are allowed in various locations. You’ll need to contact the park to get more information and the special use permit application. You can email the park or write to c/o Olympic National Park, 600 East Park Ave, Port Angeles, WA 98362
DID YOU KNOW? Olympic National Park ranked as our #1 Best National Park.
Petrified Forest National Park
- Wedding Allowed?: Yes, at one location
- Cost: $115
- Size Limit
A national park wedding among the glistening ancient wood and colorful hills of Petrified Forest National Park sounds magical. One location, Jasper Forest, is available for weddings and other ceremonies. You can book a spot up to a year in advance. Contact the park for more information.
Pinnacles National Park
- Wedding Allowed?: Yes
- Cost: $50
- Size Limit
Pinnacles National Park offers a breathtaking backdrop for weddings with its dramatic rock formations, lush landscapes, and diverse wildlife. The park’s serene ambiance provides an intimate setting amidst nature’s beauty, perfect for couples seeking a unique and memorable ceremony.
Applications for Special Use Permits should be received by the park no less than 90 days prior to your proposed activity date. The park charges for still photography permits. Check with the administrator to see if that covers wedding photos. The most you would pay is $250 a day, but with less than 10 people, the charge is $50.
Redwood National Park
- Wedding Allowed?: Yes
- Cost: $100-$400
- Size Limit: Depends on location
Redwood National Park is also teamed with state parks, including Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.
Here are some of the approved locations with crowd size limits:
- Templeman Grove, 20 people
- Organ Donor’s Grove, 20 people
- River Trail, 8 people
- Crescent Beach Day Use, 20 people (Oct 25th – May 1)
- Crescent Beach Overlook, 20 people (available Oct 25th – May 1)
- High Bluff Overlook, 20 people
- Merriman Grove, 8 people
- Zig Zag #2, 10 people
- Schmidt Grove, 20 people
- Prairie Creek Amphitheater, 20 people (Oct 25th – May 1)
- Lost Man Creek Gate, 20 people
- Berry Glen, 6 people
Email [email protected] with specific questions about the special use permit.
Rocky Mountain National Park
- Wedding Allowed?: Yes
- Cost: $300
- Size Limit: 30 People
Rocky Mountain National Park ranks as one of the easiest places to plan a national park wedding from our perspective. Very little guesswork is left once you read the abundance of resources provided.
Wedding special use permits are reviewed up to a year in advance, but get yours in as close to the first of the month as possible – that’s when the current stack of requests gets reviewed. This park books up fast – as of late March 2024, all wedding spots through October 2024 are booked.
Between May and October, 60 permits will be issued each month. November through April falls to just 40 per month.
List of Approved National Park Wedding Locations in Rocky Mountains
Location | Ceremony Size (Max.) | Number of Vehicles (Max.) | Restrictions | Site Description |
3M Curve | 15 | 3 | 3.5 miles from Beaver Meadows Visitor Center. | |
Alluvial Fan Bridge | 20 | 5 | 7 miles from Beaver Meadows Visitor Center. | |
Bear Lake Nature Trail | 20 | 5 | No weddings from the Friday before Memorial Day weekend through the second Tuesday of October. Also, no weekends. | 11 miles from Beaver Meadows Visitor Center. |
Copeland Lake (Wild Basin Area) | 30 | 10 | 13 miles from Beaver Meadows Visitor Center on Hwy 7 in Wild Basin. | |
Harbison Meadow | 30 | 10 | Not allowed in the picnic area but on the west side near Grand Lake. | Large meadow with mountain views adjacent to Trail Ridge Road. No restrooms. |
Hidden Valley | 30 | 10 | No ceremonies at picnic sites. | 6 miles from the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center. Restrooms and wheelchair accessible. |
Lily Lake Dock | 10 | 10* | 6.4 miles from Beaver Meadows Visitor Center on Hwy 7. Wheelchair-accessible trail. | |
Lily Lake Trail/Southside Picnic Area | 20 30 | 10* | 6.4 miles from Beaver Meadows Visitor Center on Hwy 7. 1/4 mile walk. | |
Moraine Park Discovery Center Amphitheater | 30 | 10* | 2.7 miles from Beaver Meadows Visitor Center on Bear Lake Road. Leashed dogs are permitted. | |
Sprague Lake | 15 summer 30 winter | 3 summer* 10 winter | Events cannot occupy picnic sites. | 7 miles from Beaver Meadows Visitor Center on Bear Lake Road. Wheelchair-accessible trail. |
Timber Creek Campground Amphitheater | 20 | 5 | Limited parking. | West Side of the Park. Partial views of the Colorado River. |
Upper Beaver Meadows | 30 | 10 | Road closures typically from mid-Oct to mid-May. | 1.5 miles from the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center. Views of the Continental Divide. |
Saguaro National Park
- Wedding Allowed?: Yes
- Cost: $100
- Size Limit: 18 on a trail; ask the park about other location size limits
A national park wedding at Saguaro National Park can be planned up to a year in advance. Here’s the detailed information from the park, but the rules are pretty simple.
Saguaro National Park requests that you look at a park map, choose a top five list of locations and then call them to see if those locations are available. After that, send in the special use permit for consideration. Only weddings – no receptions – can be held in the park.
The contact information is (520) 733-5153 for events in the Rincon Mountain District (East) or (520) 733-5158 for the Tucson Mountain District (West).
Shenandoah National Park
- Wedding Allowed?: Yes
- Cost: $150
- Size Limit: Permit required for more than 15 people
Shenandoah National Park allows weddings and it’s also close enough to major cities on the East Coast that it’s not that far to travel for many potential guests. Choices include a simple wedding in the park or a more intricate planned ceremony and reception through Delaware North at Shenandoah National Park.
I like that Shenandoah National Park also makes it simple for those who want the bare-bones wedding ceremony. Skip the whole permit process if you just want a quick ceremony with 15 or fewer people attending.
October and November are two of the best months for a national park wedding at Shenandoah but keep in mind that means the ceremony must be done by 10am if you want to get married at an overlook on a weekend.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park
- Wedding Allowed?: Yes
- Cost: $100
- Size Limit: 100, unless at a group campsite
If you want a larger national park wedding, Theodore Roosevelt National Park is a great choice. Up to 100 people can attend a ceremony outside of campsites, but the campsites also allow more people while being able to give more privacy for the event.
Submit the Special Use Permit application along with a $100 application fee at least four weeks ahead of time. Once the permit has been approved and issued, it comes via snail mail.
If you have any questions about hosting a wedding in the park or how to apply for a Special Use Permit, please contact the Special Use Coordinator by calling 701-623-4466.
Virgin Islands National Park
- Wedding Allowed?: Yes
- Cost: $25-$75 depending on location
- Size Limit: 20-40, depending on location
Virgin Islands National Park offers some of the most romantic tropical settings for a national park wedding.
Check out the new updates from June 2020, and then review the locations for weddings, which include Peace Hill, Annaberg, Trunk Bay, and most beaches and pavilions within the park. The best part about the pavilion is that you can have a picnic wedding reception afterward if you choose.
You should know a few restrictions about weddings at Virgin Islands National Park:
- Wedding ceremonies and elopements can only be scheduled before 9 am or after 4 pm.
- The date of the wedding impacts how many people can attend. Ceremonies at the ruins are limited to 20 people from December – April. 30 people are allowed from May – November.
- Ceremonies at the beaches are limited to 30 people from December – April and 40 people from May – November.
Call (340)776-6201 with additional questions.
Voyageurs National Park
- Wedding Allowed?: Yes
- Cost: $50
- Size Limit: Depends on location
Consider one of two options for a national park elopement or wedding at Voyageurs National Park. The Special Use Permit can give access to public park areas for weddings, or you can take a wedding boat trip on a charter tour, with two boats available for weddings.
To get a list of locations and ask additional questions before submitting your permit, call (218) 283-6600 ext. 0.
White Sands National Park
- Wedding Allowed?: Yes, at one location
- Cost: $100
- Size Limit: Not specified
White Sands National Park offers one reserved location for a national park wedding, but the best part comes with being able to have more privacy at that location, which is the group use area.
Importantly, wedding permits should be sent in between 21 days and six months before your planned wedding date. Review the Dunes Drive map to find your top three list of locations beyond the group use area.
Wind Cave National Park
- Wedding Allowed?: Yes, but not inside caves
- Cost: $50
- Size Limit: Not specified
A Wind Cave National Park wedding can’t be held in the cave, but that’s standard for all cave parks. However, you can still plan a wedding above ground. This is one park specifically asking you to call for all the information instead of detailing it online. You can call (605) 745-4600 or email [email protected].
When applying for your wedding permit, please use the Short Form application we’ve attached to download below. It will help you understand what kinds of questions to ask and assist in planning.
Wrangell St. Elias National Park
- Wedding Allowed?: Yes
- Cost: $200
- Size Limit: Call the Park for Details
A national park wedding at Wrangell St. Elias National Park should start with a call (907-822-7206) or email to the Special Use Permit Coordinator or call 907-822-7206. Permits need at least 30 days to process.
The list of park partners can help you find a wedding venue near Wrangell St. Elias if you need a larger gathering space. One of the more popular is across from Kennicott Glacier Lodge at the recreation hall.
Yellowstone National Park
- Wedding Allowed?: Yes
- Cost: $250-$300
- Size Limit: $5 – $250, Depending on Location
Both simple national park weddings and large-scale ceremonies and receptions can be planned at Yellowstone. However, the largest events go through the Yellowstone National Park Lodges Event Sales Manager. That phone number is (307) 344-5401.
Like most other parks, a Special Use Permit must be approved within two weeks to 12 months ahead of the wedding date.
Locations recommended for simple weddings inside the park include:
- Artist Point: Maximum 40 people.
- Barnes Hole Road: Maximum 30 people.
- Fishing Bridge Visitor Center Beach: Maximum 40 people.
- Lake Butte Overlook: Maximum 30 people.
- Near Lamar Valley: Trout Lake, Barronette Meadows, Thunderer Cutoff Trail Head, and Warm Creek Picnic Area.
- Mammoth Chapel: Maximum 250 people.
- Old Faithful Area: Maximum 40 people.
- Parkwide Amphitheaters: Up to 150 people.
- Virginia Cascade Picnic Area: Maximum 30 people.
- Two Ribbon Trail: Maximum 15 people.
For more questions about wedding permits, call (307) 344-2110.
Yosemite National Park
- Wedding Allowed?: Yes
- Cost: $150
- Size Limit: $20 – $100, depending on location
Yosemite is another great place for a national park wedding, with a dozen locations available to consider. Summer weddings ideally happen in the early morning at the beach locations due to crowd size. Bridalveil Fall is an accessible spot and one of the most idyllic spots you’ll find.
I provided a link to the locations above, but here’s a quick list of them all. These are only for wedding parties with more than 11 people.
- Cascades Picnic Area
- Lower Yosemite Fall Paved Trail
- Swinging Bridge Picnic Area
- Cathedral Beach
- Sentinel Beach
- Bridalveil Fall
- Glacier Point Amphitheater
- Chilnualna Falls Trailhead Parking Lot
- Tenaya Lake Beach
- Tuolumne Meadows Lodge Area
- Tuolumne Grove
- Merced Grove
Plus, the Yosemite Community Chapel might just be the cutest spot for a wedding in all of the national park landscape. Call 209-372-4831 for chapel information.
You may arrange to have someone from outside the park perform the ceremony. If you want to get help with wedding planning, that’s available too!
Zion National Park
- Wedding Allowed?: Yes
- Cost: $100
- Size Limit: Depends on Location
It’s refreshing to see how helpful Zion National Park is with wedding or elopement information. While Zion is one of the most popular national parks, it’s also one of the most crowded. Yet, there are still several locations designated for weddings.
Approved wedding locations include:
- Temple of Sinawava (35 people max)
- Menu Falls (10 people max)
- Zion Lodge Lawn (75 people max)
- Nature Center North Lawn (50 people max): Only available from November through early April
- South Campground (100 people max): Long-term construction project underway
- Kolob Canyon/Timber Creek Overlook (20 people max)
In fact, Zion National Park even produced a wedding information sheet to help.
Final Thoughts on National Park Weddings
Even if you still want the larger wedding ceremony outside of the park, most national parks allow wedding photos to be taken inside the park. The only caveat comes with the photographer and if they need a permit. Each park interprets that a bit differently.
We asked Allison Stafford what advice she would give to other brides-to-be considering a national park wedding. She offered great tips.
- If you love the outdoors, then just do it: “You will have amazing pictures, even better memories, and a day that is 100% about the two of you, and the love that you share for each other.”
- Things will go wrong: “If you are getting married in a national park, then you probably already deal with that when hiking/camping/adventuring, so the wedding planning is no different.”
- The Best Day… Yet: The photographer helped them avoid the stress of having the “best day ever.” Allison adds, “we changed it to the ‘best day yet,’ knowing that you have a lifetime of amazing days and experiences ahead of you can take some of the pressure off of feeling that the wedding day has to be ‘perfect.'”
“My mom, however, said that the challenges were just part of life, and that if we could face those challenges with a smile, and stay focused on what really mattered, then we would be well prepared to face whatever life threw at us during our marriage.”
Allison Stafford/Married in yosemite national park
Our Top 20 BEST National Park Wedding Choices
After spending weeks researching national park weddings, I can tell you that a few jumped off the page as accommodating and exceptional. Our rankings come from a balance of how much information is transparent up front, how many spots are offered for wedding ceremonies, and size allowances for weddings. Plus, we wanted to cover parks across the country to help accommodate travel plans for various regions.
Here are the top 20 national parks for weddings:
- Glacier National Park
- Acadia National Park
- Bryce Canyon National Park
- Rocky Mountain National Park
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Badlands National Park
- Death Valley National Park
- Grand Canyon National Park
- Grand Teton National Park
- Indiana Dunes National Park
- Joshua Tree National Park
- Kings Canyon & Sequoia National Parks
- Mount Rainier National Park
- North Cascades National Park
- Redwood National Park
- Virgin Islands National Park
- Yosemite National Park
- Yellowstone National Park
- Zion National Park
- Olympic National Park
Pin National Park Weddings
Helpful Related Links
National Parks Ranked: All 62 US National Parks Ranked By Experts
List of National Monuments: Ultimate List of National Monuments (Alphabetical + By State)
How Many National Parks: How Many National Parks Are There Exactly (Detailed Guide)
Best National Parks Ranked: ALL 63 US NATIONAL PARKS RANKED By Experts
Free Downloadable National Parks Map & List: LIST & MAP of National Parks By State (+ Printable Checklist)
Best National Monuments: All 128 US National Monuments Ranked (Best to Worst)
Best National Parks to Visit: 20 Best National Parks to Visit 2023
Largest National Parks: 15 Largest National Parks in the United States (+ Full List)
Most Visited National Parks: Top 10 Most Visited US National Parks
Least Visited National Parks: Top 10 Least Visited National Parks
Best East Coast National Parks: Top 10 Best East Coast National Parks Ranked
Utah National Parks Road Trips: 5 Best Utah National Park Road Trips
Best National Park Road Trips: 10 Best National Park Road Trips
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