How to Plan a Wedding in a National Park
The United States boasts upwards of 63 national parks, all beautiful in their own way. For those looking to avoid extensive decor prep, a wedding in a national park provides a beautiful location for both larger ceremonies and intimate elopements. As this is becoming a more popular option for soon-to-be-married couples, there are some things to consider in planning the national park wedding of your dreams!
QUICK LIST OF WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN GETTING MARRIED IN A NATIONAL PARK:
CHOOSING A PARK & A DATE
CHOOSING A SEASON
WHERE TO STAY
PERMITS & FEES
MISCELLANEOUS FEES
GET MARRIED
Choosing a Park & a Date
Planning a wedding in a national park is a bit different than planning a wedding at a traditional venue. It’s not as simple as picking the location and the date, there are many logistics to consider when you’re dealing with nature. Depending on the month you choose, you could be scheduling during a season that many roads are not accessible or your ceremony may be taking place smack dab in the middle of their busy season.
It’s important to consider what factors are most important to you. Do you want to honeymoon in the same park where you’re married? Are you set on a specific month or season? Are you drawn to mountains or the ocean? These are a few questions you should sit down and ask yourself.
When choosing your location and date, keep in mind that flexibility is key! Because permits are required for each park, your date must be approved up to a year in advance in some places. It’s best to have several dates in mind and remember that weekdays are typically less busy than a weekend. (Bonus tip: as soon as you have a date, booking your photographer can be a huge help! I have experience in this area and can assist and guide you through this whole process). Inquire here.
While you’re deciding, consider these points with each season:
Winter & Spring
Pros: Winter is considered off-season for many parks & spring is a shoulder season, which means they’re less crowded. You’re more likely to have a more private ceremony during these months and more available dates for permits. Parks in desert climates are also significantly cooler in the winter months. Similarly, parks in more mountainous regions have snow (including snow caps into the springtime) that can be a beautiful backdrop for photos!
Cons: While the snow creates a beautiful winter wonderland, it can also mean road closures and limited access to certain areas within the parks. This is something to keep in mind as you plan however, not a deal breaker.
Summer & Fall
Pros: The warmer months bring with them sunshine and full vegetation as well as full access to the park (as long as there’s no construction)! Summer brings wildflowers and bright green leaves against blue skies, while fall in the mountains is a pop of autumn colors including: oranges, reds & yellows. I’d consider these two seasons to be the most breathtaking in many parks throughout the US.
Cons: Weather can be unpredictable, specifically where rain is concerned, so planning a flexible timeline for your area is key . These two seasons are typically the busiest seasons for tourists and accompanying traffic. Though Fall can mean milder temps, the days are shorter and it’s important to be efficient with your timeline to make the most of the best lighting of the day.
Where to Stay
When reserving lodging and accommodations, keep in mind that you’ll need to take a look at travel time from the lodging to your desired ceremony location, especially in seasons that travel may be delayed due to weather or traffic.
It’s important to be realistic and understand that delays are a very real possibility. Unfortunately, the wildlife in the area don’t really care that you have somewhere to be and traffic jams are a regular occurrence. You can read more about them here.
Permits & Fees
Every national park requires a permit for weddings and vow exchanges within the park, frequently called a Special Use Permit. Pricing for permits can range from $50-$500 which, if you’ve taken a look at other wedding venue packages, is significantly more affordable! Park rangers and the National Park Service website are incredibly helpful with any questions you may have about the specifics of your desired national park.
Applications for wedding dates have to be submitted and approved along with permits for photographers and vendors, so planning ahead is key! It’s always a good idea to double check that your photographer, videographer, and any other vendors have experience with the NPS process. They will often have recommendations for the best locations for photos on your big day!
National Park elopements have taken off in recent years and I am here for it! With that said, the increase in popularity has also led to limitations on the number of allowed ceremonies in certain parks each month. Again, planning is key here! Similar to traditional venues, beginning the application process at least one year in advance is best to ensure your date will be accepted. Many parks require you to reserve a designated area for your ceremony as well. Unfortunately, you can’t just simply get married anywhere within the park.
Pro tips: Getting married on a weekday or during off/shoulder season can help your chances of being approved, or you can consider a sunrise ceremony during the busier months.
Bonus tip: If the entire permit process stresses you out, keep in mind that photos in the park are always an option. You can decide to say your vows elsewhere (outside of the park at an airbnb for example) to simplify this process or if you don’t have a year to be approved and would like to get married sooner.
Inquire today if you’d like some extra guidance through this process.
Miscellaneous Fees
Keep in mind that you’ll need to be prepared for additional fees including reservation and entrance fees with most national parks. While every park is different, national park visits as a whole have increased in recent years. (Thank you Instagram). This uptick has led to limitations placed on the number of visitors allowed in parks at specific times. For the most accurate info, take a look at recreation.gov and know that reservations become available at least a month in advance and in some last minute cases, the night before.
Get Married!
At the end of the day, I’ve never seen a couple regret having their wedding or elopement in a national park. The views are breathtaking, the memories last a lifetime, and at the end of the day, you’re married to your best friend. (And you can always visit again and again for an anniversary!) I can’t recommend it enough.
I’m experienced working in the following national parks:
Rocky Mountain- Colorado
Banff - Canada
Jasper - Canada
Arches - Utah
Yosemite - California
Glacier - Montana
Great Sand Dunes - Colorado
North Cascades - Washington and many more!
If you need some extra guidance while planning your wedding or elopement don’t hesitate to reach out to keep this process as stress-free as possible.