the ultimate guide to national park weddings
Everything you need to know about getting married in a national park
So You want to get married in a National Park...
It's your lucky day... you've found the right place to help you with EVERYTHING you need to plan your national park wedding or elopement!
Choosing where to get married may be one of the biggest decisions you’ll make.. but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In this guide, we'll explore the eight best national parks to get married in - and what you need to know before choosing one.
Step 1 - Choose a Park + Do Your Research
I've already taken care of the research for ya! Below you'll find a list of the best national parks to get married in and everything you need to consider to help you pick the right park for you.
Step 2 - Hire Your Photographer
As a National Park wedding photographer and planner, I handle all the planning, permits, and logistics for you. We will meet over zoom to make sure we're a good fit and then I will show you the best ceremony locations and help you apply for & obtain the necessary permits!
Step 3 - Decide Who You're Inviting + Apply For Permits
Almost every park has designated ceremony locations for groups of 2-60 guests, so knowing your guest count will be very important when planning and choosing an exact ceremony location! (But then we can explore anywhere in the park after your ceremony)
Step 4 - Book Your Lodging + Create Your Timeline
Once we have the date, location, and permit secured, we can start planning out the rest of your day! This is the fun part where we will get very intentional about how you want your day to feel. I will help you create a timeline that includes the locations you want to explore and the activities you want to include in your elopement day.
How to get married in a national park
let's dive into each park!
But first.. Why should you trust me?
Hey, I'm Bri!
I'm an elopement photographer who has been telling love stories at national parks all over the country since 2018! It's truly been an honor to get a front row seat to so many couple's love stories.
I love showing couples that getting married doesn't have to be a stressful experience! Your wedding should feel like you, reflect your values, and be full of what fills your cup.
Helping couples plan a laid-back and intimate wedding day that allows them to be fully present has got to be one of my favorite things to do! The planner part of me loves to plan logistics and show you how we can make your national park wedding experience fun and memorable in whichever park you decide to get married in.
And lastly, the why behind it all. I really value natural photos that show your personality. It is very important to me that your wedding day feels like you and your photos reflect who you are. Which is why I will give you my expert advice, but always listen to your voice first.
This is your special day after all, and I would love to document all the big moments, and little details that will tell your story.
The Best National Parks to Get Married in
click on each park for more info on how to get married there!
Yosemite
Zion
Glacier
Grand Teton
Canyonlands
Mount Rainier
Redwoods
Olympic
Redwoods
Northern California
There is something deeply magical about the Redwoods. The way the forest gets misty and foggy in the morning and then in the evening, the sun shines through these giant trees giving them such a magical and lively feel.
How to get there:
- Fly into San Francisco - most affordable, but also the longest drive
- Fly into Medford, OR and stay in Crescent City
- Fly into Arcata and stay in Trinidad - most expensive & fewest available flights
Best Time of Year:
The redwoods are gorgeous year round but for the best weather, lowest prices, and least amount of crowds March-June is the best time to get married in the redwoods. The trees are the most lush and green at this time of year.
Pros:
- Not as busy as other parks on this list
- You can get redwood forests and coastal cliffs in the same day
- The lighting is good at any time of the day!
Cons:
- The weather can be a bit unpredictable... but that's to be expected in the PNW
- That's it. This place is freaking awesome & magical!
Permit Info:
You will need a permit to get married in the Redwoods but exact requirements, price, and application process differ in each area. However, don't even worry about that - I help each of my couples with permits and walk you through the entire process!
Ready to get married in the redwoods?!
lets start planning!
Where to Get Married in the Redwoods
The Redwoods are compromised of multiple state parks and national forests that run along the coast of Northern California. Here are a few of the best spots listed from North to South:
Still Have Questions?
Check Out My Full Guide to Eloping in the Redwoods
Zion
Southern Utah
Zion feels like the place where the desert and mountains meet. There’s nothing quite like being surrounded by giant walls of red and pink rock.
How to get there:
Fly into Salt Lake City and drive 4 hours south. You can also fly into St. George and drive 1 hour east.
Where to Stay:
Springdale is the closest town to Zion and absolutely worth the price.
However, if you're planning last minute and Springdale is full, you can stay in East Zion, La Verkin, or Hurricane.
Best Time of Year:
- Spring: March-May
- Fall: September-November
- Winter: December-March
Pros:
- Stunning canyon overlooks
- Hikes for every level
- Most lodging is 5 minutes from park entrance
Cons:
- One of the smallest, yet most visited national parks
- Parking fills up quickly in the summer months
- It's over 100 degrees in the summer
- Basically just don't elope here in the summer
Permit Info:
You will need to apply for a special use permit to get married at one of the 6 designated ceremony sites in Zion. But then we can explore anywhere in the park before or after your ceremony!
The permit is $100 and larger groups will need an event monitor for $50/hour
You can schedule weddings up to a year in advance, and at least 21 days before your desired date (though the best ceremony spots fill up quick!)
let's elope in zion!
Check Out My Free Guide to Eloping in Zion:
*I would highly recommend choosing a weekday or sunrise for your Zion elopement*
zion elopement guide
"I'm going to treasure our wedding photos forever"
I can’t recommend Bri enough!! She captured our elopement in Zion and was an absolute dream to work with! We really put our trust in her since we traveled to Utah to get married, and she exceeded all of our expectations!
She even found a secluded ceremony location for us away from the spring break crowds. Our photos turned out beautifully, and she was able to capture our personalities and love for each other
- Savanna + Jake
Let's start planning your adventure!
Grand Teton
Wyoming
This park does not have a bad angle. Every single location in the Tetons are absolutely gorgeous. You get jagged mountain backdrops, alpine lakes, and wildlife sightings. And the western mountain vibes and good food in Jackson makes it all around such a fun place to get married.
How to get there:
Fly into SLC International and drive 5 hours. Salt Lake is the largest and most accessible airport near the park.
You can also fly into the Jackson Hole Airport or Idaho Falls Regional Airport for a shorter drive, but there are less flight options and higher prices.
Where to Stay:
The best and closest place to stay is Jackson, Wyoming.
You can stay on the Idaho side in Driggs, Tetonia, or Victor for a more affordable option that will require a bit more driving.
Best Time of Year:
August, September and October are when the weather is at its best and summer crowds start to die down. However, if you’re up for the cold and snow, November-February is a gorgeous and quiet time in the park.
Pros:
- Gorgeous views with or without hiking
- Unlike some parks, every single ceremony site in Grand Teton has a breathtaking view
Cons:
- Permits fill up FAST and EARLY
- Lodging is Jackson is always expensive
Permit Info:
Permits for 2027 ceremonies open in December 2026 and fill up fast, so you have to plan in advance to get married in Grand Teton.
A $200 application fee and completed form is required to apply for a wedding permit.
Ready to get married in the tetons?!
lets start planning!
Canyonlands
Southern Utah
Canyonlands feels like a quiet desert escape with views that I think are better than the Grand Canyon. Located in Moab, it is the perfect place for a sunset getaway on your wedding day, or an intimate ceremony with a view.
How to get there:
Best Time of Year:
September-April are the best time of year to avoid the heat and crowds. Just be preapred for chilly days and a dusting of snow on the red rock between November and February.
Pros:
- More secluded and less busy than Arches NP and most other parks on this list
- Amazing place to watch the sunset
Cons:
- Very hot in the summer & no shade anywhere
Permit Info:
You will need to apply for a permit to get married at one of the designated ceremony sites in the park. You can submit your application up to one year in advance.
The non-refundable application fee is $185.
Ready to get married in canyonlands?!
lets start planning!
Where to Stay:
The closest place to stay is Moab, about 45 minutes from Canyonlands NP. I'd recommend staying at Hoodoo Moab or a private cabin at Red Cliffs Lodge
However, Moab also has plenty of great hotels for those on a budge, like River Canyon Lodge or Under Canvas for a unique glamping experience.
Still Have Questions?
Check Out My Free Moab Elopement Guide
Yosemite
Eastern California
You can't talk about national park weddings, without talking about Yosemite. I mean this place is just incredible and probably the coolest scenery I have ever seen.
How to get there:
Fly into Fresno International & you'll definitely need a rental car.
It’s about an hour and a half drive to the entrance of the park, but then another hour to Yosemite Valley - where most of the lodging, food, and must see locations are located.
Where to Stay:
Staying in Yosemite Valley will give you the best experience and accessibility to the park, but also the highest prices.
If you’re looking for something a bit more affordable, stay on the West side of Yosemite near Mariposa or Fish Lake
Best Time of Year:
There isn’t a bad time of year to get married here, it just depends on what you want! However, I would recommend September or October for lower crowds and full accessibility to the park.
April and May are also great! The waterfalls are at their fullest and summer crowds haven't picked up yet. But some roads may still be closed at this time.
Pros:
- Massive rocks & gorgeous waterfalls
- Breathtaking overlooks w/ pink sunrises and sunsets
- You can reach insane views with or without hiking
- Gorgeous year round, every season brings something different
Cons:
- One of the busiest National Parks in the country.
- Prices are high unless you visit in the winter
- One of the most scenic roads in the park closes from November-May every year
Permit Info:
We will need to apply for a special use permit to get married at a designated ceremony site in Yosemite, but then we can explore anywhere in the park before or after your ceremony!
The permit is $150 and larger groups will need an event monitor for $50/hour
You can schedule weddings up to a year in advance, and at least 21 days before your desired date (though the best ceremony spots fill up quick!)
Ready to get married in Yosemite National Park?!
lets start planning!
Glacier national park
Montana
Glacier National Park is home to dramatic glacier carved valleys, active glaciers, and one of the most beautiful mountain drives in the world - the Going to the Sun Road.
How to get there:
Fly into Glacier National Park International Airport (FCA) in Kalispell, Montana. Rent a car & then drive 30 min to the entrance of the park.
Where to Stay:
You can stay on the East side or the West side of Glacier
The West side is closer to the airport and will have more access to food, gas, and shops. I'd recommend staying in Whitefish or at Lake McDonald Lodge.
The East side is much quieter. Services are a bit more limited but the views are unbeatable. Stay at Glacier Park Lodge or St. Mary Village… or if there’s anyway you can get a reservation at Many Glacier Hotel, it sits on the lake and overlooks the most gorgeous view in the park.
Best Time of Year:
The short answer is September on a weekday.
The Going to the Sun road doesn't open until late June and the park sees most of its visitors in July and August. Crowds drop in September and then the road closes early October.
Pros:
- Gorgeous views with or without hiking
- You will likely see lots of wildlife including grizzly bears, moose, and mountain goats
Cons:
- Most of the park and its services close for winter from December-May
- Lodging books up about 6 months in advance
- Extreme traffic and competitive parking in the summer
Permit Info:
You will need to send in your completed application and the $125 application fee at least 20 days prior to your chosen date.
However, the park only issues a certain number of permits per day so I would recommend applying as soon as you have a date picked out.
Ready to get married in glacier National Park?!
lets start planning!
"bri took a lot of stress off my plate and made the day really fun"
Bri was amazing! She was so on top of everything and so helpful. When planning our elopement in Glacier National Park, she helped me figure out permits, license requirements and researched perfect spots to take photos. She really took a lot of stress off my plate and made the day really fun. And we love the photos she took!
-Julie + Will
Mount rainier
Washington
If you’re dreaming of pine trees, wildflower meadows, and grand mountain views then Mt. Rainier may be a great park for your to explore on your elopement day!
How to get there:
Fly into Seattle and drive 2 hours east.
There are 4 entrances to the park, but if you are coming from Seattle you will most likely use the southwest Nisqually entrance.
Where to Stay:
Outside the park: Packwood or Ashford are on the south side (Paradise) or Greenwater to be on the north side (Sunrise)
Best Time of Year:
Pros:
- Wildflower Heaven
- Variety of trails for hikers
- Lots of ceremony location options
Cons:
- Long lines to get into the park after 8/9am
- You can only access the entire park from July-September
Permit Info:
You will need to apply for a special use permit to get married in Mt. Rainier. But then we can explore anywhere in the park before or after your ceremony!
The permit is $250
You can schedule weddings up to a year in advance, and at least 21 days before your desired date (though the best ceremony spots fill up quick!)
Ready to get married in mt. rainier national park?!
lets start planning!
Olympic national park
Northwest Washington
Olympic is known for being one of the most diverse and unique National Parks in the country. You can explore lush rainforests, rugged pacific coastlines, and alpine mountain peaks all in one trip.
How to get there:
Best Time of Year:
The weather is best from July- August but I would recommend June, September & October for cooler weather and lower crowds
Pros:
- You can get lush rainforests and rugged, moody beaches in the same day
- Groups of 5 or less don't need a permit
- There are multiple dog friendly trails in the park
Cons:
- The weather can be a bit unpredictable... but that's to be expected in the PNW
- That's it. This place is so cool!
Permit Info:
You do not need a permit if your group is 5 or less people. However, if you have more guests, you will need to apply for a permit at one of the parks requested locations and pay the $50 application fee.
A maximum of 50 guests is allowed for weddings in Olympic National Park.
Ready to get married in olympic np?!
lets start planning!
Where to Stay:
- Log Cabin Resort
- Lake Crescent Lodge: open April- December
- Kalaloch Lodge: oceanfront cabins and rooms located on the southwest coast, open year round
- Port Angeles (North)
- Forks (West)
We will have 2-3 zoom calls during the planning process to discuss your vision, explore locations and activities, and build out your timeline to create a memorable adventure you’ll want to relive over and over again!
6+ hours of photography coverage with Bri as your guide
inquire for availability
A Collaborative Planning Experience
Scenic Jaw-Dropping Location Recommendations
I will recommend epic locations and hidden gems I’ve scouted out, and give you everything you need to know about them so you’re prepared for your outdoor adventure!
Permit Application for any State or National Park
Timeline Creation
Online Photo Gallery
Sneak peek photos
Your photos will be delivered in an online gallery where you can view, download, and print your photos to share and hold onto for generations.
You’re excited, I’m excited, and I won’t keep you waiting to see what we created. You’ll get sneak peek photos within 72 hours of your elopement day!
A coffee date to kick off our adventure
We will meet up for a casual coffee date prior to your elopement day to get out any last nerves and chat about your recent or future travel and adventures!
full day, multi day, and 8 hour packages also available
national park elopement packages
Every Package includes:
Travel to any national park
No extra travel fees for any park on this page!
“Bri was everything I was looking for in a photographer!”
She was the easiest, most supportive, and talented person I could have asked for. I explained my vision to her and was amazed when I got the photos back. They were better than I even imagined.
She captured the raw beauty of every moment, including the sun flares and Earth’s beauty. She was efficient during family pictures and made sure I got every shot I wanted. I could talk for days about her demeanor and how easy going she is, as well as talented she is! I will use her again for other moments in my life for sure. You won’t regret working with Bri!
- Kinley + Cam
national park wedding venues
While I believe nature is the best backdrop here... if you have a larger group, or you want a venue to have an intimate dinner or reception after your ceremony in the park, here are the best National Park wedding venues
