Picture this — it’s your wedding day, and you and your partner are surrounded by secluded woods, fresh air and thriving vegetation. What could be better than saying your vows in the splendor of nature? If you and your partner are outdoor enthusiasts, you can get married in a national park for a peaceful, open-air experience.
Whether you’re planning an intimate national park elopement or an elaborate wedding ceremony, there are plenty of breathtaking spots around the country to say “I do.”
Check out some top national park wedding venues around the United States to snag some inspiration.
Couples need to take care of a few items, from securing a permit to creating a waste disposal plan, to get married in a national park.
Most national parks require you to obtain a permit to get married there. These specific guidelines, including the fees and application process, will vary depending on the park and your anticipated number of guests.
You can apply for a permit through the National Park Service (NPS). Find the park where you wish to have your wedding and search for “permits.” You should be able to find a special-use permit and other details about hosting weddings at the park.
Make sure you apply for a permit well before your wedding — many parks will accept submissions up to a year in advance.
Choose a location that’s easily accessible for all your guests, including those with mobility challenges. Ideally, the park should combine stunning views with thoughtfully designed accessibility features, including paved paths and trails, wheelchair-accessible carriages and shuttles.
Out-of-town guests will need a place to stay. If you plan to reserve a block of rooms for traveling guests, choose a hotel located in or near the park. Additionally, if you’re looking for a tranquil spot to host your reception or even stay for your honeymoon, many national parks have some beautiful lodges.
While we’re on the subject of lodging, you might consider an indoor lodge in or near the park as a backup ceremony venue in case of inclement weather. Mother Nature can be fickle, so a contingency plan is a must for any outdoor wedding.
National park visitors are encouraged to follow the seven Leave No Trace principles to reduce their environmental impact. Keep these principles in mind when planning your national park wedding:
Browse this list of national park wedding locations to spearhead your search for the perfect outdoor venue.
If a wedding surrounded by the iconic Rocky Mountains, pristine alpine lakes and cascading waterfalls sounds right up your alley, Rocky Mountain National Park might be just what you’re looking for. This national park in northern Colorado offers a picturesque background for a wedding or elopement.
Its accessibility and convenience are another major draw for engaged couples. You can stay in Estes Park — a popular base for Rocky Mountain National Park, which has multiple hotels and restaurants and is less than two hours from Denver International Airport.
The park requires a special-use permit for weddings and elopements. Permits are issued for specific park areas and have group and vehicle limits.
A wedding in San Francisco at Golden Gate National Recreation Area offers a unique blend of natural beauty and views of classic landmarks, from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Point Reyes shoreline. This natural reserve in California is beloved for its diverse ecosystems, including forests and beaches, which serve as magnificent backdrops for ceremonies and receptions.
There are numerous lodging options in the area, including luxury hotels. San Francisco International Airport is also conveniently located near the park — the drive is usually less than an hour. Permits are required for all wedding sizes.
Glacier National Park in northwest Montana is affectionately known for its snow-covered mountain peaks, alpine meadows and sparkling lakes. With a wide selection of ceremony sites to choose from, the scenic possibilities for your wedding day are endless.
Plenty of restaurants, lodging options and other attractions occupy the area. Also, the park is only about a 30-minute drive from Glacier Park International Airport. All weddings, elopements and other special events require a special-use permit.
Adventure-craving couples can plan the wedding of their dreams at Yosemite National Park in central California. You can choose from various gorgeous locations, from the awe-inspiring Glacier Point to the quaint, intimate Yosemite Valley Chapel.
Yosemite offers an array of elegant backdrops, including towering granite cliffs, stately giant sequoia trees and serene waterfalls. You’ll find no shortage of lodging options in the area, and the park is less than two hours from Fresno Yosemite International Airport.
You can book your wedding up to a year in advance, and you’ll need a special-use permit for any location within the park.
Consider getting hitched in Acadia National Park to bask in some of New England’s most remarkable landscapes. This adored Maine landmark is bursting with natural beauty, including a rugged coastline, forests and mountains. Depending on your wedding size, you could opt for a sunrise ceremony at Cadillac Mountain or a coastal-style elopement at Sand Beach.
Acadia is also a prime wedding spot for its accessibility. The park’s well-maintained carriage roads enable seamless access to various scenic areas. Additionally, Acadia National Park is less than a 20-minute drive from Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport.
Special-use permits are required for wedding ceremonies, with the exception of some small gatherings up to 10 people. Receptions are only permitted in the park if they’re held at a concession facility.
Getting married in a national park is a dream for any nature-loving couple seeking an exceptionally scenic wedding day. It offers a uniquely memorable, intimate and personalized experience, and the diverse scenery lends a vibrant backdrop for photos and video. You and your partner will cherish these visual reminders from your big day for years to come.
Aside from picking the perfect national park venue, partnering with an experienced photographer and videographer is crucial to round out your special celebration. Shutter & Sound offers multiple photography and videography packages so you can find services that suit your needs. Learn more by getting in touch with us today!
