Photos of small,
semi-luxury weddings and elopements
for couples that love
to travel.
15 Best National Parks to Elope in the US
And while it's not as simple as just showing up and saying 'I do,' it's waaaay more laid back than traditional wedding planning.
So buckle up - let's explore the best national parks to elope!
Why Elope in a national park?
15 best national parks to elope in the us
Zion
Grand Canyon
Yosemite
Grand Teton
Big Bend
Kenai Fjords
Death Valley
Haleakala
Rocky Mountain
Mount Hood*
Glen Canyon*
Acadia
ZION NATIONAL PARK
getting there
Zion is only 2 hours away from Las Vegas Airport, making it an easy spot to get to!
permit Requirements
You'll need a wedding permit, but a photography permit isn't usually needed.
Where to stay
Springdale, UT is the closest town and has great hotel + Airbnb options.
Zion Lodge is in the actual park, which puts you really close to the action
Getting around ZION
Check out my complete guide to eloping in Zion here.
1. It gets HOT in the summer - so if you don't like the heat, pick a different time to visit
2. Zion is a very popular park, so be prepared for crowds unless you visit 'secret' places or in the off-season
other things to consider
1. ZNP Has a lot of hikes for all different levels (Angel's Landing for the daredevils!)
2. The landscape and views are unlike anywhere else!
3. It's close to other national + state parks, so you can get a lot out of your trip!
WHY ELOPE IN ZION NATIONAL PARK
You can drive around parts of the park, but you'll need to catch a shuttle for the main road (unless you stay at Zion Lodge). It's super simple and convenient, just make sure you have everything you need it your pack!
GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK
getting there
The Grand Canyon is about 3 hours from Phoenix Airport and 4 hours from Las Vegas Airport.
permit Requirements
A permit is required and there are predetermined ceremony locations. The permit is $240. Photography permits are not typically required.
Where to stay
There are lodges inside + near the actual park. If you're looking for more of an adventure, Phantom Ranch is at the bottom of the canyon and has campsites and rooms for rent! There's also an Under Canvas if you want an awesome glamping experience (and it's perfect for elopements!)
Getting around
You'll need a car to experience all that this place has to offer
1. It's the desert, and it gets HOT. If that's not your thing, don't plan your visit in summer.
2. If you really want to avoid crowds, don't have time to head all the way south, or prefer 'rustic' over commercialized, check out the North Rim! It's much less popular but still has epic views.
other things to consider
1. Even though it's a popular place, it's easy to get off the beaten-path and away from the crowds.
2. The star-gazing is some of the best I've ever seen - trulyyy unreal.
what makes it great
GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK
getting there
The nearest airport is Jackson Hole, but flights tend to be very expensive. Flying into Salt Lake tends to be cheaper, and you'll get a scenic 4 hour drive too.
permit Requirements
GTNP requires a permit for weddings, which can only take place at designated areas. The permit is $200, plus additional for a photographer permit, if needed.
Where to stay
The nearest town is Jackson - which has a lot of cute hotel + Airbnb options, though they tend to be pricey. There are also campgrounds, but many are first-come-first-serve which can require you to wait in super long lines. Getting a permit for backcountry camping is the way to go, IMO!
Getting around
You'll need a car to have the full Grand Teton experience. I recommend a high clearance and 4x4 vehicle if you want to explore some dirt roads (which you do - trust me)
1. GTNP is a small park, which means the crowds are more condensed
2. Snow can come as early as September, so be prepared for any type of weather!
other things to consider
1. There is great hiking for all levels, including backcountry camping for the more experienced!
2. There are some epic spots to kayak/canoe/paddleboard (or swim, but it's chilly!)
3. The Tetons are a super unique looking mountain range - that itself is worth a visit!
4. It's close to Yellowstone so you can get more parks for your time!
WHY ELOPE IN GRAND TETON NP
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK
getting there
Fresno and Mammoth Lake are regional airports less than 2 hours away from the park. Depending on where you're coming from, it may be easier to fly into San Francisco, Oakland, Sacramento or San Jose, which are about a 4 hour drive.
Yosemite wedding permit Requirements
Both a wedding permit ($150) + a photo permit ($200) are needed. Wedding permits are not granted for weekend dates. For your ceremony, you can choose from a list of predetermined locations
Where to stay
For an awesome glamping experience, definitely check out Autocamp Yosemite (hello airstreams!) There's also camping options in/near the park. The most largest nearby town is Mariposa, which has hotel and Airbnb options.
Getting around
You'll need a car to hit all the epic spots Yosemite has to offer!
1. With all that beauty comes crowds - expect to run into a few other couples getting married and wait your turn for the 'classic' photo ops
2. Glacier Point Road will be closed in 2022 for improvements (that means no road access to Taft Point)
other things to consider
1. Yosemite is considered one of the most beautiful places in the country (and world!) which makes it a epic place to elope
2. Even when you leave the park, there's still so much to do nearby! Check out Kings Canyon NP or the National Forests that surround the park.
what makes it great
KENAI FJORDS NATIONAL PARK
getting there
The largest airport is Anchorage (2.5 hours)
permit Requirements
You'll need a Special Use Permit for your Kenai Fjords wedding ($100) but you generally don't need a photo permit (yay!)
Where to stay
There are some super cute Airbnbs in the neighboring towns. There's also a lodge and an established campground within the park.
Getting around
Given the remoteness of this park and vast distance of everything in Alaska, you'll definitely need a car to explore!
1. Alaska is a wild place - be prepared for encounters with wildlife (bear, moose and others) and make sure to keep your distance.
2. Summer is typically the best time to visit because of the climate, but shoulder season (May + September) can be a great option too for less crowds and for a chance to see Northern Lights!
other things to consider
1. Kenai Fjords is an awesome spot for your Alaska elopement - there's water, glaciers and a incredibly unique landscape right here in the US
2. In the spring + summer, you'll have a chance to see some whales (how freakin' cool is that?!)
3. Alaska summer days have up to 22 hours of daylight, which gives you tons of time for fun activties!
what makes it great
HALEAKALA NATIONAL PARK
getting there
You'll likely have to fly into Kahului Airport to get to the island, which is about an hour from Haleakala.
permit Requirements
You'll need a wedding permit ($150) and depending on your wedding details, a photo permit. The NPS will also have to approve of your ceremony location.
Where to stay
There are wilderness cabins within the park available for rent. There are also Airbnbs all throughout the coast of the island
Getting around
The park is on Maui and is very remote, so plan on renting a car once you get to the island.
1. If you're coming from the mainland, it's not an easy spot to get to and often requires multiple flights. It's worth it, but be prepared for the long travel days!
2. Haleakala is on a remote part of a small island, so don't expect 7-11 on every corner. Be ready to drive ~30 minutes to get to a store.
other things to consider
1. There are tons of great trails with unique landscape views - including hiking in a crater!
2. Haleakala is known for its sunrises, but you'll need a reservation to catch one!
3. Haleakala is also the largest dormant volcano in the world
WHY ELOPE IN HALEAKALA
OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK
getting there
ONP is just over 2 hours away from Seattle, which is the closest major airport.
OLYMPIC NP WEDDING permit Requirements
A Special Use Permit ($50) is required to elope in Olympic National Park. A photo permit ($100) may be needed too, depending on the details of your day.
Where to stay
There are SO MANY cute Airbnbs near ONP that would make the perfect 'home base' for your elopement! There's also lodges for rent, established campgrounds + backcountry camping with in the park
1. Being in the PNW, the park gets a lot of rain. The driest (+ busiest) months are July and August. If you don't mind the change of rain (it's fun, I promise!) visiting in the off season is a great way to limit crowds.
2. Winter is also a great time to visit - check out Hurricane Ridge if you want to get in some runs!
other things to consider
1. ONP has something for everyone: mountain, waterfalls, beach, forest - you name it! Which makes it the perfect elopement spot for couples who can't decide where to elope
2. There are SO many things to do once you're in the park: hike, fish, boat, ski (yes, ski!)
WHY ELOPE AT OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK
DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK
getting there
Death Valley is about 2 hours from Las Vegas or 4 hours from Los Angeles
Death Valley WEDDING permit Requirements
A Special Use Permit ($300) and photo permit ($300) are required. An hourly fee may also been needed depending on the details of your day. Permits take a minimum of 30 days to process.
Where to stay
Campgrounds are closed in summer and open in October. Lodging is pretty limited near the park, but the nearby towns of Pahrump and Furnace Creek have Airbnb and hotel options.
1. It's named Death Valley for a reason. This place gets HOT in the summer, so I'd recommend avoiding a summer visit. Also be sure to carry a tonnnn of water.
2. Events are not allowed in locations below 2000 feet during the day between June 14 and September 9, between 10 AM and sunset
other things to consider
1. Death Valley's other-wordly landscape (especially the colorful Artist's Pallate) is the perfect elopement spot for the spring, fall or winter.
2. Despite the conditions, wildflowers pop up in the valley in spring which makes it a great time to visit
WHY ELOPE IN DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK
ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK
getting there
Denver is only 1.5 hours from Rocky Mountain NP but feels like a world away
Rocky Mountain wedding permit Requirements
A Special Use Permit ($300) is required for weddings within RMNP and a photo permit is not needed. Note: the park will only issue 250 wedding permits for 2021, which have been sold out.
Where to stay
Estes Park is the closest town to RMNP and has a lot of hotel and Airbnb choices. Boulder is also a great option and only about an hour outside the park
1. RMNP is one of the most popular national parks, so a sunrise elopement is a great way to avoid crowds.
2. The park limits the amount of wedding permits it accepts each year. These are already sold out for 2021. You can still elope outside the park, though!
3. Give yourself time (at least a day) to adjust to the altitude!
other things to consider
1. The mountains and the lakes scattered through the park create an amazing experience you'll never forget.
2. The park is home to a TON of amazing hikes and close to areas for other fun activities like skiing, breweries, lakes for swimming - and much more
WHY ELOPE IN ROCKY MOUTAIN NP
Getting around
In the summer + fall, there's a free shuttle that runs from Estes Park, which is a great way to avoid congested parking lots
ARCHES NATIONAL PARK
getting there
Salt Lake City is the nearest major airport (3.5 hours), or you can fly into (1.5 hours) if you can find a regional flight.
Arches wedding permit Requirements
You'll need a wedding permit ($185) to elope at Arches National park, but photo permits aren't generally required. There are also predetermined ceremony locations to choose from.
Where to stay
Moab is definitely the place to stay when visiting Arches. Under Canvas Moab is the perfect glamping spot (and such a romantic place for an elopement!). There are great campsites and Airbnbs near the park too.
Getting around
There aren't any shuttles, so the best way to get around Arches is by car.
1. The park limits time occupying the area under any arch to 10 minutes when other visitors are present, so everyone has a chance to enjoy the view.
2. Arches is only ~30 minutes from Canyonlands NP, so make sure to check out that park too!
other things to consider
1. Arches is just outside of Moab, which is known for its endless options of adventurous activities like BASE jumping, skydiving, rock climbing, Jeeping, dirt biking...you get the idea. If you're into those things, Arches is the elopement spot for you!
2. Arches NP has the highest density of natural arches in the world, and walking from one to another is such a surreal experience. Like how do these things possibly exist?!
what makes it great
VOYAGEURS NATIONAL PARK
getting there
Voyageurs is 5 hours from Minneapolis and about 3 hours from Duluth
Voyageurs National Park Wedding permit Requirements
You'll need a Special Use Permit ($50) to get married in Voyageurs, but a photo permit is not generally required.
Where to stay
Renting a houseboat is THE way to go. There's also a lodge within the park or cabins for rent nearby. Campsites are only accessible by water (kayak or boat)
Getting around
Much of the park is actually water, so renting a boat (houseboat, pontoon, kayak, etc) is your best bet.
1. Being so north, Voyageurs has pretty mild summers (upper 70s), making it a great place to elope in the summer if you want to avoid the scorching heat. It also gets a lot of snow in winter, meaning snowshoeing, ice fishing, etc, if that's more your style
other things to consider
1. Finally, a featured Midwest National Park! The perfect spot for your midwest elopement (and great for Canadians too!)
2. Voyageurs has tons of lakes and streams, and you can even rent houseboat! Talk about en epic elopement
3. Depending on when you visit, you may be able to see the Northern Lights! (they can appear any time of year, but winter is most common).
what makes it great
*this photo is not Voyaguers NP
BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK
getting there
El Paso is the largest airport nearby (4.5 hours), but the Midland/Odessa regional airport (2.5 hours) is a closer option if flights are available from where you live
permit Requirements
A Special Use Permit ($50) is required to elope at Big Bend - be sure to give at least 4-6 weeks for permit approval. A photo permit ($150) is also usually required
Where to stay
The Chisos Mountains Lodge and some campgrounds are nestled within the park. There's also a cute glamping park nearby
Getting around
Traveling by train is typically the best way to get around Italy. If you're going to a remote destination, though (like the Dolomites), renting a car is your best bet.
1. You're in the south, so it get hottt in the summer! I recommend starting with a sunrise elopement to avoid the mid-day heat.
2. Big Bend is remote...there's not a whole lot nearby. That's not a bad thing - just something to consider when choosing your elopement spot!
other things to consider
1. Big Bend is a huge park, which means there's plenty of room to escape the crowds
2. The River Grande runs through the park, which means you can plan some water activities (like canoeing) into your day!
what makes it great
ACADIA NATIONAL PARK
getting there
Portland is about 3 hours from Acadia. You can also fly into Boston Logan and take a hopper plane to Hancock County Airport (10 minutes away) or continue on a scenic 7 hour road trip up the east coast. Bangor International Airport is about an hour west of the park, so that's a great option if your area has flights to that airport.
permit Requirements
If your Acadia elopement is more than 10 people, you'll need a permit ($50). There are also recommended ceremony spots to ensure more privacy.
Where to stay
There are a lot of super cute Airbnbs and bed + breakfasts near the park and on the surrounding islands - many of them have epic waterfront views, too!
Getting around
Acadia typically has a shuttle service that takes you around the park and even pick you up from Bangor International, but it is not currently operating because of Covid. That said, renting a car is your best bet!
1. Acadia is very north...you're practically in Canada! Plan for the weather accordingly (aka bring a lot of layers, especially in winter months)
2. Being the gem of the East Coast and on an island, this place gets crowded. If you want to elope in Acadia, consider an off-season or a sunrise elopement
other things to consider
1. If you love quaint towns and seafood, this is the spot for you. Acadia is surrounded by small fishing villages, lobstah anyone?!
2. For couples who love adventure, Acadia is great for kayaking, biking and rock climbing
what makes it great
LAKE POWELL/
GLEN CANYON NATIONAL RECREATION AREA
getting there
Lake Powell is about 4 hours from both Las Vegas and Phoenix. If you come from Vegas, you'll be super close to Zion. If you come from Phoenix, the Grand Canyon is a quick detour. Either way is a great choice!
permit Requirements
You'll need a Special Use Permit ($200) for your wedding, but a separate photo permit isn't required
Where to stay
Page, AZ is the closest town and has a lot of hotel options. Lake Powell Resort is right on the water and provides great views, butt he best way to see Lake Powell, though, is by renting a houseboat!
Getting around
You'll need a car to get here, but once you arrive, exploring by boat is the way to go. Either rent a houseboat, jets ki or even a kayak!
1. If you don't want to get out on the water, winter is a great time to elope in Lake Powell - no crowds but the days are usually still perfectly sunny! Just remember a coat!
other things to consider
1. Lake Powell is the perfect spot for couples who want a relaxing yet adventurous and unique elopement experience - you can kayak, swim, or relax on the beach all day!
2. It's only 10 minutes from the iconic Horseshoe Bend
what makes it great
MOUNT HOOD NATIONAL FOREST
getting there
Mount Hood is less than 2 hours from Portland, OR and about 4 hours from Seattle, WA
permit Requirements
A wedding permit is not typically needed, but a photo permit ($115+) may be required.
Where to stay
This area has so many cute cabin Airbnb options! Any of them would make an amazing place to stay for your Mount Hood elopement.
Getting around
You'll want a car to explore the National Forest and the amazing nearby locations too
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other things to consider
1. Mt. Hood is a forest (obvi), but it's also only 2 hours away from the coast - so you don't have to pick just once landscape!
2. There are a lot of scenic hikes in the forest and it's a great place to see wildflowers, making it a great spot for a spring elopement (if you're not scared of a lil rain!)
what makes it great
