How to Elope at a National Park: Best Locations, Permits & More
Are you kinda thinking that an adventurous elopement sounds cool but not exactly sure where to start? If you’ve opted for an adventurous elopement, you realize that an elopement is much more than just going the nontraditional route. It means crafting a day around you and your partner. It’s putting your love story in an incredible adventure that encompasses who the two of you are. It’s such an intentional decision; what your day looks like will depend a lot on why you’re choosing to have an elopement. For that reason, having your preferences in mind will help you to narrow down the many options that you have available for your elopement or a destination engagement session. To help you with the search, here’s what I’ll be talking about in this blog post: the best national parks to elope or have a destination engagement session, how to choose locations based on weather and seasons and what permits, passes and fees are required.
I truly have a connection with the outdoors. It’s really hard to narrow down one or two locations to elope so I’ll be sharing 7 different locations with you, specify what makes them all the best locations to elope and where to stay at these beautiful places.
Man, this is hands down one of my favorites. The first time I visited this park was when documenting Jaqueline + Ronnie’s Destination Engagement Session. We flew into San Francisco then to Fresno for a quicker option but traveling from San Francisco or Sacramento and driving in is another option. Some of the airbnb’s we came upon are the following:
Half Dome View - Inside Yosemite
The Yosemite Cabin - Modern Luxury in Yosemite
Yosemite National Park is in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains. There’s so much scenery to enjoy; from high cliffs to deep valleys to tall waterfalls and ginormous sequoias, Yosemite has lots of options for you when deciding what scenery is best for your elopement or engagement session. One of these locations is Glacier Point. This famous landmark is known for the viewpoint above Yosemite. Located 30 miles (1 hour) from the Yosemite Valley, eloping at this location means a stunning backdrop. Depending on what time of day you elope, the mountains can have a bluer tone, adding an extra special touch to your images. The best time of year is July through October. The climate is very unique; being part of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, it is very dry and cold. Due to it’s high elevation, make sure to get checked up for altitude sickness and dry air. If Glacier Point is the route you wish to take for your elopement, make sure you go from July to early November. Snow tends to stay on the roads up until June so it would be helpful to prevent inconveniences upon arrival.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Glacier Point and Taft Point are closed all of 2022 for road improvements.
A backup option would be the Tunnel View location. This location is where I shot Jaqueline + Ronnie’s sunrise images. It’s definitely a great place to start documenting your elopement if you decide to go with an early morning elopement. Another great spot along these lines is the meadow. Not only is it beautiful but it offers stunning sunrise and sunset pictures. Depending on your preferences, we can work together to find the best spot and time to capture you and your partner at this specific location.
We will have to secure permits for the locations you would like to elope or have your destination engagement session. This typically needs to be done about six weeks prior to the session to ensure approval.
One of the most stunning desserts in the U.S is Joshua Tree National Park. If you love the look of a southwestern, desert bohemian wedding filled with adventure and beautiful golden sunlight, this place is for you. The park is about two hours from major airports in Southern California. Here’s my best lodging/airbnb locations to stay and for getting ready photos for elopements:
Neutrahome Joshua Tree - Luxury Retreat and Hiking
If you’re considering eloping in the spring, Joshua Tree is the perfect location. The weather is the most ideal during this season. To avoid the crowds, plan your engagement session or elopement around October to November. But if you’re a heat lover, summer months can have temperatures up to 100 degrees. Just make sure to stay hydrated!
The park requires a ‘Special Park Use Permit’, the cost for the wedding application is $120 and may require additional fees depending on the size of your wedding. It is important to obtain proper permits early on in the planning process to make sure you are completely covered for your wedding day.
If you're in for hikes, Zion will be your best friend. Being one of America's greatest gatherings of canyons in Utah, this place has some of the world's busiest hikes. Whether you are trying to catch your breath while climbing the trail to Observation Point or watching the shadows constantly change the mood of the Court of the Patriarchs, Zion National Park is always ready to quench your appetite for outdoor wonder. Some places to stay at are below:
Private Retreat at the Gateway to Zion!
The park lies in the desert region of Utah, so while temperatures can be hot during the day, nights are often as much as 30 degrees cooler. The time of year to elope in Zion will depend on what you want to do. If hiking is the way to go for you, warm temperatures can be found in spring or fall rather than a hot climate during the summer.
A permit is required for you and your partner. The process needs to start 3 weeks in advance or sooner to save your spot. A processing fee of $100 is required. The part is that the fee goes directly to supporting the park.
I think it’s safe to say a Grand Teton elopement is on the bucket list of all photographers. Those tall majestic peaks that cut straight down into flat land will leave you amazed. From the stunning mountain peaks to the lakes and rivers, it truly is a sight to see. Some places to stay at are the following:
Luxury Cabin on Historic Ranch With Teton Views
There’s lots of diversity when it comes to choosing which season to elope in this beautiful place. January - March you can expect less crowds and more snow capped mountains and fields. April-June you’ll find snow on the mountains or rain in the fields. July - August can be the safest time to elope. With the weather being more predictable, You can camp, hike, relax outside, and just enjoy your time. If you like fall in the mountains with no snow, September forward would be your best bet.
A $200 application fee will be collected in order to get a permit. The permit application must be received in the park no less than thirty days prior to your event. A copy of this permit must be on site during the permitted activity.
Located in Northern Colorado and about an hour outside of Denver, Rocky Mountain National Park is known for the abundant amount of lakes, hiking trails, wildlife and its incredible beauty. One of the most well-known drives is Trail Ridge Road. With the mountain beauty comes a lot of visitors and tourists so you have to choose your location and elopement time wisely, but that is why I am here to help you. The nearest town to stay at would Estes Park; here are some of my favorite places for lodging:
Be sure to be prepared for anything if you elope at this location. A day can start with beautiful sunshine and 70 degrees then it can turn into a gray day with lots of rain. Especially in the mountains be sure to expect rain, wind, sun and snow so definitely bring or wear jackets and layers!
This permit costs $300 and you may get one up to a year before your big day. Also, when you get a permit it doesn’t give you exclusive access to the site so there is a high chance that there will be other people checking out the sites as you say your vows. Please note that not all permits get approved, but the earlier you apply the more likely you’ll be approved.
This National Park is one of the most incredible and versatile locations to elope. Located in the beautiful state of Washington, you can find many different ecosystems within the park. From the dramatic peaks of the Olympic Mountains to old-growth forests, you can easily change the landscape for you elopement within one location. Staying at this national park is amazing. The views at these cabins are amazing:
Thompson Point: An Olympic National Park Retreat
Secluded Getaway - Stunning Olympic Mt. View
Northwest Art and Stylish Comfort
The weather in the springtime is more unpredictable. You’ll experience sunny and rainy days during your stay. During the summer season, the peninsula gets more sunny days than rainy days making it a great time of year to elope. The sunsets are to die for, filling images with mountains full of greenery.
Depending on where you are getting married in the Olympic Peninsula will determine what kind of permit you might need. Certain permits may or may not be needed depending on location and guest count. Ensure you have all details before applying for your permit.
When planning an elopement, always remember your why. The moving force behind the special day between you and your partner. Afterall, this special day will be remembered as the love story documented at a beautiful National Park filled with gorgeous scenery, love in the air and memories of a lifetime.
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