With so many unique parks across the US and Canada, it’s no surprise that national park weddings routinely top our charts of the coolest places to elope + host intimate weddings. And when it comes to epic weddings with epic photos to prove it, it’s no wonder why so many people choose national parks for their weddings, honeymoons, and proposals!
Before we jump in, we asked adventure photographer, Abbi of The Hearnes, for her advice when it comes to eloping in a national park.
Advice for Getting Married in a National Park
Eloping in a national park is such a wonderful way to skip the big wedding traditions and do something that feels right for you two. My biggest advice when you start planning your elopement is to get in touch with your dream photographer as soon as possible. Some of our couple’s best experiences have been in places they didn’t know existed, during seasons they didn’t know were the best, doing things they didn’t realize they could do on their wedding day!
When planning your adventure elopement in a national park, your photographer is often the only vendor you work with directly on your wedding day, and sometimes your only vendor period! So make sure your photographer is an expert, has experience in the outdoors, is confident in any lighting and weather scenario, AND (most importantly) knows the regulations and rules in place in the national park.
Be sure you have a permit (required for any wedding in a national park, even elopements!) and you respect the rules of the park. It’s your special day, but you’re still sharing the park with other tourists and all the generations to come, so while frolicking through a meadow might be pretty, make sure you’re not walking across a fragile restoration area or stomping plans! The best rule of thumb is to imagine 100 people doing whatever you do later that day—if it’ll destroy the place, don’t do it! Your photographer should be aware of these things and should never encourage you to do anything that is dangerous for the park or for yourself.
Lastly, remember to have fun and embrace whatever comes your way! Some of our favorite elopement experiences have been when the weather was “bad” or plans had to change. That’s the beauty of eloping!
Thinking about stepping foot into one of these incredible locations? We’ve rounded up some of our favorite weddings + elopements by state to give you an idea of where you might like to start!
National Park Weddings in Alaska
Denali National Park
Fun fact: there is only one road that runs through Denali National Park. It is mostly untouched and left free for the park’s animals to roam. Good excuse to take an epic helicopter commute? We think so.
photo by The Hearnes
National Park Weddings in Arizona
Grand Canyon National Park
A classic backdrop that never gets old! Make sure your photographer knows the ins and outs and prepare for an early morning to avoid crowds.
photo: Dana Maruna Photo
National Park Weddings in California
Death Valley National Park
Death Valley is one of the last places in the lower 48 states where the night sky can be photographed without light pollution. Talk about epic.
photography: Kim Butler
Joshua Tree National Park
If boho is your vibe, it doesn’t get better than Joshua Tree! Book a rad Airbnb and do it right.
photo by Eden Strader Photography
Taft Point at Yosemite
If you truly want those jaw-dropping photos, there is no place like Taft Point.
photo by Kristen Booth Photography
Taft Point in Yosemite at Golden Hour
And let’s take that from another angle…how dreamy is this? From sunrise to sunset, you’re destined to capture some magic.
photo by The Hearnes
Morning Elopement at Yosemite
No matter if you’re at the top of the mountain or…
photo by Anni Graham
Just Married in Yosemite
Or if you’re enjoying a walk at the base! There’s a reason Yosemite is a bucket list for so many and the perks are, many photographers will be familiar with the landscape.
photo by Anni Graham
Sequoia National Park
Beginning your marriage among the world’s largest trees? Yeah, that’s pretty epic.
photo by The Hearnes
National Park Weddings in Colorado
Rocky Mountain National Park
Aspen trees, cliff faces, mountain peaks, and trails…you won’t be wanting for magical moments among Colorado’s mountains.
photo by Adventure Instead
National Park Weddings in Montana
Glacier National Park
There are several locations around Glacier National Park that make for stunning moments – but don’t miss Avalanche Lake.
photography: Anni Graham
National Park Weddings in New Mexico
Great Sand Dunes National Park
Looking for epic AND unique? The Great Sand Dunes in New Mexico fit the bill!
photo by Adventure Instead
National Park Weddings in Texas
Big Bend National Park
Stay in Marfa, get married in Big Bend. It’s the perfect combination for a southwestern wedding weekend.
photo: The Hearnes
National Park Weddings in Utah
Arches National Park
More than 2,000 natural sandstone arches can’t be wrong for an epic wedding backdrop.
photo by Dawn Photography
Zion National Park
Zion is one of the dreamiest national parks for glamping! It’s easier to bring a crowd and extend your stay if you want to make an event out of it.
photo by The Hearnes
Zion National Park at Sunrise
Where else can you get such an epic photo?
photo by Tyler Rye Photography
National Park Weddings in Washington
North Cascades National Park
If you’re looking for majestic mountain scenery, snowfields, glaciers, alpine meadows, cascading waterfalls, North Cascades is for you.
photo by Dawn Photography
Mount Ranier National Park
Did you know that Mount Ranier is an active volcano? You’ll also find glaciers and hiking (and if you can’t go to an erupting volcano in Iceland, this is a very solid option).
photo: Aloha Zoe Photography
National Park Weddings in Wyoming
Winter in Grand Teton National Park
Married in a winter wonderland? Yes, please!
Amber at Adventure Instead
Grand Teton National Park
Or do summer in the Teton forest! (PS: These two have visited several national parks and easily decided on Grand Teton for their I dos!)
photo by Kylie Morgan Photography
National Park Weddings in Canada
Banff National Park
If you want to avoid the crowds at Banff, Bow Lake at sunrise is where it’s at!
photography: Anni Graham
Lake Louise in Banff National Park
Lake Louise is certainly popular with the crowds…but we kinda think it might be worth it for an epic moment like this!
photo by Terry Photo Co
Lake Louise Frozen Over
And one last amazing look at Lake Louise in the winter. Absolute perfection, if you ask us.
photo: Willow and Wolf Photography
I wish we had these in Poland, they truly look amazing and a photosession there must be an adventure!
What a gorgeous and unique feature! This shows just how breathtaking a less convention ‘venue’ can be; every photo offers gorgeous views, colors, and wonderfully thought of attire–vintage lace and flowing bohemian sleeves
perfect photos
What a great photos! I’m truly impressed! Some of them just take my breath away
Amazing photos! Thanks for sharing:)