The Most Stunning National Park Weddings For an Epic “I Do”

Arches National Park by The Hearnes

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 National Park Weddings

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

See More From this Death Valley Elopement

Joshua Tree National Park

National Park Weddings Joshua Tree

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

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Taft Point at Yosemite

National Park Weddings Yosemite Bride and Groom Taft Point

If you truly want those jaw-dropping photos, there is no place like Taft Point.

photo by Kristen Booth Photography

See More From This Post-Wedding Session

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

See More from this Dreamy Yosemite WEdding

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

See More From this Elopement

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

See more from this Elopement in Arches National Park

Arches National Park

Isn’t this absolutely dreamy?!

photo by The Hearnes

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

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

See More from this North Cascades Elopement

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

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

See More From this Wooded Wedding in Grand Teton

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

See More From this Sunrise Wedding in Banff

Epic Skies at Banff National Park

How utterly dreamy is this photo?

photo by With Love & Embers

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

See More from this Wedding at Lake Louise

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

Thinking a national park wedding might be for you? For all the details and answers to your FAQs, check out How to Elope in a National Park!

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