A Simple Guide to Eloping in National Parks
Welcome to your go-to guide for learning everything you need to know at a glance. This guide covers necessary permits, license costs, and venue requirements - but only the highlights you need. Click on the associated links for more detailed information on the individual parks.
Please note:
Some national parks require separate permits for photography and film. Please work with your elopement photographer to abide by regulations and obtain proper permits and documentation.
Some national parks have multiple entry points that require different entrance fees. Please call the park to learn up-to-date entrance fee pricing for the area you plan to visit.
Not all regulations are the same for every national park. Please take care in reading the park and permit regulations (found on their respective websites) to enjoy your experience and allow others the same opportunities in the future.
These highlights do not include current road or location closures. For up-to-date information on road conditions, please check the national park’s website.
This is only high-level information. To ensure a seamless experience, readers are highly recommended to follow the links provided and do their own research when planning their national park elopements.
Alaska
Alaska provides a variety of venue locations and backdrops, from ancient glaciers and mountains to truly untamed lakes and forests.
Denali National Park
Key Info:
Apply for a Special Use Permit 10 days in advance.
Obtain a SUP for $200.
There are 2 types of SUPs:
SUP application for 5 participants or less with minimal equipment.
SUP application for 6 or more participants with substantial equipment.
Gates of the Arctic National Park
Key Info:
No entrance fees.
Only accessible via air taxi or boat.
Applications for a Special Use Permit must be submitted 3 weeks in advance.
Obtain a SUP for $200.
You will need to email the park to obtain a SUP application.
Glacier Bay National Park
Key Info:
Applications for a Special Use Permit must be submitted 10 days in advance.
Obtain a SUP for $250.
There are 2 types of SUPs:
Download SUP application for 5 participants or less with minimal equipment.
Download SUP application for 6 or more participants with substantial equipment.
Kenai Fjords National Park
Key Info:
Apply a minimum of 2 weeks in advance.
Obtain a SUP for $100.
Kobuk Valley National Park
Key Info:
Independent travelers do not require permits, but organized recreational groups must obtain a permit from the Chief Ranger.
Email the park for a SUP application and to identify which one you might need.
Lake Clark National Park
Key Info:
No entrance fees.
No permits are required for under 10 people with restrictions.
Contact (907) 226-4622 to obtain a SUP application.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
A Special Use Permit is required only when organizing a large wedding.
Please email the park to apply for a SUP.
There is a $200 SUP fee.
American Samoa
American Samoa is a U.S. territory located in the South Pacific. It is known for its verdant rainforests, colorful coral reefs, and beaches.
National Park of the American Samoa
Key Info:
Obtain a SUP for $100.
Apply at least 15 days in advance.
Arizona
Arizona, located in the southwestern United States, is known for the Grand Canyon, Sonoran Desert, Sedona, and saguaro cacti.
Learn how to elope in Arizona.
Grand Canyon National Park
Key Info:
Weddings can be scheduled 1 year in advance.
SUP requests must be submitted a minimum of 30 days in advance.
There is a $240 SUP fee. If you want to marry at Shoshone Point, it is a $500 SUP fee.
Petrified Forest National Park
Key Info:
Weddings can be planned up to a year in advance.
There is a $115 SUP fee for ceremonies with more than 10 people.
Saguaro National Park
Key Info:
Minimum 4 weeks to process
Max 18 people.
Send completed applications to nps_sagu_sup@nps.gov
Arkansas
In the southern United States, Arkansas is known for its lush forests, picturesque mountains, and charming small towns.
Hot Springs National Park
Key Info:
Contact the park about availability before applying.
$100 SUP fee
California
Sought after for its stunning beaches, redwood forests, and vibrant cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, California’s cultural diversity and iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge make it unique.
Channel Islands National Park
Key Info:
Minimum 30 days to process
Email DEVA_Permits@nps.gov the completed application
Joshua Tree National Park
Key Info:
Email your completed application to Jeannie_Wilson@nps.gov
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park
Key Info:
Email the park the completed application
Apply a minimum of 60 days in advance.
Lassen Volcanic National Park
Key Info:
$50 SUP fee
Minimum 90 day processing fee
Email the park for a copy of the SUP application
Redwood National Park
Key Info:
Complete SUP application and threatened and endangered species addendum
Email both completed forms to REDW_Special_Use_Permits@nps.gov
Permits are not granted for Fern Canyon, James Irvine Trail, Stout Grove, or Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail.
Ceremonies are limited to 1 - 3 hours.
Due to crowding, permits can only be written for day-use hours and may not be granted during or around major holidays.
Yosemite National Park
Key Info:
There is a SUP fee of $150
Must apply a minimum of 21 days before your event.
Max 30 people.
Send your completed application via post to: Special Park Uses/Film and Weddings Yosemite National Park, National Park Service. P.O. Box 700 El Portal, CA 95318.
Colorado
Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, Colorado offers majestic peaks, deep canyons, and iconic alpine lakes.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Key Info:
Wilderness Use Permits are mandatory.
WUP costs $150 at the South Rim Visitor Center or the North Rim Ranger Station
Couples can purchase a SUP for $100-$300 if they plan to include guests.
Send your completed application via post to: Chief Ranger, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Curecanti National Recreation Area 102 Elk Creek Gunnison, CO 81230. Addressed to the National Park Service.
Great Sand Dunes National Park
Key Info:
Must obtain a SUP for $200.
Ceremony requests for more than 15 people at the dunefield will not be approved and will be directed to the park Amphitheater.
Ceremonies are limited to a max of two hours at all locations.
Send your completed application via post to: Great Sand Dunes National Park. Attn: Chief Ranger, 11500 State Hwy 150, Mosca, CO 81146
Mesa Verde National Park
Key Info:
Obtain a SUP for $75-$500.
Couples will need to submit a SUP application and a Wedding Permit application.
No entrance fees.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Key Info:
Obtain a SUP for $300
There are designated areas couples must reserve.
Max 30 people.
Florida
Sunny beaches, vibrant nightlife, and diverse ecosystems like the Everglades make Florida a diverse elopement location.
Biscayne National Park
Key Info:
Obtain a SUP for $100
Apply at least 15 business days in advance.
If your group size is over 25, you’ll obtain a First Amendment Permit and use the designated area at Convoy Point during daylight hours.
Dry Tortugas National Park
Key Info:
Accessible only by boat or seaplane.
$15 entrance fee.
Camping fees range from $15-$30 for 7 days.
$100 SUP application fee.
Everglades National Park
Key Info:
There is a $100 SUP application fee.
Apply a minimum of 15 days in advance.
Daylight hours only.
$35 entrance fee.
Camping sites are $20-$35 a night.
Hawaii
Hawaii is famous for its beaches, rainforests, and volcanic landscapes. Hawaii's rich Polynesian culture, warm hospitality, and unique traditions make it an ideal destination wedding option.
Haleakala National Park
Key Info:
If you plan a sunrise elopement, you must obtain a sunrise reservation.
$15 per-person entry fee or $30 vehicle entrance fee.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Key Info:
$15 per-person entry fee or $30 vehicle entrance fee.
Kentucky
Kentucky is known for its rich horse racing history, bourbon distilleries, and bluegrass music. The state's rolling hills and cultural events, such as the Kentucky Derby and bluegrass festivals, create a perfect blend of Southern charm.
Mammoth Cave National Park
Key Info:
There are no entrance fees.
Visitors must purchase a tour ranging from $18/pp to $49pp to explore the cave.
Apply a minimum of 45 days in advance.
No weddings are permitted inside the cave.
Indiana
Indiana is known for its Hoosier heritage, highlighted by the Indianapolis 500 and basketball culture. Its landscapes include dunes along Lake Michigan and historic bridges.
Indiana Dunes National Park
Key Info:
You must apply a minimum of 14 days before the event.
Approval not guaranteed.
$15 per person or $25 per family/vehicle.
Receptions are not permitted.
No weddings are permitted inside caves.
Contact (219) 395-1844 for application information.
Maine
Maine offers rugged coastlines, charming lighthouses, and more seafood than you could eat. Acadia National Park and quaint coastal towns like Bar Harbor are complemented by the lobster fishing industry and fall foliage.
Acadia National Park
Key Info:
No permit is needed for 10 people and under.
Download application. (Do not include parking plan or SSN)
The entrance fee is $15/per person or $30 per vehicle.
Michigan
Michigan is famous for its freshwater coastline, including the Upper Peninsula's beauty and iconic Mackinac Bridge.
Isle Royale National Park
Key Info:
Parties of 1-6 people must acquire a Small Party Permit for free after paying the entrance fee.
Groups of 7 or more require advanced reservations
Apply for a Special Use Permit for $50.
Submit your application between January 2nd and May 15th.
Minnesota
Minnesota, known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes, is famous for its outdoor recreation opportunities, from fishing to snowmobiling.
Voyageurs National Park
Key Info:
Apply at least 4 weeks in advance.
There is no entrance fee.
Missouri
Missouri is home to a variety of areas, including the Ozark Mountains and the Mississippi River.
Gateway Arch National Park
Key Info:
Obtain a Special Use Permit for $185.
Popular Tram Ride is $15 per person.
The Historic Old Courthouse is currently closed due to COVID-19 and upcoming renovations to the building.
Montana
Montana is known for its rugged landscapes, pristine lakes, and ranching, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Its rich cowboy culture offers visitors an authentic experience of the American West.
Glacier National Park
Nevada
Las Vegas is famous for its lively entertainment, thriving nightlife, and luxury resorts. Nevada is also home to the Mojave Desert, Red Rock Canyon, Area 51, and the Hoover Dam.
Great Basin National Park
Key Info:
Obtain a SUP for $75.
Apply at least 30 days in advance.
New Mexico
Rich Native American and Spanish heritage is reflected in its architecture and art scene. New Mexico includes deserts, mountains, and ancient ruins.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Key Info:
Weddings are not permitted inside the cave itself.
Submit application to: CAVE_Fees@nps.gov
White Sands National Park
Key Info:
Obtain a SUP for $100.
Apply at least 21 days in advance.
Submit your SUP application a minimum of 21 days before the event.
You can enter the park early or stay late for $75 an hour.
No water is available.
North Dakota
Located in the northern Great Plains, North Dakotah is home to prairies, rolling hills, and Badlands formations. Its unique Native American heritage, including sites like the Standing Rock Reservation and agricultural landscapes, contributes to its known charm.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Key Info:
Obtain a SUP for $50.
Apply a minimum of 4 weeks before the event.
The maximum guest count is 100 unless the guest is held in a campsite.
The entrance fee is $15 per person or $30 per vehicle.
Ohio
Ohio is known for its cities like Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Columbus. Its role in American history - from the Underground Railroad to the birthplace of aviation - makes it an ideal destination for city lovers.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Key Info:
Obtain a SUP for $75
Temporary Hold on Special Use Permits on Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, Station Road Bridge to Lock 29. (current information as of 3/6/2024)
Apply a minimum of 30 days in advance.
Oregon
Celebrated for its stunning coastline, lush forests, and vibrant cities like Portland, the Columbia River Gorge, and Crater Lake make it truly distinctive.
Crater Lake National Park
Key Info:
Obtain a SUP for $50.
Apply at least 8 weeks before.
The entrance fee is $15 per person.
Cash is no longer accepted.
Ceremonies are not permitted within the Lodge or the attached exterior verandas.
South Carolina
Known as the Palmetto State, it's famous for its historic sites, such as Charleston and Fort Sumter, beaches along the Grand Strand, Southern dishes, historic plantations, and its role in the American Revolutionary and Civil Wars.
Congaree National Park
Key Info:
Obtain a SUP for $50
Apply at least 8 weeks before your event.
There are no entrance fees.
South Dakota
South Dakota is famous for its iconic landmarks, such as Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Badlands National Park, as well as its Native American heritage, the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, and the Black Hills region.
Badlands National Park
Key Info:
Obtain a SUP for $100.
Short Form: For small-scale events like wedding photos.
Long Form: For larger events such as commercial filming.
Apply at least 45 days beforehand.
The entrance fee is $15 per person or $30 per vehicle.
Does not accept cash.
Wind Cave National Park
Key Info:
Obtain a SUP for $50.
There is no park entrance fee.
Tennessee
Tennessee, also known as the Volunteer State, is popular for its music scene, iconic landmarks, cities like Nashville, Memphis, Graceland, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and its Civil War and Civil Rights history.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Key Info:
Obtain a SUP for $50.
Must apply for SUP no later than 14 days in advance.
Texas
The Lone Star State is famous for its immense size and landscapes, including deserts and forests. It’s also known for its cowboy culture, iconic cities like Houston, Dallas, and Austin, and historical sites like the Alamo in San Antonio.
Big Bend National Park
Key Info:
Obtain a SUP for $50.
Apply a minimum of 6 weeks before your event.
No cash accepted.
$30 private vehicle entry fee.
There is a 30 max guest count depending on location.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Key Info:
Obtain a SUP for $150.
There is no entrance fee.
Utah
Utah, also known as the Beehive State, is famous for its national parks, including Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Arches. It also has world-famous snow, with various ski resorts around the state.
Arches National Park
Key Info:
Apply a minimum of 4 weeks before your event.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Key Info:
Obtain a SUP for $100.
Apply a minimum of 4 weeks before your event.
Park entrance fees are waived for the couple and officiant.
Email your application with "Getting Married at Bryce Canyon" in the subject line to brca_sup@nps.gov.
Canyonlands National Park
Key Info:
Obtain a SUP for $100.
Apply a minimum of 4 weeks before your event.
Capitol Reef National Park
Key Info:
Obtain a SUP for $100.
Apply a minimum of 4 weeks before the ceremony.
Scenic Drive Rehabilitation Project scheduled April-October 2024.
Zion National Park
Key Info:
Obtain a SUP for $100.
Download and read important permit and location regulations with details on guest capacity.
Apply a minimum of 3 weeks before your ceremony.
Virgin Islands
The Virgin Islands, known for their beaches, crystal-clear waters, and marine life, is a blend of Caribbean culture, Dutch, and Danish influences, making them a tropical paradise for couples.
Virgin Islands National Park
Key Info:
Obtain a SUP for $150.
Apply a minimum of 3 weeks ahead.
Virginia
Also known as the birthplace of America, Virginia is famous for its Civil War history and landmarks like Colonial Williamsburg, Monticello, and the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Shenandoah National Park
Key Info:
Couples do not require a SUP with less than 16 guests.
If you have over 15 guests and/or require setup, couples will need to obtain a SUP.
$150 SUP fee
Apply 6 weeks in advance.
Washington
Washington state, home to Seattle's tech scene, Mount Rainier's majesty, and Olympic National Park, offers everything from Puget Sound's waters to the Cascade Range's peaks.
Mount Rainier National Park
Key Info:
Obtain a SUP for $250.
Apply a minimum of 4 weeks in advance.
North Cascades National Park
Key Info:
Obtain a SUP for $50.
Apply 4 weeks in advance.
Olympic National Park
Key Info:
Obtain a SUP for $50-$100.
Apply 4 weeks in advance.
West Virginia
West Virginia is known for its rugged Appalachian landscapes, whitewater rafting, and the Appalachian Trail.
New River Gorge National Park
Key Info:
Obtain an SUP for $50.
Call 304-465-6517 for location availability.
Apply 2 weeks in advance.
Wyoming
Wyoming, home to Yellowstone and Grand Teton, epitomizes the American West. It offers diverse wildlife, from bison to grizzlies, a low population, and undisturbed wilderness.
Grand Teton National Park
Key Info:
Obtain a SUP for $200.
Apply at least 30 days in advance.
A special use permit is required unless your ceremony takes place at the Chapel of the Transfiguration, the Chapel of the Sacred Heart, or a concession facility.
Yellowstone National Park
Key Info:
Obtain a SUP for $250.
Apply 2 weeks in advance.
I hope this guide has given you a clear idea of what you need to know to plan your National Park elopement. Please keep in mind that you can find more detailed information about each park by clicking on the links provided.
Whether you need help with permits, exploring license information, or tracking down the perfect elopement location, I’m here to help! If you’re ready to take your first step towards eloping in your favorite National Park, let’s chat!!
