Best National Park wedding venues in the U.S.
If you’re dreaming of an adventurous, breathtaking wedding day, there’s no better place than a national park. From towering mountains to serene lakes, cascading waterfalls to dense forests, the U.S. offers an incredible array of natural backdrops that will make your wedding unforgettable. Here’s a guide to the best national park wedding venues and the essential details you need to know before tying the knot inside these iconic parks.
What you need to get married in a National Park
To get married inside a U.S. national park, you typically need to secure a permit. Each park has its own rules regarding the application process, permit fees, and ceremony locations, so it’s important to research your specific park’s requirements. But don’t worry! We’ll take care of all the permit research for you!
In general, you’ll need to:
Apply for a Special Use Permit (SUP): Most national parks require a SUP for weddings. This permit often includes a fee, which varies by park and location.
Follow Park Regulations: Many parks have strict rules regarding where you can hold your ceremony, how many people can attend, and even restrictions on decorations, sound systems, and other wedding-related elements.
Check Seasonal Restrictions: Some parks may have specific rules about when weddings can be held, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Pros and Cons of getting married in a National Park
We might be a bit biased when we say there are no cons to getting married inside a national park—after all, it’s one of the most stunning and adventurous ways to celebrate your love! But we also know that not everyone is made for this type of outdoor wedding. If you're considering tying the knot in a national park, here are a few things to think about:
Pros:
Unbeatable Scenery: Towering peaks, serene lakes, and majestic forests create a jaw-dropping backdrop that no venue can replicate.
Adventure: National parks are perfect for couples who love hiking, exploring, and immersing themselves in nature.
Intimacy: These settings are ideal for elopements or smaller ceremonies, allowing you to focus on your connection rather than large crowds.
Unique Experience: A wedding in a national park is anything but ordinary—it’s a celebration that will stand out in your memories and photos forever.
Cons (Kind of!):
Weather Unpredictability: Nature can be unpredictable, and you’ll need to embrace the possibility of rain, wind, or even snow and be ready for some last-minute changes.
Permits and Logistics: Many parks require permits, and you’ll need to follow rules to protect the environment—these can include limits on group size, noise, and decorations.
Accessibility: Some stunning locations might be challenging for elderly guests or those with mobility issues. If you do have limitations, no problem! We’ll suggest easily accessible locations for your ceremony, but keep in mind that you may not get the same views you were hoping for.
DIY Elements: Parks often lack traditional wedding amenities like catering and restrooms, so you’ll need to plan for a more rustic experience.
While we think national park weddings are magical, they’re best for couples who love the outdoors and can roll with a bit of adventure. If that’s you, we promise—it’ll be worth every breathtaking moment!
Now, let’s dive into some of the best national park wedding venues across the U.S. and the best times of year to marry at each location.
Best National Park wedding venues in Washington State
1. Mount Rainier National Park Venues
Mount Rainier National Park offers breathtaking views of glaciers, meadows, and alpine lakes. For couples looking to say "I do" in the shadow of the iconic, snow-capped peak, the park provides a sense of serenity and grandeur. The best months for a wedding are from late summer to early fall when the wildflowers are in full bloom, and the weather is ideal for outdoor ceremonies.
Best Time to elope in Mount Rainier National Park:
July to September
Our favorite wedding ceremony spots in Mt Rainier:
Sunrise Nature Trail (Limit: 24 people)
Sunrise Picnic Area (Limit: 30 people)
Cougar Rock Amphitheater (Limit: 75 people)
Nisqually Vista Overlook (Limit: 30 people)
Glacier Vista (Limit: 12 people)
Tipsoo Lake (Limit: 8 people)
Tolmie Peak (Limit: 8 people)
2. Olympic National Park Venues
Olympic National Park is a diverse wonderland, from coastal beaches and lush rainforests to alpine peaks. Whether you want a rugged mountain wedding or a beach ceremony by the Pacific Ocean, Olympic National Park offers endless possibilities.
Best Time to elope in Olympic National Park:
May to October but open all year round
Our favorite wedding ceremony spots in the Olympics:
Moments in Time Trail
Bovee’s Meadow (Lake Crescent)
Ruby Beach
Hall of Moss
Hurricane Ridge
2. North Cascades National Park Venues
North Cascades National Park is a hidden gem in Washington, offering stunning mountain landscapes, rugged ridgelines, and pristine lakes.
Best Time to elope in North Cascades National Park:
July to first week of October
Our favorite wedding ceremony spots in the North Cascades:
Artist Point (Limit: 12-14 people)
Bagley Lakes (Limit: 12-14 people)
Shuksan Picnic Area (Limit: 25 people)
Winchester Mountain Lookout (Limit: 12 people)
Diablo Lake Beach (Limit: 25 people)
Diablo Lake Overlook (Limit: 50 people)
Colonial Creek Campground Amphitheater (Limit: 100 people)
Washington Pass Overlook (Limit: 20 people)
Best National Park wedding venues in California
1. Yosemite National Park Venues
Mount Rainier National Park offers breathtaking views of glaciers, meadows, and alpine lakes. For couples looking to say "I do" in the shadow of the iconic, snow-capped peak, the park provides a sense of serenity and grandeur. The best months for a wedding are from late summer to early fall when the wildflowers are in full bloom, and the weather is ideal for outdoor ceremonies.
Best Time to elope in Yosemite National Park:
May, June, September, October
Our favorite wedding ceremony spots in Yosemite:
Taft Point (Limit: 11 people)
Sentinel Beach (Limit: 100 people)
Glacier Point (Limit: 50 people)
El Capitan Meadow (Limit: 11 people)
Yosemite Falls (Limit: 50 people)
Tunnel View (Limit: 10 people)
Merced Grove (Limit: 30 people)
2. Sequoia National Park Venues
Home to the largest trees in the world, Sequoia National Park provides an enchanting and majestic setting for a wedding. The towering sequoias, misty mornings, and mountain backdrops offer a fairytale-like atmosphere.
Best Time to elope in Sequoia National Park:
April to June, September to October
Our favorite wedding ceremony spots in Sequoia:
Beetle Rock (Limit: 75 people)
Crescent Meadow (Limit: 30 people)
Giant Forest Museum (Limit: 50 people)
Lost Grove Turnout (Limit: 25 people)
Halstead Meadow (Limit: 20 people)
Sunset Rock (Limit: 20 people)
3. Redwood National Park Venues
If you dream of a forest wedding among ancient trees, Redwood National Park is the place for you. The towering redwoods create an ethereal, fairy-tale-like atmosphere that’s perfect for couples who want an intimate, natural setting.
Best time to elope in Redwood National Park:
April to October but open all year round
Our favorite wedding ceremony spots in the Redwoods:
Zig Zag Trail (Limit: 10 people)
Crescent Beach Day Use (Limit: 20 people)
Berry Glen (Limit: 6 people)
Lost Man Creek (Limit: 20 people)
River Trail (Limit: 8 people)
Schmith Grove (Limit: 20 people)
Best National Park wedding venues in Utah
1. Zion National Park Venues
Zion is famous for its towering red rock formations, narrow slot canyons, and dramatic cliffs. The stunning desert landscape provides a unique, majestic backdrop for couples seeking a truly distinctive wedding location.
Best time to elope in Zion National Park:
April to June, October to early December
Our favorite wedding ceremony spots in Zion:
Temple of Sinawava (Limit: 35 people)
Zion Lodge Lawn (Limit: 100 people)
Nature Center North Lawn (Limit: 50 people)
Timber Creek Overlook (Limit: 20 people)
Zion Canyon Overlook
2. Bryce Canyon National Park Venues
Bryce Canyon is known for its unique hoodoos (rock spires) and otherworldly landscapes. The surreal beauty of the park makes it one of the best places for a wedding in the desert. Sunrise and sunset are particularly magical times for weddings.
Best time to elope in Bryce Canyon National Park:
April to June, October to early December
Our favorite wedding ceremony spots in Bryce Canyon:
Silent City at Sunset Point (Limit: 30 people)
Bryce Amphitheater (Limit: 30 people)
3. Canyon Land National Park Venues
Canyonlands offers dramatic desert landscapes with canyons, arches, and mesas. For adventurous couples seeking a wedding in the heart of the desert, Canyonlands provides breathtaking backdrops and a sense of wide-open space.
Best time to elope in Canyon Lands National Park:
March to May, September to November
Our favorite wedding ceremony spots in Canyon Lands:
Shafer Canyon Overlook (Limit: 25 people)
Green River Overlook (Limit: 25 people)
Grand View Point (Limit: 25 people)
Pothole Point (Limit: 15 people)
4. Capitol Reef National Park Venues
Capitol Reef is less crowded than its nearby counterparts but equally as stunning. Known for its colorful rock formations, orchards, and historic structures, it’s perfect for couples seeking a peaceful, rustic wedding.
Best time to elope in Capitol Reef National Park:
March, April to June, September to October
Our favorite wedding ceremony spots in Capitol Reef:
Temple of the Sun and Moon (Limit: 20 people)
Sunset Point (Limit: 20 people)
Panorama Point (Limit: 20 people)
Mulford Orchard (Limit: 30 people)
Campground amphitheater (Limit: 100 people)
Goosenecks Overlook (Limit: 20 people)
Best National Park wedding venues in Wyoming
1. Grand Teton National Park Venues
Grand Teton National Park boasts striking mountain ranges, pristine lakes, and an abundance of wildlife. For couples seeking an adventurous yet elegant wedding, Grand Teton is one of the best national park venues.
Best time to elope in Grand Teton National Park:
June to September
Our favorite wedding ceremony spots in Grand Teton:
Colter Bay Swim Beach (Limit: 40 people)
Schwabacher Landing (Limit: 25 people)
Mormon Row North or South (Limit: 25-40 people)
Mountain View Turnout (Limit: 25 people)
Glacier View Turnout (Limit: 25 people)
Snake River Overlook (Limit: 25 people)
Best National Park wedding venues in Montana
1. Glacier National Park Venues
Glacier National Park offers stunning alpine scenery, pristine lakes, and rugged mountain peaks. With its towering glaciers, lush forests, and colorful wildflowers, it’s a top choice for couples who love adventure and natural beauty.
Best time to elope in Glacier National Park:
June to September
Our favorite wedding ceremony spots in Glacier:
Bowman Lake (Limit: 15-24 people depending on season)
Pray Lake Shoreline (Limit: 30 people)
Two Medicine Shoreline (Limit: 15-20 people depending on season)
Sunpoint (Limit: 20 people)
Red Eagle Trailhead (Limit: 12 people)
Cutbank Field (Limit: 12-20 people depending on season)
