The Best US National Parks for Elopements

Some couples prefer the simplicity of an elopement–and the affordability.

Alan Majchrowicz / Getty Images

Updated Jan 28, 2023

As life progresses, it may become clear that a large wedding isn't exactly what you had envisioned when venturing down the aisle. Some couples may not want to succumb to social pressure, while others may simply want the moment to be theirs (and theirs alone). Other couples may not envision an aisle as much as they may foresee a gorgeous hiking trail surrounded by fields of wildflowers or a view provided by Mother Nature. That's where a National Park elopement may suit your fancy.

As it becomes more about the couple, and less about guests and table settings. "That's why we love elopements: it's more fun for us and it's no stress for the couple," says Reverend Autrey Nassar. "Just walking out with the couple and the photographer, doing a quiet ceremony, the energy is just as potent. It's simply magical."

What to Consider When Selecting a National Park Elopement Destination

Local photographers and officiants are helpful in many ways, especially with the process of obtaining specific permits and a marriage license. "If a couple is planning an elopement or any type of wedding, they should contact a local photographer or officiant based in the area," Nassar says. "When a couple talks to a photographer from another state… they might think they know the 'best' spot, but locals and insiders may know more. I would say this for any national park."

Woman in wedding dress at National Park.

In fact, these wedding professionals might even have some secrets up their sleeve to make your ceremony that much better. "I have this great spot that's my fallback–no matter the time of year and how busy it is," explains wedding photographer Ashley Jardim, owner of She of the Woods in Acadia National Park. "It's like a quarter-mile trail through the woods and there are these cute wooden bridges and a stream that ends at the ocean. There's a gorgeous little rocky beach with rocky cliffs on each side surrounded by woods."

Depending on the size of your group, you might need a permit, whereas some parks simply require an entry fee. Local wedding professionals can help with this process and share useful tips for planning and narrowing down a National Park elopement destination. Of course, the act of narrowing down a US National Park across the sprawling country requires couples to think about what they value most from Mother Nature and seasonality too. Do they adore mountain ranges or want the beauty of a desert elopement?

"There's this random advice that I give to everybody because I used to just assume that people would think of this and then they show up and they're wearing stilettos," laughs Jardim. "Having proper footwear is so important because there's a lot of scrambling on rocks. Even though most locations are pretty close to the road and you don't have to go for much of a hike to get to them, good shoes are important." Swap the heels for hiking boots instead.

Yosemite National Park Elopement

Yosemite National Park, located within California's Sierra Nevada mountains, is arguably one of the most beautiful places for elopements. Between stunning sequoia trees, El Captain, Bridal Veil Falls, there are many picturesque spots for exchanging vows. "The spring, like April to early May, is a spectacular time to marry because the snow is melting, the waterfalls and rivers are huge, and there are wildflowers everywhere," says Nassar. Couples even have the option of marrying in Yosemite Valley Chapel with the option of taking pictures throughout the park. "It's very easy to get married in Yosemite and elopements are our favorite," says Nassar, who's officiated weddings in the region for nearly 30 years. "It only costs $150 for the permit, which is really cheap when you consider how much wedding venues are."

Where to Stay: Spend the night at a 1920s hotel, The Ahwahnee, for an elegant stay with plenty of charm. Enjoy dinner at The Ahwahnee Dining Room with dishes like New Zealand Lamb Chops and Hamachi Crudo.

Yellowstone National Park Elopement

Yellowstone National Park beckons with beautiful landscapes for exploration. Between dark green forests, deep canyons, rivers and geysers, including Old Faithful, there's no shortage of beautiful elopement spots. There's even a possibility of having a variety of animals make a guest appearance in your wedding pictures. Within the park, you can spot bears, bison, antelope, elk, wolves and more.

Where to Stay: Stay overnight at the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole and dine at their steakhouse, Westbank Grill with views of Rendezvous Peak and Teton Village while splitting a Grand Tower loaded with shrimp, lobster and tuna or Japanese A5 Miyazaki Wagyu.

Rocky Mountain National Park Elopement

In the northern part of Colorado is Rocky Mountain National Park. Beautiful woods covered in evergreen trees are surrounded by mountains and snow-covered peaks. Drive through Old Fall River Road or Trail Ridge Road to take in the deep green forests and rivers. For your ceremony, keep in mind that Sky Pond, Dream Lake, and Train Ridge Road are off-limits for the actual ceremony.

Where to Stay: Stay overnight at the Della Terra Mountain Chateau near the Fall River entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park. The Loft Bar has incredible drinks, in addition to a menu full of seasonal dishes.

Joshua Tree National Park Elopement

Joshua Tree National Park in Southern California is the perfect desert elopement escape, surrounded by rock formations. Throughout the desert and valleys, there are hiking trails and landmarks to explore, making it easy to find multiple spots for you and your fiancé to get married.

Where to Stay: Spend the evening at Sands Hotel & Spa, full of character and cute places to take some wedding photos. The Pink Cabana has an incredible menu full of Mediterranean dishes with a Moroccan touch.

Mount Rainier National Park Elopement

Mount Rainier National Park in Washington surrounds its standout centerpiece, Mount Rainier, herself. Not only is the mountain a point of interest, but there are scenic hiking trails, bodies of water like Reflection Lake, and wildflower meadows that provide beautiful backdrops. Get lost in the evergreen forest or exchange vows before a mighty mountain.

Where to Stay: For rustic overnight accommodations, stay at the Alta Crystal Resort. Enjoy a classic meal at The Historic Mint, celebrating with cocktails and comfort food.

Acadia National Park Elopement

Acadia National Park in Maine is home to a variety of landscapes, from mountains and beaches to forests and rocky cliffs. "The best time to visit for weather is May through October. October is absolutely gorgeous because of the foliage here in New England, but it's also insanely busy. I almost never photograph elopements here in November, but that would be my ideal time: November is the first time of year that it gets quiet and it isn't very cold yet," explains Jardim. There are plenty of incredible locations, like Sand Beach, Otter Cliff, Cadillac Mountain, and Thompson Island to name a few. For locations in high demand, there might be an extra step involved. "For a Cadillac Mountain elopement, you need a separate reservation in addition to your park entry pass." (Pro tip: Book in advance without regrets.)

Where to Stay: Stay in Bar Harbor, at the West Street Hotel and dive into a fresh lobster dinner at Thurston's Lobster Pound or Stewman's Lobster Pound.

Glacier National Park Elopement

Glacier National Park in Montana is simply one of those locations that take your breath away. With bright green valleys, mixed in with snow-covered mountains, and crystal clear bodies of water, couples have plenty of beautiful options for unforgettable elopements.

Where to Stay: Stay overnight at Green O for a unique experience and grab some BBQ from Heavens Peak Montana Kitchen.

Zion National Park Elopement

Zion National Park in the southwest part of Utah is surrounded by stunning landscapes. The deep red cliffs make for truly special photos, in addition to the beautiful rivers among the forests. You can find waterfalls and stunning gardens, there's certainly no shortage of beautiful backdrops for an elopement ceremony. Check out Temple of Sinawava, Timber Creek Overlook and Menu Falls to name a few spots perfect for intimate vow exchanges (or renewals).

Where to Stay: Stay overnight at the Desert Pearl Inn and grab a meal at a local eatery like Switchback Grille.

Death Valley National Park Elopement

Death Valley National Park in California and parts of Nevada have plenty of beautiful locations for picking an elopement spot. There's even a ghost town in addition to canyons, salt flats, and uniquely colored rocks, giving you some diverse landscapes to choose from. Check out Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes and Telescope Peak Trail for photos. Most elopements happen near Breakfast Canyon because it's gated off to the general public.

Where to Stay: Stay overnight at The Inn at Death Valley. Enjoy a meal at The Ranch 1849 or The Inn Dining Room.

Kenai Fjords National Park Elopement

Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska, south of Anchorage, has plenty of stunning spots for a national park elopement. Beautiful glaciers and lagoons with animals, possibly orcas, provide a dramatic backdrop for vows. One of the most popular locations for an elopement is Bear Glacier Lagoon where you can see glaciers, potentially icebergs, and pristine glacier water.

Where to Stay: Stay overnight at the Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge, where guests can enjoy a fine dining experience, overlooking Resurrection Bay.

Great Sand Dunes National Park Elopement

Great Sand Dunes National Park is a spectacular sight. Not only do you have the mountains in the background, but the towering dunes make for incredible photos, especially when shadows start hitting all of the folds in the dunes. You can even get some photos sandboarding in your wedding attire. If you head there in the spring, the snow begins melting off the mountains creating a temporary natural beach. Keep in mind that you will be walking on hot sand, especially as the day progresses, so packing socks is a good way to protect your feet.

Where to Stay: Under an hour drive from the park is Mellow Moon Lodge in Del Norte with cute, modern, and comfortable accommodations. Enjoy a delicious meal nearby at The Windsor Dining Room.

Everglades National Park Elopement

Everglades National Park has truly unique opportunities within the wetlands to have wildlife crashing your wedding photos. Find a spot among the marshes, deep within the woods or the coastal mangroves to have your intimate ceremony.

Where to Stay: Stay overnight in southern Florida, at the Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel and grab Cuban food at Havana 1957. Consider trying something unusual as a married couple, like getting photobombed by an unexpected alligator at the Everglades Outpost.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Elopement

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island has elopement potential to erupt. The volcanoes within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park are Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. Exploring the park, guests can see the steam vents along the Crater Rim Drive and Halema'uma'u Crater. They can even visit the park at night to see the bright red sky with lava pools popping in the distance to get unique photos.

Where to Stay: Stay overnight at the Royal Kona Resort and sit down to a celebratory meal at Huggo's, overlooking the water.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Elopement

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is beautiful year round. Spanning between Tennessee and North Carolina, the blue-tinted mountains inspire romance in every sense. In the fall, you'll spot colorful foliage lining the winding roads, overlooking rivers and streams, where you might spot a black bear while exchanging vows.

Where to Stay: Stay at Little Arrow Outdoor Resort, immersed in nature. This is set back from the touristy area of the Smokys, so bring some snacks and charcuterie to share.

Denali National Park Elopement

Denali National Park and Preserve is what people envision about Alaskan landscapes. Home to the tallest peak in North America, Denali Mountain, the US elopement destination is something out of a wild movie. Between glaciers, forests, and plenty of wildlife (moose, grizzlies, wolves, you name it), unbelievable photo opportunities are guaranteed with Mother Nature as your guest of honor. (Pro tip: You'll want to purchase a cute wrap or suit jacket as it gets chilly–if not downright cold.)

Where to Stay: Stay overnight at the Mt McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge and enjoy a meal at 20320 Alaskan Grill.