Written by Cortlyn Adams

 

Best National Park Wedding Venues in the U.S.

Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, but planning a wedding in one of the best national park wedding venues in the U.S. can be packed with adventure! I am so excited to share this elopement and adventure wedding resource with you, along with my many other resources that can be found here. In this blog, I’m breaking down the best national parks for you to get married at. From the most northwestern point of the contiguous United States, to the tallest tree in the world, to the depths of the bright red canyons in Utah, I’m sharing everything you need to know to plan your wedding in the best national parks in the country.

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Top 11 best national park wedding venues

1. Mount Rainier National Park

2. Glacier National Park

3. Redwood National Park

4. Yosemite National Park

5. Joshua Tree National Park

6. Haleakala National Park

7. North Cascades National Park

8. Zion National Park

9. Rocky Mountain National Park

10. Olympic National Park

11. Grand Teton National Park

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From national park wedding permits to the cost of your adventure wedding: what you need to know to get married at a national park

Did you know that you can get married at a national park? Yes, it’s true! Our national parks are some of the best outdoor wedding venues in the country! From the canyon floor to a mountain overlook, there are so many different dramatic landscapes and backdrops to choose from for your national park wedding. But before you and your partner get in the car to drive up to your favorite national park, there are a few things you need to know before planning your national park wedding day:

• National parks are not free outdoor wedding venues. You will need a Special Use Permit to get married at a national park. Prices vary from $60 to $200 depending on the park. You can find more information for specific national parks on the National Park Service website, which I’ve linked throughout this blog. 

• You’ve got your partner, the stunning dress, the dreamy flowers and the epic national park wedding venue. But, you cannot forget one of the most important witnesses to your vows: your marriage license! I can help you with figuring out how to get a marriage license for the state you choose to get married in. Also, you’ll need to have someone ordained to officiate your elopement ceremony and two witnesses present (and yes, I’m happy to be a witness, if needed!).

• Along with your national park wedding permit and your marriage license, you don’t forget to pack your National Park Pass! The America the Beautiful annual national park pass costs $80 and will last you the entire year! It’s so worth the investment!

Now that you know some of the logistics behind your national park wedding, let’s start talking about the fun stuff! Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about the best national park wedding venues in the United States. Keep scrolling to start planning your dream national park wedding and contact me if you want to make those dreams a reality!

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National parks are the best wedding venues, but so are Airbnbs! I can help you plan an amazing wedding at an Airbnb wedding venue

I’ve linked some of my favorite Airbnb wedding venues in this blog, but you can find more resources for planning an Airbnb wedding by clicking below.

 

 

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My top pick for the best national park wedding venue in Washington: Mount Rainier National Park

Standing at 14,411 feet, Mount Rainier is guaranteed to give you the perfect backdrop for your national park wedding. This Washington national park offers giant douglas firs (my favorite type of pine trees!), waterfalls, wildflower meadows, fire lookouts, alpine lakes, views of the Tatoosh Range that surrounds Mount Rainier, and, of course, Mount Rainier herself. Mount Rainier is the tallest mountain in Washington and the entire Pacific Northwest. This national park really is one of the most iconic features in the state of Washington. With stunning viewpoints at every turn, this national park has something for everyone. Whether you are hoping for a quick out-and-back hike for your adventure wedding or a multi-day backpacking trip elopement, Mount Rainier National Park has endless trails waiting for your national park wedding ceremony. Click here to read my planning guide to help you start dreaming up your Mount Rainier National Park wedding.

 

 

Best time of year for your wedding at Mount Rainier National Park:

• Summer and fall

How to travel to Mount Rainier National Park:

• Fly in to Seattle (SEA) and drive an hour and a half

• Fly in to Portland (PDX) and drive around 3 hours

Places to stay near Mount Rainier National Park:

• Campgrounds

  • Cougar Rock Campground

  • White River Campground

• Airbnbs near Stevens Canyon: Southeast Entrance (Packwood, WA)

  • The Little Owl Cabin at Mt Rainier

  • Uncommon Bear Cabin

  • Chateau Marmot at Mt Rainier

  • Knotty Cedars Retreat

• Airbnbs near Nisqually: Southwest Entrance (Ashford, WA)

  • The Little Blu A-Frame at Mt Rainier

  • A Cozy Cabin, Where Nature & Adventure Await

  • Mt Rainier Loft Cabin

  • Totem Lodge with Hot Tub

• Airbnbs near White River/Sunrise: Northeast Entrance (Greenwater, WA)

  • Four Stone Lodge

  • Lindgren Haus

  • Mountain Home Near Crystal Mountain and Mt Rainier

  • Crystal Mountain Cabin

Click here for more places to stay at Mount Rainier National Park

Best outdoor wedding venue for your Mount Rainier National Park wedding:

• Golden Gate

  This trail will take you to panoramic views of Mount Rainier and the Tatoosh Range. It’s three miles, round trip, and there are wildflowers in bloom along the trail for a stunning national park wedding backdrop.

• Grove of the Patriarchs 

  On a rainy fall wedding day, this hike will be a lifesaver! This hike takes you through a trail of old growth pines that act as a natural canopy to block some of the rain. I love this hike because there are plaques along the trail that tell you the history of all of the pine trees (my actual dream come true!). This is an easy hike that is an absolutely beautiful outdoor wedding venue. 

• Reflection Lake

  One of the most stunning views of Mount Rainier are actually reflections of the iconic mountain at the Reflection Lakes. It’s a great drive-up location option with stunning views.

Click here for more outdoor wedding venue locations at Mount Rainier National Park.

Inspo for your Mount Rainier National Park Wedding

Feeling inspired to book your Mount Rainier National Park wedding, click here to contact me so we can start dreaming up your best day ever and check out my National Park wedding packages ranging from sunrise elopements to a two day adventure!

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Plan your elopement at this stunning northwest national park: Olympic National Park

The Olympic Peninsula is across the Puget Sound from Seattle, and is home to some of the best Washington beaches and of course, Olympic National Park. Olympic National Park is the most geographically diverse national park in the country, and features hot springs, rainforest, whitecap mountains and the rugged coast. You could begin your Olympic National Park elopement day on the coast and and with a sunset mountain overlook! Just like the diverse landscapes, there are so many possibilities of what your wedding day could look like in Olympic National Park. Click here to start dreaming up your Olympic National Park wedding!

 

 

Best time of year to elope at Olympic National Park:

• All year round because of the diverse landscapes

• Click here to see a winter wedding in Olympic National Park

How to get to Olympic National Park: 

• Fly in to Seattle (SEA)

• Either drive around the Olympic Peninsula or take a ferry across the Puget Sound (I recommend the ferry!)

Places to stay near Olympic National Park:

• Creekfront Cabin near Olympic National Park

  This is the cabin where Drew and I stayed during the winter elopement I mentioned earlier, and it is hands-down one of the best Airbnbs we’ve ever stayed at!

• Thompson Point: an Olympic National Park Retreat

  This Airbnb sleeps 10 people, so this is a great option for a large group or family.

• Beach Front Cabin

  This cozy escape is the perfect way to disconnect! There isn’t any electricity inside the cabin, and all the appliances and lights run on propane.

• Majestic cedars towering over a peaceful retreat

  I mean, the name sells this place, right?

For more places to stay near Olympic National Park, click here!

Best outdoor wedding venue for your Olympic National Park wedding:

• Hurricane Ridge

  Hurricane Ridge sits at 5,242 feet of elevation, and is the perfect destination for a winter elopement or wedding in Olympic National Park! It’s an amazing drive-up location that is typically snow-covered. There is snowshoeing, cross-country and downhill skiing, snowboarding, tubing and more available here. There are stunning mountain views and hikes that jet off from Hurricane Ridge. There are certain restrictions on how many cars can make it up to Hurricane Ridge, but you can follow updates on the road status by following their Twitter account. The weather can change super quickly at Hurricane Ridge, and you can find live updates by clicking here. 

• Hoh Rain Forest

  The Hoh Rain Forest is a region of lush, green canopy with mosses and ferns covering the terrain. It’s located on the west side of Olympic National Park, and is about a two-hour drive from Port Angeles. It is so lush and green, making it the perfect location for those looking for all the PNW vibes! From the incredible landscape to the roaring waterfalls, the Hoh Rain Forest is an incredibly striking location for your Olympic National Park wedding.

• Ruby Beach 

Ruby Beach is located where the Hoh River meets the Pacific Ocean. With incredible rock formations and huge pieces of driftwood marking the coastline, this beach is an amazing drive-up location for your Olympic National Park wedding.

For more wedding venue locations in Olympic National Park, click here!

Inspo for your Olympic National Park Wedding

Feeling inspired to book your Olympic National Park wedding, click here to contact me so we can start dreaming up your best day ever and check out my National Park wedding packages ranging from sunrise elopements to a two day adventure!

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Why North Cascades National Park is the underdog of Washington’s national parks and an epic wedding venue

Known as the Alps of America, it is no surprise that this is one of my top choices on the list of best national park wedding venues in the U.S. North Cascades National Park is truly the underdog and always leaves me in awe every time I adventure here. With jagged peaks, snow capped mountains and alpine lakes that are only accessible by hiking, the North Cascades are truly my all time favorite national park. Did you know North Cascades National Park is one of the least-visited national parks in the nation? This means you just might get an entire mountain to yourself for your elopement or wedding! With remote trails that few know about, the North Cascades hold some of my favorite spots in all of Washington, that are just waiting for you to tie the knot. Want to start dreaming up your North Cascades National Park wedding, click here! 

 

 

Best time of year for your wedding in North Cascades National Park:

• Summer and fall

• High elevation can cause storms to come in fall, so summer would be the top recommendation

How to get to North Cascades National Park:

• Fly in to Seattle (SEA) and drive two hours

• Fly in to Vancouver, British Columbia and drive two and a half hours

Where to stay near North Cascades National Park:

• Mount Baker Airbnbs:

  • Rustic 70s A-frame Cabin

  • Snowglobe Chalet

  • Tree House with a Hot Tub

• Mount Baker Campsites:

  • Colonial Creek South Campground

  • Silver Fir Campground

  • Douglas Fir Campground

• Ross Lake Resort

  • Ross Lake was created by the damming of the Skagit River. Ross Lake Resort is a glampers dream and is a great place to elope if you’re wanting to include friends and family as part of your national park wedding day. Fishing is open summer through fall; anyone looking to catch their reception food?

Looking for additional places to stay, check out my North Cascades National Park wedding guide here!

Best outdoor wedding venue for your North Cascades National Park wedding:

• Because this national park is less well-known, my absolute favorite hikes and wedding venues are only told to my couples for Leave No Trace purposes. I only share these location details with my couples, so reach out to me if your curiosity has peaked about planning your national park wedding in the North Cascades!

• Diablo Lake Overlook

  Diablo Lake is a beautiful blue gem perfectly nestled between mountains of deep green pine trees. Sign. Me. Up. The overlook provides a stunning wedding day backdrop that is an easily accessible drive-up location

• Park Butte Lookout

  This trail is a seven-mile adventure that leads you to a fire lookout that you can sleep in! How epic would that be? And, this trail is dog-friendly, so what more could you want?

• Artist Point 

  This location provides panoramic views of Mount Baker. It’s an easily accessible drive-up location that has multiple hikes jetting off from the location. Pro tip: the sunrise views here are hard to beat!

For more North Cascades National Park wedding venue locations, click here!

Inspo for your North Cascades National Park Wedding

Feeling inspired to book your North Cascades National Park wedding, click here to contact me so we can start dreaming up your best day ever and check out my National Park wedding packages ranging from sunrise elopements to a two day adventure!

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Exchange your wedding vows amongst giants at Redwood National Park

According to the National Park Service, “Most people know Redwood [National Park] as home to the tallest trees on Earth. The parks also protect vast prairies, oak woodlands, wild river-ways, and nearly 40-miles of rugged coastline.” Planning your wedding at Redwood National Park will guarantee stunning surroundings amongst giant redwood trees and even the incredible California coastline.

 

 

Best time of year to get married at Redwood National Park:

• Spring, summer and fall

• You can also access Redwood National Park in the winter, depending on the region and elevation

Travel tips for Redwood National Park:

• This national park is a little more remote, so a road trip is in order to fully explore all that the Redwoods has to offer.

Places to stay near Redwood National Park:

• Home with Ocean View

• A-frame Cabin

• Secluded House on the Coast

• Secluded Cabin

• 5-Star Mountain Retreat Home

Best outdoor wedding venue for your Redwood National Park wedding:

• Lady Bird Johnson Trail 

  This is one of the most popular trails in the Redwood National Park because it is one of the most iconic in the park. Created for the dedication of the national park back in 1969. It’s higher elevation allows fog to drift in, creating a moody backdrop for your Redwood National Park wedding.

• Stout Grove

  According to David Baselt at Redwood Hikes, “for sheer photogenic beauty nothing beats this extraordinary grove on a sunny afternoon. Located on a small floodplain at the confluence of two rivers, Stout Grove is a quintessential alluvial-flat grove, with an otherworldly, cathedral-like majesty.” Talk about an outdoor wedding venue! The Stout Grove is an iconic Redwood National Park loop trail.

• The Miners’ Ridge and James Irvine Loop

This trail is the perfect wedding destination if you’re wanting stunning photos deep in the forest among the redwoods and along the California coastline. About a mile and half in length, this trail offers you a two-for-one deal on your elopement or wedding day backdrop!

Feeling inspired to book your Redwood National Park wedding, click here to contact me so we can start dreaming up your best day ever and check out my National Park wedding packages ranging from sunrise elopements to a two day adventure!

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Why this iconic national park is a stunning wedding venue in California: welcome to Yosemite National Park

Located in the Sierra Nevada mountains, Yosemite National Park is best known for its waterfalls and stunning granite mountain sides. National Geographic refers to Yosemite National Park as a place filled with granite cathedrals. Yosemite National Park is filled with so many iconic backdrops, like Bridal Veil Falls and El Capitan and Half Dome, and these stunning views make this one of the top 10 most visited national parks. There are so many unique and diverse landscapes in Yosemite National Park, from the valleys, meadows, giant sequoia trees and other-worldly rock formations overlooking the valley. The sunrises and sunsets are so incredible here, and they’re hard to beat as a wedding venue backdrop.

 

 

Best time of year to get married at Yosemite National Park:

• Summer and fall

Travel tips for Yosemite National Park:

• Traveling to Yosemite National Park isn’t necessarily an easy feat! The park is located in a remote area of California, which can make planning your visit to Yosemite overwhelming. Let me help! There are three major airports that I would recommend flying into to get to Yosemite. Please note, these airports are listed in order from my top to least favorite and travel times do not account for traffic.

  • Sacramento International Airport (SMF)

    A benefit of flying into Sacramento is that it is a smaller city, so there will be less traffic as you travel out towards the valley. It’s about a 3 hour drive from the Sacramento airport to the national park.

  • Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC)

    The San Jose airport will put you between 3 to 3.5 hours from Yosemite National Park.

  • San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

    The San Francisco airport is about 3 hours and 15 minutes from the national park. 

• Pro-tip when booking a rental car: make sure you book through an airport on-site rental car facility! I made the mistake of not doing this and I had to wait for over an hour and a half for the rental car to arrive. So, please learn from my mistake! 

Best places to stay near Yosemite National Park:

• One option is to camp inside Yosemite National Park. Some campsites require a reservation and others are first-come-first-serve. Click here to reserve a campsite in the park. 

• Another option is to stay at the Yosemite AutoCamp, which are custom Airstream trailers and luxury canvas tents. This option is every glampers dream! 

• During this Yosemite adventure session, I stayed in Groveland, California, which is about 25 miles from one of the entrances to Yosemite. I stayed at the most adorable bed and breakfast called Five Butterflies Lodging. If you’re wanting a place to stay that feels like a home away from home, I highly recommend staying here. The hosts, Buffy and Chip, are amazing!

• Click here for my list of the best Airbnbs near Yosemite National Park!

Best outdoor wedding venue for your Yosemite National Park wedding:

• Taft Point

  This Yosemite hike is a 7.5 mile out and back trail where you can see the iconic views and is known for chances to spot wildlife. On this trail, you can see the valley, Half Dome and Taft Point. It’s a bit more busy than other trails, but the sunrise is stunning and a great option for an early morning wedding ceremony.

• Sentinel Dome

  This Yosemite hike is less well known and pretty easy (2.1 miles). The last time I was there, there were only about 10 other people there! It offers amazing views of the valley, El Cap and Half Dome. Click here to see a stunning sunset during these engagement photos at Sentinel Dome.

• Glacier Point

  This drive-up location provides stunning sunset views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls and Yosemite’s high country. This location is a bit more busy, but the sunset view is worth it!

Feeling inspired to book your Yosemite National Park wedding, click here to contact me so we can start dreaming up your best day ever and check out my National Park wedding packages ranging from sunrise elopements to a two day adventure!

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Get married at Sequoia National Park amongst historic trees

Protected by a Wilderness Act signed in the 1960s, “Magnificent glacial canyons, broad lake basins, lush meadows, and sheer granite peaks–iconic staples of the most rugged portion of the High Sierra–form the core of the largest expanse of contiguous wilderness in California” (National Park Service). Sequoia National Park is home to the world’s largest living things, the giant sequoia trees tower to over 275 feet tall and date back to over 2,000 years ago. In Sequoia National Park, you could get married amongst the giant sequoias and with amazing mountain views. 

 

 

Best time of year for your wedding at Sequoia National park:

• Accessible all year round

• Spring, summer and fall are my top recommendations

How to get to Sequoia National Park:

• Road trip from San Francisco (about 4 hours and 20 minutes)

• Road trip from Los Angeles (about 3 and a half hours)

• Road trip from Fresno (about an hour and a half)

Places to stay near Sequoia National Park:

• Little Bear Cottage

• Sequoia Heights

• Sequoia View Luxury Yurt Roundhouse

• Sierra River House

Best outdoor wedding venue for your Sequoia National Park wedding:

• Moro Rock Trail

  This trail features a waterfall and a stunning mountain overlook. You’ll get all the snow-capped jagged peaks as your national park wedding backdrop.

• General Sherman Tree Trail

  This trail is one of the more popular trails in the national park, and it takes you among the bases of the giant sequoia trees, including the trails namesake. The General Sherman tree is the largest tree in the world. 

• Giant Forest Loop Trail

This loop trail takes you winding through the giant sequoia trees, and it is a little less busy compared to other trails in the national park.

Feeling inspired to book your Sequoia National Park wedding, click here to contact me so we can start dreaming up your best day ever and check out my National Park wedding packages ranging from sunrise elopements to a two day adventure!

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Plan your best day ever in the dreamy desert of Joshua Tree National Park

If waking up in a relaxed desert oasis, with stunning mid-century modern architecture, exploring a unique desert landscape with otherworldly looking plants, and saying “I do” in front of a candy-colored sunset sounds like your dream wedding day, then a Joshua Tree National Park wedding might be just the thing for you! From the most incredible weather during the shoulder season (yes perfect 70s and sunny!), to incredibly dark night skies and shooting stars, Joshua Tree National Park is one of my favorite desert locations in the world. That said, there are a few quirks of this area that you’ll want to know to plan your own Joshua Tree elopement. Keep reading and I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about planning your Joshua Tree National Park wedding or click here to read my entire elopement planning guide!

 

 

Best time of year for your wedding at Joshua Tree National Park:

• Spring and fall are my top recommendations on when to visit.

How to get to Joshua Tree National Park:

• Fly into Palm Springs and rent a car at the airport

• Fly into LA and road trip!

Places to stay near Joshua Tree National Park:

• Amaru Muru “The Stargate of The Desert”

• The Koppie House (pet friendly)

• The Wandering Star Cabin

• Sol to Soul House

Plus so many more amazing locations! Click here to check out additional places to stay near Joshua Tree National Park!

Best outdoor wedding venue for your Joshua Tree National Park wedding:

• Split Rock

The split rock area would be a great place for your Joshua Tree National Park wedding. First, it feels very tucked away and is generally less crowded than some of the other options I’m including. While there is a short trail called the Split Rock Loop Trail, you won’t have to go very far to get away from people and find what feels like your own little desert world. There are so many unique, interesting rock formations in this area, and of course lots of desert plants to see along the way. There are picnic tables close to the parking lot so a great option would be to have a picnic with your friends and family, and then you’re just a quick walk away from stunning private areas for your ceremony.

• Cap Rock

Cap Rock is by far one of the most popular locations for wedding and elopement ceremonies, and for a good reason! It’s stunning, with lots of rock domes to explore. And the way you can find opportunities to perfectly frame the rock with Joshua trees is just so beautiful. Although it’s not as popular as the next location, you may also be lucky enough to spot some rock climbers wedging their way up the cracks in the rock at this location. There is a short, ½ mile established hiking trail. While Cap Rock is more popular than Split Rock, and will generally be a bit more crowded, you can usually still find a great place for photographs or your ceremony.

• Hidden Valley

You’ll see Hidden Valley recommended as a top elopement location for Joshua Tree, but personally, it’s my least favorite of the locations I’m listing. The reason why? Hidden Valley is the epicenter of the park for rock climbing, and that makes it a really popular and crowded area. It’s really cool to watch the climbers all around, but with this level of popularity you may struggle to find privacy. Some great options if you want to spend time in this area are to have your ceremony and take photos elsewhere, and then head to the Hidden Valley group picnic table area for a celebratory dinner or picnic. If you do plan your elopement at Hidden Valley, I recommend making sure that your photographer knows this location well and has scoped out some less crowded areas a bit off the main trail. I do know some lesser known spots that offer more privacy around here.

Feeling inspired to book your Joshua Tree National Park wedding, click here to contact me so we can start dreaming up your best day ever and check out my National Park wedding packages ranging from sunrise elopements to a two day adventure!

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Haleakala National Park sunrises to Hawaiian beach sunsets: this tropical location is the perfect wedding destination

The summit district in this Haleakala National Park offers some of the most stunning Haleakala sunrise views. According to the National Park Service, “Of the cultural resources we have inherited from the past, it is the knowledge, traditions, songs and stories shared by people of today that give life to the Haleakala landscape. Native Hawaiians have lived on and cared for the land for over 1,000 years. Important cultural places and sites are found within the summit and Kipahula areas of Haleakala National Park and are spoken of in numerous Hawaiian songs and legends.” So, if you’re planning a wedding on Maui, Haleakala National Park should be a must-consider for your wedding venue. Click here for my tips for planning a sunrise adventure at Haleakala National Park.

 

 

Best time of year for your Hawaii wedding at Haleakala National Park:

• All year is amazing in Hawaii

Traveling to Haleakala National Park:

• Fly in to Maui

Places to stay on Maui for your Haleakala National Park wedding:

• Bamboo Temple

• Garden Gingerbread House

• Hamoa Beach House

Best outdoor wedding venue for your Haleakala National Park wedding:

• Pa Ka’oao

  This quick hike up from the visitor’s center parking lot will help you avoid the crowds at sunrise. The view from the top of the trail leads directly into the volcano’s crater.

• Leleiwi Overlook

  If early morning sunrises aren’t your thing, then Leleiwi Overlook is a great option! There are smaller crowds here and the view looks over the crater and cliffs. The lookout faces east, making it not the ideal location if you’re hoping for an epic sunrise view for your national park wedding.

• Hosmer’s Grove Nature Trail

This trail is lower in elevation compared to other trails, located right after you enter the national park. This short trail winds through dense trees that were planted as an experiment by the lumber industry! This landscape is a stark contrast to the top of the volcano, creating an amazing landscape for your Haleakala National Park wedding.

Feeling inspired to book yourHaleakala National Park wedding, click here to contact me so we can start dreaming up your best day ever and check out my National Park wedding packages ranging from sunrise elopements to a two day adventure!

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Plan your wedding amongst the jagged peaks of Grand Teton National Park

As you drive up through the valley, the jagged peaks of the Teton Range are revealed. “Rising above a scene rich with extraordinary wildlife, pristine lakes, and alpine terrain, the Teton Range stands as a monument to the people who fought to protect it. These are mountains of the imagination. Mountains that led to the creation of Grand Teton National Park where you can explore over two hundred miles of trails, float the Snake River, and enjoy the serenity of this remarkable place” (National Park Service). Grand Teton National Park is located right next to Jackson, Wyoming, making this the best destination for an adventurous national park wedding ceremony and celebration reception in town.

 

 

Best time of year to get married at Grand Teton National Park:

• Summer and fall

Travel tips for Grand Teton National Park:

• Fly into Jackson (JAC)

Places to stay near Grand Teton National Park:

• Rocking Rackets Cabin

• Contemporary Cabin

• Abode at Moosehead Cabin

• Outpost Cabin

• Baitshop Cabin

Best outdoor wedding venue for your Grand Teton National Park wedding:

• Jenny Lake

  This trail is a 7.5-mile loop that takes you to Jenny Lake and amazing, panoramic views of the Teton Range. If you’re wanting an epic mountain backdrop for your outdoor wedding, then this is the trail for you in Grand Teton National Park. It is a popular hike, but the views are worth it.

• Taggart Lake Loop

  This loop trail is a shorter distance that takes you to Taggart Lake with gorgeous views of the Tetons. This trail is the easiest and most direct route to Taggart Lake, making this trail a great option for a lake shore wedding ceremony.

• Hidden Falls Trail

  This five-mile hike takes you alongside Jenny Lake to a waterfall and some stunning mountain views. This trail is great for all hiking skill levels, so if you’re planning to have guests at your adventure wedding or elopement at Grand Teton National Park, this trail is a great option. 

• Pull off on the side of the road through the valley

This national park is so stunning, that you could have some amazing wedding portraits by just pulling off the road through the valley and see the expanse of the Teton Range.

Feeling inspired to book your Grand Teton National Park wedding, click here to contact me so we can start dreaming up your best day ever and check out my National Park wedding packages ranging from sunrise elopements to a two day adventure!

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You can get married at the best and oldest national park in the country: Yellowstone National Park

Established in 1872, Yellowstone National Park became the first national park in the country. It is known for its hot springs, geysers (like Old Faithful), canyons, alpine rivers, waterfalls and deep forests. There are stunning geological features within this American treasure, and the iconic bison that roam the national park would make an amazing wedding guest!

 

 

Best time of year for your Yellowstone National Park wedding:

• Summer and fall

Travel tips for Yellowstone National Park:

• This is a great national park for a road trip! This park is over 3,500 square-miles, so you will want a car to be able to explore all of Yellowstone National Park.

Places to stay near Yellowstone National Park:

• Cabin with Hot Tub

• Mountain Life Cabin

• Eagles Nest

• Lodge on Union Pass

Best outdoor wedding venue for your Yellowstone National Park wedding:

• Clear Lake-Ribbon Lake Loop

  This loop trail connects two lakes along the rim of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. This trail will take you through meadows and forest as you explore Yellowstone. Clear Lake-Ribbon Lake Loop is a great option if you’re wanting various landscapes for your outdoor national park wedding ceremony. 

• Trout Lake

  This is an easy, one-mile trail that follows around a Trout Lake. This mountain lake provides beautiful mountain views and wildflower meadows. Sounds like the perfect wedding ceremony backdrop, right?

• Top 10 Viewpoints of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

  One of my favorite travel blogs to refer to is The Mandagies! They’ve created an extensive travel guide to Yellowstone National Park, including the top 10 best viewpoints of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. Click here to explore their guide!

Feeling inspired to book your Yellowstone National Park wedding, click here to contact me so we can start dreaming up your best day ever and check out my National Park wedding packages ranging from sunrise elopements to a two day adventure!

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For a stunning wedding ceremony backdrop, get married at Arches National Park

More than 2,000 natural sandstone arches make up the dramatic landscape of Arches National Park. Located right outside of Moab, Utah, this national park’s iconic scenery is unlike anything you’ve ever seen and will make for incredibly unique wedding backdrops. According to the National Park Service, “This red-rock wonderland will amaze you with its formations, refresh you with its trails, and inspire you with its sunsets.”

 

 

Best time of year for your wedding at Arches National Park:

• Fall and spring

• Summer can get really hot

Travel tips for Arches National Park:

• Fly into Salt Lake City (SLC) and drive about four hours to Moab

• Fly into Walk Field Airport in Grand Junction, Colorado and drive about two hours to Moab

Places to stay near Arches National Park:

• Private Home with hot tub

• Ranch House

• Spacious House in downtown Moab

• Moab Springs Ranch

• Studio House

Best outdoor wedding venue for your Arches National Park wedding:

• Delicate Arch

  The Delicate Arch is what Arches National Park is famous for! This is a popular trail, but the view and arch are so worth it! It’s a three-mile hike, and it can be difficult depending on the heat and weather patterns. Click here to read more about tips to avoiding the crowds at the Delicate Arch from my favorite travel guides, the Mandagies. 

• Double Arch Trail

  This popular trail is a mile, out and back, that is a great option for all skill levels. It’s appropriately named, as it takes you by wildflowers to lead to a double arch. Who needs a cathedral to get married in when you could have nature’s dreamy wedding venue around you?

• Delicate Arch Viewpoint Trail

  This heavy-trafficked trail leads to a different viewpoint of Delicate Arch. If you’re wanting Arches National Park’s icon in your wedding photos, this is a great option for your national park wedding location.

Feeling inspired to book your Arches National Park wedding, click here to contact me so we can start dreaming up your best day ever and check out my National Park wedding packages ranging from sunrise elopements to a two day adventure!

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Experience breathtaking landscapes for your outdoor wedding at Zion National Park

Located in southwest Utah, Zion National Park is known for its steep, red canyon walls, rivers, waterfalls and slot canyons. Zion National Park was Utah’s first national park, and offers more green and vegetation than Arches National Park. Here, you’ll experience the iconic colors of Utah within the canyon walls of Zion. Planning your wedding at Zion National Park will give you the iconic deserts of Utah, but with water features and some lush greenery, too.

 

 

Best time of year for your wedding at Zion National Park:

• Spring, early summer and fall

How to get to Zion National Park:

• Fly in to Las Vegas for the closest major airport near Zion National Park

• Salt Lake City International Airport is the next closest to the park

Places to stay near Zion National Park:

• Zion Guest House

• Convertible A-Frame

• Extraordinary Home

Best outdoor wedding venue for your Zion National Park wedding:

• Zion Canyon Overlook

  This trail is the absolute best trail for wedding photos in Zion National Park. It’s a one-mile long, popular trail that showcases wildflowers and a breathtaking view of Zion Canyon.

• The Watchman Trail

  This trail is accessible year-round and features a river and amazing overlooks. This trail is described as ideal for beginner hikers.

• Emerald Pools Trail

  Nestled amongst the rocky canyon, this trail will take you to a waterfall! It’s recommended for use from April through November, and it will offer awesome views of the canyon walls around you as you get married in Zion National Park.

Feeling inspired to book your Zion National Park wedding, click here to contact me so we can start dreaming up your best day ever and check out my National Park wedding packages ranging from sunrise elopements to a two day adventure!

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Plan your Colorado elopement or adventure wedding at Rocky Mountain National Park

With aspen trees, jagged mountain peaks, rushing rivers and deep forests, Rocky Mountain National Park is an amazing national park for your wedding day in Colorado. Personally, I’m biased towards this national park because it was the very first national park I visited as a kid with my family. We have so many home videos of us at Bear Lake, so there is a sentimental tug on my heart strings when I think about Rocky Mountain National Park!

 

 

Best time of year to get married in Rocky Mountain National Park:

• Summer and fall

Travel tips for Rocky Mountain National Park:

• Fly into Denver, CO and drive about an hour and a half

Places to stay near Rocky Mountain National Park:

• Cabin with views and a hot tub

• Historic Cabin

• Cozy Apartment with views

• 3-Bedroom Cabin Chalet

Best outdoor wedding venue for your Rocky Mountain National Park wedding:

• Emerald Lake Trail

  This short, out and back trail is a great option if you’re planning to include friends and family in your elopement or adventure national park wedding. The Emerald Lake Trail will take you by amazing mountain views before arriving at the stunning reflective surface of Emerald Lake.

• Dream Lake Trail

  I love this trail! The mountain peaks surrounding Dream Lake are so unique, making it a perfect backdrop of you to tie the knot during your national park wedding.

• Bear Lake

  Like I mentioned earlier, I have really sweet memories of going to Bear Lake as a kid with my family. So, I obviously had to include as one of the best places to elope in Rocky Mountain National Park! I highly recommend this trail for an early morning or sunset wedding ceremony to avoid the crowds to see the mountains reflect off the lake’s surface. This is an ADA-accessible, drive up location, making it another great option if you’re including family as part of your adventurous wedding ceremony.

Feeling inspired to book your Rocky Mountain National Park wedding, click here to contact me so we can start dreaming up your best day ever and check out my National Park wedding packages ranging from sunrise elopements to a two day adventure!

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Last, but not least, plan your wedding at the crown of the continent: Glacier National Park

At Glacier National Park, it feels like you’ve traveled back to the wild west. “Come and experience Glacier’s pristine forests, alpine meadows, rugged mountains, and spectacular lakes. With over 700 miles of trails, Glacier is a hiker’s paradise for adventurous visitors seeking wilderness and solitude” (National Park Service). This national park is so beautiful, and it is rounding out our list of the best national park wedding venues in the U.S.

 

 

Best time of year for your Glacier National Park wedding:

• Summer and early fall

• Snow comes in late fall and stays until early summer because of the high elevation

Travel tips for Glacier National Park:

• Glacier Park International Airport is only 30 miles from the west entrance of Glacier National Park

Places to stay near Glacier National Park:

• Charming Log Cabin

• Reclusive Moose Cabin

• Luxurious Ski Lodge

• Moose Run Ski Haus

• Charming home with shared amenities

Best outdoor wedding venue for your Glacier National Park wedding:

• Hidden Lake Trail

  This is a really popular trail, but it is totally the trail I would choose if I were planning a national park wedding! Featuring amazing wildflowers and a serene lake, the mountain views from this overlook would make a stunning venue for your national park wedding. Click here to read more about why Hidden Lake Trail is so incredible according to my favorite travel guides, the Mandagies!

• Avalanche Lake

  This is a popular trail that is a little less than six miles in length. The still lake water reflects the stunning mountains surrounding it.

• Trail of the Cedars

  The Trail of the Cedars is an easy, boardwalk trail through the forest. Imagine your wedding photos from within the forest of Glacier National Park; sign me up!

Feeling inspired to book your Glacier National Park wedding, click here to contact me so we can start dreaming up your best day ever and check out my National Park wedding packages ranging from sunrise elopements to a two day adventure!

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Need More Inspiration for Your National Park Wedding?

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Ready to explore more elopements, weddings and adventures? Wander away below!

Between the Pine is an adventure elopement and wedding photography brand created by Mollie Adams. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Mollie travels with her camera in hand to document “I dos” in epic landscapes including Washington, Oregon, California, and Hawaii.