Ultimate Guide to Planning a National Park Wedding — Including Tips and Stunning Locations
Congrats! You’ve met the soulmate and decided to marry her. You could be keen on having a special event if you’re browsing about them on a travel website. Not just any location will suffice. It has to be spectacular. It has to be in one of the world’s most gorgeous locations. As a result, it must be located within a national park.
It is possible to marry in a national park in the United States. You may say “I do” amidst the enormous sequoias, in the middle of a spectacular canyon, among the Joshua trees, or even on the freezing banks of a glacier with just a little study and a few permit forms.
1. Select the Appropriate Park
This is a profoundly personal question that you and your pretty shortly life partner should probably address together. It can be a particular site for both of you, a destination you’ve always wanted to visit, or a location you know will enhance your special day. Beyond that, you must consider who will attend your national park wedding. Consider the following questions: Is it okay if I ask my friends and relatives to travel a long distance to attend? Is it necessary for them to climb to any certain spot to attend the event? Is there a contingency plan in place in the event of inclement weather? You may always conduct a small ceremony if you’re not sure about the guests but are confident about the location.
2. Make an Application for a Permit
To marry in a national park, you must first apply for a permit. Yes, even if you’re planning an elopement. To receive a permit, go to the National Park Service (NPS) website and look for the park where you want to marry. Then look for “permits” in the search results. You should be able to obtain a “special use permit” as well as information on having a wedding at the park from there. It’s worth noting that not all parks accept marriages right now.
To obtain permission, fill out the application. To make it happen in a national park, you must first obtain a permit. Even if you’re planning an elopement, yes. To apply for a permit, go to the National Park Service (NPS) website and look for the park where you want to marry. Then look for “permits” on the search engine. You should be able to obtain a “special use permit” as well as information about holding a wedding at the park from there. It’s worth noting that weddings aren’t permitted in all parks at the moment.
3. Locate the Ideal Location
Then it’s time to choose the perfect spot to exchange vows within the park. Check the park’s website for a list of approved locations and areas that are off-limits before making any final judgments. There are a few more things to think about, such as whether or not you want people to attend the ceremony with you. Consider whether there is enough room for everyone, whether there are any seating alternatives, and whether there are restrooms nearby.
4. Obtain the Services of Knowledgeable Outside Providers
Because national parks have severe laws about what can and cannot be brought in, hung up, or fastened down, holding a wedding inside one means limiting the decor. Fortunately, the parks are beautiful in and of themselves, so artificial decorations aren’t required. Many people can assist you, including elopement planners who specialize in national parks. Allow these professionals to do all of the heavy lifting for you if you’re stuck on how to get things done.
5. Recognize that there will be Limitations
There are several limitations to having a wedding in a national park. Drones are not permitted in most parks, and there may be limits on bringing in outside food. Furthermore, you may not be permitted to bring in a wedding bouquet including non-native plants since seeds may fall and grow. It’s also unlikely that you’ll be allowed to bring speakers or audio equipment into the park that would annoy other park guests or animals. You may not, under any circumstances, dump rice or seeds after the event, as this may hurt the nearby fauna.
6. Consider Staying in a Hotel Close to the Park
If all of the above seems like too many constraints, but you want to have your wedding in a national park, there is a solution. Many beautiful hotels are located in or near national parks, and many of them can host a wedding. You can even exchange vows within the parks and have your reception at one of these magnificent hotels. What’s better? You can also stay exactly where you are for a little honeymoon getaway.
7. Best Locations for a National Park Wedding
Of course, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, however, there are a few parks that stand out as excellent wedding venues. If you haven’t decided on a site yet, consider Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, which is ideal for a fall wedding when the leaves turn beautiful colors of orange, red, and yellow. You do not need to seek a permit if you have less than 16 visitors.
The Grand Canyon is another popular destination. It’s as big, as deep, and as wide as your love for your new spouse, so it’s the ideal site to say “I do.” The cost of a permit varies by location, however, it might cost upwards of $500.
Acadia National Park in Maine is also an excellent wedding location, and it can be used all year based on and if you want a flower-filled spring and summer wedding, a spectacular fall display, or a winter wonderland. It costs $50 for a special permit.
A tropical vacation at Virgin Islands National Park is another type of national park wedding destination to explore. Yes, you may have a wedding encircled by crystal clear waters and exchange vows near a school of beautiful fish swimming close. The cost of a permit is $25.
