Getting Married in a National Park

If you and your partner have a love for nature, getting married in a National Park is a unique and romantic backdrop for your big day.  Here are some tips and pointers for getting married in one of the National Parks in the United States.

Apply for a Permit
A Special Use Permit is required to hold a wedding ceremony at any National Park in the U.S.  Be sure to begin planning and apply for your permit well in advance – recommended at least a year ahead of time for a National Park wedding ceremony.  You can find more information about applying for a permit at the National Park Service’s website, www.NPS.gov.  Keep in mind, limits for numbers of guests vary depending on the specific National Park you are getting married in.

Choose Your Location in the Park
According to the NPS website, your event location may “not impair park values and resources” — meaning that you may not be able to get married under Delicate Arch in Arches National Park after all.  You can ask a park employee for suggestions of secluded locations to hold your ceremony.  One thing to keep in mind– if you are having a longer ceremony and reception, you will want to choose a location that has restroom access.  If you have your heart set on an extremely secluded location without access to restrooms, just keep your ceremony on the shorter side.  Many National Parks also have concessionaires, which are private resorts on the property that are ideal for a wedding ceremony and or reception.

Regulations and Restrictions
Because the NPS is committed to preserving the pristine environment of the National Parks, there are several regulations and restrictions to consider when getting married in a National Park.  Look into your specific park’s rules regarding food service and storage, wedding decor restrictions, sound amplification restrictions, as well as rules for bar service.  Keep in mind, you will likely need to hire staff for setup and breakdown unless you have paid for a package with the local concessionaire.

Parking & Entrance Fees
When getting married in a National Park, don’t overlook entrance fees and parking.  Entrance fees and vehicle limitations vary by park, so you should research your specific park where you plan to get married.  In general, it is a good idea to arrange a meeting area for your guests outside of the park and shuttle guests to the park on a bus or van.

Romantic National Park Locations
There are many options for romantic locations for your National Park wedding ceremony.  Rush Creek Lodge and Tenaya Lodge located in Yosemite National Park, as well as the Hawaii Volcano House Hotel in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, are all examples of beautiful settings for your National Park destination wedding and provide complete accommodations.  Grand Teton National Park is home to two chapels ideal for a rustic wedding ceremony, Chapel of the Sacred Heart and Chapel of the Transfiguration.  Popular locations for weddings in Glacier National Park include the Apgar and Fish Creek Amphitheaters, as well as the Fish Creek picnic area.

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