{"id":68019,"date":"2020-03-05T19:47:47","date_gmt":"2020-03-05T19:47:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/withjoy.com\/blog\/?p=68019"},"modified":"2020-03-05T21:00:37","modified_gmt":"2020-03-05T21:00:37","slug":"national-park-wedding","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/withjoy.com\/blog\/national-park-wedding\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Destinations for a National Park Wedding in the US"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Dazzling mountain ranges, trails winding through old-growth forests, meditative lakes and wild rivers, and other natural wonders make the national parks of the United States some of the most stunning destinations for nuptials. From a park with cliffs so red, it\u2019s hard to believe they were colored by nature to one that holds the world\u2019s largest tree, the options for a national park wedding are extraordinary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the idea of a nature-filled wedding wasn’t attractive enough, the cost of tying the knot at one of these stunning parklands is also surprisingly affordable. To help you plan, here are some tips to keep in mind for your national park wedding \u2014 including seven parks that are especially impressive for ceremonies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

National Park Wedding Tips<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"national<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Follow these tips to help ensure your destination wedding at one of these national parks is a smooth, enjoyable experience for all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Apply for a Permit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The National Park Service requires you to apply for a special use permit and pay the applicable permit fee to host your wedding in a national park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Account for Entrance Fees<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When providing guests information about your wedding, be sure to include a breakdown of the park\u2019s entrance fees. If you don\u2019t want your guests to pay the fee, have them meet at a location outside of the park and hire shuttles to bring them to the ceremony site. Parks often have an entrance fee for busses, which you can usually pay ahead of time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Visit the Park Before Choosing Your Ceremony Site<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Wedding planning can be seriously simplified by doing a reconnaissance mission before you select a ceremony site. Because photos don\u2019t often paint an accurate picture of what a location is like, not to mention how to access it, spending some time there can help you make an informed decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hire a Local Wedding Planner<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Wedding planners with an in-depth knowledge of your national park of choice can help you navigate the process of obtaining permits, selecting park-friendly decor, and finding vendors familiar with the park\u2019s protocol.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consider Crowds<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The most popular sites in many national parks cannot be blocked off for ceremonies. So if you’d rather not have onlookers in your wedding photos, work with the park service to find a private location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Communicate About Terrain<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

On your wedding website<\/a>, describe the terrain guests can expect and if there\u2019s any special clothing they should consider bringing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get Creative with Decor<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Most national parks have significant restrictions when it comes to decor. You may not be able to stake anything into the ground or put anything up that may have the slightest impact on the local environment. A wedding planner and florist, with experience hosting weddings in national parks, will likely have clever ideas for decorations that honor any restrictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be Clear About the Bathroom Situation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you plan to say “I do” in an area that doesn\u2019t have public bathrooms, ask the park if you can have portable restrooms brought in. Or you can let your guests know that restrooms won\u2019t be available during the ceremony.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

National Park Wedding Destinations<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here are seven national parks that provide some of the most stunning backdrops for a wedding ceremony and reception in the US.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Yosemite National Park, California<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"yosemite<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For the ultimate national park wedding, head to Yosemite National Park<\/a>. Filled with many of the most iconic sites in the country including Yosemite Falls and Half Dome, there is an abundance of natural beauty in this 1,200-square-mile park. As a result, one of the hardest parts of planning a wedding here is choosing from the seemingly endless ceremony sites \u2014 at least for those having an intimate wedding. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If 10 or<\/em> fewer <\/em>people are attending the ceremony, you can get married anywhere in the park as long as you acquire a permit. For larger nuptials, there are a host of gorgeous lodges and resorts in and around the park, allowing you to pledge your love against picturesque backdrops. Because Yosemite is popular, start planning your wedding at least a year in advance to ensure you can secure a venue and lodging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recommended Venue:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n