How to Plan a Riverside State Park Wedding or Elopement

State Parks are one of my favorite alternative wedding venues as an elopement photographer. Why? Because they’re affordable, easy to access for weddings of all sizes, and you can’t beat the views!

The gorgeous blue waters of the Spokane River wind through this park, and the unique geology of the Bowl and Pitcher, composed of basalt rock, makes this spot especially unique. When you’re in the park, it’s hard to believe that you’re just a few minutes away from downtown Spokane. The ease of access of this park makes it a great location for weddings and elopements any time of year.

Here is everything you need to know to plan your own Riverside State Park wedding, including photos from Saleena & Tyson’s elopement here.

How Much Does a Riverside State Park Wedding Cost?

Depending on the size of your wedding, you may need to reserve the day-use area in Riverside State Park. You will also need a Washington Discover Pass for all vehicles entering the park. Either way, a wedding in the park costs between $11.50 and $48 – not bad!

Riverside State Park Weddings (11+ People)

The park requires weddings with 11 or more people (which includes vendors like your photographer, by the way) to reserve the day-use area for your wedding. The reservation is $35.73 for the day, between 9am and when the park closes, 1 hour before dusk.

Having the day-use area provides you with a spot tucked away from the public, while still close to the river and the suspension bridge next to the Bowl and Pitcher.

You can view reservation information for the day-use area here.

Riverside State Park Elopements (10 or Less People)

Elopements are defined by the park as having 10 or fewer people (which includes vendors) and do not require a reservation. All you need is a Discover Pass. If you’ll be hiring a photographer or videographer for your day, they will need to obtain a Commercial Filming and Photography Permit. This permit has to be obtained by the photographer and is not something you need to apply for yourself.

Are Pets Allowed at Your Riverside State Park Wedding?

Yes! Pets are allowed inside Riverside State Park as long as they are on a leash. That means you can include your furry friends in your wedding day!

How to Plan a Wedding at Riverside State Park

Decide on a date
Choose a ceremony location
Reserve the day use area (for weddings with 11+ people)
Book your wedding vendors
Get your Washington marriage license & Discover Pass
Enjoy your Riverside State Park wedding!

Check out my full “How to Elope” guide for more information about planning an elopement!

When is the Best Time of Year to Get Married at Riverside State Park?

While you can access Riverside State Park any time of year, my personal recommendation, as a local, would be between May and October. Mid-summer it gets hot, so if you’re not a fan of the heat, I would opt for the shoulder season.

Late Spring, specifically May and early June, is a beautiful time because the greenery in the park is going to be lush and the temperatures will be mild and comfortable.

Riverside State Park Wedding Locations

You have a few options for where to share your vows and celebrate your wedding in Riverside State Park, depending on the size of your event and the kind of experience you want.

The Bowl and Pitcher

Whether it’s on a hiking trail, next to the river, or at a picnic area, the Bowl and Pitcher has lots to offer for eloping couples in terms of gorgeous backdrops. There are several viewpoints around that are accessed via gravel walking paths, or you can walk down to the river to share vows with the river behind you.

Day-Use Areas

The S1-CCC Kitchen Shelter features a wood-burning fireplace, electrical outlets, a sink, six picnic tables, restrooms nearby, and plenty of space for your wedding ceremony and reception. This is an ideal option for larger wedding celebrations up to 60 people.

Even if you’re having a small wedding or elopement, reserving the day-use area can be a great option if you want to spend the day in the park and have a dedicated, tucked-away space to celebrate.

Riverside State Park Group Campground

There are two group campgrounds in Riverside State Park: G1 and G2. Even if you don’t want to camp overnight, this can be a great option if you want your celebrations to wind down around a campfire with your family and friends.

G1 can hold up to 60 people. G2 can hold up to 20 people. Both sites cost $71.09 per night.

Reservations for the day-use area and group campgrounds can be made here.

Permits for Your Riverside State Park Wedding

There are a few regulations you’ll need to be aware of for your wedding in Riverside State Park.

Photography Permit

Your photographer and videographer will need to apply for a Commercial Photography Permit from the park. This is not something you need to get; it is 100% up to your photographer to apply for and obtain this permit to legally photograph your wedding in the park.

Day-Use Reservations

If you will be having a wedding with 11 or more people, including your vendors (such as your photographer), the park requires a reservation for the day-use area. The cost to rent it for the day is $35.73, and you will have access from 9am until the park closes, 1 hour before dusk.

Washington Discover Pass

All vehicles entering the park for your wedding will need to have a Washington Discover Pass. There is a booth at the entrance to the Bowl and Pitcher where you can purchase your pass, or you can buy one online in advance. The cost is $11.50 for a single-day pass or $50 for an annual pass to all of Washington’s State Parks.

Riverside State Park Wedding Photos – Saleena & Tyson’s Story

Saleena and Tyson reached out to me in the winter of 2024 to help plan their elopement in July of 2025. They were new to Spokane, and we worked together to find the perfect location for their intimate celebration – Riverside State Park.

They invited two loved ones to celebrate their day and serve as witnesses on their marriage license. They exchanged handwritten vows, shared their first dance together, and had a fun picnic to celebrate before we went downtown for dinner.

As an elopement photographer, I love helping couples plan & remember incredible wedding experiences! If you’re ready to start planning your own elopement, send me a message!