A Yellowstone elopement is the ultimate adventure wedding experience! If you want to celebrate your wedding day by creating unforgettable memories surrounded by stunning landscapes, there isn’t a better place than Yellowstone National Park!
Filled with geysers, waterfalls, and vibrant hot springs, Yellowstone’s landscape is an epic place to explore and unlike anywhere else in the world! And a pretty epic wedding backdrop!
I’m an elopement photographer, and Yellowstone is one of the locations I specialize in helping couples elope in. I wrote this guide to help couples like you elope in Yellowstone. You’ll find everything you need to plan your wedding inside of Yellowstone National Park, from permits to wedding locations to tips and tricks to make your wedding day run smoothly.
If you’d like a partner to help you plan an epic elopement in or around Yellowstone, I would love to help you plan and document your day! Contact me to start planning your Yellowstone elopement!
Ready to dive into the guide? Let’s go!
Should You Elope In Yellowstone?
There are a lot of reasons couples choose to elope in Yellowstone. Whether it being getting married in a place that holds special meaning to their relationship or wanting an epic backdrop, there are many reasons you might find Yellowstone the perfect place to elope, such as:
- You want to make unforgettable memories on your wedding day
- You want a unique wedding experience that doesn’t look like anyone else’s
- You feel most at home surrounded by nature and wildlife
- You want some epic photos from your elopement experience
If any of these resonated with you, then Yellowstone is probably a great spot for you to elope!
While there are a ton of reasons why Yellowstone is the perfect place to get married, it’s not the perfect choice for everyone. With many rules and regulations to follow, there are a few reasons why you may want to consider another location for your wedding, like:
- You want total privacy during your elopement experience
- You want to be able to set up a ceremony arch and walk down a more traditional aisle
- You want to celebrate with a large group of family and friends (over 20 people)
- You want predictable weather for your outdoor wedding experience
If any of these things are important to you and your wedding experience, then Yellowstone might not be the best location for your celebrations.
If you’re still excited at the idea of an intimate elopement surrounded by geysers, keep on reading, because I’m going to walk you through everything you need to elope in Yellowstone!
Frequently Asked Questions About Eloping In Yellowstone
Got questions about eloping in the world’s first National Park? I’ve got answers!
Can You Get Married In Yellowstone National Park?
Absolutely! You will need a special permit for your ceremony and you will need to hold it at one of the parks designated locations for weddings, but you can absolutely get married in Yellowstone!
Jump to Yellowstone wedding permits>>
How Much Does It Cost To Elope In Yellowstone?
To elope in Yellowstone, you will need a Special Use Permit which costs $250, as well as an entrance pass to get inside the park, which costs $35. That brings the cost to $285 to elope in Yellowstone!
Where Can You Get Married In Yellowstone
There are several designated locations for wedding ceremonies inside Yellowstone National Park with options for 15 people to up to 200! Ceremony locations include Old Faithful, Artists Point, Mammoth Chapel, and the Lamar Valley, but there are lots more options to choose from! More ceremony locations are discussed further on in this guide.
Designated Yellowstone elopement locations include Old Faithful, Artist Point, & Mammoth Chapel. These, and other locations, will be discussed further on in this guide. Click here to jump there >>
Do You Need A Permit To Get Married In Yellowstone?
Yes, as discussed above, you do need a permit to get married in Yellowstone National Park. I’ll go over this further on in this guide. Click here to jump to permits >>
How To Elope In Yellowstone
Everything you need to elope in Yellowstone in 6 easy steps!
- Hire a Yellowstone Elopement Photographer
- Choose a Ceremony Location
- Choose a Date for Your Elopement
- Apply for Your Yellowstone Wedding Permit
- Plan Your Elopement Experience
- Have an Epic Elopement in Yellowstone!
Hire Your Yellowstone Elopement Photographer
One of the first and most important things to do when planning your elopement is to find your photographer. The reason you want to do this early on in the planning process is because many elopement photographers will also assist in your planning process from deciding on the best locations to curating a custom timeline to assisting with obtaining permits, which is why it’s great for you to find your photographer as early as possible!
It’s important that you choose a photographer whose work you love, because the photos you’ll receive will be in the same style, and one who is familiar with the area you are eloping in.
If you are searching for an elopement photographer with an in-depth knowledge of Yellowstone, please reach out to me! Yellowstone is one of my favorite places in the world and I would love to help you plan your perfect adventure elopement!
Yellowstone Elopement Locations
Where you have your ceremony will depend on several factors, including the size of your elopement (will you be bringing anyone with you?) and what time of year you want to get married, as some areas of the park are not accessible during the winter months.
Here are the parks designated ceremony locations. Even if you decide to hold your ceremony in one location, keep in mind that you can still take photos elsewhere in the park. The day is yours to explore, and trust me when I say you’re going to want to see everything here!
Artists Point – Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone sits on the east side of the upper loop of the park. It’s a 20 mile long canyon over more than 1,000 ft. deep with hydrothermal features within its walls. This area offers some of the most inspirational views in the entire park and features 2 waterfalls.
Artists Point is one of several viewpoints on the rim of the canyon overlooking the Lower Falls. They have a designated area for wedding ceremonies with a max. capacity of 40 people.
Even if you don’t hold your wedding ceremony here, you won’t want to miss this spot for some epic bridal photos during your trip!
Fishing Bridge Visitors Center
Sitting on the shores of Yellowstone Lake, the beach behind the Fishing Bridge Visitors center is another wedding ceremony location in the park. With up to 40 people allowed, this is a great location for sunset ceremonies overlooking the lake.
Barns Hole Road – West Entrance
Located just after you enter the West Entrance, the Barnes Hole Road leads to the Madison River and is one of Yellowstone’s most secluded ceremony locations. Typically only accessed by fishers, this area is private, quiet, and is located in Montana. Wedding ceremonies here can have up to 30 people.
Two Ribbon Trail – West Entrance
Another secluded option near the West Entrance, the Two Ribbon Trail is a short hike to the Madison River and a great option for secluded wedding ceremonies in Yellowstone. This ceremony location allows up to 15 people.
Old Faithful – Upper Geyser Basin
There is a designated ceremony area near Old Faithful. Known for it’s predictable eruptions, this is one of the parks main attractions and an epic wedding ceremony location in Yellowstone! There are several lodges, cabins, gift shops, and food options within walking distance, in addition to 150 geysers to explore within walking distance.
Ceremonies here have a designated location on the east side of Old Faithful Geyser, directly in front of the Old Faithful Lodge. There is a maximum capacity of 40 people for ceremonies held in this location.
Mammoth Chapel
The largest wedding venue in the park, Mammoth chapel can host up to 250 people for weddings and costs $300.
Mammoth and the Historic Fort Yellowstone are the first things you’ll see when coming in through Yellowstone’s North Entrance. The fort includes Mammoth Chapel, built of stone in 1913, the only church in the entire park! It’s perfect for couples looking to have a more traditional ceremony before exploring the park.
Something else to keep in mind is that the Mammoth area is one of the few areas of the park that is accessible year round, making this the only ceremony location for winter weddings in Yellowstone.
Virginia Cascade Picnic Area
Just off of the Norris Canyon Road in the middle of the park is the Virginia Cascade Dr., a scenic drive along the Gibbon River. This picnic area is designated for elopements with up to 30 people.
Lamar Valley
This wildlife spotting hotspot is also a popular area for the most intimate of elopements. Wedding ceremonies are allowed at pull-outs along the Lamar Valley with a max. capacity of 5 people. If you plan on having a slightly larger elopement ceremony, there are 4 addition designated locations close by that allow for groups up to 20 people. The locations are:
- Trout Lake
- Barronette Meadows
- Thunderer Cutoff Trail Head
- Warm Creek
If you are granted a permit for any of these four locations, the permit will be good for any of the options the day of your elopement to allow for flexibility in case of crowds.
Parkwide Amphitheaters
The last option for ceremonies within Yellowstone’s borders is any of their amphitheaters. These are a great option if you are looking for more privacy for your ceremony or if you are including guests, as there are less restrictions in terms of guest count requirements. However, please keep in mind that you are not allowed to decorate the space in any way.
There Are Amphitheaters Found At He Following Locations:
- Canyon Campground
- Mammoth Campground
- Madison Campground
- Grant Village
Other Locations
Other locations may be requested when submitting your application, however special requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and there is no guarantee you will end up with the location you are requesting.
You can find more Yellowstone wedding venues here.
Choose an Elopement Date
You’ll want to narrow down a date for your elopement next. Remember, you’re not limited to weekends and you have a lot of freedom when choosing a date for an elopement vs. a traditional wedding, so feel free to choose any date that you want!
The Best Time Of Year To Elope In Yellowstone
Because Yellowstone sits at a high elevation with most of the park between 6,000 to 7,000 ft., there is a small window in which the weather is at its best. The summer months of July and August are the best time of year to elope in the park, as the snow is all gone, the entire park is accessible, and the weather is at it’s warmest and driest.
June and September can also be a good time to visit Yellowstone if you don’t mind colder weather with a chance of snow. There will be significantly less crowds in these months compared to the peak summer seasons.
As is common at higher elevations, the weather in Yellowstone can be unpredictable, even in the summer months. It’s not uncommon for sudden, drastic changes in the weather. I’ve personally experienced the weather changing from hot and dry to pouring rain and thunder in a matter of minutes in the middle of summer. It’s best to come prepared for any kind of weather, even in the summer.
Weather In Yellowstone:
Spring
The average temperatures in the spring at Yellowstone range from a high of 53 degrees to a low of 10 degrees Fahrenheit and will typically still have snow until late March or early April. This is the time of year when grizzly bears begin to emerge from their dens and migrant births start to arrive. The interior roads are closed for spring plowing.
Summer
Summer is the most popular season in the park. The roads throughout the park are open, the snow has melted, and campgrounds are all open. There is all kinds of wildlife from black bears to bison to elk. This is also when you will find wildflowers and the wolf pups will emerge from their dens. The temperatures range from the low 30’s to the mid 70’s during the day. It’s also the park’s peak season for tourists visiting from all around the world.
Fall
The park begins to close in mid September as temperatures begin to drop. The average temperatures in the Fall are range between 40-60 degrees during the day with the night times dropping to the low 10’s at night. Bears begin to return to the lower elevations and this is a great time for wildlife watching.
Winter
With an average high of 28 degrees and a low of 3 degrees, winter in Yellowstone is a quiet season. The interior roads open to over-snow travel around mid December, and it’s a great time for skiing, snowshoeing, snowshoeing and wildlife watching. Transportation beyond Mammoth must be booked through the park.
Crowds
July and August are the parks busiest months. The park is a popular destination for travelers from all over the world, bringing in upwards of 4 million visitors each year. The best way to avoid crowds is to avoid popular destinations (such as Old Faithful) during the middle of the day or to hike. On average, hiking at least 3 miles will get you away from most crowds. Yellowstone has tons of beautiful hiking trails for all skill levels!
Wildlife
Home to 67 different mammal species, Yellowstone is known for its wildlife. If wildlife watching or seeing a specific type of animal during your visit is important, you’ll want to keep that in mind when choosing your day. Whether you’re hoping to sight a grizzly bear or watch the bison roam the Lamar Valley, you’ll be sure to see some spectacular wildlife during your visit!
The best time of year to see wildlife is going to be the Spring and Autumn when the temperatures are cooler but animals are out of hibernation. If watching wildlife is something you want to include in your elopement day, I’d recommend picking a wedding date in the shoulder seasons.
Always remember to give wildlife plenty of room. They may not look like it, but those buffalo can outrun you without breaking a sweat.
Learn more about wildlife watching and safety on the NPS website.
Apply for Your Yellowstone Wedding Permit
Wedding ceremonies taking place within Yellowstone will require a Special Use Permit, which costs $250. You will need to fill out an application for your permit and submit the completed form with the application fee. You’ll need to submit your application between 2 weeks to 12 months before your requested date. I always recommend submitting your permit as early as possible.
Marriage License Requirements
You need to obtain your marriage license from state you’ll be getting married in. The majority of Yellowstone is in Wyoming (Park County and Teton County) with smaller portions in Idaho and Montana. Once you’ve decided on your ceremony location, you will need to obtain your marriage license from the appropriate state.
How To Get A Marriage License In Wyoming
In order to obtain your marriage license in Wyoming, you and your partner will need to appear in person at the County Clerk’s Office. To apply, you will need a form of picture I.D., which can be a Driver’s License, Passport, Military I.D., or School I.D.
The marriage license cost is $30, which can be paid in cash, check, or credit card (though there is a $1.55 service fee for credit cards).
There is no waiting period, meaning you can get married the same day you receive your license. This license will only be valid in Wyoming and expires one year from the date of being issued.
Officiant
Your officiant must be an ordained minister to legally perform your marriage. This can be a judge, clergy member, or an ordained friend or family member, or even your photographer if they’re ordained.
Witnesses
Wyoming requires you to have at least 2 witnesses attend your ceremony.
Entrance Pass
An entrance pass is required for everyone entering the park. You only need one pass per vehicle and everyone within the vehicle is included. Your pass will be good for 7 consecutive days so you can come and go from the park as you need within that timeframe.
The standard vehicle pass is $35 and covers up to 15 people in one vehicle.
Tip: Purchase your ticket online ahead of time and have it printed to use the pre-paid lane to save time when entering the park!
Another option is to buy the America the Beautiful pass for $80, which allows you access to all of America’s National Parks, lands managed by the US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and more! This is an annual pass and pays for itself if you plan on visiting 3 or more National Parks in a year.
If you’re a veteran, you can get an American the Beautiful pass for free!
Plan Your Yellowstone Elopement Day
It’s time to start filling in your day! Eloping gives you freedom to celebrate in a personal way and do things that bring you joy, which means you can add any sort of activity you want into your day.
Here Are Some Ideas For Activities To Include In Your Yellowstone Elopement:
- Go on a hike – Check out these Yellowstone hikes!
- Watch the wildlife
- Horseback riding with a cowboy cookout
- Geyser watching
- Stargaze
- Watch Old Faithful Erupt at Night
- Take in the sights of Yellowstone (some of my favorite views are at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and the Norris Geyser basin)
Looking for more ideas? Checkout this list of 50+ elopement day activities!
Scheduling Tips For Your Yellowstone Elopement
Whether you plan on a casual day watching the wildlife or want to prioritize taking some epic photos, timing plays a big part in planning your day. Here are some tips to keep in mind when scheduling your day:
Mornings And Evenings Are The Best Lighting For Portraits
The prettiest lighting is the first couple of hours after sunrise and the last few hours before sunset. The mid afternoon (between 10am-2pm in particular) is typically very harsh lighting and is best to avoid. Keep that in mind when scheduling photos for your day.
Mornings And Evenings Are Also The Best Time For Wildlife Sightings
Wildlife is most active in the early hours and the evening, especially in the summer months. If you want to prioritize watching wildlife during your visit, make sure to dedicate some time around sunrise or sunset.
Look up Geyser Schedules
Every geyser has its own time frame for when it will go off. Some are very predictable, like Old Faithful erupting approximately every 1.5 hours, while others remain a complete mystery until a few minutes before they blow. Be sure to check out the current geyser activity or download the National Parks app before your trip to plan around any geysers you want to see. You can also find eruption estimations at the Old Faithful Visitors Center while in the park.
Overnight Accommodations In Yellowstone
Yellowstone has a total of 9 lodges, inns, cabin accommodations, and hotels within its boundaries, all offering a unique experience.
Canyon Lodge and Cabins: over 400 guest rooms throughout 5 hotel-style lodges with over 100 cabins for a more rustic experience.
Grant Village Lodge: over 300 guest rooms throughout 6 two-story hotel-style lodges.
Lake Hotel and Cabins: a large lodge with hotel-style rooms and cabin accommodations.
Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Cabins: large lodge with hotel-style room and cabin accommodations.
Old Faithful Inn: A rustic lodge with hotel-style accommodations.
Old Faithful Lodge Cabins: Cabin accommodations.
Old Faithful Snow Lodge and Cabins: a large lodge with hotel room-style accommodations and cabins.
Roosevelt Lodge Cabins: cabin style accommodations
Camping In Yellowstone
If you’re in search of a more rugged elopement experience, the park has 12 front-country campgrounds with over 2,000 campsites! All campsites must be reserved in advance, with the exception of Mammoth Campground between October 15-April 1st when it is first-come, first-serve. It’s best to make your reservations as early as possible, because they do book up in advance.
Campsites can be reserved through Yellowstone National Park Lodges while others can be reserved through Recreation.gov and range in price from $20-$89 per night.
Yellowstone National Park Campgrounds:
- Bridge Bay
- Canyon
- Fishing Bridge RV Park
- Grant Village
- Madison
- Indian Creek
- Lewis Lake
- Mammoth
- Norris
- Pebble Creek
- Slough Creek
- Tower Fall
Airbnb’s Outside Of The Park
There are dozens of cozy Airbnb options just outside of the parks North and West entrances. Here are a couple of options for a cozy, rustic experience:
Check out these Airbnb’s for your Yellowstone elopement.
Get Married in Yellowstone!
Now that your day is planned, you get to get married in the spectacular scenery of the world’s first National Park. Bet you’re the only couple you know who can say that!
What You Need to Know about Wedding Ceremonies in Yellowstone
Ceremonies taking place within the park are limited to specific locations. There are several designated ceremony locations through the park you can choose from, including Old Faithful, Artist Point, and Mammoth Chapel. More locations are discussed further on in this guide.
The park does not give exclusive use of any area for elopements, so there may be other visitors present depending on the location and time that you chose for your wedding.
Yellowstone Wedding Restrictions
There are a few restrictions for weddings that take place within Yellowstone’s borders, including:
If you find yourself needing any of these things for your wedding, Yellowstone might not be the right location for your day.
Carpooling
Because the park is so busy (especially in July and August!), it’s highly recommended that you carpool as much as possible during your elopement. Popular locations in the park get crowded midday and it can be next to impossible to find parking at some locations during the peak season.
Leave No Trace for Your Elopement
Whether you’re getting married in Yellowstone or it’s surrounding area, it’s important that you follow Leave No Trace principles to protect the wildlife and space that you’re in.
The goal of Leave No Trace is to protect natural and cultural resources, preserve the beauty of wilderness areas, and ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy and appreciate these outdoor spaces.
It protects the wildlife, you, and preserves the natural landscape for future generations.
Leave No Trace Principals:
- Plan ahead and prepare
- Stick to established trails and campsites
- Properly dispose of waste
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impact
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Check out my full guide to having a LNT elopement to learn more.
Yellowstone Elopement Packages
Want to take the stress out of planning your elopement? I offer elopement packages that include a whole lot more than just photography! Every single one of my packages offer unlimited planning assistance to help you find that perfect location you’re dreaming of, helping research and obtain any required permits for your day, assistance creating a timeline for your day, and more all on top of documenting your adventure!
Happy Eloping!
