Imagine getting married in one of the most awe-inspiring places in the world. How magical would it be to share your vows with roaming buffalo in the valley behind you and then hiking through geysers and vibrantly colored hot springs? Well, that’s what your wedding day can actually look like when you elope in Yellowstone National Park!

As an elopement photographer, Yellowstone is one of my favorite places to help couples elope in. This place is magical, and I don’t think there’s a more incredible place you could choose to get married. That’s why I wrote this guide: to help couples like you plan an incredible Yellowstone elopement experience!

Not sure where you should get married in Yellowstone? Does the idea of applying for a permit make you nervous? Or maybe you’re unsure of the best time of year to plan your Yellowstone wedding? Don’t worry, because this guide is going to cover all of that and more.

Let me be your personal guide through everything you need to plan an incredible elopement in Yellowstone National Park!

Couple stands in front of Steamboat Geyser on their elopement day in Yellowstone National Park

Should You Elope In Yellowstone?

Before we dive in, we need to establish whether of not a wedding in Yellowstone is right for you. There are a lot of reasons couples choose to get married in Yellowstone, ranging from the park holding special meaning to their relationship to wanting to use their wedding day to explore a new area. 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

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 National Park?

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! Of course, you’ll also have to account for other expenses, such as transportation, lodging, etc., but it’s all up to you to decide how elaborate you want your elopement to be.

Where Can You Get Married in Yellowstone National Park?

There are several designated locations for wedding ceremonies inside Yellowstone National Park with options for 15 people to up to 200! Designated Yellowstone wedding ceremony locations include Old Faithful, Artist Point, & Mammoth Chapel. These, and other locations, will be discussed further on in this guide.
Click here to jump to Yellowstone wedding locations >>

Do You Need a Permit to Elope in Yellowstone National Park?

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 plan an incredible wedding in Yellowstone National Park in 6 easy steps!

  1. Pick an Elopement Date
  2. Decide on a Ceremony Location
  3. Get Your Yellowstone Wedding Permit & Marriage License
  4. Book Your Travel & Accommodations
  5. Plan Your Elopement Details
  6. Elope in Yellowstone!
A bride and groom share a kiss on their elopement day with the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone in the background.

Choose an Elopement Date

Most couples choose to elope at Yellowstone in the summer because it offers the best weather. The park is open year round, which means if you thrive in the snow, Yellowstone can be a magical place to elope in the winter!

When choosing your date, remember that you’re not limited to weekends! I actually recommend that you choose a weekday if you can to avoid some of the crowds.

The Best Time for Warm, Dry Weather

July and August are the best months to elope in Yellowstone for the warmest, driest weather. The shoulder seasons, mostly June and September are also a great time if you want less crowds and more wildlife, however the temperatures can still be chilly this time of year.

The Best Time for Winter Weather

January through March is the best time if you want to elope in a winter wonderland! This time of year the park is accessible by snowcoach, snowmobible, or cross-country skiing. Temperatures are cold in the winter, with the highs being in the mid 20’s.

As is typical at higher elevations, the weather in Yellowstone can be unpredictable, even in the summer months. Sudden, drastic changes are not uncommon. 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 not unheard of to see snow in July at these elevations, which is why it’s best to come prepared for any kind of weather.

A couple looks at a rainbow on their elopement day in the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.

Sunrise or Sunset

Mornings and evenings are the best time for wedding ceremonies because there’s less crowds to navigate, the lighting is beautiful, and there’s higher odds of seeing wildlife roaming the park. Midday is the busiest in terms of tourists and the lighting is harsh, which is why I always recommend opting for either sunrise or sunset for your ceremony.

Crowds in Yellowstone

Yellowstone is a popular destination for travelers from all over the world, attracting upwards of 4 million visitors each year, most of whom visit in July and August. This is due to the summer bringing the warmest weather. The best way to avoid crowds is to avoid popular destinations 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!

Because Yellowstone is at a high elevation, with most of the park between 6,000 and 7,000 ft., there is a small window during 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 its warmest and driest.

Decide on a Ceremony Location

Choosing a ceremony location is a big and exciting decision! 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.

It’s important to know that the park has a handful of designated locations where they allow ceremonies. But don’t worry, you can explore anywhere in the park during your elopement day!

Yellowstone National Park Wedding Ceremony Locations

Artists Point

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!

Bride and groom holding hands in front of the Lower Falls in the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.

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.

A wedding on Yellowstone Lake in Yellowstone National Park

Barnes Hole Road

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

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.

A boardwalk leading to the Madison River in Yellowstone - an elopement ceremony location in Yellowstone National Park

Old Faithful

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.

Old Faithful erupting under a starry sky in Yellowstone National Park.

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.

A vibrant hot spring in Yellowstone.

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 to give you the best odds of getting the location you want for your date.

How to Apply for a Special Use Permit for Your Yellowstone Elopement

  1. Download the Special Use Permit application and fill out all relevant fields.
  2. Email your completed permit application to yell_sup@nps.gov. Allow 7-10 days for the permit to be processed.
  3. Pay the $250 non-refundable application fee over the phone at 307-344-2110 or by check. Make the check out to the National Park Service and mail it to:
    Special Use Permit Office
    PO Box 168
    Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
  4. After your permit and payment have been received, the park will reach out to you to schedule a call to discuss the permit conditions.
  5. Approximately two weeks before your elopement date, you will receive your permit via email to be signed.
  6. Once you receive your final permit, print it out and make sure to have it with you on your elopement day.

Tip! When choosing your ceremony location, choose a backup location to list on your permit in case your first choice is unavailable the date you want.

A set of wedding bands on a Yellowstone National Park map.

Get Your Marriage License

The other important documents you will need to elope in Yellowstone is your marriage license. You need to obtain your marriage license from state you’ll be getting married in. While the majority of Yellowstone is in Wyoming (Park County and Teton County) there are a few 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

Since most of the park and the best ceremony locations are in Wyoming, I’m going to walk you through the steps for getting your marriage license there. The steps will be similar in Montana an Wyoming, however the specific details may vary slightly.

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 (like I am!)

Witnesses

Wyoming requires you to have at least 2 witnesses attend your ceremony.

A couple sharing vows on their elopement day in the mountains.

Yellowstone National park 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!

Book Your Travel and Accommodations

Great lodging can make a good trip into a great one, so make sure to find the perfect place to stay to make your elopement that much more special! Now is also the time you’ll want to book your flights and rental car. I recommend flying into the area at least one day before your elopement to give you time to get your marriage license and settle in before the big day.

There are a ton of options when booking your accommodations for your Yellowstone elopement! Options range from warm cozy lodges and campgrounds in the park to hotels or vacation rentals a short drive away.

Yellowstone National Park Lodges

There are 9 different lodges and hotel’s inside of Yellowstone National Park that you can stay in for comfortable and convenient lodging. Rooms and cabins can be booked through Yellowstone National Park Lodges and prices range from $150-$600 per night. Staying inside the park offers the benefit of being able to spend more time exploring and less time driving.

The Old Faithful Inn.

Front Country Campgrounds in Yellowstone National Park

If you really want to embrace adventure, Yellowstone 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 are resorbable through Recreation.gov and range in price from $20-$89 per night.

A tent with a grazing elk behind it in Yellowstone National Park
A campsite at Bridge Bay Campground.

Other Lodging Options Near Yellowstone National Park

Maybe you need more space, more privacy, or more unique accommodations. There are countless lodging options outside of Yellowstone with close access and unique lodging options! Here are a few of the best options for lodging during your elopement outside of the park:

Check out my full guide to lodging in Yellowstone for more information!

How to Get to Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone is best accessed by car. Whether you drive to the park in your own vehicle or rent one at the airport, a good set of wheels is essential to visiting the park.

Yellowstone Park Entrances

There are five entrances to Yellowstone National Park. Which one you choose to use will depend on where you stay and what area you want to spend the most time in. Remember, Yellowstone is huge, so planning out your driving will save you a ton of time on your elopement day!

  • North Entrance – Closest to Mammoth Hot Springs
  • Northeast Entrance – Closest to Tower Junction and the famous Lamar Valley
  • East Entrance – Closest to Lake Yellowstone
  • South Entrance – Connects Grand Teton to Yellowstone
  • West Entrance – Closest to the Upper, Midway, and Lower Geyser Basins

The North and West entrances are the only way to access the park in the winter months, with the North Entrance being the only one open all-year round (weather permitting).

Flying into Yellowstone

There are several airports you can fly into to get to Yellowstone, and which one you choose will depend on where you’ll be staying and what part of the park you want to spend the most time in.

Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport – Bozeman, Montana

Best for entering the North and West Entrance’s of the park.

2.5 hours to Old Faithful

2.5 hours to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

Idaho Falls Regional Airport – Idaho Falls, Idaho

Best for entering the West and South Entrance’s of the park.

2.5 hours to Old Faithful

3 hours to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

Jackson Hole Airport – Jackson, Wyoming

Best for entering the South Entrance of the park and Grand Teton

2 hours to Old Faithful

2.5 hours to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

Plan the Details of Your Elopement

Filling in the details of your day is one of the most fun parts of planning your elopement! In addition to your ceremony, start thinking about how you want to celebrate your wedding day. Remember, this day is all about doing things that bring you joy, so get outside the box of tradition and feel free to include your favorite hobbies or things that have special meaning to the two of you.

Yellowstone Elopement Activity Idea’s:

Looking for more ideas? Checkout this list of 50+ elopement day activities!

Create a Timeline For Your Elopement

Once you know all of the fun things you want to include your big day, you need to put it all together in a timeline. Creating a timeline will make your day run smoothly and give you time to relax because you’ll know exactly when you need to leave for the next event.

Need some inspiration? Checkout this Yellowstone elopement to see how their day went!

When creating your timeline, make sure to allow for extra time getting from one location to the next since buffalo jams are a likely occurrence in Yellowstone.

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.

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.

A geyser letting off steam in the Norris Geyser Basin at Yellowstone.

Have an Amazing Wedding in Yellowstone!

All that’s left now is to elope in Yellowstone! Hooray you did it! Embrace the adventure, roll with the changing weather of the mountains, and take in the beauty. It’s going to be such an amazing experience.

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:

  • The use of amplified music
  • The release of butterflies, rice, etc.
  • Outside catering
  • Restricting visitors and other guests from moving freely

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.

What to Expect When You Elope in Yellowstone

While Yellowstone is a beautiful place to get married, it comes with some unique things that could present a challenge to your day. Such as…

  • Uncertain and fast changing weather.
  • Lots attention from other park visitors.
  • Traffic jams from wildlife, which could cause significant delays.
  • Busy area’s with lots of other visitors around throughout the day.

These aren’t necessarily bad things, but it’s important that you know what to expect when you decide to elope in Yellowstone National Park. Embrace the adventure and you’ll have an amazing time!

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!

Your Yellowstone Elopement Photographer

I love helping couples plan extraordinary elopements in the beauty of nature, and it doesn’t get much more beautiful than Yellowstone National Park! I specialize in working with couples to help them plan amazing elopements in Yellowstone by providing location recommendations, permit guidance, creating a timeline for your day, as well as photographing the experience in beautiful images. If you’re searching for a Yellowstone elopement photographer with tons of experience in the park and who will provide you with a fun photo experience, let’s chat about your Yellowstone elopement!

Happy Eloping!

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *