How to Elope in Yellowstone National Park: The Ultimate Guide

Yellowstone is the world’s first National Park, and it’s no wonder this incredible place has captured the attention of so many. With over half of the world’s active geysers, tons of wildlife, and millions of acres of virtually untouched land, it really does live up to its nickname, “Wonderland.”

I’m lucky to live close enough to return year after year to explore, discover, and experience this magical place and all that it has to offer. As an elopement photographer who specializes in helping couples get married in the park, I can’t wait to share with you all that you need to know to plan an unforgettable elopement in Yellowstone National Park!

Keep scrolling for the best ceremony locations, must-see views, permit info, and plenty of tips to make your Yellowstone elopement everything you want it to be!

Reasons You Should Elope in Yellowstone

Getting married in Yellowstone National Park is an incredible experience! From incredible views to checking off a bucket-list destination, there are countless reasons why couples choose to elope in Yellowstone.

Here are some reasons why Yellowstone might be the perfect elopement location for you:

Reasons You Should NOT Elope in Yellowstone

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:

If you’re still excited at the idea of an intimate wedding surrounded by geysers, keep on reading, because I’m going to walk you through everything you need to elope in Yellowstone!

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!

Choose an Elopement Date

Most couples choose to elope in 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.

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.

Sunrise or Sunset

Mornings and evenings are the best times for wedding ceremonies because there are fewer crowds to navigate, the lighting is beautiful, and there are 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.

Learn more about the benefits of a sunrise elopement and how to plan one!

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!

The best way to avoid crowds in Yellowstone, even in peak season, is to get up early and stay out late. From my personal experience, it’s not difficult to find solitude in the park before 10am (the earlier the better, though!) or after 5pm.

Decide on a Wedding 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

Yellowstone has a handful of locations they’ve designated for wedding ceremonies throughout the park. I’ve compiled my top recommendations below, but if you want a comprehensive guide to wedding venues inside and outside of Yellowstone, I have a full guide dedicated to just that.

1. Fishing Bridge Visitors Center Beach

This is my go-to recommendation most of the time because it’s easy to access and so beautiful! Located just behind the Fishing Bridge Visitor Center on Yellowstone Lake, this sandy beach is a quiet spot in the early morning or evening hours. It’s a great spot to watch the sunset with views of the mountains to the east.

Check out this couple’s elopement at Yellowstone’s Fishing Bridge Visitor Center!

Best Time of Year: Mid-May through early October

Best Time of Day: Early morning or late evenings for the best lighting and to avoid crowds (it gets busy midday during the summer!)

Wedding Size: Up to 40 people

Location: Fishing Bridge on Yellowstone Lake

Special Use Permit Needed? Yes

View location on Google Maps

2. Lamar Valley

Not only is the Lamar Valley a great place for watching wildlife, but it’s also home to some of the most remote wedding ceremony locations in the park! There are a few different spots you can choose from, including pullouts along the Valley, or my personal favorite, Trout Lake. The trail to Trout Lake is short but steep, but the reward is a beautiful lake with mountains surrounding it.

This is what an adventurous elopement at Trout Lake looks like!

Lamar Valley wedding ceremony locations include:

• Trout Lake Trail
• Barronette Meadows
• Thunderer Cutoff Trailhead
• Warm Creek Picnic Area

Best Time of Year: June through September

Best Time of Day: Morning or evening to avoid crowds and for the best lighting.

Wedding Size: Between 5-20 people, depending on the exact location you choose.

Location: Lamar Valley

Special Use Permit Needed? Yes

View location on Google Maps

3. Madison Amphitheater

This Madison Campground Amphitheater is located near the West Entrance at Madison Campground. From here, you are within walking distance of the Madison River with views of National Park Mountain. This spot is a personal favorite of mine because of how peaceful it always is.

Best Time of Year: Mid-May through early October

Best Time of Day: Sunset

Wedding Size: Up to 150 people

Location: Madison Campground

Special Use Permit Needed? Yes

4. Grant Village Amphitheater

The other amphitheater I would recommend is at Grant Village. There are actually two at this location, and they’re both tucked away in a quiet corner of the park. From either, you can access the beach along Yellowstone Lake. This is a peaceful spot to watch the sunset or enjoy the water on a summer evening.

Best Time of Year: June through September

Best Time of Day: Sunset

Wedding Size: Up to 150 people

Location: Grant Village Visitor Center

Special Use Permit Needed? Yes

Other Locations

Other locations may be requested when submitting your application; however, special requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. I always recommend sticking to the designated ceremony locations during the peak summer months. If you are eloping during the shoulder season, you are more likely to get permission to use another, typically more crowded location.

Yellowstone Wedding & Reception Venues

Here are some of the top wedding venues near Yellowstone National Park for a bigger or more traditional wedding experience.

• Yellowstone Under Canvas
• Union Pacific Dining Lodge
• 320 Guest Ranch
• The Woodlands at Cottonwood Canyon

Apply for Your Yellowstone Wedding Permit

If you plan on sharing vows while in Yellowstone during your elopement, you will need to get a Special Use Permit, which costs $250. To get it, you will need to fill out a permit application and submit the completed form along with the application fee.

You’ll need to submit your application between 2 weeks and 12 months before your wedding 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 Your Yellowstone Elopement Permit

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 on the date you want.

Get Your Marriage License

The other important document you will need to elope in Yellowstone is your marriage license. You need to obtain your marriage license from the 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 and 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 photo ID, such as a Driver’s License, Passport, Military ID, or School ID.

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.

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 (or $100 per person if you are not a U.S. resident) 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.

Tip! If you’re a veteran, you can get an America 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 lodges and hotels inside Yellowstone National Park where you can stay 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 allows you to spend more time exploring and celebrating, and less time driving into and out of the park.

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 and April 1st, when it is first-come, first-served. 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 reservable through Recreation.gov and range in price from $20-$89 per night.

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:

• Mountain Yurt in Emigrant, Montana
• Riverfront Cabin in West Yellowstone, Montana
• Condo in Driggs, Idaho
• Wandercamp Yellowstone

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.

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 Ideas:

• Go on a hike – Check out these Yellowstone hikes!
• Watch the wildlife in the Lamar Valley
• Horseback riding with a cowboy cookout
• Geyser watching at Norris Geyser Basin
• Watch Old Faithful Erupt
• Go waterfall chasing
• Have a picnic
• Stargaze over Yellowstone Lake
• Go on a guided tour with a Yellowstone expert
• Hike along the rim of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

Looking for more ideas? Check out 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? Check out 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 have the best light for portraits.
• Mornings and evenings are also the best times for wildlife sightings.
• Look up geyser schedules at visitor centers to plan.
• If you want to avoid crowds at busy locations in the park, plan for before 10am and after 5pm.

Yellowstone Elopement Photo Locations

While there are endless incredible locations you could take portraits at during your Yellowstone National Park wedding, these are a few of my top recommendations for epic wedding photos!

Norris Geyser Basin

Located near the center of the park, this geyser basin is home to the world’s tallest geyser and is the hottest geyser basin in the entire park! With boardwalks that wind through steam vents and hot springs, this is an epic spot to visit and a great option for photos on your elopement day

Upper Geyser Basin

Home to Old Faithful and dozens more geysers, this basin is a must-see during your Yellowstone elopement. There are lodging, restaurants, and gift shops within walking distance of the geysers, making it a great spot to spend a couple of hours if you want a relaxed experience.

Fairy Falls

This is one of my personal favorite hikes in the park! An easy 5-mile round-trip hike to a 200-foot waterfall and a viewpoint overlooking the Grand Prismatic, this is one spot you don’t want to miss!

Check out these other great hikes in Yellowstone for your elopement!

Lamar or Hayden Valley

If you want to watch wildlife, you’ll want to stop at either the Hayden Valley or the Lamar Valley. These two valleys are the most popular locations for spotting herds of bison, elk, and other wildlife.

The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

This canyon has waterfalls, colorful canyon walls, and several epic viewpoints along the rim. You can either stop at one of the numerous easy-to-access viewpoints or take a hike along the canyon, for some of the most breathtaking views in the park.

Have an Amazing Elopement 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 throughout 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 choose 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.

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 of attention from other park visitors.
• Traffic jams from wildlife, which could cause significant delays.
• Busy areas 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!

Frequently Asked Questions Yellowstone Elopements

Yellowstone Elopement Packages

To check my availability, just contact me here for a free planning consultation, and we can get started!

Happy Eloping!