Whether you’ve explored this supervolcano before or this will be your first time setting foot in the park, having a Yellowstone National Park wedding is an experience you’ll never forget. With steaming geysers, mesmerizing hot springs, thundering waterfalls, and roaming wildlife, this place is wild and absolutely awe-inspiring.

But here’s the thing: this park is huge, and planning a wedding or elopement here can definitely feel overwhelming. That’s where I come in. As an elopement photographer who knows Yellowstone like the back of my hand, it’s literally my job to help couples plan their dream wedding in this incredible place.

I created this guide to walk you through everything you need to know, whether you’re just beginning your research or you’re deep into planning. And if you’re still looking for someone to help you bring it all together (and capture it beautifully), don’t hesitate to reach out!

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

Yellowstone wedding photo of a bride and groom sharing a kiss with the Upper Falls of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone behind them.

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:

Unforgettable, Adventurous Memories on Your Wedding Day

If one thing is for certain when visiting Yellowstone, it’s that you will make some incredible memories! Whether it’s from watching geysers erupting, catching sight of bear cubs up in a tree, or the quickly changing weather.

a Unique Wedding Experience

I bet you don’t know anyone else who’s been married on a supervolcano, had a bison as a witness, or watched geysers erupt on their wedding day. Getting married in Yellowstone means you get a wedding experience that is totally unique!

You Feel Most at Home Surrounded by Nature and Wildlife

If you love the outdoors, watching wildlife, and taking in beautiful views, then Yellowstone is a tough spot to beat. And why not include these things in your wedding day, for a day that makes you feel like you?

Epic Wedding Photos

Yellowstone is the spot for scenic backdrops, and trust me when I say that your wedding photos are going to be epic! From incredible waterfalls to herds of Bison to erupting geysers, there are so many unique locations inside the park for some incredible wedding photos.

You Love Adventure

Between wildlife and unpredictable weather, Yellowstone is always an adventure. If you’re down for embracing whatever the mountains can throw at you, then you’ll love eloping in Yellowstone.

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:

You’re Going to Get a Lot of Attention from Strangers

Hiking in a wedding dress and suit will grab the attention of everyone you pass by. Expect to hear lots of people congratulating you, asking when the ceremony is, and maybe even asking to take a picture with you.

Much of your day will be spent in Public

Finding a secluded location in Yellowstone is possible with proper timing, but you’re not going to be able to spend the entire day alone. It’s important that you have the right expectations when getting married in Yellowstone.

Your wedding includes More than 30 People to

Most ceremony locations inside Yellowstone are limited to a maximum of 20 people, with some as low as 5 people, and some as high as 30. In general, I think it’s best to elope in the park with a smaller wedding party if you want to have a relaxed day and be able to see more of the incredible sights.

The Weather is Unpredictable

There’s no guarantee any time of year for perfect weather in Yellowstone. Due to the high elevation, the weather can change drastically in a matter of minutes. Even in the middle of summer, it can be cold, windy, rainy, and sunny all in one day!

There’s Going to be a *Lot* of Driving

Yellowstone is massive, which means to see more than one sight during your day, you’re going to spend a few hours in the car getting from one place to another.

You can’t set up ceremony decor

The park restricts the use of arches, the throwing of rice, outside catering, and amplified music for weddings.

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!

A couple looks at a buffalo behind them as they share their wedding vows 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 park’s 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!
The vibrant colors of the Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone National Park

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.

Yellowstone in Spring

March, April & May


Spring in Yellowstone is a prime time for seeing wildlife. The temperatures will still be chilly, especially at night, but the park comes alive with wildlife and blooming flowers.

Here’s what you can expect in Yellowstone during the Spring:

  • Abundant Wildlife – From bears emerging from their dens with their cubs to the Bison migration, this is the best time of year for viewing wildlife.
  • Cold Weather Continues The temperatures remain cold, especially at night. You can expect a mix of rain, snow, and sun during this time of year.
  • Fewer Crowds – One of the biggest benefits of Yellowstone in the Spring is that the summer crowds haven’t hit yet, meaning less traffic and more solitude.
  • Less of the Park is Accessible – Much of the park is still closed until late May or early June as the park works to clear the roads of snow. This can limit the locations you can access.

Yellowstone in Summer

June, July & August


Summer is easily the most popular season in Yellowstone because it’s the only time of year when the whole park is open and is most accessible. That also means it’s the busiest time of year.

Here’s what you can expect in Yellowstone during the Summer:

  • The Warmest and Driest Weather Summer, specifically July and August, are when the weather will be the warmest and driest. Though thunderstorms and chilly temps are still common during this season.
  • Less Wildlife Sightings – Bears and other animals go to higher elevations to escape the heat in the summer, meaning you’re less likely to spot as much wildlife. But there’s still plenty of Bison, elk, and other critters around!
  • Lots of Crowds – This is the park’s busiest season, but with some careful planning, you can avoid crowds and manage to find some quiet moments in the park.
  • The Entire Park is Open – All of the roads inside of Yellowstone are open during the summer, as well as all lodging, dining, gift shops, and facilities.

March

April

May

Average Precipitation

1.1 in.

1.2 in.

2.0 in.

Average High Temperature (°F)

39.6

49.4

60.4

Average Low Temperature (°F)

17.2

26.0

34.3

Average Snowfall

13.1 in.

5.9 in.

1.5 in.

June

July

August

Average Precipitation

1.5 in.

1.5 in.

1.4 in.

Average High Temperature (°F)

70.0

79.6

78.3

Average Low Temperature (°F)

41.2

46.7

45.3

Average Snowfall

0.3 in.

0 in.

0 in.

Yellowstone in Autumn

September, October, & November


Autumn is another great time of year for spotting wildlife. The temperatures begin to drop and the park begins to close down. Crowds become less as you get further into the Fall season.

Here’s what you can expect in Yellowstone during Autumn:

  • Active Wildlife – Elk, Bison, bears, wolves, and moose are all common to see in the Autumn months.
  • Cold Weather Begins – The temperatures begin to drop, especially at night. You can expect a mix of rain, snow, and sun during this time of year.
  • Fewer Crowds – The further into the Autumn you get, the fewer crowds will be in the park. This is a great time if you want solitude.
  • Much of the Park is Closed & Inaccessible by November – The park begins to close down facilities after Labor Day, with the entire park (except for Mammoth Hot Springs) closing down around late October to early November.

Yellowstone in Winter

December, January & February


Most of the park is closed and only accessible during snowcoach or guided Snowmobile tours. Snow blankets the area, creating some incredible scenery!

Here’s what you can expect in Yellowstone during the Winter:

  • Winter Sports – Whether it’s guided snowmobile tours, cross-country skiing to epic waterfalls, or tours via snowcoach, winter is filled with incredible scenery and activities in Yellowstone!
  • Free of Crowds – Not many people venture to Yellowstone in the Winter, which makes it an incredible time to visit if you want peace and quiet.
  • Extreme Cold Weather – Freezing temperatures begin, and snow covers the park.
  • Limited Access to the Park – Throughout the winter, much of the park remains either closed or accessible only via park transportation.

Sept.

Oct.

Nov.

Average Precipitation

1.3 in.

1.0 in.

1.0

Average High Temperature (°F)

67.8

55.7

38.7

Average Low Temperature (°F)

37.0

29.4

19.2

Average Snowfall

1.3 in.

3.7 in.

9.0 in.

Dec.

January

Feb.

Average Precipitation

1.1 in.

1.1 in.

.75 in.

Average High Temperature (°F)

30.5

28.6

34.0

Average Low Temperature (°F)

11.8

9.6

13.0

Average Snowfall

13.5 in.

14.5 in.

10.4 in.

The Best Time for Warm, Dry Weather

Mid July through mid 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 fewer 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, guided snowmobile tours, or cross-country skiing. Temperatures are cold in the winter, with the highs being in the mid-20s.

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 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.

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

Fishing Bridge Visitors Center

The Fishing Bridge Visitors Center sits on the shores of Yellowstone Lake and is a beautiful wedding ceremony location. It’s a beautiful spot to watch the sunset or for a beachside picnic.

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

Best Time of Year: June through September

Best Time of Day: Early morning or late evening to avoid crowds.

Wedding Size: Up to 40 people

Location: Fishing Bridge on Yellowstone Lake

Special Use Permit Needed? Yes

View location on Google Maps

Barnes Hole Road

Located just after you enter the West Entrance in Montana, 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 and quiet.

Best Time of Year: June through September

Best Time of Day: Anytime of day

Wedding Size: Up to 30 people

Location: Near the West Entrance

Special Use Permit Needed? Yes

View location on Google Maps.

Barnes Hole Road in Yellowstone National Park

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.

Best Time of Year: June through September

Best Time of Day: Anytime of day

Wedding Size: Up to 15 people

Location: Near the West Entrance

Special Use Permit Needed? Yes

View location on Google Maps

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 its predictable eruptions, this is one of the park’s 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.

Best Time of Year: June through September

Best Time of Day: I highly recommend a sunrise ceremony unless you want to be surrounded by lots of tourists.

Wedding Size: Up to 40 people

Location: Upper Geyser Basin

Special Use Permit Needed? Yes

View location on Google Maps

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.

Lake Butte Overlook

Panoramic views of Yellowstone Lake and the surrounding mountains greet you at the top of this mountain overlook. This spot is tucked away, but a gem of a spot that you literally drive up to. This might not be the best location if you’re uncomfortable with driving on steep, winding roads or over steep drop-offs.

Best Time of Year: June through September

Best Time of Day: Early morning or early evening

Wedding Size: Up to 30 people

Location: East end of Yellowstone Lake

Special Use Permit Needed? Yes

View location on Google Maps

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 quiet and tucked away among the trees.

Best Time of Year: June through September

Best Time of Day: Anytime of day

Wedding Size: Up to 30 people

Location: Norris Canyon Road (the very center of the Park)

Special Use Permit Needed? Yes

View location on Google Maps

Lamar Valley

This wildlife 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 Trail
  • Barronette Meadows
  • Thunderer Cutoff Trailhead
  • Warm Creek Picnic Area

Best Time of Year: June through September

Best Time of Day: Morning or evening for Lamar Valley pullouts to avoid crowds. If choosing one of the trails, any time of day will be reasonable, but morning or evening would still be ideal.

Wedding Size: Between 5-20 people

Location: Lamar Valley

Special Use Permit Needed? Yes

View location on Google Maps

Parkwide Amphitheaters

The last option for ceremonies within Yellowstone’s borders is any of its 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 fewer 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

Best Time of Year: June through September

Best Time of Day: Anytime of day

Wedding Size: Varies up to 150 people

Location: Throughout the park

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 and there is no guarantee you will end up with the location you are requesting.

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 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 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 are 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 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 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.

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 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.

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 Entrances 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 Entrances 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

Yellowstone Airport – West Yellowstone, Montana

Best for entering the West Entrance of the park.

50 minutes hours to Old Faithful

1 hour 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 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 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 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:

  • 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 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!

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 Principles:

  • 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!

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