Yellowstone National Park is an epic location for an adventurous wedding experience. Filled with geysers and wildlife, mountains and rivers, Yellowstone is filled with endless beauty. It’s no wonder it’s also a popular place for couples to get married! This guide is going to deep dive into Yellowstone wedding venues, inside and outside of the park.
Make sure to check out my full guide to eloping in Yellowstone for more details about how to plan your Yellowstone wedding.
Yellowstone is one of my favorite places, which is why I’m so fortunate to get to help couples plan and document amazing weddings in the park! If you find yourself needing an extra hand planning your Yellowstone wedding, or just need a photographer to document your day, reach out and let’s work together!
Wedding Venues Outside of Yellowstone
Here are some of the top wedding venues near Yellowstone National Park for an adventurous and beautiful wedding experience in the beauty of the American West.
Under Canvas
Under Canvas Yellowstone offers a unique glamping experience just minutes from Yellowstone National Park. Situated on expansive, scenic grounds, these safari-inspired tents offer stunning views of the surrounding wilderness, creating an unforgettable atmosphere for weddings.
For couples seeking an outdoor wedding venue that seamlessly merges comfort with the rugged beauty of Yellowstone, Under Canvas Yellowstone provides an ideal setting. With its proximity to the park, guests can easily explore Yellowstone’s epic sights while enjoying the comfortable accommodations, making it a perfect choice for those wanting an adventurous wedding experience.
Location: Paradise Valley and West Yellowstone
Capacity: up to 250 guests
Union Pacific Dining Lodge
The Union Pacific Dining Lodge, located near Yellowstone National Park in West Yellowstone, Montana, is a historic venue with a rich heritage dating back to the early 20th century. Originally built in 1925 to serve passengers on the Union Pacific Railroad, it now serves as a unique and charming location for weddings and special events. Its rustic, log-cabin architecture, complete with high vaulted ceilings and a grand stone fireplace, provides a picturesque backdrop that complements the natural beauty of Yellowstone.
As a wedding venue, it offers couples a blend of historical ambiance and proximity to the epic landscapes of Yellowstone, making it a great choice for those looking to tie the knot in rugged landscape of the American West.
Location: West Yellowstone, Montana
Capacity: Up to 400 guests
320 Guest Ranch
Located in the heart of Montana’s Gallatin Valley, the 320 Guest Ranch offers an authentic Western experience with its historic roots and breathtaking natural surroundings. Located on the Gallatin River and just a short drive from Yellowstone National Park, this working ranch provides a picturesque and serene setting for weddings. With rustic log cabins, sweeping mountain views, and the charm of a traditional Montana ranch, 320 Guest Ranch is an ideal venue for couples looking to celebrate their special day in a setting that captures the spirit of the Old West.
Location: Gallatin Gateway, Montana
Capacity: Up to 200 guests
The Woodlands
The Woodlands at Cottonwood Canyon is a beautiful wedding venue located in the scenic landscape of the Gallatin Valley, offering an elegant and serene setting for couples looking to tie the knot near Yellowstone National Park. Surrounded by lush forests, rolling hills, and tranquil waters, this venue provides a perfect blend of rustic charm and natural beauty.
Its close proximity to Yellowstone makes it an ideal choice for couples who want to incorporate the stunning beauty of the park into their wedding experience, offering guests the opportunity to explore the wonders of Yellowstone while celebrating a special occasion in a stunning Montana venue.
Location: Gallatin Valley, Montana
Capacity: Up to 175 Guests
Yellowstone Wedding Venues Inside the Park
Old Faithful Area
Located within viewing distance of the famous Old Faithful Geyser, this ceremony location offers views of geysers while also being close to amenities. A pretty epic spot for a wedding ceremony if you ask me!
Maximum Wedding Capacity: 40 people
Location: Upper Geyser Basin
Accessibility: Very easy to access
Artists Point
This viewpoint overlooks the Lower Falls in the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. It’s one of the busier spots in the Yellowstone, but for good reason. The viewpoint is one of the most spectacular in the entire park! There is a designated area to the side of the viewing platform that wedding ceremonies are held at.
Maximum Wedding Capacity: 40 people
Location: South rim of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Accessibility: Very easy. Area is located a short walk on a paved path.
Barns Hole Road
Easily the most secluded ceremony location, this area is located just after you enter the park from the West Entrance in West Yellowstone. The Barnes Hole Road leads to the Madison River and is the best option if you want total privacy for your wedding.
Maximum Wedding Capacity: 30 people
Location: Near the West Entrance, in Montana
Accessibility: Easily accessible
Fishing Bridge Visitors Center
The Fishing Bridge Visitors Center sits on the shores of Yellowstone Lake and offers panorama views of the lake and mountains surrounding it. A wonderful option for a sunset ceremony.
Check out this Yellowstone wedding at the Fishing Bridge Visitors Center!
Maximum Wedding Capacity: 40 people
Location: Fishing Bridge
Accessibility: Easily accessible
Lamar Valley
The Lamar Valley is one of the best spots in the park for spotting wildlife. It’s also a beautiful location for getting married! Ceremonies are allowed next to pullouts along the road in the Lamar Valley and are limited to the smallest of ceremonies.
Maximum Wedding Capacity: 5 people
Location: Lamar Valley in the northeast of the park
Accessibility: Easily accessible
Nearby to Lamar Valley
This section includes 4 separate locations that will be included in your permit to give you choices in case of crowded conditions. The locations are Trout Lake, Barronette Meadows, Thunderer Cutoff Trail Head, and Warm Creek Picnic Area and offer beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
Maximum Wedding Capacity: 20 people
Location: the northeast corridor along Highway 212
Accessibility: Moderately Accessible (some hiking is required for a few of the locations)
Mammoth Chapel
If you’re seeking a more traditional wedding experience, the Mammoth Chapel offers a unique option. The application fee for the Mammoth Chapel is $300 and is limited to a maximum of 250 people. Parking is limited and carpooling or bus is required for large weddings.
Maximum Wedding Capacity: 250 people
Location: Mammoth Hot Springs
Accessibility: Easily accessible
Find the perfect place to stay in Yellowstone National Park!
Virginia Cascade Picnic Area
Located on the Virginia Cascade Dr just off of Norris Canyon Road in the center of the park, this picnic area overlooks a waterfall and offers picnic tables for day use.
Maximum Wedding Capacity: 30 people
Location: Norris Canyon Road in the center of the park.
Accessibility: Easily accessible
Two Ribbon Trail
This easy 0.7 mile boardwalk trail winds along the Madison River and is a quiet and secluded spot.
Maximum Wedding Capacity: 15 people
Location: Near the West Entrance
Accessibility: Easily accessible
Parkwide Amphitheaters
Wedding ceremonies are allowed at amphitheaters throughout the park’s campgrounds. These are a great option if you want an outdoor ceremony with a larger amount of guests.
Maximum Wedding Capacity: Up to 150 people, depending on the amphitheater
Location: Throughout the park
Accessibility: Easily accessible
Yellowstone Wedding Venue Regulations
There are several restrictions and regulations that must be followed when getting married inside of Yellowstone National Park. Always follow the rules and regulations for your own safety, as well as the safety of others and the land you’re in.
Yellowstone Wedding Regulations:
- Stay on defined trails to protect the vegetation. This is especially important when in thermal areas where you could fall through the crust and into a geyser!
- Don’t disturb natural resources, including vegetation, water, soils, etc. This also includes animals, plants, and rocks.
- Make sure to clean up after yourselves. To keep the landscape accessible to future guests, it’s so important to leave the place better than you found it. That means packing out everything that you bring with you. Make sure to follow Leave No Trace throughout your visit to the park. Check out my Leave No Trace guide for eloping!
- Alters and arches are not allowed for ceremonies inside the park.
- Decorating an area is strictly prohibited.
- Scattering or throwing of any material (such as rice, flowers, bubbles, etc.) is not allowed.
To learn more, please visit the Yellowstone website for more details about wedding regulations.
Yellowstone Wedding Photo Locations
Whether you hold your wedding ceremony at one of Yellowstone’s elopement locations or outside of the park entirely, that doesn’t mean you can’t get some beautiful photos elsewhere in the park! Here are my top recommendations within the park for bridal photos on your elopement day for a fun, adventurous, and epic experience!
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 is 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!
West Thumb Geyser Basin
This geyser basin sits on the edge of Yellowstone Lake. It’s often overlooked, but well worth visiting! It’s filled with vibrant pools and sits on the edge of the lake, making it an incredibly scenic spot.
Hayden Valley
If you want to watch wildlife, you’ll want to stop at either the Hayden Valley or the Lamar Valley. They’re the most popular locations for spotting herds of buffalo and other wildlife.
Now you know all about Yellowstone’s wedding venues! Hopefully you found just the right spot for your elopement, but just in case you didn’t, I’m here to help! Contact me and let’s work together to bring your Yellowstone elopement to life!