How to Elope In A State Park
Thinking of eloping in a state park? You've come to the right place! State parks offer breathtaking views without the crowds of national parks and an idyllic backdrop for your special day. Plus, many state parks offer wedding packages so you can easily plan your elopement day. Keep reading to learn how to plan your adventurous state park elopement!
What is a state park?
State parks are protected areas of public land designated for their natural beauty, historical or cultural significance, and recreational opportunities. In fact, state parks have been around in the United States longer than national parks!
There are state parks in all 50 U.S. states, some of which you may already be familiar with, like Redwoods State Park, Baxter State Park, Goblin Valley State Park, and Valley of Fire State Park.
Although the parks vary greatly in size and amenities, they all serve the same general purpose; to provide the public with free or inexpensive access to the outdoors. Most parks offer recreation areas or designated spaces for barbeques, parties, larger events, and, yes, even weddings!
Do I need a permit to elope in a state park?
In most state parks, eloping within the park boundaries requires a special use permit. Obtaining a special use permit varies from park to park, but usually follows the same guidelines as national parks. This process involves contacting the park's special events office or applying for a special use permit online.
How do I get a permit?
The good news is that eloping in a state park doesn't require navigating a mountain of paperwork. However, it’s still important to follow park policies and guidelines when applying for a special use permit.
For couples looking to elope in an Arizona state park, for example, the application process is relatively simple. Here’s what you need to do:
Visit a specific park's Wedding Packet.
Download and review the park-specific Wedding Packet and general Wedding Pre-Application.
Call the park you are interested in to inquire about wedding date availability, start a reservation request, and get a park wedding contact.
Fill out the Wedding Pre-Application form and mail, fax, or scan and email the form to your park wedding contact.
On the phone with your park wedding contact, determine the final facility and rental needs, and calculate total fees. Arrange for deposit and fee payments to finalize your reservation.
Having trouble deciding which state park to hold your elopement? If you need help narrowing down your location options, I’d love to share my top picks with you!
How far in advance do I need to apply for a permit?
Depending on the park, when you want to get married, and how popular the park is, you can apply for a permit as soon as the day before or up to a year before your elopement. Check with the state park first to find out how far in advance you need to prepare.
How much does it cost to have a state park elopement?
Each park may charge a different fee for its special use permit. To find out how much it costs to elope in the state park of your choosing, call ahead or download the park's wedding information packet, if available.
In some state parks, additional charges may apply if you have more than a certain number of guests or want to rent the area for a full day instead of half a day. Your special use permit does not cover the cost of entry into the park, so make sure you factor that into your elopement budget.
What are the restrictions involved in eloping in a state park?
While state parks tend to offer more access and amenities than national parks, there are still rules and restrictions you need to abide by. For example, some state parks allow alcohol, some don't, and some allow only certain types of alcohol. Additionally, most state parks do not offer any amenities beyond the space you've reserved.
I know I sound like a broken record here, but before submitting your application, read all that boring fine print to avoid unpleasant surprises on your big day.
Can I bring my dog to my state park elopement?
If you plan on including your pup in your elopement, choosing a location that matches your vision and is pet-friendly is a must! Most state parks welcome dogs, but in many, they aren’t permitted on trails. Additionally, even in dog-friendly places, some activities and tours may not allow pets (e.g., wine-tasting tours, hot springs, and ATV rides) so be sure to research pet-friendly attractions and activities near your elopement destination.
Another thing to consider is the general terrain and climate of the region you'll be eloping in. Think about it, you don't want your fur baby to be cold, shivering and miserable during your rainy Pacific Northwest elopement!
In case of bad weather, take extra care to make sure your pup is safe, comfortable, and well taken care of on your special day! (Pssst, if you’re curious to learn more, I created a dedicated guide to including your dog in your elopement here!).
How do you plan an elopement in a state park?
If you’re wondering how to plan an elopement in a state park, here are some loose guidelines to ensure your wedding day is a success.
1. Choose where you want to elope
Pro tip: Choosing the perfect state park as the backdrop for your wedding should reflect you and your partner's personalities and interests!
2. Decide what time of year and a date to elope
3. Hire your elopement photographer
Pro tip: Hire a photographer who has local knowledge of the area. Your photographer can assist you with elopement planning tasks including finding vendors and mapping out your elopement day timeline.
4. Book your elopement day vendors
Pro tip: Some common vendors my clients end up hiring for their elopement day include: officiant, florist, hair and makeup artist, private chef, private transportation, outdoor guide, etc.
5. Apply for your marriage license and necessary permits
Pro tip: This process is different for every state. Do your research on what you need to legally get married in your desired location.
7. Reserve travel and accommodations
Pro tip: Depending on the time of year you plan to get married, hotel or Airbnb accommodations can book up early during the high season. I recommend booking a few months ahead to get the best deals on travel and lodging!
8. Purchase your elopement day necessities
Pro tip: Like your wedding dress, suit, rings, vows, and adventure gear! If you need help in this area, I gotcha covered! Check out my elopement styling guide here!
9. Map out a timeline for your elopement day with your photographer
Pro tip: Create your elopement day timeline based on how you want your day to go. Your elopement photographer can help you craft a timeline filled with fun activities and opportunities to create beautiful memories!
10. Create a packing list for your amazing adventure! (more below)
How much time should we plan for elopement photos?
It's the million-dollar question! If you decide to elope and hold an intimate ceremony for your special day, the last thing you want is to rush the occasion. Nevertheless, many couples still underestimate how much time they need for their elopement photos.
At the very least, I recommend a minimum 4-hour session for couples who want a low-key ceremony while still getting beautiful photo and video coverage of their special day. For more adventurous elopements or if you plan to include guests on the big day, I'd suggest creating an 8-12 hour elopement day timeline so your photographer has enough time to capture all the details of your love story.
What’s better: a sunrise or sunset elopement?
Another great question, and one I get often! From stunning views to an intimate atmosphere, eloping at sunrise or sunset has its own unique advantages. Your choice will depend on location, time of year, and the desired atmosphere for your elopement. I've outlined the biggest selling points of each below so you can decide what aligns with your elopement day vision!
Benefits of a sunrise elopement:
Better lighting in an alpine location
More privacy and a secluded experience
Better weather window
A great way to start your day
Benefits of a sunset elopement:
Better lighting at golden hour
You can sleep in for longer
Enjoy a meditative hike down with your partner
A wonderful way to cap off your day
How do I find the best ceremony location within the park?
When there are so many beautiful state parks to choose from, it can be difficult to pick just one! Take the time to brainstorm landscapes that inspire you or parks with sentimental value to you and your partner. You should also consider how far you're willing to travel or hike to reach your destination. My favorite part of planning elopements is helping couples choose a stunning location that offers privacy – state parks are perfect for both!
How do we plan for the weather?
As you prepare for an adventure elopement, remember that mother nature doesn't always operate on your timetable. Being flexible is key. You may have to deal with rain, wind, snow, or other unexpected weather conditions on your big day. For many of my elopements in fickle locations, I create a Plan A timeline and a Plan B timeline for when things don't go as planned, weather included. Everyone will know what to expect regardless of what nature throws at you on your wedding day!
What to bring with you for your elopement
If your elopement location involves hiking and exploring, you'll want to pack everything you need for your big day beyond your dress, vows, and rings. To help you out, I've put together a packing list of items you should bring on your adventure elopement.
Wedding dress
Wedding dress accessories (e.g., veil, jewelry, flowers)
Suit
Dress shoes/hiking boots
Rain jacket
Puffy
Makeup and compact mirror
Backpack
Bug spray
Snacks
Bubbly
Rings
Special use permit
Park pass/reservation
Marriage license
Vows
Pen
Deodorant
Tissues
Popular state parks for eloping and permit fees
Below, I've rounded up some of my favorite state parks for elopements, as well as their associated fees. From magical mountain views to secluded beaches, these state parks provide a picturesque backdrop for your special day!
Lost Dutchman State Park – Arizona
Special use permit fees start at $280. Includes the cost of reserving one area, entrance fees for guests and entrance fees for vendors. Get more information here on weddings and special use permits.
Redwood State Park – California
Special use permit fees start at $100. Get more information here on weddings and special use permits.
Golden Gate Canyon State Park – Colorado
Fees vary depending on the activity (including photography permits). Get more information here on weddings and special use permits.
Deception Pass State Park — Washington
Special events require a $45 application fee. Additional fees will be assessed based on party size. Get more information here on weddings and special use permits.
Oswald West State Park – Oregon
You do not need to obtain a permit if you have under 25 guests and no setup requirements. Get more information here on the park and special use permits.
Ready to plan your state park elopement?
Hopefully, this guide has given you some insight into planning the elopement day of your dreams at a state park! Are you looking for an elopement photographer to capture the story of your wedding day? Reach out to me today, and let's start planning your special day!