3 OF THE DREAMIEST NATIONAL PARKS
FOR THE PERFECT
ADVENTURE WEDDING
FOR THE PERFECT
ADVENTURE WEDDING
Are you looking for a more
adventurous wedding experience?
Does the thought of getting married in a traditional venue just kind of bore you?
Couples are choosing to get married at unique locations all over the world. I mean… no venue can beat the views mother nature has to offer. Instead of spending anywhere from $5,000 to $50,000 on a wedding venue, you can easily pay the $50-$300 permit fee and get married in a National Park!
Picture this… you wake up on the morning of your wedding in the CUTEST Airbnb, you get ready with friends, family, your dog.. or WHOEVER you choose to be there on your wedding day. You then head out to your BREATH-TAKING ceremony location. At your ceremony you are surrounded by mountains, red rocks, waterfalls or whatever type of nature you want to be around on the day you commit your lives to one another. You have your ceremony, and you have the rest of the day to celebrate however YOU WANT. Whether that includes hiking around the area, eating lunch at a rustic lodge, or saying your vows privately at sunset while you have your first dance under the stars.
Does sound like EXACTLY how you want to get married? Or maybe it’s something you’re debating on doing? Keep reading below to explore the top 3 DREAMIEST National Parks to have the perfect adventure wedding at.
1. Mt. Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier National Park feels like you’re being transported to Switzerland with its mountainous views, green rolling hills scattered with wildflowers, and the crystal clear lakes.
I absolutely LOVE everything about this park, making it my number one pick for National Parks to get married at. For both avid and casual hikers, Mount Rainier National Park has dozens of options for trails, waterfalls, lakes, vistas, and sunrise spots.
This park is best visited YEAR-ROUND, dependent on what you are looking for. If you want those dreamy wildflowers and bright green fields- go in July and August. But for all those snow-lovers: November-March has great snowshoeing, skiing, and snowboarding options.
Mt. Rainier National Park is a mountain-lover’s perfect wedding location. Start your wedding day off with a private vow ceremony at sunrise looking at Mt. Rainier, or turn your wedding into a 12 day trip around the famous Wonderland Trail- circumnavigating the base of Mt. Rainier.
Your adventurous spirit will thank you later for having the COOLEST wedding ever.
Where to Go: Explore the mountain meadows and wildflowers at Sunrise
Ironically, yes I think you should visit Mount Rainier National Park at Sunrise- BUT the park’s highest point accessible by car is also called ‘Sunrise’. The drive to Sunrise is freakin’ beautiful- and once you reach the top there are more hikes to explore that have that ‘Switzerland rolling hills vibe’.
Where to Stay:
With a Group- Massive Guesthouse Airbnb
If you’re heading out to Mount Rainier with a group of friends or family- this Airbnb is AMAZING and has a really beautiful view of Mount Rainier. This affordable option can fit up to twelve people, which makes for a really fun sleepover for big groups.
As a Couple- The Cutest Cabin Ever
A queen-sized bed, hot-tub and a sauna… what more could you ask for with this cozy cabin? This is a great place to stay if you’re looking for an outdoorsy cabin to continue your adventurous travels around Mount Rainier National Park.
What to Do:
Explore Sunrise
Day Hiking
Scenic Gondola Ride
2. Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon HAS IT ALL, for anyone looking to have that warm-toned, red rock styled wedding. Whether you’re looking for an adventurous day of hiking down into the Canyon, or you just want to road trip around all the beautiful vistas, there are so many options for things to do and places to see.
The Grand Canyon is known for its colorful layers of rocks extending for miles and miles down the canyon walls. Seeing the sunrise at the Grand Canyon was one of the most breath-taking views I’ve seen in North America. One of the coolest parts about the Grand Canyon is how you can hike out onto these cliff-like rock formations that jet out into the middle of the Canyon (okay..not the ACTUAL middle, but the closest you can get without hiking down into it)
I put the Grand Canyon as one of the top places to get married at because these cliff formations are the PERFECT location to have your ceremony at. The photo above was taken at sunrise, and there was no one else with us at that spot. The immense beauty of that location cannot be described in words, you have to see it for yourself.
The second reason I put the Grand Canyon as one of the dreamiest national parks, is because of all the cool adventurous activities you can do for your wedding day! Like I said, there are TONS of hiking options available, but also super cool activities such as helicopter tours, whitewater rafting, horseback riding and bike riding.
Related: My Grand Canyon Elopement & Wedding Guide if you’re looking to plan your wedding at the Grand Canyon
Where to Go: The South Rim
One benefit to getting married in the Grand Canyon is there are SO many accessible spots with the most stunning views that are only a short walk from the trails. They also have some great day hikes, such as the South Kaibab Trail, that go into the Canyon for couples looking for a little more adventure on their wedding day.
Where to Stay: Under Canvas Tents
The Under Canvas Tents are a great ‘glamping’ spot for star-gazing and campfires, while also being comfortable with a large bed and full-sized bathroom/shower. A short drive to the South Rim, the tents offer a cool, bohemian, desert experience that would be the perfect place to get ready before your wedding day.
What to Do:
Helicopter Tour
Private Jeep Tour
Whitewater Rafting
3. Zion National Park
OF COURSE, Zion National Park had to be on this list. I mean come on, Zion is a National Park dreamland for hikers and adventurers alike. Once you enter the park, it feels like you’ve entered an adult playground, with these immense rock formations towering over you and amazing view after amazing view, every turn you take.
Zion National Park has different hiking trails for all levels of difficulty, all with equally amazing views. The Canyon Overlook trail is a gem for those looking to get AMAZING canyon views without the crazy strenuous hike. If you’re looking for more of a challenge, the famous Angel’s Landing will fulfill your thrill-seeking soul, holding onto chain linked poles as you climb to the top.
Zion has so many amazing views to offer, I recommend exploring them all. Drive around the scenic highway that runs through the park first, then break off into exploring different trails. I always tell my couples to explore National Parks at sunrise, because you’ll get a completely different perspective of the park. As you hike up in the dark (with your head lamps for safety!!) you watch the park slowly illuminate as the sun comes up, with almost no crowds and a peacefulness that you can’t get any other time of day.
Where to Go: Canyon Overlook Trail
Canyon Overlook Trail is a spot I think everyone should check out if you are visiting Zion. I also think it is one of the most accessible and beautiful spots to visit on your elopement or wedding day. Canyon Overlook is the perfect sunrise spot, eliminating the crowds but also giving you a full taste of what Zion has to offer.
Where to Stay: THIS REALLY COOL A-FRAME CABIN AIRBNB
When I found this Airbnb, I almost booked myself a trip to Zion National Park just to stay here. This cabin is ADORABLE and has some of the highest Airbnb ratings I’ve seen in a listing. This cabin is perfect for star-gazing, campfires, and enjoying the outdoors. You can see that every detail in this cabin is well thought out to add to the experience of camping right near the East Rim Trailhead at Zion National Park. It’s booked out until next summer, so if you’re thinking about eloping in Zion next year, I suggest reserving your spot ASAP.
What to Do:
the narrows
Angels Landing trail
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LOOKING TO START
PLANNING YOUR
NATIONAL PARK
WEDDING?
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WHO AM I?
Hey, I’m Amanda Vaelynn, an adventurous elopement photographer helping couples create their perfect elopement day. Not sure what exactly an elopement is? Click here to read everything you need to know about elopements and how they are the BEST way to get married.
I work with couples around the world to help create their perfect wedding day. When you work with me as your photographer, I am so much more than just the person that shows up on your wedding day. I am your elopement planner, travel guide, best friend, and photographer. I develop deep relationships with my couples, and help make their day fun, adventurous and exciting.
Do you feel like a traditional wedding isn’t for you?
YOU’RE NOT ALONE.
Have a crazy/adventurous vision for your wedding day?
I WANT TO HEAR ABOUT IT.
Do you know you want to turn your wedding day into an adventure but not sure where to start?
I’M HERE TO HELP.
YOUR WEDDING DAY SHOULD BE AS ADVENTUROUS & UNIQUE AS YOU TWO.
YOU ONLY get married once.
Society creates a standard of what a wedding day should look like, but no two relationships are the same, so why would we all get married the same way?
Life is made up of moments, and you should be 100% present in the moment on your wedding day, experiencing the excitements and beauty of this world.
You deserve a day free of judgements, anxieties and stress. Where you and your partner can completely be yourselves.
