How to Elope in Yellowstone National Park

The Ultimate Guide for Lovers Planning to Elope in Yellowstone National Park

An increasing number of couples are opting for a more intimate and adventurous alternative to getting married: eloping. Eloping allows you and your partner to exchange vows in a personalized and meaningful way, free from the stress and expectations of a traditional wedding. If you’re considering eloping, look no further than the majestic and awe-inspiring Yellowstone National Park, where breathtaking landscapes, geothermal wonders, and serene lakes await. Yellowstone is the perfect destination for your intimate elopement; full of natural beauty and iconic landmarks that make for the best spots to take wedding photos. Eloping should be a fun, exciting, and stress-free experience; to help make planning your dream Yellowstone elopement easy, I have created the ultimate guide to eloping in Yellowstone National Park.

Choosing the Right Time of Year & Location to Elope in Yellowstone

When planning your dream Yellowstone elopement, one of the first questions you should ask yourselves is “When do we want to elope?” Yellowstone has, generally speaking, diverse weather patterns all year round, each season offering unique experiences and challenges. There are some key differences in the time of year that you choose to elope, and every season has its own unique perks and cons that I have listed below.

YELLOWSTONE SEASONAL ELOPEMENT INFORMATION

Spring (April-May)
Spring is a time of renewal in Yellowstone, with blooming wildflowers and active wildlife. However, be prepared for unpredictable weather, as snow can still linger and rain showers are common. The park is less crowded, making it an ideal time for a quiet and intimate elopement.

Summer (June-August)
If you want to experience long days and warm weather, summer is the perfect season. The park is in full bloom, and all roads and facilities are open. However, this is also the peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds. Early morning or late evening ceremonies can help you avoid the busiest times.

Fall (September-October)
Fall brings a palette of golden hues and crisp air. The summer crowds have diminished, and the weather is generally mild. Wildlife is abundant, making for incredible photo opportunities. However, some facilities and roads begin to close in late September, so plan accordingly.

Winter (November-March)
Winter transforms Yellowstone into a snowy wonderland. If you dream of a winter elopement with a backdrop of snow-covered landscapes, this season is for you. However, many areas of the park are inaccessible, and you will need to be prepared for cold temperatures and possible road closures.

Where to Elope in Yellowstone National Park (MAPPED BELOW)

Okay, so you picked out the perfect time of year to elope, now the next big question is where. The first thing you should ask yourself is what kind of vibe you want your elopement to have. The location you choose is more than just a pretty background, it’s the entire atmosphere of your elopement. Geysers, hot springs, waterfalls, and forests in the background will determine the overall look of the images. Do you want the dramatic landscape of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone? Or the iconic view of Old Faithful? Selecting where you elope can be tough when Yellowstone spans over 2.2 million acres. Thankfully, I have spent extensive time exploring Yellowstone, so I know all the best locations.

POPULAR YELLOWSTONE ELOPEMENT LOCATIONS

Old Faithful

One of the most iconic spots in Yellowstone, Old Faithful is perfect for those wanting a landmark backdrop. The geyser erupts approximately every 90 minutes, making it a unique and memorable location for your ceremony.

Grand Prismatic Spring

For vibrant colors and a surreal landscape, the Grand Prismatic Spring is unmatched. The largest hot spring in the U.S., its vivid hues and steaming surface provide a dramatic setting for your vows.

Mammoth Hot Springs

These terraces offer a unique and otherworldly backdrop with their limestone formations. The area is easily accessible and provides stunning views, especially in the early morning light.

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

This breathtaking canyon features stunning waterfalls and dramatic cliffs. Artist Point and Lower Falls are popular spots for elopements, offering sweeping views of the canyon.

Lamar Valley

Known as the “Serengeti of North America,” Lamar Valley is perfect for couples wanting a remote and wildlife-rich location. Bison, wolves, and bears often roam the valley, providing a wild and rugged backdrop.

Yellowstone Lake

For a serene and peaceful setting, Yellowstone Lake offers beautiful shores and scenic views. The lake is especially stunning at sunrise and sunset, making for magical elopement photos.

Should We Include Guests in Our Elopement?

First, remember that your decision is yours (and your partner’s) to make, and whatever you decide should be a choice you make together and without any coercion or added stress from others. There are numerous factors that make the decision to elope solo or with others a tough one. Weddings can be expensive, and if you’d prefer to spend your budget on something special for just yourselves, you are valid. Even planning a small gathering of 20 people requires permitting and logistical considerations.

If you and your partner are ready, I recommend an intimate ceremony for just the two of you. This way, the day is completely yours to do whatever, wherever you want. But, if you can’t imagine getting married without family or friends but don’t want a big wedding, consider a small ceremony of no more than 20 people. Book your reception later in the day to allow time for photos after the ceremony. Deciding how to elope is a huge decision, as it marks the start of your lives together.

If you have questions, comments, concerns, what ifs, what abouts, etc.; please do not hesitate to contact me and I am happy to walk you through all of it.

Choosing the Best Photography Package for Your Elopement

Eloping should not break the bank, and it’s important for you to select the package that makes the most sense financially. If you’re eloping at a specific landmark and want a simple, quick session, then 1 hour is perfect, but if you are wanting to do multiple looks at multiple locations, 3+ hours is definitely needed. If you plan to host a small ceremony with guests, I recommend 4+ hours to ensure there is plenty of time for ceremony, family, and couples photos. No matter what kind of elopement you choose, we will curate a package that is just right for you.

Choosing the Rest of Your Vendors to Elope in Yellowstone

If you decide to elope with a small ceremony, book a venue, or even want to go to the courthouse, you may need to do some planning. It’s important to book vendors as early as possible to lock in your date. This goes for a photographer, officiant, courthouse appointment, venue, reception, florals, décor, permits, etc., whatever applies to your big day. If you need recommendations, I am always happy to help you find the perfect vendors for your big day.

Choosing Where to Get Married “Legally”

Getting married is not the most complicated process, but it is a process nonetheless. If you want to be legally married before the elopement session, schedule your appointment at the clerks office beforehand. If you plan to get married on the day of and want pictures after it is completely possible. You’ll want to schedule an appointment at the courthouse in whatever city/county you plan to elope in. In order to get legally married in Wyoming, you need a valid photo ID and social security card. If you complete a Wyoming pre-marriage course, the cost of the marriage license goes down significantly, and you don’t have the three-day waiting period to get married. After you get your marriage license, you have 60 days to say “I Do.”

Clerk of Court in Major Montana Cities:

• Missoula County Clerk of Court – 200 W. Broadway St., Missoula, MT 59802 | 406-258-4780
• Flathead County Clerk of Court – 920 S. Main St., Kalispell, MT 59901 | 406-758-5870
• Gallatin County Clerk of Court – 615 S. 16th Ave., Bozeman, MT 59715 | 406-582-2165
• Lewis and Clark County Clerk of Court – 228 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601 | 406-447-8216
• Yellowstone County Clerk of Court – 217 N. 27th St., Billings, MT 59101 | 406-256-2865

Packing and Preparing for Your Yellowstone Elopement

Before packing for your Yellowstone Elopement, think about the vibe that you’re going for and the location you chose. Is it rustic, adventurous, modern, casual, etc.? Once you know what kind of vibe you’re going for, you can narrow down on a dress/outfits. There is no rule that says you have to wear white to elope; wear whatever makes YOU feel the best. After you pack your dress, I would next suggest: layers for changing weather, sturdy shoes, sunscreen, bug spray, and outfits for your engagement session if we are doing one before your elopement. I would also suggest packing comfortable shoes to walk between locations, trust me your feet will thank you.

On your elopement day, it is so important to eat a well-balanced meal and drink plenty of water. It can get chilly or warm in Yellowstone, so staying hydrated and nourished is crucial on your big day. Depending on the location, I will drop a pin exactly where parking is or send directions to you. Remember it’s totally okay to be nervous, not everyone has their picture taken every day! I strive for the process to be a seamless and fun experience from start to finish. My goal as your Yellowstone elopement photographer is to deliver a lasting collection of images that feel authentic, real, and 100% you. We will laugh, have fun, and spend the day celebrating and capturing your love story.

Honeymooning in Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone has so much to offer, and there are so many beautiful places to honeymoon at after eloping in the park. Below, I have listed some of the most romantic honeymoon destinations in and around Yellowstone National Park.

ROMANTIC YELLOWSTONE HONEYMOON LOCATION GUIDE

NORTH YELLOWSTONE HONEYMOON LOCATIONS

• Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins
• Roosevelt Lodge Cabins
• Gardiner, MT

CENTRAL YELLOWSTONE HONEYMOON LOCATIONS

• Lake Yellowstone Hotel
• Canyon Lodge & Cabins
• Old Faithful Inn

SOUTH YELLOWSTONE HONEYMOON LOCATIONS

• Grant Village
• Jackson, WY
• Teton Village, WY

I hope this guide will help you through the elopement process in Yellowstone National Park. I am so lucky that I get to capture love stories in this stunning location. If you want me to tag along and capture your Yellowstone elopement, please fill out my booking form!