How to Elope in Yellowstone National Park (Permit, Locations & Expert Tips)

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

Eloping is no longer a spur-of-the-moment decision, it’s an intentional, intimate way to celebrate love surrounded by something bigger than yourselves. If you’ve been dreaming of a wedding day that feels wild, alive, and rooted in nature’s raw power, Yellowstone National Park is the place. From steaming geysers to thundering waterfalls, colorful hot springs, and endless wild meadows, this park reminds you just how vast and magical the world can be.

As an elopement photographer who’s explored every corner of Yellowstone and Western Wyoming, from Old Faithful to Lamar Valley, I know the ins and outs of this incredible place. I’ve stood in the steam of geysers at sunrise, watched bison graze under golden light, and helped couples say their vows in places that feel untouched and sacred.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know, from permits and timing to the best ceremony locations and insider tips, so your elopement unfolds as effortlessly and beautifully as the park itself.

Why Yellowstone National Park Is Perfect for Your Elopement

There is simply nowhere else on Earth like Yellowstone. It’s the world’s first national park, and arguably still the most dramatic. Picture turquoise pools rimmed in orange bacteria mats, roaring waterfalls framed by canyon walls, open valleys filled with roaming wildlife, and rivers winding beneath snow-capped peaks.

Whether you want a quiet sunrise ceremony by a hot spring or an adventurous hike to a remote overlook, Yellowstone offers endless backdrops for your day.

Beyond the scenery, Yellowstone offers:

Diversity of Landscapes: Geysers, lakes, forests, canyons, mountains, waterfalls, all in one park.
Privacy: With over 2 million acres, you can truly find your own corner of peace.
Adventure: Hiking, wildlife watching, soaking in hot springs, and exploring geothermal wonders.
Accessibility: Iconic viewpoints are just minutes from the road, perfect for guests or quick portraits between adventures.

Because I’ve photographed across every section of the park, I can help you pick your perfect ceremony spot for light, views, and privacy, whether you want steamy geothermal vibes or wide-open meadows at sunset.

Yellowstone Elopement Packages

Yellowstone is wild in the truest sense, geysers, wildlife, vast skies, and deep quiet. These Yellowstone elopement packages are made for couples who want an untamed and unforgettable experience.

Starting at $4,500 every Yellowstone Elopement package includes:

• Planning support + personalized location guidance + vendor recommendations
• Permit + timeline assistance
• Hybrid photo coverage (digital + 35mm film)
• Optional drone coverage (outside any national park boundaries, where legally allowed)
• Sneak peek gallery within 48 hours
• Full high-resolution online gallery + print rights
• Guidance on weather, timing, and logistics

Optional add-ons:

• Super 8 film video
• Second photographer
• Adventure session (day-before or after)
• Album or prints

Whether you’re saying your vows beside a backcountry lake or beneath steam-filled skies, your day will be documented with a balance of artistry and authenticity. Every package includes planning support, location and permit guidance, sneak peeks, and tangible keepsakes.

Choosing the Right Time of Year to Elope in Yellowstone National Park

Each season in Yellowstone transforms the park into a completely new world. Weather, access, and crowds vary widely — so timing is everything.

Season	Months	Pros	Cons	Best For
Spring	April–June	Rushing waterfalls, newborn wildlife, blooming meadows	Some road closures until late May; variable weather	Couples craving freshness + wild energy
Summer	July–August	Long days, full access to roads + trails, vibrant colors	Most crowded; limited parking at major sites	Adventurous couples + sunrise/sunset ceremonies
Fall	September–October	Golden grasses, crisp air, fewer tourists, elk bugling season	Cooler temps, some facilities close by mid-Oct	Romantic, quiet elopements with moody light
Winter	November–March	Solitude, snow-covered landscapes, pure stillness	Limited access (snowmobile or snowcoach only)	Cozy, intimate elopements + unique snowy portraits

Pro Tip: September is one of the best times to elope in Yellowstone. The crowds have thinned, the air is crisp, and the park glows in gold and amber hues. Plus, wildlife activity peaks, and sunsets over Yellowstone Lake are unreal.

Where to Elope in Yellowstone National Park (MAPPED BELOW)

Yellowstone’s sheer size means endless possibilities, from thermal basins to alpine overlooks. Here are some of my favorite ceremony spots and photography locations throughout the park:

Location	Why It Works	Photographer’s Tip	Group Size Limit
Artist Point (Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone)	Iconic waterfall views, dramatic canyon colors	Sunrise light hits the falls beautifully; go early for privacy	20 People
Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces	Unique limestone formations + terraces	Use upper boardwalk areas for space and fewer crowds	15 People
Yellowstone Lake Overlook	Peaceful lakeside views with mountain backdrops	Sunset light over the lake is pure magic	25 People
Old Faithful Area (Upper Geyser Basin)	Iconic and symbolic — the heart of the park	Early morning ceremonies before eruptions draw crowds	15 People
Lamar Valley	Endless plains, bison herds, and mountain ridges	Perfect for couples who want privacy + epic wildlife shots	10 People
Hayden Valley	Morning mist, wildlife, and sweeping scenery	Best at dawn; pack layers — it’s chilly even in summer	10 People
West Thumb Geyser Basin	Steam meets lake reflections; surreal views	Ideal for sunrise elopements in warmer months	12 People

Permit & Legal Requirements for Your Yellowstone Elopement

Like most national parks, a Special Use Permit is required for any wedding or elopement ceremony in Yellowstone.

Special Use Permit Details:

• Required for any ceremony within the park.
• Apply at least 4 weeks in advance.
• Permit Fee: $250 (non-refundable)
• Submit applications through the National Park Service website.
• You’ll list your desired location, date/time, and estimated group size.
• Bring a printed copy of your approved permit on your wedding day.

Some popular areas (like Old Faithful and Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone) may have stricter rules or limited availability. Smaller ceremonies often allow more flexibility and easier approval.

Marriage License:
You’ll need a valid Wyoming marriage license, which can be obtained at the Park County Clerk’s Office in Cody or the Teton County Clerk’s Office in Jackson.

• Fee: ~$30
• No waiting period
• Both partners must appear in person with photo ID
• License valid for one year

You’ll also need two witnesses, which can include your photographer (me!) and your officiant!

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

Leave No Trace & Wildlife Safety

Yellowstone is one of the most fragile and wild ecosystems in the world. Protecting it is part of what makes your elopement so meaningful.

Yellowstone Leave No Trace Essentials:

• Stay on designated trails and boardwalks – geothermal areas can be dangerous off-path.
• Pack out everything (no confetti, petals, or rice).
• Keep sound low – wildlife and other visitors deserve peace too.
• Respect closures and thermal features.

Yellowstone Wildlife Safety:

• Follow ranger updates – wildlife activity changes daily.
• Keep 100 yards from bears and wolves; 25 yards from bison, elk, and other wildlife.
• Never feed or approach animals.
• Always carry bear spray and know how to use it.

Where to Stay + Celebrate After You Get Married in Yellowstone

Yellowstone offers everything from rustic cabins to luxury lodges. Here are some dreamy spots for your stay or post-elopement celebration:

Inside the Park:

• Old Faithful Inn: Historic and iconic, perfect for cozy evenings after a geyser-side ceremony.
• Lake Yellowstone Hotel: Elegant, lakeside views — ideal for romantic dinners.
• Canyon Lodge: Central location with modern comfort.

Nearby Towns:

• Gardiner, MT: Charming north entrance town with hot springs and views.
• West Yellowstone, MT: Great access to geyser basins and restaurants.
• Cody, WY: Western charm, rodeos, and incredible drives into the park.

Private Dining & Local Favorites:

• Lake Hotel Dining Room – Fine dining with lake views.
• Wonderland Café (Gardiner) – Farm-to-table casual, cozy atmosphere.
• Buffalo Bar (West Yellowstone) – Fun, local, laid-back celebration spot.

Or make it intimate: Hire a private chef at your cabin for a custom elopement dinner beneath the stars.

Why Work With Me

As someone who’s explored every hidden trail from Jackson to Yellowstone Lake and beyond, I know how to craft an elopement day that feels authentic to you, not rushed, not posed, just beautifully real. From navigating permits and picking the perfect spot to capturing your story in a way that feels cinematic and timeless, I’ll help make your Yellowstone elopement effortless and unforgettable.

Ready to Start Planning Your Yellowstone Elopement?

Your love deserves a landscape that feels just as epic.
Let’s plan your Yellowstone elopement, filled with adventure, intention, and beauty that can’t be put into words.