Yellowstone National Park Elopement Guide

Yellowstone is probably “the spot” to plan your adventure elopement in Wyoming. This huge national park is nearly 3,500 sq miles with parts extending to Montana and Idaho too. There’s everything to explore here from hot springs, alpine rivers, dramatic canyons, and even gushing geysers.

This is the perfect park to plan an adventure together, but elopements and weddings here require some level of preparation to ensure you’re following the park’s rules. We put together an epic elopement guide for your Yellowstone wedding filled with places to elope, vendors, permit information, and more!

Elopement Vendors For Your Yellowstone Elopement

The vendors below are perfect to connect with if you’re planning a small wedding ceremony within or near Yellowstone National Park!

Where to Elope in Yellowstone

Canyon Area (Artist Point)

Location Map

Artist Point is one of the most photographed locations for elopements in Yellowstone. You get one of the most epic views, but this spot is also a popular spot for park visitors too. You can plan your ceremony here in the tree area on the lower platform.

Because of its popularity, this location allows a max of 40 people, and your request can actually be denied if you’re planning during a busy season and time of day. This means that summer is probably not the best time to plan here. We always recommend a sunrise or sunset ceremony here instead.

Old Faithful Area

Location Map

The designated wedding ceremony location is on the east side of Old Faithful Geyser (in the gravel area directly in front of the Old Faithful Lodge). Maximum 40 people for this spot.

Parkwide Amphitheaters

Location Map

Amphitheaters are a good place for a larger group gathering. However, please remember that you may not alter, change or decorate the space. Yellowstone is huge on LNT, so please respect these regulations.

Thermal Areas

Limited space on boardwalks paired with high visitor use makes thermal areas a difficult place to safely hold a ceremony; most requests to get married in thermal areas will not be approved. Speak to the permit office and your elopement vendor about possible elopement portraits here.

Mammoth Chapel

Location Map

This location is great not just for big weddings, but it’s also great for elopements too! A $300 application fee is also required to use the Mammoth Chapel. Please make a reservation by calling (307) 344-2203.

If none of the above-approved ceremony locations call your attention, then you can actually plan a ceremony outside of the park and take your portraits within the park afterward! If you do decide to go this route, then you’ll still need a photo permit that your photographer will need to acquire.

Wedding Portrait Spots in Yellowstone

Lamar Valley

Location Map

This spot is remote and perfect for enjoying the wild herds of bison. This would be a good spot to explore together any time of the year, but especially for winter elopements since the road is open all year.

Hayden Valley

Location Map

Between Yellowstone Lake and Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon (both also amazing to visit), you’ll find Hayden Valley. We love this spot for either sunrise or sunset and it would pair nicely with after or before a wedding ceremony at Artist Point!

Mammoth Hot Springs

Location Map

Are you a couple looking for something a bit different? You can actually take a dip in these hot springs, which can make for some pretty unique photos. Or you can explore the area around, which is pretty amazing too.

Mount Washburn

Location Map

Imagine having an epic mountain view of the Grand Tetons during your Yellowstone elopement. This is the view you’ll see exploring this range that actually encompasses all of Yellowstone.

Grand Prismic Springs

Location Map

This spot has unique colored pools from bacteria around its terrain, but it makes for some of the coolest photos and experiences during your elopement adventure. Please be advised this is a popular spot, so you’ll want to plan accordingly with your elopement vendor.

Secret Locations in Yellowstone

The best part about hiring a vendor who specializes in elopements within Yellowstone is being able to take your wedding portraits in locations not many people know about. You’ll be surprised where your vendors will take you! Just discuss what options you have for a more intimate experience, and they’ll suggest locations based on hiking expertise and season.

How to Get to Yellowstone

Since Yellowstone is so big (there are five entrances), it’s understandable when couples don’t really know how to get to Yellowstone. Here’s what you need to know:

• Decide which entrance is closest to your elopement location and/or adventure.
• Account for entrance closures.
• Consider how busy each entrance gets. This is an important one to discuss with your elopement vendor.
• Account for traffic in Yellowstone, especially during the busy season.
• Consider booking your accommodation within the park.

Which Airports are Closest to Yellowstone?

• Bozeman, Montana
• Billings, Montana
• Cody, Wyoming
• Jackson, Wyoming

Again, hiring an elopement vendor who has experience in Yellowstone elopements can make the planning process a lot smoother! A lot of our vendors provide recommended guidelines and are happy to suggest the best option for your intimate wedding.

When to Elope in Yellowstone

Yellowstone is gorgeous year-round, and couples should greatly consider planning a weekday elopement during sunrise/sunset to ensure they have the most intimate experience.

You can elope in the summer and have a warm elopement ceremony, or plan a snowy winter elopement here instead. Keep in mind summer is the most popular season to visit Yellowstone because it’s so warm. If you elope in the Winter, you’ll see snow and have a lot of the park to yourself. Eloping in the Fall will give you some epic fall foliage for your portraits, and spring is so gorgeous with the wildflowers in bloom.

Whatever season you decide to elope in Yellowstone, use the season to determine what you’ll pack, your wedding attire, and any additional activities you both want to do together. Team up with an elopement vendor to start planning your adventure.

Here’s an overview of what each season offers:

Spring (April to June)

Spring in Yellowstone is a time of renewal, with melting snow, blooming wildflowers, and active wildlife.

Average Temperatures: High: 40-60°F (4-16°C) Low: 20-35°F (-6-2°C)

Pros:

• Beautiful blooming wildflowers and lush green landscapes.
• Wildlife is very active, with opportunities to see newborn animals.
• Fewer crowds compared to the summer months.

Cons:

• Unpredictable weather with possible snowstorms and rain showers.
• Some roads and trails may still be closed due to snow and mud.
• Cooler temperatures, especially in the mornings and evenings.

Summer (July to August)

Summer is the peak season in Yellowstone, offering warm weather and full access to the park’s attractions.

Average Temperatures: High: 70-80°F (21-27°C) Low: 40-50°F (4-10°C)

Pros:

• Warm and comfortable weather, perfect for outdoor ceremonies.
• All park roads and facilities are open, providing full access to various locations.
• Long daylight hours, allowing for extended exploration and activities.

Cons:

• High visitor numbers can result in crowded popular spots and higher accommodation prices.
• Need to book venues, accommodations, and permits well in advance.
• Afternoon thunderstorms are common, requiring flexible plans.

Fall (September to October)

Fall in Yellowstone is characterized by cooler temperatures, vibrant fall colors, and thinning crowds.

Average Temperatures: High: 50-65°F (10-18°C) Low: 25-35°F (-4-2°C)

Pros:

• Stunning fall foliage, especially in the park’s lower elevations.
• Cooler temperatures make outdoor activities comfortable.
• Fewer tourists, providing a more intimate and peaceful experience.

Cons:

• Cooler mornings and evenings require warmer attire.
• Some park services and roads start to close by mid-October.
• Unpredictable weather with possible early snow.

Winter (November to March)

Winter in Yellowstone offers a unique and serene experience, with snow-covered landscapes and fewer visitors.

Average Temperatures: High: 20-35°F (-6-2°C) Low: 0-20°F (-18- -6°C)

Pros:

• Magical winter wonderland with snowy landscapes and frozen waterfalls.
• Very few tourists, providing a private and tranquil atmosphere.
• Opportunities for winter activities such as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and wildlife viewing.

Cons:

• Cold temperatures require proper winter gear and possibly indoor or heated venues.
• Limited access to the park, with many roads and facilities closed.
• Shorter daylight hours and potential travel difficulties due to snow.

Permits, Marriage License, and Leave No Trace For Your Wedding Day

Yellowstone Special Use Permit

Yellowstone is serious about its permits and wedding regulations. Weddings and ceremonies are allowed in certain areas of Yellowstone depending on location, group size, and even time of year and day. The park’s website clearly states, “if you want to have a large, exclusive, or decorated celebration, please consider locations outside of the park for your event.”

You’ll need a special use permit for your ceremony within the park. This permit is $250. You can apply for this permit up to 12 months in advance and no earlier than 2 weeks before your wedding day. We recommend applying for this permit as soon as possible to avoid any issues. Please check Yellowstone’s park website for the most up-to-date permit information for your day. You’ll also have to account for the park’s entrance fees for each guest in your budget.

Ceremony sites are on a first-requested, first-served basis. You’ll have 2 hours to use the area. Please be aware that if the location you requested has already been booked or is unavailable due to weather conditions, then you’ll need to pick an alternative location. This is why it’s important to apply in advance and team up with an experienced photographer in the area.

Please note: If there are closures due to wildlife, weather, or other causes, please contact the park’s office to revise your ceremony location.

Photographers need to obtain commercial use authorization, and videographers need to contact the permitting office for requirements.

Wedding License For Your Elopement

If you’re planning your ceremony in Yellowstone, a marriage license from Wyoming or Montana is acceptable. Applying for a Wyoming license is $30 and a Montana license is $53.

LNT in Yellowstone

As with any park location you’re visiting, please respect the land. Picking flowers is prohibited, pick a bouquet that ensures seeds don’t fall and germinate, please stay on the trail, and pick up after yourself!

Check out Yellowstone’s website for more information.

Best Places to Stay Near Yellowstone

One of the best things about eloping in Yellowstone is the number of places to stay within and near the park, specifically within! You can also rent an Airbnb/Vrbo or glamp it out at one of the campgrounds in Yellowstone. Just keep in mind most of these locations will require a reservation, so it’s important to plan ahead.

Here are some of our favorites you can check out:

• Mammoth Hot Springs Lodge
• Roosevelt Lodge
• Chico Hot Springs
• Canyon Lodge and Cabins
• Lake Yellowstone Hotel
• Explorer Cabins at Yellowstone
• Grant Village
• Lake Lodge Cabins
• Old Faithful Inn

Check out this cabin near Yellowstone. 

Check out this 3-bedroom house. 

Check out this 3-bedroom cabin on a secluded acre.

Check out this log home near Yellowstone.

Let’s continue planning your flights and stay near Yellowstone.

Are you ready to elope? Check out our guide on how to elope for more tips!