Can’t Decide Between a Wedding or Elopement? Why Not Do Both!
Turns out, you can have your cake and eat it too. Or in this case, you can have a wedding AND elopement. If that sounds crazy, it isn’t. Stick with me and I’ll tell you how.
Lots of people want to get married exactly the way they want to, but don’t feel like they can. They feel like they are reigned in by the expectations of their family and friends. This can be as simple (or as well-meaning) as wanting to celebrate with you on your special day or as complicated (or restrictive) as wanting you to meet their demands rather than your own. Either way, you’re not the first person to encounter this.
I experienced some pushback on my elopement plans when my mom told me, “Do whatever you want as long as I’m there.” Initially, I wanted to get married at the courthouse. As an introvert, I was uncomfortable with the idea of being the center of attention. And as a free spirit, I felt encumbered by planning a big wedding day. Fortunately, I found out about outdoor elopements in National Parks. And I was immediately sold on the idea!
This changed everything and set a new course for my wedding day that:
Allowed me to set my own expectations for my wedding—small, intimate, and in nature
Gave my immediate family members a way to celebrate with me—without having to juggle too many details or plans
In short, it was a compromise. My fiance and I would ONLY invite our parents and siblings to witness our elopement in Joshua Tree National Park.
I tell this story because compromise is sometimes the key to having the best of both worlds. But so is standing your ground and making realistic compromises that help both parties. So, how do you do that? How do you have your cake and eat it too?
Option 1: Get Married in or Near a National Park
Yes, wedding venues exist in and near National Parks!
One thing that often upsets family members is having to travel for a wedding. This isn’t always the case—some folks love an excuse to travel—but I’ve had a couple cancel their plans for this very reason. The couple wanted to get married in Zion National Park. Awesome, right? But their family refused to fly in from the East Coast. Sad.
This is one of the ways in which you’ll have to convince friends and family to compromise with you. So let’s get into how you can do this.
How You Can Have a Wedding Near a National Park
Search venues inside of the park or near the park (this is dependent on each park)
Book that venue
Book a photographer with knowledge of the area who can suggest local vendors
Book your vendors, including an officiant
Plan your wedding or elopement
Get married in a National Park!
How You Can Make the Day Still Feel Like an Elopement
Set aside some time for just you and your fiance. This could be:
A small hike and “first look” before the ceremony,
An activity in your wedding attire before the reception; think rock climbing, dancing in the desert, a picnic on the beach, whatever you want!
A champagne pop together,
or some private golden hour photos.
You can even get crazy with it and ride motorcycles or bikes together or have a hot air balloon ride!
How to Schedule the Day
Here’s a real-life example of what a wedding day can look like in or near a National Park. This should only be used as an example as travel times can vary between locations. But it’ll help give you an idea.
1:00-2:00 - Short hike and vows with just the couple
2:00-3:00 - Getting ready for photos
3:00-4:00 - Ceremony with friends and family
4:00-4:30 - Family photos at the ceremony location
4:30-6:30 - Couple's photos at another location
6:30-9:00 - Reception with friends and family
Stumped on Where to Look?
Here are some of our favorite venues in and around National Parks.
Inside of the National Park
Indian Cove Amphitheater — Joshua Tree National Park, 100 people total, must use a bus or shuttle
Glacier Point Amphitheater — Yosemite National Park, June & September only depending on weather, 50 people maximum with a monitor required for groups over 30. This will be closed 2022-23
The Oasis at Death Valley — A hotel and venue within Death Valley National Park
Wuksachi Lodge — A hotel and venue within Sequoia National Park
Near the National Park
Saguaro National Park — White Stallion Ranch (15 minutes)
Arches National Park — The Red Earth Venue (10 minutes) | Under Canvas (20 minutes)
Canyonlands National Park — The Red Earth Venue (20 minutes) | Glamping Canyonlands (40 minutes) | Under Canvas (30 minutes)
Zion National Park — The Springs (30 minutes) | Zion Red Rock (15 minutes) | Amangiri (1.5 hours) | Switchback Grille (10 minutes)
Yosemite National Park — Autocamp (1 hour) | Tenaya Lodge (1 hour)
Joshua Tree National Park — Autocamp (15 minutes) | Tumbleweed Sanctuary (10 minutes) | The Rimrock Ranch (25 minutes) | Hicksville Palace (15 minutes)
Sequoia National Park — Silver City Resort (1 hour) | Redwood Ranch Three Rivers (30 minutes)
Grand Canyon — Under Canvas (40 minutes)
Bryce Canyon National Park — Under Canvas (20 minutes)
Option 2 - Have a Wedding or Elopement at an Outdoorsy Venue
This option is for the people who just can’t leave their friends and family hanging. Yes, it sucks to have to skip your elopement to cater to others. But sometimes that isn’t an option, especially when you have older family members you want to include.
You can still have a beautiful wedding day and get that elopement feel by choosing an outdoor venue with an amazing vibe.
How You Can Have an Outdoor Wedding
Search for outdoor wedding venues in your area
Book that venue
Book a photographer with knowledge of the area who can suggest local vendors, including an officiant
Book your vendors and plan your wedding
Get married!
How You Can Make the Day Still Feel Like an Elopement
The same advice is still true here. Set aside time for just the two of you—even if it’s just taking photos or doing an activity together.
Some creativity here will go a long way. Consider the vibe of the elopement day you would have wanted. Were you going to get married in Saguaro National Park? Choose a venue with plenty of cacti and warm stucco walls. How about Zion National Park? Have your florist use the red and orange rock of the southwest as inspiration. Are you more into Yosemite? Use imagery from the park in your wedding invites. You can still use the beautiful outdoor areas you love as a guide for the theme of your wedding day.
Stumped on Where to Look?
Here are some of our favorite beautiful outdoor venues.
Northern California
Deer Park Villa Redwoods tree in Fairfax, CA
The Haven Forest vibes in Tomales, CA
Mitchell Grove Redwoods tree in Eureka, CA
Pema Osel Ling Redwoods tree in Santa Cruz, CA
Autocamp Forest vibes in Guerneville, CA
The Mountain Terrace Forest vibes in Woodside, CA
Southern California
Sherman Gardens Weddings Garden vibes in Corona del Mar, CA
Botanica Lush garden vibes in Oceanside, CA
La Jolla Beach Beach vibes in La Jolla, CA
Calamigos Green vibes in Malibu, CA
Grass Room Lush greenery vibes in Los Angeles, CA
Utah
Sand Hollow Resort Desert views in Hurricane, UT
Log Haven Mountain vibes in Salt Lake City, UT
Snowbasin Mountain vibes in Huntsville, UT
La Caille Mountain and garden vibes in Sandy, UT
Arizona
Antelope Point Lake Powell Unique lake views in Page
Lodge on the Desert Adobe desert vibes in Tucson
The Historic Bates Adobe desert vibes in Tucson
Tanque Verde Ranch Desert vibes in Tucson
The Views at Superstition Gold Canyon
Hidden Lake Lake vibes in Buckeye
Cabins on Strawberry Hill Log cabin vibes in Strawberry
Agave of Sedona Red rocks views in Sedona
Option 3 - Half Elopement, Half Wedding Day
Yep, you can do both in one day! This one is a little more in line with a traditional elopement. But basically, you have your wedding early in the day, involving family members in some way. Then in the afternoon, the two of you have some personal time together—read vows, take photos, and have some fun activities planned.
How You Can Have a Wedding or Elopement Near a National Park
Hit up a wedding and elopement photographer who can help you…
Search venues, rentals, or other wedding locations in or near the park that can host a half-day wedding
Book that venue or secure your permits
Plan your half-day wedding or elopement
Choose an activity for the other half of the day
Book your vendors and plan your wedding
Get married!
How to Schedule the Day
Here’s a real-life example of what a wedding day can look like in or near a National Park. This should only be used as an example as travel times can vary between locations.
8:00-9:00 - Getting ready photos
9:00-9:30 - First look
10:00-10:30 - Ceremony with friends and family
10:30-12:00 - Family photos and a picnic or meal
~BREAK~
3:00-7:00 - Couples' photos and activity
Option 4 - Have a Wedding Followed by an Adventure Couples Session on Another Day
This one is for the big celebrators, the people who definitely want to have it all.
Your wedding day doesn’t have to be just one day. You can have your wedding, then have an adventure couples session the day after, or sometime in the future.
This involves some extra work—you’ll essentially be planning two events. But not to worry, I’ll be there to help you plan an adventure session, just the same as any elopement.
How to Have a Wedding and Second Day Adventure
As I said, this is going to be some extra work. But I know you know the payoff will be epic!
Pick a date, location, and venue for your wedding
Hire your photographer with elopement and wedding experience
Hire your other vendors and plan your wedding
Have your elopement photographer help you plan an adventure couples session (This can be before or after the wedding)
Choose the park or general location
Choose an activity (Off-roading, reading vows, hiking, champagne pop, etc.)
Get married—yay!
In the following days, have your adventure session!
Important Things to Note for Outdoor Weddings or Elopements
Before you plan your outdoor wedding celebration, consider what it’s like to get married on public lands. Each park is different, but there are some general things to note and be prepared for that will make the wedding day experience more smooth.
Accessibility: Consider if your guests might have some accessibility needs. Most venues will have flat and paved walkways, but some of these locations such as Glacier Point Amphitheater might be slightly steep. Contact the venue or your photographer with these concerns. Consider if you need a chair for anyone or if someone might need extra help walking to the ceremony site.
Reception: National Parks tend to be remote, even in the areas surrounding the park. Remind your friends and family to come prepared with directions before they lose reception.
Crowds: For the locations inside National Parks, crowds will definitely be concerned. The last thing you want is for your guests to get stuck at the Joshua Tree National Park gate in a line while the ceremony is starting. Plan ahead for small parking lots and busy roadways by arriving early, carpooling, or hiring a driver.
Cost: Yes, it will cost your guests more to travel to a National Park. Later in this article, we’ll discuss how you can convince friends and family of this. But keep this in mind when you’re planning. Offset costs by choosing a park close to home, getting married in the off-season when plane tickets, hotels, and car rentals are cheaper, finding a location that has hotel blocks, or sharing hotels and Airbnbs.
Weather: For some of these locations, you’ll be out in the elements. Remind your guests to bring sturdy shoes, fans, and water for hot days, and layers for cold days. Always be prepared for the wind! If you’re in a venue, have a backup plan ready for ill weather, such as rain. And don’t forget—rain on your wedding day is good luck!
These are all dependent on where you travel to and what kind of venue you will be married at. A travel photographer with experience in each area can help with specifics.
How to Convince Your Friends & Family to get on Board With Your Wedding or Elopement
Okay, so you’ve decided on one of the many awesome options above. But how do you get your friends and family onboard?
Stress to your family how important it is to have the wedding day of your dreams. This is your only wedding, you want to do it right. So explain to them how important it is for you to have a beautiful, outdoor wedding in an amazing national or state park. Tell them it would mean the world to you to have their support. Pull their heartstrings here, because all of this is true!
Paint your wedding day as a vacation. Maybe your family members aren’t big travelers or don’t head often to National Parks and public lands. This is their excuse to have a family trip to a beautiful area!
Have boundaries. You may pull out all the stops listed above and still be met with pushback. In this case, it’s time for you to decide—will you put aside your and your partner’s wedding plans for family—or will you have boundaries for a day that should be all about you? There’s no wrong answer here, no shame at all for what you decide. But if an elopement is important to you, you may make some people upset. Ultimately, and accessibility/financial issues aside, your family will be there if they really want to.
Look, sometimes these conversations won’t be easy. But you'll be happier on your wedding day doing something you know is best for you and your fiancé.
There’s Nothing More to Do Than Plan Your Wedding or Elopement!
Love & Latitudes is here to help. Between myself (the photographer) and my husband (optional officiant), we’re here to help make sure that the day you say your vows is the best day ever.
Each wedding photography package includes planning services, scheduling, vendor recommendations, travel fees, and an online gallery of your best photos.
If you’re at all curious about the process, schedule a free phone call with us to chat about your options. We’re here to make sure your wedding is an amazing adventure.
