So, you’re dreaming of eloping in a stunning national park—imagine standing among towering redwoods, exchanging vows with panoramic mountain peaks behind you, or feeling the sea breeze on a rugged coastline. While eloping in a national park is an extraordinary way to celebrate your love, there are essential details to understand before you pack your wedding attire and set off on your adventure. One of the most crucial aspects is securing a national park permit. Let’s dive into why national park permits are essential, what they involve, and how incorporating Leave No Trace principles can make your elopement not only memorable but sustainable.

Southern California has all the warm sandy beaches for your ceremony and trendy postnuptial drinks spots you could want…BUT that’s just the tippity top of the (desert) iceberg! You’ll also find: sand dunes, slot canyons, islands, and stargazing! SoCal has so much to offer the couples that want to venture off the beaten path and the couples simply want to venture to a quiet spot to catch the sunset.

You already have some of the pieces for your elopement: the love of your partner, the bravery to do something different for your wedding day, and the desire to create memories, not just photographs. The next step is picking a location. A great place to start is by simply imagining your wedding day. Is there an ocean breeze, the sounds of waterfalls, or the smell of juniper? Are you dusty from dancing in desert sands or are you wet from skipping rocks into the ocean waves? If any of these ring true for you then Southern California could be the perfect place for your elopement.

Here, let me show you a few spots!

So you decided you want to elope, but now what? There are so many gorgeous National Parks here in the United States to choose from and narrowing them down isn’t particularly easy. Don’t fret, I’m here to help ya! Some things to take into account are location, landscape, weather, and accessibility.  National Park landscapes are unmatched in beauty, which is exactly why they are protected and cherished areas. Beaches, mountains, deserts, cliffs, and literally ANYTHING your heart desires, there is a location to match. Let’s break it all down and talk about what to consider when picking the best National Park for your elopement.