Do You Need a Permit to Elope? Explained Simply.
Do You Need a Permit to Elope? Explained Simply
Planning an elopement is both exciting and stressful. If you’ve started researching your dream location you might be wondering: Do we need a permit to elope there? Sometimes the answer is yes, but that doesn’t have to be a deal-breaker. This guide will break down the basics of elopement permits so you can feel confident and stress-free as you plan your adventure.
Why Elopement Permits Exist
More often than not, permits are required for getting married in popular destinations with lots of daily visitors. Elopement permits, also called Special Use Permits, are required by many national and state parks to:
Protect natural landscapes and wildlife
Ensure visitors have fair access to popular areas
Help park staff manage group sizes and activities
Measure area usage
Think of a permit as your official pass to say “I do” in an incredible location without worry, but first you’ll need to obtain it, or at least determine whether or not you need one!
Common Misconceptions About Permits
Not every spot requires one. Some public lands, especially lesser-known trails, don’t require permits for small ceremonies. For example the National Forests in Colorado do not require them IF your event is less than 75 people and doesn’t require props (like hay bales that may contain invasive seeds)!
A marriage license and a permit are not the same. You’ll still need a marriage license from the county/state, plus a separate permit for the location.
Photographers sometimes need permits too. Hiring a professional often means an additional photography permit (don’t worry, Wanderlust Elopements can help with this part!).
Even the BLM requires a permit for an “organized event.”
General Steps to Secure a Permit
While every park or location has unique rules, the general process looks like this:
Choose your location. Check the official website for your national or state parks in Colorado, Utah, etc.
If your location is in Mexico: Please read this list of requirements for a US citizen getting married in Mexico (we promise it’s not as difficult as it sounds)
Fill out the application (This can usually be done online): This usually involves your names, date, estimated group size, and ceremony details. Many applications only allow a limited group size.
Pay the fee. Most are typically around $50, but can be as high as $300 depending on the location. For example: Arches NP charges $185; you can find a list of all of their requirements to get a good idea of typical national park requirements by clicking the previous link.
Submit early. Many parks recommend applying at least 3–6 months in advance, while popular parks (like Rocky Mountain National Park or Arches) can book up a year ahead.
Wait for approval. Once granted, you’ll receive a permit letter or certificate to bring on your elopement day, or your photographers can go pick it up for you :)
Don’t Forget! Your adventure elopement photographers are here to help you! At least, we definitely are. Let’s start a conversation about it.
Quick Examples
Colorado: Rocky Mountain National Park requires a permit for any wedding ceremony, with strict limits on guest count and designated ceremony sites. Weddings here tend to book out far in advance. We can help you find a less strict location for your destination elopement in Colorado!
Utah: Canyonlands National Park allows elopements in specific scenic areas, but you might have better luck, and better views, at Deadhorse State Park
Mexico: Many beaches and protected areas require permits (or permissions from local authorities). Having a destination wedding photographer experienced in the region is a huge help. This guide to getting married in Mexico is a great first step. Remember: You’ll need four witnesses for your Mexican elopement!
How We Can Help
At Wanderlust Elopements Abbi and I don’t just photograph your day, we help couples navigate the entire permit process from choosing a location to securing the necessary documents. We help you take the stress off your plate so you can focus on your love and your adventure.
The Next Step: Download our free Quick Start Elopement Permit Checklist to see exactly what you need for Colorado, Utah, or Mexico.
Are you ready for us to help you handle permits and capture your dream day? Contact us here to get started.
