Planning A Park Wedding: A Guide To Getting Started

Planning a wedding in a park can be a beautiful and unique experience, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your special day goes smoothly. From choosing the perfect park to fit your vision to navigating the permit process, there are many details to consider. Whether you're dreaming of a mountain vista, a deep canyon, or a serene forest backdrop, with careful planning, you can create a memorable and magical park wedding.

Choosing a park and venue

When choosing a park and venue for your wedding, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, decide on the backdrop you want for your ceremony and reception. Do you want a mountain vista, a deep canyon, or a forest? Once you've decided on the scenery, choose the season that best complements your vision.

Next, look at the national park's website to get a feel for their rules surrounding weddings and events, as well as the ceremony locations they offer. If you plan on having a photographer or wedding planner, this is also a good time to see if there are any industry professionals nearby the park or willing to travel to it.

After you've done your research, it's time to pick the park and reception venue. It's important to choose a park that you love and that fits well with your wedding vision. Depending on the type of party you're hoping to host, you may be able to rent a venue within the park or host an outdoor reception near your ceremony site. Keep in mind that every national park requires a wedding ceremony permit, so be sure to look into the process for obtaining one.

When you've decided on the park and venue, it's time to start planning the rest of the wedding. Consider things like directions for your guests, whether you'll need a microphone and an electrical source, and how you'll partition off the ceremony area to prevent unwanted guests from wandering in.

Permits and rules

When planning a park wedding, it's important to be aware of the permits and rules that may apply. Every national park requires a wedding ceremony permit, and you can find out more about the process by searching for the national park's name online. You'll typically need to provide information such as the date and time of your wedding, the number of guests, and any special requirements. It's also worth noting that some parks may have specific rules about where you can assemble, so be sure to check this in advance. If you plan on using a microphone, make sure there's an electrical source nearby. To prevent unwanted guests from wandering in, you can partition off the ceremony area with ribbons or rope, and appoint someone to welcome all invitees.

Backdrop and season

When planning a park wedding, the backdrop and season are important factors to consider. Firstly, decide on the type of backdrop you want for your ceremony and reception. Do you want a mountain vista, a deep canyon, or a forest? Once you've decided on the backdrop, choose the season that best complements your vision. For example, if you want a forest backdrop, consider a spring or summer wedding to take advantage of the lush greenery. If you're looking for a more intimate setting, a winter wedding with a snowy backdrop could be magical.

When choosing a park, it's essential to select one that excites you and fits well with your wedding vision. Look at the national park's website to understand their rules and regulations surrounding weddings and events, as well as the ceremony locations they offer. Some parks may have venues for rent, while others may only allow outdoor receptions near the ceremony site. Consider the type of party you want to host and choose a park that can accommodate your needs.

Every national park requires a wedding ceremony permit, so be sure to research the process and apply for the special use permit in advance. This will typically include providing specific information, such as the number of guests, the location within the park, and the date and time of your wedding.

To make your park wedding extra special, consider adding personal touches to the backdrop. This could include decorating trees with ribbons or string lights, setting up a flower arch, or creating a backdrop with fabric and props. These details will not only make for beautiful photos but will also help to create a romantic and intimate atmosphere.

Directions and signs

When planning a park wedding, it's important to give your guests detailed directions to the ceremony location. Include these directions with your invitations or on your wedding website. Be specific about where guests should assemble, for example, 'The gazebo at the duck pond, Liberty Park', rather than just 'Liberty Park'. If you're allowed to, you could also post signs in the vicinity of the park.

If you're planning to host your reception in the park as well, you may be able to rent a venue within the park or host an outdoor reception near your ceremony site. Alternatively, you might need to look just outside the park to find a suitable venue.

Every national park requires a wedding ceremony permit, so be sure to check the park's website for information on how to obtain one. When choosing a park, it's important to select one that excites you and fits well with your wedding vision. Consider the backdrop you want for your ceremony and reception, and choose a season that complements your vision. For example, if you want jaw-dropping mountain vistas as your backdrop, you might choose a different season than if you prefer seemingly endless forests.

To prevent unwanted guests from wandering into your ceremony area, partition off the space by tying white satin ribbons around trees or using other decorative elements. You can also appoint someone from your wedding party to welcome all invitees and ensure they know where to go.

Electrical access

If you're planning on having a wedding in a park, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Firstly, make sure you choose a park that excites you and fits well with your wedding vision. Consider the backdrop you want for your ceremony and reception – do you want a mountain vista, a deep canyon, or a forest? Once you've decided on the setting, choose a season that complements your vision.

Another important consideration is electrical access. If you plan on using a microphone during your ceremony, you'll need to ensure that there's an electrical source nearby. This is something you should definitely look into when choosing your park and reception venue. Check the park's website for information on electrical access and other rules surrounding weddings and events. If you're planning on having an outdoor reception near your ceremony site, you may also need to rent a generator to ensure you have enough power for your event.

To avoid any last-minute surprises, it's a good idea to visit the park in advance and scout out the electrical sources. Mark the spot where you'll be holding your ceremony and make sure there's easy access to power. This will ensure that your microphone, and any other electrical equipment you plan to use, will work without a hitch.

If you're hiring a wedding planner, they may be able to help you with these logistics and ensure that everything runs smoothly on your big day. It's also a good idea to have a backup plan in case of any unexpected issues with the electrical supply. For example, you could have a few battery-operated microphones on hand, just in case.

Frequently asked questions