Yellowstone Elopement Guide


Yellowstone offers a stunning setting for an elopement, but it does come with some thought toward specific logistics and regulations. This guide is designed to help you move through the process with clarity—balancing experience, location, and legal considerations. And! I am here to guide and be your sounding board every step of the way.


Ceremony Locations in Yellowstone

Yellowstone limits ceremonies to designated locations approved by the National Park Service. 

Each location has its own guest limits and characteristics: 


• Lamar Valley — expansive, quiet, wildlife-rich 

•Mammoth Terraces — textured, accessible, unique formations 

•Yellowstone Lake — open shoreline with wide views 

• Madison Area — river and meadow settings 

• Upper Geyser Basin — iconic, but more structured and busy. Guest counts typically range from 10–30 depending on the site.


Special Use Permit:

• Application fee: ~$100

• Processing time: 2–4+ weeks 

• Must select an approved ceremony location 

• Guest limits enforced 

•No structures or décor allowed in most areas.


Permit Requirements

Yellowstone requires a Special Use Permit for any wedding ceremony, regardless of size.

• Just the two of you → permit required

• No guests or setup → permit still required

• Any intentional exchange of vows or rings → considered a ceremony; permit required.


But! If you are only taking photos and not holding a ceremony, a permit is not required. This distinction allows for flexibility: some couples choose to legally marry outside the park and use Yellowstone purely for the experience and photographs. Paradise Valley, Montana (the North Gate of Yellowstone) is a stunning place in which to have an intentional ceremony, and I have a handful of special locations for this.


Additionally, there are several beautiful places in Paradise Valley to end the day and stay the night, including:



Please don't hesitate to reach out with regard to lodging recommendations + locations!



Marriage License — Wyoming (Yellowstone)

Most Yellowstone ceremonies take place in Wyoming.

• Obtain license from any Wyoming county clerk (commonly Park County) 

• Both parties appear in person 

• No waiting period 

• License valid immediately 

• Cost ~$30, officiant typically required


Marriage License — Montana (a little bit of Yellowstone)

If you choose to legally marry in Montana:

• Both parties appear in person 

• 3-day waiting period (can be waived for a fee) 

• Cost $50–$60 depending on county 

• Officiant NOT required — Montana allows self-solemnization (you may legally marry yourselves.)

• Can easily be done at the courthouse in Livingston, MT:

 Livingston Clerk of District Court | 406.222.4125


Recommended: Montana + Yellowstone

A seamless approach is to separate the legal ceremony from the Yellowstone experience, or just utilize a Montana-based location within Yellowstone.



• Complete your legal marriage/ceremony in Montana/Yellowstone (no officiant required) 

• Continue on with portraits throughout Yellowstone. This allows more flexibility with timing, removes pressure around officiants, and keeps the focus on the experience rather than logistics.


Light & Timing

Sunrise is often the most accessible with regards to fewer crowds and better wildlife activity, however,

sunset is also beautiful with the potential for golden hour, but typically busier.


Park Guidelines

Yellowstone is a protected landscape. Elopements are required to follow these guidelines:

• Stay on designated trails

• No décor or installations

• Maintain wildlife distance

• Pack everything out


Details to Consider:

  • Hair & Makeup
  • Consider wind, dryness, and long wear
  • Natural, durable styling tends to photograph best in the landscape
  • Attire
  • Movement matters (walking, uneven terrain)
  • Layers for temperature swings
  • Alternate footwear (boots, flats)
  • Bouquet / Florals
  • Simple, organic arrangements work best
  • Avoid anything too structured or fragile in wind
  • Rings & Personal Details
  • Keep them accessible (small box, secure pocket)
  • Think about anything meaningful you want included
  • Time of Day
  • Sunrise = Quieter
  • Sunset = Possible golden hour, potentially busier
  • Pacing
  • Build in space (not rushed, not over-scheduled)
  • Consider time to just be there
  • Private Vows
  • Many couples choose a quiet moment separate from the ceremony
  • Celebration
  • Picnic, champagne, or simple meal after


As Your Photographer

From the first email exchange, I am your resource for all things elopement. From local vendors to guiding your locations, timing, permits, and overall flow so your day feels intentional and grounded.


The goal is not production—it is presence. I absolutely love elopements and the space that they allow for stunning imagery, wide-open days for exploring, and candid portraiture and emotion within the western landscape as you experience (what I wholeheartedly believe is ) the most beautiful place in the world.