Everything You Need To Know About Getting Married in a Public Park

SO YOU’RE THINKING OF GETTING MARRIED IN A PUBLIC PARK?!?! Hell to the yeah!! Getting married outdoors is so special. But before you have your wedding outside, there are some things you need to know about getting married in a public park (including National parks, state parks, BLM land, etc)

Many parks (town/city parks, state parks, national parks, etc) allow weddings, but there’s often rules and permits that go with getting married in a park. But don’t worry, here’s what you need to know about getting married in a public park!

7 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE GETTING MARRIED IN A PUBLIC PARK LIKE NATIONAL PARKS, STATE PARKS, ETC.

1. You can’t ask other park visitors to move: unless you have reserved a specific shelter, you are having your wedding ceremony in public and the wedding party has no right to restrict the area to other visitors.
   
   
2. You must pack out what you take in: basically, don’t leave anything behinds. Don’t leave garbage, don’t leave anything behind. Carry in, carry out! Don’t be that person. Please. It ruins it for the rest of us.
   
   
3. No amplified sound, confetti, flower petals, fireworks, etc: You’re having an outdoor wedding probably because you love being out in nature, right?! Skip anything disruptive or non-natural so your celebration stays peaceful and low-impact!
   
   
4. No big groups unless it’s in an amphitheater that you rented or on a beach that allows big groups: keeping your guest list small ensures you’re not overwhelming the space or disturbing the natural environment.
   
   
5. Don’t block trails from other visitors: remember, this land is shared! Leave room for others to enjoy it too.
   
   
6. Don’t trample through vegetation, wildflowers, crypto soil, etc: every step matters when you’re outdoors! Stick to solid surfaces to protect fragile ecosystems that take years (or centuries) to grow. Not to mention, to keep yourselves and guests safe!
   
   
7. Stay on designated trails and viewpoints: veering off-path might seem harmless, but it can cause long-term damage to the landscape and wildlife habitats.

Choosing the Right Park for Your Ceremony

Not all parks are created equal when it comes to weddings and that’s a good thing! The park or spot you might be thinking of could be: a quiet trailhead with an epic overlook or a charming lakeside clearing close to home. Here’s what to consider when choosing:

• Accessibility – Can guests get there easily? Are there paths, parking, restrooms?
• Capacity – Some parks have limits on group size. I always say a max of 20 people total, unless you’re renting a venue (like an amphitheater) in the park.
• Scenery – What landscape feels most “you”? Forest? Water? Cliffs? Meadows?
• Local rules – Every park (local, state, national) has its own permit and use regulations. More than likely, you’ll need at least a ceremony permit.

If you’re local to the Twin Cities area like me, places like Willow River State Park or Interstate State Park offer stunning backdrops that feel big, wild, and still close to home.

Permits, Rules & Why They Matter

Here’s the unsexy but important part: You probably need a permit. Even for a small ceremony.

Most public parks require a special use permit for weddings… even if it’s just you two and your pup! The process varies by location but usually involves:

• A form or application
• A small fee
• A limit on how many guests you can have
• Rules around music, chairs, and decorations

And trust me: this step is worth doing right. It ensures your celebration is legal so you won’t get fined or kicked out by park rangers, and aligns with Leave No Trace principles.

Pro tip: Call the local park office! They’re usually incredibly helpful and full of good tips on best spots, busiest times, and what’s actually allowed.

Leave No Trace: Planning with the Planet in Mind

Nature gives us so much so it’s only right we give back by caring for it. That’s why the Leave No Trace principles are at the heart of every outdoor wedding & elopement I photograph or help plan!!

Here’s how to apply each of the seven principles to your day:

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare

Know the park rules, weather, and what your guests need! Bring backup gear like umbrellas or blankets. Let guests know what to expect terrain-wise. Have appropriate footwear for the terrain!

2. Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces

Stick to designated trails and solid ground. Avoid setting up chairs or altars on delicate moss, wildflowers, or soft forest beds.

3. Dispose of Waste Properly

Bring bags for trash and recycling, and take everything with you. Even flower petals or “biodegradable” confetti can harm local ecosystems.

4. Leave What You Find

Don’t pick wildflowers or rearrange natural elements. Use minimal, natural, or reusable décor (like a cloth aisle runner or thrifted lanterns).

5. Minimize Campfire Impacts

Skip the fire unless it’s in a designated ring and permitted. LED candles can still bring that cozy glow, without the risk of starting a wildfire.

6. Respect Wildlife

Keep a respectful distance and avoid feeding or disrupting animals. They don’t need your cake or your Bluetooth speaker.

7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

You’re sharing the space! Unless you’re renting a space, your ceremony spot won’t be closed off to other visitors, so it’s important to be respectful of other visitors!!

Sustainable Wedding Ideas

You don’t need to do everything, but every small choice adds up. Here are a few easy ways to keep your public park wedding low-impact and high vibes:

• Go paperless – Send digital invites or use recycled paper!
• Rent or thrift – Wedding attire, décor, and even dishes! (Some of my favorite places to thrift are: Facebook Marketplace, Ebay, Mercari, Poshmark)
• Shop local & seasonal – Flowers, food, etc!
• Skip single-use anything – Water bottles, straws, napkins!
• Give back – Donate to the park or conservation group!
• Hire LNT vendors – It’s important to hire vendors who are committed to leaving no trace and giving back to the planet!

Prepping Your Guests

Outdoor weddings and elopements with guests require a little extra communication. Here’s what to let your guests know in advance:

• What to wear (especially footwear!)
• What to bring (reusable water bottles, sunblock, layers)
• What kind of seating (or lack of) to expect
• How to get there and when they should arrive
• Any Leave No Trace practices you’re inviting them to take part in

Consider a wedding website with a dedicated “What to Expect” section that includes park maps, bathroom locations, and carpool info!!

Plan B (Because Mother Nature can be Unpredictable)

Outdoor weddings are gorgeous but unpredictable – which means having a backup plan (or two) is super important for your day!

• Have a bad weather plan – Covered shelters, or an indoor Plan B nearby.
• Be flexible – Sometimes the most unexpected moments become the most memorable.

That’s everything you need to know about getting married in a public park!

Getting married in a public park is about simplicity, connection, and being deeply present with each other and the nature around you! With a little planning, a lot of intention, and a heart for nature, you can create a ceremony that honors your love and the land.

If this post about everything you need to know about getting married in a public park was helpful, make sure to share this with someone you think needs it too!

Looking for an Adventure Elopement Photographer that’ll help you with ALL of this?!

I specialize in helping couples plan AND document their elopement experiences!! What this means is that not only do I capture your elopement day, but I also guide you through the entire planning process. I’m here to help you with everything you need to know, etc. to make your journey as fun and relaxed as possible!

If all of this information seems overwhelming, I can help you with all of it 😉

I’m a certified Leave No Trace Aware photographer and a proud supporter of the Public Land Creatives! Not to mention, I’m proud to support organizations such as: The Superior Hiking Trail, Gregory’s Gift of Hope, The Trevor Project, National Parks of Lake Superior, and the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund. Where we put our money matters.