Planning a national park wedding in Utah has many options since Utah has 5 beautiful national parks that are open all year round. As an added bonus, Grand Teton National Park just north of Utah and I’m including it in this post because it’s my favorite National Park.
How much does it cost to get married at a National Park?
You cannot get married for free at any of Utah’s National Parks. To hold any ceremony, regardless of wedding party size, a special use permit is required for all 5 Utah national parks. A special use permit may take up to 4 weeks to process. These special use permits are necessary to reduce impact on the environment and other visitors, as well as insure that there are no conflicting events.
The costs of special use permits are as follows:
- Arches National Park: $185 application fee for a wedding special use permit
- Bryce National Park: $100 application fee for a wedding special use permit
- Canyonlands National Park: $185 application fee for a wedding special use permit
- Capitol Reef National Park: $100 application fee for a wedding special use permit
- Zion National Park: $100 application fee for a wedding special use permit
- Grand Teton National Park: $200 application fee for a wedding special use permit
Additionally, there is an entrance fee required for all vehicles or pedestrians to enter National Parks. The costs range from $20 for a pedestrian to $150 for a 26+ person bus.
Getting your Utah marriage license
Utah is a very easy state to elope in because it does not require an appointment at the county clerk office to receive a marriage license nor does it require a waiting period.
You can pick up a marriage license at any county clerk office, regardless of what county you will get married in. Both partners must be present to receive the marriage license and must have valid IDs and social security number.
However, some county clerk offices require an appointment . For example, Salt Lake County requires an appointment. Meanwhile, Davis County is the closest county clerk office to SLC airport that currently does not require an appointment. Likewise, the Grand County clerk office in Moab does not require an appointment.
The marriage license is valid for 30-32 days from the day you pick it up. You will need an ordained officiant and two witnesses over the age of 18 to sign the license. A family member or friend can easily be ordained online via the Universal Life Church within minutes.
You must pay a fee for a marriage license and costs vary depending on which county clerk office you attend. In Salt Lake County, the license costs $50 and is valid for 32 days. In Davis County, the license costs $55 and is also valid for 32 days. In Grand County, the license costs $50 and is valid for 30 days.
Special considerations when marrying in National Parks
Please be mindful of shared spaces when getting married in public land. Avoid blocking access for others. Respect the wildlife. Remain on designated trails. Leave no trace. By being respectful and unobtrusive, we can continue to enjoy the beauty of the natural environment.
Latest update: August 2025. Policies and pricing may have since changed.
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