plan a wedding in a national park
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National parks are affordable settings for wedding ceremonies and receptions. These family-friendly vacation spots feature not only venues for weddings, but camping opportunities, views of local foliage and cultural activities. National parks are sure to be appealing to the bride and groom, as well as local and out-of-town wedding guests. Plus, national parks provide scenic backgrounds for wedding photographs.
Instructions
1
Visit the National Park Service website, to find a national park in which to host your wedding. At the website, select "Find a Park." Select a state from the map, and review national parks in that state.
You may also enter the "weddings" in the search box, and a list of national parks that allow weddings will populate. Click the link for a national park of your choosing. The page that appears will list the fees, reservation requirements, amenities and marriage license requirements for the local venue.
2
Contact staff members at the national parks you are considering for your wedding. Inquire about local wedding planners, catering opportunities, minimum or maximum guest allowances, fees, noise restrictions, availability of wedding chapels and other details that are important to you.
3
Alert the national park staff of the space where you would like to hold your wedding. Some national parks will allow you to reserve this space exclusively, while others will not restrict the area for your wedding. If you select an unrestricted area, non wedding guests will be able to travel through the area where your wedding is held.
4
Speak to a representative at your chosen national park about restrictions for your wedding site. Ask if you are allowed to utilize party tents, heat lamps or other resources in the case of cold or inclement weather.
5
Compile a list of wedding details, including the date and time of your wedding, the anticipated number of guests and the name of your wedding officiant. You may need this information to apply for a permit to host your wedding at a national park.
6
Obtain a special use permit for the national park of your choosing. Apply for the wedding permit as soon as you are ready to do so, as there can be up to a month long delay until your permit is approved.
7
Book your wedding at the national park of your choosing. When you do this, inquire about wedding packages, such as hotel or camping discounts, catering packages and wedding planning services. Also, inquire about off-site amenities, such as day spas, restaurants for the rehearsal dinner and affordable lodging.
8
Obtain your marriage license in the state in which you will be married. Complete any necessary paperwork and blood tests. Be aware of any delays that may occur before your marriage license is issued.
9
Invite guests to your wedding. Ensure that when the final guest list is populated, you alert the staff of the national park, your catering team and your event planning staff to ensure that all guidelines are being met and your wedding can be properly coordinated.
10
Host your national park wedding. Ensure that your wedding guests comply with all local laws, such as limiting alcohol consumption and staying away from restricted park areas.
Tips &- Warnings
There may be restrictions on how far in advance or how close to your wedding date you can book your wedding at a national park, so inquire about this to ensure you do not apply too early or late.
Alcohol consumption is permitted at weddings held in national parks, but excessive drinking laws will be enforced.
Tags: your wedding, national park, national parks, wedding national park, national park yourSource: www.ehow.com
