5 Dog-Friendly National Parks for Your Elopement
OMG you guys, your dog can totally crash your national park elopement! I know you’re already obsessing over all the insane views and epic photo ops that come with eloping in a national park. But here’s the real question you’ve been asking yourself – can I bring my precious pupper along for the adventure?! I’ve got you covered! While most national parks are kind of a dog-free zone, there are actually some surprisingly pet-friendly ones that are perfect for including your furry soulmate on your big day. You just gotta do your research to make sure Fido is allowed to be part of the party!
Before we get into the deets on the top dog-friendly parks for your elopement, let’s talk about why you’d even want your pup there in the first place. Like hello, how freaking magical would it be to get married surrounded by all of those jaw-dropping natural landscapes WITH your favorite little adventure buddy?! You could go on epic hikes, let your dog splash around in pristine lakes and streams, and just fully immerse yourselves in nature as a new fam. It doesn’t get much more perf than that!
Not to mention, having your dog involved automatically makes your elopement way more chill and laid-back than some stuffy traditional venue. No ridiculous rules about keeping Fido off the aisle or out of the reception space. This is your day, dang it! If every time you close your eyes and imagine the perfect day, you see your little pup there with you, then you’ve gotta make that happen!
Plus, can you imagine how epically adorable all your photos are gonna be with your fluff ball amid those insane backdrops?! I’m talking prime Instagram husband/wife content right there. Just be sure you hire a photographer who’s experienced with dogs and knows how to capture all the candid, hilarious doggo moments.
Okay, now that I’ve hyped you up on the magic of a dog-friendly national park elopement, let me break down the top 5 parks that are actually down with letting your pup be part of the fun!
Acadia National Park, Maine
If you’re east coasters, then Acadia is likely gonna be your top pick for an adventurous elopement with your dog. This stunning park is located along the rugged Maine coastline and has tons of pet-friendly trails, beaches, and even campgrounds where your dog can roam. With over 100 hiking trails and 45 carriage roads where pets are permitted, you’ll be sure to find the perfect elopement location.
You could say your vows on the iconic Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse trail, which allows dogs on a leash. Or get married on the beach at Little Hunters Beach and let your pup splash around in the ocean after! For the real daring duos, or rather trios, consider hiking up Cadillac Mountain (the highest point on the East Coast) and eloping at the summit with your pup by your side. Just be sure to give your dog (and you!) plenty of water breaks on that intense trek!
No matter where you tie the knot in Acadia, you’ll have endless opportunities for adventuring with your dog afterward. Go swimming in the pristine lakes, hike the incredible trails, or just hang out on the rocky coastline, while taking in those sweeping ocean views with your new little fam. Sounds like heaven, right?!
Yosemite National Park, California
Alright, west coast cuties – if you’ve always dreamed of getting married amid those iconic granite cliffs and towering sequoia trees, then a dog-friendly Yosemite elopement could be just the place for you!
While Yosemite does have some strict rules about where dogs can and can’t go, there are still plenty of areas that welcome your furry bestie. Your pup is allowed on all fully paved roads and sidewalks, as well as in some of the campgrounds. That means you could have an intimate ceremony right in the heart of Yosemite Valley with your dog by your side! Just look into pet-friendly lodging options in the park if you want to make a whole weekend of it.
As for activities, your dog can join you on leashed hikes along the valley loop trails and soak up those insane views of El Capitan and Half Dome. You could even splish splash together in the Merced River! Just keep in mind that dogs aren’t allowed on the longer, backcountry hiking trails or up at the higher elevations.
No matter what, a Yosemite elopement with your pup is guaranteed to be an unforgettable adventure filled with breathtaking scenery at every turn. Just be sure to get your permits and reservations squared away ASAP since Yosemite’s permit system is no joke!
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
You’ve seen that iconic view of the Grand Canyon a million times, but can you even imagine how mind-blowing it would be to elope there with your one-and-only (and your dog, obviously)?! This park is a surprisingly pet-friendly option for those of you who dream of an adventurous desert elopement.
While dogs aren’t allowed below the rim or on any of the inner canyon trails, they are welcome on leash along most of the rim trails and viewpoints. That means you could have an intimate ceremony at one of the stunning rim locations like Shoshone Point or Moran Point with your pup by your side as you take in those insane vistas! Just be sure to have your dog handler on standby in case they get a little too excited by all the squirrels. Because believe me, those little suckers are everywhere, and they are NOT shy!
After you’ve tied the knot, you and your new spouse (and dog!) can spend your day exploring some of the easier rim trails together. The Rim Trail is perfect for a leisurely stroll while soaking up the views, or you could check out the Trail of Time for a more rugged adventure. Just be sure to pack tons of water and doggy booties since that Arizona heat can be brutal!
While your dog may not be able to join you on any strenuous inner canyon hikes, you could always plan a future hiking trip back to the Grand Canyon for some epic adventures as a new married couple. I highly suggest the Rim to Rim hike, I did that one in 2018 and would be happy to give you all of the tips for doing it. But for your elopement day, you’ll have more than enough to fill your time just taking in that legendary scenery with your one-and-only pup by your side.
Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado
Okay, I know what you’re thinking – getting married in the middle of a desert doesn’t exactly scream “dog-friendly.” But hear me out, because Great Sand Dunes is one of the most unique and underrated national parks that’s surprisingly welcoming to your fur baby!
This park is located in southern Colorado and is home to the tallest sand dunes in North America. The landscape is straight out of another world, with those undulating golden dunes rising up against the backdrop of the rugged Sangre de Cristo mountains. It’s honestly just begging to be the setting of your adventurous desert elopement!
While dogs aren’t allowed to roam off-leash in the dunes themselves, they can join you for some dune hiking and playing in the shallow Medano Creek that runs alongside the dunes. You could even camp overnight with your pup at one of the dog-friendly campsites! Just be sure to give your dog plenty of breaks in the shade and water since that sand gets HOT.
As for your actual ceremony, you could go for something simple and intimate right in the dunes themselves. Just imagine those sweeping views and that ethereal desert light as you say your vows! Or if you want to include more lush scenery, consider getting married in the Zapata Falls area where your dog can join you amidst the trees and cascades.
No matter what, a Great Sand Dunes elopement is guaranteed to give you a day filled with unique landscapes and outdoor adventures with your one-and-only pup by your side. Just don’t be surprised if you get back home covered in sand!
Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas
Hot Springs National Park needs to be at the top of your list if you’re looking for waterfalls, forests, and those iconic hot springs! This underrated gem, located in the heart of Arkansas is surprisingly one of the most dog-friendly national parks around. Your precious pup can join you on every single one of the park’s 26 miles of hiking trails! Just imagine tying the know among the beautiful woodlands then going on an epic hike with your new spouse and fur baby to celebrate.
You could have an intimate ceremony right among any one of those trails, like the scenic West Mountain Loop with its sweeping valley views. Or get married by one of the picturesque waterfalls and creeks, where your dog can even splash around and cool off after. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can join them! The Gulpha Gorge Campground is also totally pup-friendly, so you can make a whole weekend adventure out of it.
Not only is Hot Springs super welcoming to dogs on the trails and in the campgrounds, but the entire town is a total pooch paradise too. You’ll find tons of dog-friendly restaurants, bars, and shops along Bathhouse Row where you can celebrate your new marriage with your fur child in tow.
Just keep in mind that dogs aren’t allowed inside any of the park’s buildings, including the historic bathhouses. But who needs stuffy indoor venues when you’ve got all of nature’s beauty as your backdrop?! As long as you keep Fido on a 6-foot leash, the trails, forests, and waterfalls are yours to explore.
The Most Important Tip for Your Dog-Friendly National Park Elopement
Okay, so now that I’ve hyped you up on all the epic national parks that welcome your dog for your elopement, here’s my biggest piece of advice – PLEASE do your research on each park’s specific pet policies and rules! Seriously, you do not want to show up on your big day only to be turned away because you didn’t realize dogs aren’t allowed in certain areas. It’s always best to find out directly from the specific park what their rules are and have it in writing, as policies can change at any time.
I’d recommend having a backup plan in mind just in case, and also considering hiring a legit dog handler to help out on your elopement day. That way, someone can give your pup their full attention and make sure they’re following all the rules while you’re busy being a beautiful bride/groom. They could even keep your pet offsite in a safe location for a portion of your day, so that you can maybe also include some not so pet-friendly locations during your day.
Planning Your Trip to a National Park
If you’re planning on eloping in a National Park, it’s important to note that there is likely an entrance fee on top of any permits that may be required. Learn more about how to elope in a national park.
If you travel to multiple national parks in a year, the America the Beautiful Pass is an absolute MUST! With this pass, you’ll have access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites including national parks, national forests, national wildlife refuges, and lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and US Army Corps of Engineers. For just $80, it will quickly pay for itself. And no, I don’t get kickbacks from them, I just love supporting the parks, while staying true to my frugal self!
How to purchase an America the Beautiful Pass
Other Things to Consider
You’ll also want to make sure your dog is fully prepped for the big day with things like:
- Lots of practice with important commands like “stay” and “leave it”
- Stamina for any planned hikes or long walks
- Updated vaccinations and health records for travel
- Plenty of food, water, bowls, bedding, and other essentials packed
Most importantly, be sure to respect your dog’s limits! If they’re getting overwhelmed or anxious at any point, have your dog handler take them somewhere quiet to rest. Your pup’s comfort and safety should always be the top priority.
Read more about How to Include Your Dog in Your Elopement
At the end of the day, including your dog in your national park elopement is all about making sure that you’ve done your research and planning so that you and your four-legged soulmate can live your best lives. With a little preparation and the right pet-friendly location, you’ll end up with a day filled with breathtaking scenery, outdoor fun, and more memories with your favorite fluffball than you can even imagine!
So get in touch with me and let’s start planning your own dog-friendly national park elopement!
