Big Bend National Park is a dream destination for those with a sense of wanderlust. With jaw-dropping views and an ever changing landscape, there’s something new waiting for you around every turn. This far West Texas landscape is perfect for those looking for the ultimate adventure elopement! If you could use a friend to help you plan your celebration, I would love to help you out! As an adventure elopement photographer, I adore working with couples for their perfect National Parks journey. Big Bend is one of the best! Here’s your guide for planning a Big Bend National Park elopement.
You Can Plan The Perfect Big Bend National Park Elopement
When You Should Elope in Big Bend National Park & How to Pick Your Date
The very first thing you need to decide when it comes to your wedding is when you want to tie the knot. When you are planning a National Park wedding, there are a few things you want to keep in mind. First off, the NPS is a destination for people from across the globe. No matter which location you visit, you can guarantee you are going to run into a lot of tourists eager to share the experience. Because none of the parks have private elopement spaces, you’ll probably have some onlookers. Traffic tends to peak mid-day, and the weekends are the most common times to plan a visit. If you want to avoid the crowds, you will want to plan a midweek ceremony around sunrise. Yes, it’s early, but you are also going to have the most magical lighting as you trade vows.
Due to it’s size, Big Bend offers privacy and solitude that is unmatched. If you now where and when to go, I can help you with that! As avid lovers of the park, my husband and I have spent many weeks traveling from edge to edge of the park and know the area well. You are in good hands with me as your Big Bend elopement guide.
Find The Season At Big Bend For You
Now, let’s chat about the seasons. Each season is going to have its pros and cons. It’s just a matter of what works best for you!
Summer: Remember, we are in the rugged West Texas desert, it is unforgiving! The summer heat starts in May and last through August. Temperatures vary greatly between the desert floor, which is usually well above 100 degrees Fahrenheit by late morning. For that reason, I don’t recommend a summer elopement in Big Bend National Park. However, this is the “off season” and therefore less crowded.
Fall: During fall, the weather starts to cool, and the crowds return. Big Bend’s busiest months are October through April when weather is more mild and all park stations will be open. Big Bend isn’t known for it’s fall colors, but you can still see some foliage in the higher elevations.
Winter: Winter is arguably one of the best times to plan your wedding week. Winter months bring beautiful days and pleasant temperatures. Five visitor centers are open, and ranger programs occur more frequently. Local outfitters offer more activities as well to make for a well rounded Big Bend elopement experience.
Spring: During the spring, Big Bend offers a unique blend of mild weather, and blooming desert plants. It also has an increase in crowds, especially in March during spring break. I have personally seen two very different versions of Big Bend during the spring. I’ve seen a freak March snow storm in the Chisos Basin. A few weeks later, I had a heat stroke at Earnst Tinaja, you never know what Big Bend will bring.
No matter the season, Big Bend is so vast that with the right guide, you will find solitude.
Designated Big Bend National Park Elopement Locations
Big Bend is more than just a park; it’s an experience. Imagine exchanging vows against the backdrop of the Chisos Mountains, beside the winding Rio Grande, or under a sky bursting with stars. From canyons to desert plains, Big Bend offers a diverse range of stunning backdrops. As your Big Bend elopement photographer, I’ve scouted some of the most breathtaking locations:
Please Note: Big Bend National Park does NOT allow many things used for traditional weddings. Such as chairs, tables, live flowers, amplified sound, balloons, etc. at any location. As always, it is important to leave no trace. Allow this remote park to be enjoyed for generations to come.
Santa Elena Canyon: Witness spectacular canyon walls as the Rio Grande winds its way through. There are a few options with this location. You could share your vows, in the canyon if river levels allow at the end of the hiking trail. Or you can choose to get married on the bank of Rio Grande with Santa Elena behind you. Some amenities include a paved parking area, 2 vault toilets, easy foot access to the site and a large capacity for 30 people
The Window Trail: This scenic trail leads to a unique overlook. This trail is a 1/3 mile accessible paved pathway and has a small viewing plaza and up to 5 people. This is a popular location among visitors to the park though. It has a close proximity to the Chisos Basin lodge, restaurant, and Basin Store. The Window has great views all around, especially at sunset. At an elevation 5,400′, this area enjoys somewhat cooler temperatures than the lower, desert areas of the park.
Sotol Vista: From this scenic viewpoint, the rugged desert sprawls below you and the mountains rise up around you. It is spectacular at any time of the day, but is particularly nice at sunrise or sunset. This pull out on the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive makes for an accessible and stunning backdrop for your elopement. This is ideal if you will be having older guests as it is a very short walk from the paved lot to the overlook. You can have up to 15 people join you for your intimate vow exchange.
Off The Beaten Path Big Bend National Park Elopement Locations
The Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive: This scenic drive is positively breathtaking. Although the road is highly traveled, there are plenty of pull outs that offer seclusion. You’ll have 30 miles of windy yet scenic views! Offering numerous scenic overlooks and photo opportunities as it winds towards one of the parks most popular destinations.
Desert locations: The vast desert landscapes offer a unique and beautiful backdrop. I can guide you to the perfect location. Whether you want flowering cacti or volcanic rocks, I have a spot in mind.
Mariscal Mine: This area is at least a half day excursion. But you’ll have privacy as well as a spectacular backdrop! The mine is located deep in the interior of Big Bend National Park down a remote and primitive 22 mile dirt road. A high clearance vehicle is always required but it offers a unique backdrop that highlights the history of this area.
How to Get a Big Bend National Park License
For your Big Bend National Park elopement, you will need two things: a Texas wedding license and a National Park permit. To get a marriage license in Texas, you must apply in person at a county clerk’s office. You must meet certain age requirements, provide valid identification, and pay a fee. There is a 72-hour waiting period after receiving the license before the marriage ceremony can take place. The waiting period can be waived for members of the armed forces or if the couple has completed a premarital education course. You can purchase a marriage license in any county in Texas and get married in any other county in Texas. You must get married within 90 days of the date the license was issued
For the NPS, you must complete a Special Use Permit application specifying the date, time, location, and guests. You will also need to specify two backup locations. Be sure to apply sooner rather than later to reserve your spot! Once you send it in, follow up with a phone call so they can have the application in hand while giving you your permit.
All weddings, elopements, and vow renewals, regardless of the size of the group, require a Special Use Permit issued by the NPS. Couples must first submit a complete application that includes all pertinent details of the proposed ceremony. Upon review, the NPS then determines whether the proposed activity will not cause derogation of the park’s resources or values, unduly impact other park visitors, and aligns with the purposes for which the park was established.
What to Wear
Now comes the fun part: what to wear! While elopements give you tons of options for your outfit, it never hurts to prioritize comfort and function. Long, flowy dresses are ideal for brides, while casual suits work well for grooms. I would opt for breathable fabrics since you’ll be moving around a ton. Oh, and don’t forget the footwear! If you are hiking to your destination, wear practical shoes. Remember, you can always change your footwear once you arrive at your location.
How Much Does It Cost?
With elopements, you can get a lot of freedom when it comes to costs. Here’s what you will need to pay:
- NPS Special Use Permit: $125
- Texas Wedding License: $60
- Entrance Fee: $20-$30 per person
From there, you will need to factor in lodging, food, transportation, artificial flowers, outfits, and an officiant.
Hiring a Big Bend National Park Elopement Photographer
One of the first things you will need to decide for your wedding is your photographer. Not only do you want to reserve your space with them, but you also need to tell the park while you fill out your application. My advice? Be sure to budget for a photographer who knows how to capture the splendor of the park while letting you remain the star of the show. Remember, this is a moment you’ll want to carry with you for the rest of your life. Think of a photographer as an investment! As an adventure wedding photographer, I adore partnering with couples to give them gorgeous pictures that will help them treasure this moment forever. I would love to sit down and tell you about my elopement options so you can decide if I’m the one.
Things To Do Near Big Bend
After your elopement, you might be wondering what else there is to do this far West Texas, let me give you a few ideas. Terlingua is the nearest town and while it’s marketed as a ghost town, it’s far more than that. We absolutely love this quirky little community, let me walk you through what your dream elopement weekend in Big Bend might look like:
You wake up at sunrise and get breakfast tacos at Espresso y Poco Mas, our favorite desert breakfast spot for an iced latte and tex-mex vibes. After breakfast you return to your rental to get ready for your elopement! This is usually where I’ll join you to capture those sweet getting ready moments and then we’ll head out to the trailhead or overlook!
After your intimate Big Bend elopement or micro wedding, we can either split ways so you can relax during the heat of the day or I’ll guide you around my favorite spots! This is a great time to hop over to Boquillas, Mexico for lunch if you’re feeling adventurous, or share a quiet picnic at the Rio Grande Village campground.
For sunset photos, you really can’t go wrong with anywhere in the park but Sotol Vista is high up there! We’ll drive the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive and chase the sun for epic portraits.
If you’re staying in the Big Bend area a few days, you have to go to the Terlingua Ghost town one night to view the stars! I also would highly recommend checking out the Big Bend State Park, it has it’s own beautiful landscape you just cannot miss. Reach out and lets start planning your ultimate Big Bend National Park elopement.
I Hope You Found All You Need To Know For Your Dream Big Bend National Park Elopement
Hopefully, this guide helps as you plan your Big Bend National Park elopement. If you would like to learn more about my adventure elopements, send me a message! Let’s chat so you can decide if I’m lucky enough to help you celebrate!
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