Great Sand Dunes National Park Elopement Guide

Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado is an awe-inspiring location for couples seeking a unique wedding experience. The park offers a vast desert landscape with sand dunes that can reach heights of 750 feet, making it one of the most picturesque places for a ceremony.

Before booking your dream wedding, there are several steps you must take to ensure compliance with the park’s regulations. First, couples must apply for a Special Use Permit through the National Park Service, with a $200 non-refundable application fee. This permit is required for any ceremony, whether it’s a small elopement or a larger gathering.

Great Sand Dunes National Park

The park allows ceremonies in specific areas, such as the Dunes Overlook, the main dune field, and even some nearby meadows. However, there are restrictions on group size and parking capacity. Be prepared for limited parking in some areas, and consider carpooling or hiring a shuttle service to ensure that your guests have easy access to the site.

It’s important to note that drone photography is prohibited, and any commercial filming or photography also requires a separate permit. The National Park Service prioritizes the preservation of the park's natural beauty, so keep that in mind as you plan your ceremony.

One of the most magical aspects of hosting a wedding at Great Sand Dunes is the chance to take stunning photos with the mountains and dunes as your backdrop. Sunset or sunrise can create mesmerizing lighting for photos, making the natural scenery even more unforgettable. However, the weather can be unpredictable, so be sure to prepare for changing conditions, such as wind or temperature drops, especially in the evening.

Great Sand Dunes National Park

For more information about the wedding permit process, including guidelines for the ceremony and venue locations, visit the official NPS Wedding and Ceremony Permits page.