A breakdown guide by Yellowstone’s premier wedding photographer, Heather Woolery
It’s easy to see why couples year after year choose to get married in Yellowstone National Park. Its sweeping views offer every kind of landscape possible. From mountains, forests, and lakes to the otherworldly geysers, mud pots, and thermal pools. But with such a sweeping, massive landscape, it can be daunting to figure out how to get married and how much it actually costs to say “I do” in Yellowstone.
I’ve been documenting weddings in Yellowstone since 2020 and National Park elopements since 2018. Because I get asked this question more often than not, I put together this quick overview guide to help you truly see how much it costs to get married in Yellowstone.
Base Costs
Here is a summary of the base costs I see couples invest in for their Yellowstone elopement or wedding (please note these are just average costs and can change based on the date, season, and availability).
Lodging:
- Bar N’Ranch: $450-$650 per night. Every room has its own wood fireplace.
- Yellowstone Peaks: $350-$500 per night. Beautiful cabins.
- Diamond Cross Ranch: $350-$700 per night. Stunning working ranch experience.
- VRBO Lodge: Anywhere from $600-$1500 per night.
Vendors:
- Florals: The Wild Blume or Christina Rose Floral: $200-$600 for a Leave No Trace-safe bouquet.
- Paper Goods: Lumaca Paper: Starting at $6,000.
- Officiants: Typically $500 plus travel
- Caterer/Meals: If you want to eat within the park, such as at the Old Faithful Inn or the Yellowstone Lake Hotel, you will need to make reservations ASAP. Their prices typically start at $30/per plate. For caterers to your VRBO, there are a handful of local caterers, such as Food For Thought, who range from $30-$100 per plate.
- Custom dresses: Quiet Bridal or South of West.
Park Permits: If you are having your ceremony within Yellowstone or you have a group of 9 or more who will be photographed, you will need to apply for and obtain your Special Use Permit (more info on how to get that here). This is $250.
Photography: Depending on the time of year, who you book, and your specific wishes or needs, photography packages from Yellowstone-informed photographers can range anywhere from $6,800-$15,000. Book someone who knows the park and can help you navigate your SUP ceremony locations, timelines, park regulations, etc. This will be the biggest key to having an enjoyable and stunning experience. For more information on my Yellowstone packages, you can view them here.
Other Experiences: Yellowstone offers so many experiences, including horseback riding, ATV or boat tours, renting the iconic Yellowstone Bus, and more. These prices vary based on availability, time of year, and how many guests will be joining you. Typically range from $50-$400 per person.
You’ll want to plan on staying a minimum of 3 nights to ensure you can get your marriage certificate Monday-Friday. The clerk’s offices for both Montana and Wyoming are not open on weekends. You will want to double-check which county clerk’s office you need to visit for your marriage certificate and what their open dates and times are.
With all of this in mind, most couples end up spending anywhere from $15,000-$35,000 to get married in Yellowstone National Park. Of course, that is the estimate based on average costs in 2026 and can be lower or higher depending on how many guests you have, how many days you spend on your wedding experience, and the level of vendors you choose to invest in for your wedding day.
If you found this article helpful, please check out my other Yellowstone Planning Guides to help you design and plan your perfect Yellowstone wedding experience.
