Great sand dunes national park elopement guide
A Photographer’s Guide
Planning a great sand dunes national park elopement?
When people think about eloping in Colorado, Great Sand Dunes National Park is typically not on their radar. But it SHOULD be!
I’ve been planning and photographing elopements and intimate weddings in this beautiful state since 2016 and I can tell you that the Sand Dunes are my FAVORITE of all of Colorado’s National Parks for an awesome and truly unique elopement.
Here’s how to plan your Great Sand Dunes National Park elopement!
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what makes great sand dunes national park the best national park for your colorado elopement?
A truly Unique Elopement Experience
When people think about Colorado’s National Parks, Rocky Mountain is the first that comes to everyone’s mind. What does this mean? It can be crowded. Like, really, really crowded.
The Sand Dunes on the other hand are a hidden gem that sees far fewer visitors and has an equally stunning landscape. Being out in the Dunes feels like being on the moon (while only being a 4 hour drive from Denver!).
Compared to other National Parks in Colorado, getting married in the Sand Dunes is also relatively easy – we’ll talk about that later!
As an elopement photographer who has worked in tons of national parks, I can tell you that Olympic National Park is generally one of the easier ones to get married in so don’t let the fear of the permit process scare you away!
best time of year to elope at great sand dunes national park
The Sand Dunes are beautiful year round so how do you choose when to get married there?!
summer elopements at great sand dunes national park
Summer is a beautiful time of year at the Dunes. If you are bringing your dog to your elopement (yes, GSDNP is dog friendly!), keep in mind that the sand can get warm and hurt their feet. You may want to plan your elopement for sunrise (for a lot of reasons which we’ll get to later!)
Fall elopements at great sand dunes national park
Fall is absolutely beautiful everyhwere in Colorado and GSDNP is no exception! In the fall the temperatures are mild and the tourists have mostly gone home. It’s perfect.
winter elopements at great sand dunes national park
Winter in the Dunes can be quite chilly but it can be worth it to see this area blanketed in snow (and with very few other people!). When the rest of the mountains are socked in with snow and epic spots can be hard to access, the Dunes are a great option.
Spring elopements at great sand dunes national park
Spring in Colorado is a little different than it is in a lot of other places and the Dunes are no exception. Spring around here tends to be snowy (at least through April) and windy. In the spring Medano Creek (which cuts across the front of the Dune field) begins to run turning the area into a big beach!
How to elope in great sand dunes national park
1. Hire your Great sand dunes National park elopement photographer and Planner
Your photographer will help you with all the rest of this stuff so it’s always best to bring them on early! (psst … if you’re looking for a photographer, I’d love to chat!)
2. Apply for your permit
Make sure you do this as soon as you have you know your date so you make sure you don’t miss your chance!
3. bOOK LODGING AND ANY OTHER VENDORS
Once you have your date nailed down, it’s time to book everything else! If you want someone to do your hair and makeup, flowers, a catered meal, etc., now is the time to book them! Your photographer will help you by making suggestions of awesome, elopement-friendly local vendors
4. do the thing! Celebrate your love in one of the coolest places in colorado
Make sure you slow down and enjoy every minute of it!
Are dogs allowed at Great Sand Dunes National Park?
Great Sand Dunes National Park is dog-friendly!
Surprise! Unlike most National Parks, Great Sand Dunes National Park is open to your pooch! Leashed dogs are welcome throughout the park which is awesome if you want to elope with your dog in GSDNP!
Please be sure to pick up after your pups and remember that the hot sand in the afternoons can be hard on their paws!
great sand dunes national park wedding permits
A permit is required to elope at Great Sand Dunes National Park (yes, even if it’s just the two of you). The good news is that, compared to some other parks, getting one is fairly easy. The permit costs $200 and covers a two hour window for your ceremony. You can apply for a permit beginning January 1st of the year that you wish to get married. Because the park limits permits to two per day, it’s best to do this as soon as possible!
Looking for a great sand dunes national park elopement photographer?
I’d love to chat!
I’m Jen Dz, a Colorado-based elopement photographer and planner (and dog lover, IPA-drinker, part-time van-lifer, and so much more)!
I’ve been planning and photographing adventure elopements full time since 2016 and Great Sand Dunes National Park is one of my favorite spots in Colorado!
I’d love to help you have the best day of your life in one of my favorite places!