Weddings can be complicated – couples are now choosing elopements for a more intimate, and unique experience with your people. Read ahead to learn how to get into nature and plan your Big Bend National Park Elopement.
How to Get there + Where to Stay + When
Located in southwest Texas, you’ll need to fly into Midland (4hrs) or El Paso (5hrs) if you can’t drive. Then rent a car and make your way south to Terlingua. Service is less than ideal out there, so definitely download the map to your phone before exploring! In terms of when to go, I recommend the late spring or late fall. The winter can produce gnarly snow storms and ice, and the summers are blistering hot.
Where should I have my ceremony?
These are some of my favorite spots around the park: the Chisos mountains, Santa Elena Canyon, Sotol Vista Overlook, Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, Window Trail, Rio Grande Nature Trail, Cattail Falls, and Langford Hot Springs. It is one of the longer hikes, but the Lost Mine Trail is truly breathtaking. The gallery in this blog are all from that one! It’s five miles, and a steep climb up the mountain – but one of the most beautiful views.
How do I make this legal?
Although witnesses are not required, a licensed officiant is! So choose someone special, or let me know if you’d like me to be your officiant. I can easily become ordained so you can have a special intimate moment just the two of you!
National Parks do require a special use permit, which can cost about $50 – no matter the size of your big day or elopement. It can take a few weeks for approval, so be sure to apply early if you wanted to legally get married in the Park.
Texas law requires a 72-hour waiting period from when you get a marriage license to the ceremony. After that, it’s valid for 90 days and must be submitted within 30 days of the day you say I Do to the same courthouse you first got it at!
Choosing Your Photographer + Vendors
Before I was a photographer, I was a bride, and I had to plan my entire day on my own from across the country as our venue. Now as a wedding and adventure elopement photographer, I love helping my couples plan all the details of their elopements. Together, we can easily design the perfect day; from locations, airbnbs, timelines, and vendors, I am here for you at this exciting time of your life! Besides just the planning details, I am here to be your forever hype girl (and hiking buddy). Check out my instagram and let’s start dreaming (@juliadavis.co)!
Are you ready to capture your big moments and book your Big Bend National Park Elopement? Inquire here!
