Recommended Vendor Profile: Arkansas State Parks

Weddings in Arkansas State Parks

One of my favorite things about living in Arkansas has been discovering its incredible collection of state parks. As soon as my husband and I moved back here after being away for a year and a half while I was working as a travel nurse (and after I became an elopement photographer), I immediately started learning everything I could about elopements in Arkansas state parks – everything from permits and fees to the best locations and most stunning views. If you’ve seen my recommended vendors list, then you know that “Arkansas State Parks” is listed as one of my recommended venues, and I wanted to provide this guide for my couples (and for everyone else!) who are interested in eloping in some of the most amazing outdoor locations in our state. 

History

In 1923, Petit Jean State Park was the first of 52 Arkansas state parks to be created (read more about the history of Arkansas state parks here). Although I couldn’t find any information on the history of weddings in Arkansas’s state parks, I can only imagine that weddings have taken place in the parks for as long as they’ve been around. 

Amenities

Most of the Arkansas state parks have lodges and cabins available to rent if needed for your elopement, and many of the facilities were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. If you’re looking for a unique stay for your wedding or elopement, check these out! 

Why I Love Weddings in Arkansas State Parks

The adventure and the beauty found in Arkansas’s state parks are perfect for any elopement. Whether you are planning to elope during a multi-day backpacking trip, a sunrise hike, beside a waterfall, on a boat, or in a mountain lodge, you can find your perfect elopement location in one of Arkansas’s state parks! 

How to Get Married at an Arkansas State Park

As with any outdoor elopement, make sure you check permit requirements at the start of your planning process. Currently in the summer of 2023, many of Arkansas’s state parks do not require a permit to get married there, but you’ll need to reach out to each individual park for permit requirements as they are subject to change. 

When to Book

If you’re just wanting to have your ceremony inside one of the parks, most parks do not require a reservation at this time (again, please reach out to each individual park for any permitting or reservation). If you’d like to stay at one of the cabins or lodges, you can make a reservation one year in advance. 

How to Contact

I have found that the best way to reach an individual park is to email or call them directly. All of the park rangers I’ve spoken with have been so kind and helpful! To find contact information for each individual park, browse the list below which is sorted by region, click on any of the parks’ links, and you will be directed to that park’s website: 

*All my blog posts contain a selection of images that I’ve taken. The images from this blog post were taken inside Petit Jean State Park in Morrillton, Arkansas. If you are interested in booking a wedding or session with me, I am more than happy to send you a full gallery upon request!

I’m a wife, a dog mom, a foodie, a wanderer, a registered nurse, and a couples/intimate wedding/elopement photographer … and this blog will cover it all! If you enjoyed this post, first of all thank you, and second of all please follow me on Instagram + Facebook and sign up for my monthly newsletter to get exclusive wedding planning advice and all my new (and old) freebies! If you have any questions about elopement photography, my journey from nursing to photography, or my time spent as a full-time RVer, drop a comment and I just might write a blog post answering your question (but I definitely will)!

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