I acknowledge that the boundaries of the land that is now called Buffalo National River were once home to the Osage, Cherokee, and Shawnee, and countless other native groups. I recognize and show respect to the contemporary and vibrant cultures of the First Nations of all the Americas.
I do not think anyone could ever say “It’s just another river” about the Buffalo National River. Winding 135 miles straight through the heart of The Natural State, the Buffalo National River is lined by towering bluffs and surrounded by miles of forest and hiking trails. Although I have not yet been able to time my visits perfectly to see peak Fall foliage, I am hoping that this year will be the year to see Fall in full vibrancy at the Buffalo National River (and I am dying to photograph a Fall elopement there!).
About the Buffalo National River
History
Established as the United State’s first national river in 1972, the Buffalo National River has a long history; from being a Native American hunting ground to being the location of a zinc mine to a state park and Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) construction site to now being dotted with c58b7fsmall touristy towns and home to a herd of over 500 elk.
Amenities
Couples who choose to get married at the Buffalo National River do so because they desire a natural setting for their wedding. There are a few structures at different locations along the river, like bathrooms, a few pavilions, and even two amphitheaters with bench seating that could be utilized by any guests you choose to include on your wedding day. A typical wedding at the Buffalo, however, is a simple elopement or intimate wedding.
Why I Love Weddings at the Buffalo National River
The rugged beauty of the Buffalo National River itself and the surrounding mountains are the perfect backdrop for an elopement. With miles of hiking trails and several campsites, couples can choose between hiking to a scenic overlook or staying along the banks of the river close to the road and bathrooms – and both options offer stunning views!
How to Get Married at the Buffalo National River
As with any outdoor elopement, make sure you check permit requirements at the start of your planning process. Currently in Spring of 2024, a permit is required to get married at the Buffalo National River, and there is a $150 cost associated with this permit ($50 for the permit application + $100 for the permit itself).
When you are applying for the permit, be sure to disclose all of your plans for your wedding or elopement, including the date, group size, and desired location. The park requires different fees for different numbers of people who will be in your group, and there may be an additional fee to allow a professional photographer to photograph your wedding. You also must bring the approved permit with you on the day of your wedding in case any park rangers request to see it. There are several different locations that you are permitted to hold your ceremony, so when you reach out to the Commercial Services Office to inquire about your permit, be sure to include the date of your wedding since some of the locations are only open during certain seasons.
Since the Buffalo National River is protected and managed by the National Park Service, there are strict regulations that must be followed. Most decorations are not allowed, and anything that would alter or disturb the park, historical structures, or other visitors is also not allowed. If in doubt, I always recommend referring to and following the principles of Leave No Trace!
When to Book
If you are wanting a very specific location along the river and will be getting married during the peak tourist season, you will want to reach out to the park as soon as possible to ensure you are able to reserve your desired location. All permits take at least 15 days to be processed.
How to Contact
Current contact information for the park is listed on the National Park Service’s website, which you can access by clicking this link. Also found at that link is much more information about how to get married at the Buffalo National River and a list of rules and regulations that all visitors must abide by. I have found everyone I’ve been in contact with at the Commercial Services Office there to be so kind and helpful!
I hope you have enjoyed learning about one of my favorite places in Arkansas and why it would be perfect for your elopement! If you have any other questions about eloping at the Buffalo National River (or are interested in booking me to photograph your elopement there), feel free to post a comment and I will be sure to get the answer for you!
*All my blog posts contain a selection of images that I’ve taken. The images in this blog post were taken at Tyler Bend on the Buffalo National River (more photos from this day can be seen in this blog post). 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 access to all of my new (and old) wedding planning 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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