5 Reasons Why You Should Get Married in a National Park

It's no secret, traditional weddings can be time consuming, expensive, and stressful. The best decision we ever made was to skip the chapel and take our big day to the Rocky Mountain National Park. From the gorgeous scenery to the low cost, getting married in a national park is one decision that you won't regret. Whether you're having a small intimate wedding or a bigger crowd there are plenty of options for your big day.

1. Save big on money

From the venue to the invites the cost of a wedding adds up quickly! Did you know the average cost is over $26,000? We got married in the Rocky Mountain National Park and would you believe it if I told you we only spent around $1000? Yes, that included everything; cake, photographer, officiate, park entrance fee, etc. With saving so much money we were able to spoil ourselves for the honeymoon. Instead of starting a marriage in debt, we started with lots of new memories from the honeymoon and extra cash for buying a house.

2. Stress less

Money causes stress for everyone, especially when a wedding is involved. Without the stress of money weighing you down you can more or less kick back and relax during your nuptials. 

You also don't have to worry about big things like working out a budget, compiling a guest list, picking your wedding party and so on. As well as getting chair décor for the aisle, a unity candle or sand, a flower girl basket, guest book, cake topper, and all that good stuff.

3. More time with guests

Yes, you actually get to celebrate one of the biggest days of your life with the most important people in your life. Of all the weddings I've attended I've spent hardly any time at all with the bride and groom. I just traveled a couple of states over to attend my cousin's wedding and I spoke to her all of 5 minutes and didn't get to speak to the groom at all. Without inviting everyone and their aunts you can actually talk to the loved ones that attend. Added bonus- you also get to spend more time with your spouse on your big day.

4. People will remember your wedding 

This isn't another cookie cutter wedding. Getting married in a national park is something that stands out and everyone will remember. If you think about traditional weddings, they're all pretty much the same. They're great, but we've all sat through that before. Plus it's such a wonderful way to represent you as a couple!

5. It's easier to be eco-friendly

There is an incredible amount of waste to put on a wedding. With less guests at your wedding you'll have less waste of everything else; invites, food, favors, decorations. There will also be less 'Thank You' cards to write (you're welcome).