Wedding Ceremonies Permit Information

Getting Married in Crater Lake National Park

Thank you for considering Crater Lake National Park for your upcoming wedding. Crater Lake is a beautiful and memorable place to get married. Please review the following information carefully about what is required to get married in this unique and beautiful place.

 

Guidelines
Crater Lake National Park does not have any indoor facilities available for this purpose. There are, however, beautiful outdoor settings to suit nearly every taste. This map provides a list of possible locations in the vicnity of the lake. You will need to spend some time considering what you want in a setting and finding a location that suits you and the event. Staff will consider your location request in light of any impact on the park or its visitors. You may want to have an alternate location in mind, in case the first choice proves to be unworkable. While we can suggest locations, the choice is unique to your situation. You are the best judge of what works for you. Another factor to consider for site selection is the age and physical capabilities of those attending the event. The distance from cars to the site, as well as trail conditions such as steepness and surface condition can be important factors to some individuals. Steep drop offs may add an element of stress if there are children in the group.

Weather
Weather is often unpredictable at Crater Lake National Park. It is important to have a backup plan in place in case of inclement weather. Winter dominates the park. Snowstorms usually last from October until the end of April, but it has been known to snow every month of the year. Crater Lake averages 42 feet of snow per winter, leaving 10 feet of snow on the ground into May. While we do our best to open the West and East Rim Drives by July 4, sometimes deep snow can delay the road opening date. Consider how many vehicles will be needed for your guests and where they will park for the event. Bear in mind that all vehicles are subject to the normal entry fees as they enter the park. For your guests comfort, consider where the nearest restroom facilities are. You may also want such facilities for changing clothing.

Some Things to Consider

• Amplified music, including "boom box" type portable stereos, is not permitted. Acoustic music may be permitted as long as it does not disturb other visitors.
• No throwing of seeds, rice or flowers is allowed, nor can balloons or butterflies be released.
• Electricity is not available and generators are prohibited. This is a consideration in the time of day for the planned event. If you are also planning a reception here, the lack of electricity should be considered with respect to keeping foods hot and cold.
• Water is not available at most sites.
• Picnic areas have traditional tables with attached benches that may be available for use. If you need chairs for either the ceremony or the reception, you will need to arrange for their delivery, set up and removal.
• Trash removal is also a consideration.

This is not intended to be a complete list of considerations, but simply a list of frequently asked questions to aid you. We look forward to working with you as you plan this event!

Application Process:
If you would like to have your request considered, complete the application form (which you can download from our permits page) and return it with a non-refundable $50.00 application fee to:

Crater Lake National Park
Attn: Special Park Uses
PO Box 7
Crater Lake, OR 97604

Please indicate on your application your first and second choices for dates and locations. All sites are reserved on a first come, first served basis. Crater Lake Hospitality operates Crater Lake Lodge and can be contacted at 866-292-6720 for lodging reservations.
Wedding ceremonies are not permitted within the Lodge or the attached exterior verandas. It may also be helpful to review the Crater Lake Hospitality website at www.travelcraterlake.com.

Allow plenty of time between application for a permit and the date on which you wish to hold the event. A minimum of eight (8) weeks is generally suggested. Application for a permit does not insure approval of a request. All requests will be carefully considered. If found to be legal and appropriate, the superintendent may grant the request by issuing a permit. At that time, a non-refundable $50.00 administrative fee and any applicable monitoring fees will be required.