Wedding Locations in Big Bend National Park

Sunset wedding at Sotol Vista

A. Beasley

 

Big Bend National Park's inspiring views, quiet and natural settings are ideally suited for small, simple, and quiet wedding ceremonies.

Please Note: Big Bend National Park does NOT allow many things used for traditional weddings, such as chairs, tables, live flowers, amplified sound, balloons, etc. at any location.

Below you will find descriptions of approved wedding locations within Big Bend National Park.

 

Santa Elena Canyon

A. Beasley

Santa Elena Canyon

Location:

At the far western end of the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, 8 miles west of Castolon.

Capacity:

30 people.

Amenities:

Paved parking area, 2 vault toilets, easy foot access to the site, great backdrop.

Need to Know:

The magnificent 1,500' high canyon walls rise above the paved parking area. It is an easy walk of 100 yards to the banks of the Rio and views upstream into the canyon.

The wedding location is downstream of the canyon mouth, along the sandy banks of the Rio Grande. The canyon walls and cliffs in Mexico offer an amazing backdrop for any wedding ceremony. Sunrise and early morning is best for light and cooler temperatures.

 

Sunset light at Sotol Vista

A. Beasley

Sotol Vista

Location:

Mile 8 along the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive. Accessed from a paved loop road.

Capacity:

15 people

Amenities:

Paved parking area, vault toilet, great views, handicapped accessible sidewalk.

Need to Know:

From Sotol Vista scenic viewpoint, the rugged western side of the park sprawls below you. Views extend well into Mexico. It is spectacular at any time of the day, but is particularly nice at sunrise or sunset.

 

Grass and some shade at Daniels Ranch picnic area.

NPS

Daniels Ranch Picnic Area

Location:

Located at the western end of Rio Grande Village. Accessed via paved road past the RV Camping area.

Capacity

30 people

Amenities:

A shady grove of cottonwood trees offers an attractive area for a wedding ceremony. Picnic tables, small bbq grills, paved parking, and a vault toilet are nearby.

Need to Know:

This location is at the western end of the Rio Grande Village area. It has easy access, grass, and shade. The historic adobe farmhouse is adjacent to the site and offers a nice backdrop for photos. To keep the area green, this area gets flood irrigated occasionally.

 

Window View Trail

B. Nicole

Window View Trail

Location:

Chisos Basin Trailhead.

Capacity:

5 people

Amenities:

1/3 mile accessible paved pathway with small viewing plaza. Near lodge, restaurant, and Basin Store. Great views all around, especially at Sunset. At elevation 5,400', this area enjoys somewhat cooler temperatures than the lower, desert areas of the park.

Need to Know:

This is an iconic location within Big Bend. It is also popular with other visitors, who may be walking along the trail. During busy times, parking access is very limited for the entire Chisos Basin.

 

Chisos Mountains Lodge is a full-service facility located in the heart of Big Bend National Park.

NPS

Chisos Mountains Lodge

Location:

Chisos Basin developed area, in the center of Big Bend National Park.

Capacity:

Varies. Contact the Lodge for event planning.

Amenities:

Full service restaurant, bar, patio, lodge rooms, historic cottages, store.

Need to Know:

The Chisos Mountains Lodge is operated by the park's concessioner, Aramark. It is the only full service lodging/dining facility within Big Bend National Park. It is located in the heart of the scenic Chisos Basin and offers convenience and scenic views in all directions. Contact the Lodge directly to make arrangements. Note: Construction of a new facility will begin in late Spring 2025.

 

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Locations Outside the Park

There are many locations and facilities outside of Big Bend National Park that are super for West Texas weddings and receptions. These include:

• Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute (CDRI)
• Gage Hotel & Gardens
• Post Park, Marathon
• Lajitas Resort
• Terlingua Ranch Lodge

 

Wedding at Sotol Vista

A. Beasley