Get Married at White Sands National Park
Plan a White Sands Wedding or Elopement
Everything You Need to Know to Get Married in this National Park
White Sands is a gorgeous place to visit, especially if you’ve never been to sand dunes before! These dunes are unique because of their color (as the name implies) but also because of the incredible wildlife that calls the park home, the hauntingly colorful sunsets that the park is known for, and the otherworldly images that come from photographing there. If you want to know how to snag a permit, what you should do to plan for a White Sands elopement, and to see more photos of New Mexico elopements - I go over all that below!
↓ Keep reading for detailed suggestions to help you plan your White Sands elopement! ↓
How to Get Married at White Sands
White Sands National Park is one of the easiest national parks to elope in - I’ll go over more about that below. First, you need to know more about this incredible place!
White Sands is located in southern New Mexico - between the cites of La Cruces and Alamogordo. To the west is the San Andres National Wildlife Refuge and to the east is Lincoln National Forest. The park itself is actually located within the bounds of the Holloman Air Force Base. As a result, it’s uniquely not open 24/7, as many other national parks are for camping. Instead, White Sands has set hours, and sometimes even closes on short notice due activity on the air force base.
If you plan to get married within the park, there is a chance you’ll need a permit. In fact, to stay and watch the sunset some days of the year, you’ll need to get a permit for that too. The permitting system is very straight-forward, but if you’re used to the 24/7 access of other national parks, you’ll be surprised to see the gate locked from early evening until 7 AM—check here for seasonal hours.
Reasons You Should Have a White Sands Wedding
1. You can bring your dog
White Sands is hands down THE most dog friendly national park! The 5-mile trail that takes you through the iconic dunes allows dogs on-leash. The only major concern (admittedly a serious concern) is that you back enough water and avoid taking furry friends on a hot day. The dunes in the summer can reach temperatures above 100F degrees, which can be deadly to humans and dogs alike!
2. The environment is less fragile
The dunes are wildly gorgeous, but due to the nature of the environment there are significantly fewer restrictions within the park. There is no ‘off trail’ when you’re hiking through the sand, you just should do your best to stick to the markers to avoid the sparse vegetation & getting lost. Any footprints you leave will be swept away by the next strong wind. Do your best to follow Leave No Trace guidelines, but other than littering (pack out your trash), you’d have to go out of your way to do harm.
3. There are few places so iconically beautiful
There are few places you see a photo of and think, “I know exactly where that is!” - White Sands is one of those place. The iconic dunes are mesmerizing to view, and recognizable to anyone who has witnessed them. This isn’t some forest that can be mistaken for another, or a mountain peak that could be in the Rockies or the Alps, this is the largest white gypsum sand field in the world!
4. You can elope anywhere in the park
There is only one designated wedding ceremony location, but the park allows ceremonies anywhere accessible to the public, as long as you’re following the rules. Of course, the level of privacy will depend significantly on the time of day, time of year, and how far out into the dunes you want to hike. But, you’re not restricted to a specific area and that means we can turn this into whatever level of adventure you want!
Take Note: Missile Tests
Missile tests are scheduled anytime from one month to one day in advance and are subject to change, cancellation, or extension at any time. Call the park two weeks prior to your wedding, as well as both the day before & the day of your wedding to ensure there are no missile-test closures planned during your wedding.
Steps to Get Married in White Sands National Park
Pick A Date
To start planning, first pick a date! I need a specific date so I can book you and reserve that date on my calendar, but you’ll also need a date for applying for your permit! No need to have all the rest figured out yet, but start with a date. If you would like a suggestion about the best time of year to elope at White Sands - just ask!
Pick A Ceremony Location
There’s only one area within the park that is semi-private and allows wedding requests. However, you can elope or have a wedding within other areas of the park (as long as they are not off limits) but you’re reminded that these other areas are open to the public and therefore you’re not guaranteed any semblance of privacy.
Secure Your Permits & Reservations
To secure your permits, and learn more about the permitting process click HERE. You can apply for a wedding permit up to 6 months in advance, and no later than 30 days before your date. There are plenty of amazing rentals in this area as well, so take the chance to find a gorgeous place to stay the night of your wedding!
Have Your Dream Wedding!
You’ve done the leg work, properly prepared, settled all the details - now all that’s left to do is get hitched! Your wedding is going to be gorgeous in such a beautiful place - I can’t wait to celebrate with you!
White Sands is the largest field of gypsum sand crystals on earth
Over 4 billions tons of gypsum sand crystals formed White Sands about 10,000 years ago. The tallest dunes in the park are about 60 feet high, whereas the average depth is around 30 feet. The dunes were created when selenite crystals eroded into gypsum grains and were carried by the winds to form collections that began the dunes you see today. There’s a very long history to the area for indigenous peoples who lived in the area for thousands of years. There is fossilized evidence of ancient humans hunting giant ground sloths in this region, as well as evidence of pottery remains and even early wild plant tending. Now, the park is completely surrounded by the White Sands Missile Range, which affects the open hours and accessibility of these amazing features!
White Sands encompasses 145,762 acres, which protects 115 square miles of the 275 square mile dune field. The park was actually a national monument from 1933 to 2019, when it became a national park. The Dunes Drive leads 8 miles into the dunes past the visitors center, and you can stop at multiple places along the way to explore the gypsum field.
Tens of thousands of years ago, the dune fields were large bodies of water. Fossilized footprints of saber-tooth cats, mammoths, and other ancient extinct creatures have all been found around what are now dried lake beds. How amazing would it be to say you eloped in the same place that giant sloths, mammoths, and saber-tooth cats once roamed?!
Permits
How to Get One & Why You Need It
You can learn everything you need to know about getting a wedding permit for White Sands HERE. But, I’ll also break down the process below.
When: Apply for a permit 30 days to 6 months before your wedding date.
How: Submit THIS FORM with information about guest count & any other details you have about your event (decor, vehicles, ceremony location, etc.) You’ll also want to sign & submit THIS FORM, which states you’ll follow the rules within the park. Send both forms and a $25 check made out to “National Park Service” to:
Special Park Uses
White Sands National Park
PO Box 1086
Holloman AFB, NM 88330
Cost: The special use permit for a White Sands elopement is $25, plus any additional fees if you want to reserve the “Group Use Area” for a ceremony.
Why: The permitting process for an elopement at White Sands is actually SO MUCH easier than other national parks! Because of the nature of the environment at White Sands, there is much less concern about weddings damaging the environment. Of course, there are still some restrictions but you pretty much can choose from any place within the park to elope. If it’s open to the public, you can elope there. The fees for the permit go directly to maintaining the cleanliness of the park & protect of the park’s natural resources. For perspective, a similar permit at Yosemite National Park would cost you about $150, and you’d have to choose from very strict wedding venues - so $25 to elope anywhere in the dunes really isn’t so bad at all.
What does it cost to elope in White Sands?
Like everything else, it depends - the minimum you’ll pay is $25, plus a $35 park entrance fee if you don’t own an America the Beautiful pass (which is $80/year and gets you into all US national parks).
But, you can also opt to reserve the “Group Use Area” for an additional $25. Another cool thing about White Sands is that guests don’t have to pay the $35 entrance fee if they are coming just for your wedding! If they’re coming to recreate, they have to pay to enter. But, I don’t know of any other national park that will let wedding guests enter for free.
Of course, every other detail of your day is totally subjective when it comes to price. You’ll be paying for attire, travel, a bouquet or decor, and food/drinks. The average elopement costs couples between $5,000-$15,000, which is MUCH cheaper than a traditional wedding.
Long story short: your White Sands elopement can cost as little as $25, or as much as $85 just to enter the park, but as much or as little as you want for everything else!
A Few National Park Wedding Restrictions:
No alcohol between February 1 & May 31.
No open fires in the park.
No living plants, live flowers, or plant material.
No non-domesticated animals.
No balloons.
No throwing rice, birdseed, confetti, flower petals.
No glass bottles, glassware wine bottles, beer bottles, etc.
No white plastic plates, cups, etc.
White Sands Allowances:
Silk, dried, or fake flowers.
Candles, torches & candelabra, but you must pick up all wax and dispose of it outside the park. (Bring a fire extinguisher!)
Tarps, tends, awnings, canopies, arches, lattice & columns as long as they are properly attached to the ground using ropes or stakes.
Colored plastic or paper dishware (not white).
Chairs, tables, carpets & runners that do not harm vegetation.
Motor homes & trailers can be used for getting ready.
Horses & carriages are okay as long as you follow the park's rules and regulations regarding the use of these. Horses must be brought in by trailer, and you must get a horse and other pack animals permit at the fee station. Carriages will only be allowed in designated areas, and they must be brought in by trailer.
Looking for some inspiration from past sessions at White Sands?
Check these out!
White Sands Weddings Venues
The “Group Use Area” is the only place within White Sands where you can request the space. Reservations are $25 and on a first come, first served basis. It’s the only area that is semi-private to those who have reserved it, but it’s not the only place to get married within the park!
If you’d like to camp in the park with wedding guests, it might be a good idea to snag a reservation for this spot. Groups of 12+ (for an extra fee) can reserve this site for overnight tent camping. However, it is very primitive camping and there is no water, so you’ll have to be sure you and your guests pack in everything they need.
To reserve the “Group Use Area,” you’ll need to send in this form no later than 14 days before your wedding, or up to 6 months in advance. Include the non-refundable $25 fee. You can turn in the fee + form via appointment, or mail both to:
Special Park Uses
White Sands National Park
PO Box 1086
Holloman AFB, NM 88330
White Sands Elopement Locations
Alkali Flat Trail - This 5 mile trail takes you though White Sands backcountry and you’ll witness some of the most beautiful pure white dunes, This is one of my favorite areas of the park, but don’t forget how much harder it is to hike in sand than on dirt! Those 5 miles feel a lot longer - be sure to pack a ton of water but the views will be more than worth the effort. The trail is marked by red stakes, but you’ll want to be careful not to lose your way as you get farther out to the Alkali Flat - a desolate dry lake bed. Pets are allowed on this trail on leash!
Heart of the Sands - This picnic area is the gateway to the Alkali Flat Trail. The views from here are stunning, without the strenuous effort of hiking 5 miles through the dunes. This picnic area is not shaded, and there are likely going to be more visitors than you’ll witness if you do take the hike.
Dune Life Nature Trail - This 1 mile trail takes you trough the part of the dunes with the most life! The green grasses growing through the white gypsum give shelter to the desert creatures who live here. You won’t get the wide expansive views that White Sands is known for, but the trail itself is much easier to hike - it is marked by blue stakes but you’ll also likely be following the footsteps of other visitors.
Interdune Boardwalk - This raised boardwalk takes you through the fragile interdune region, where you can view the intersection of life between the grassy outer dunes and the desolate white waves of sand. The boardwalk is an out-and-back short hike to an overlook.
Ready to Plan Your White Sands Elopement? Reach out!
Now that you have a good idea how to elope in White Sands, it’s time to start planning! We’d love to help you figure out details, choose your perfect location, and explore the dunes with you - check out our current travel schedule to see when we’ll be in the area, or get on the calendar so we can put White Sands on our schedule!
