How to Elope in Writing on Stone Provincial Park

If you’re looking for a truly unique and unforgettable elopement experience, Writing on Stone Provincial Park is just the place. This stunning natural wonder is home to the largest concentration of rock art on the Great Plains, with over 50 sites featuring petroglyphs and pictographs created by the Niitsitapi people over the past 3,000 years. Imagine exchanging vows against the backdrop of these ancient, awe-inspiring rock formations and dramatic sandstone cliffs surrounded by the rugged beauty of the badlands.

So, if you’re looking for tips on how to elope in Writing on Stone Provincial Park, don’t worry! As an Alberta elopement photographer and right-hand gal, I’ve put together a guide that will help you with the planning process!

Best Season to Elope in Writing on Stone Provincial Park

Each season brings a completely different vibe and weather to the Writing on Stone Provincial Park, so you have to decide what you’d like your elopement day to look like.

Spring

Spring is still a bit cool, but by late spring, temperatures can reach up to 20°C (68°F). This is a great time to be surrounded by blooming wildflowers and to see nature come to life. This is a good time if you’d like to experience more privacy, as it’s not too crowded yet. 

Summer

Summer is a great season for your elopement in the Park. Warm temperatures between 20°C and 30°C (68°F to 86°F) and a dry climate with low humidity make for the perfect weather for outdoor adventures. Just don’t forget your SPF!! The hoodoos and sandstone formations look gorgeous in the summer, complemented by clear skies and lush greenery. 

However, it’s also peak tourist season, so it will be more crowded. If you’re planning on camping, you should plan ahead to get the permits and book your camps early!

Fall

Fall in the park is very nice, as the temperatures are gradually cooling. In September, it is still around 20°C (68°F), but by November, it will be dropping significantly to around 5°C (41°F). The air is crisp, and the local foliage changes to beautiful fall colors. The park is quieter and has fewer visitors, which is nice for a more private elopement experience. The evenings are likely to be chilly, and November can bring early snowfall, too, so it’s important to come prepared with layers!

Winter

Winter in the park is cold, with temperatures between -10°C and 5°C (14°F to 41°F) and occasional snowfall. The wind can make it feel even chillier. Despite the cold, the park transforms into a beautiful wonderland with snow-dusted hoodoos and a partially frozen Milk River.

NOTE: The visitors center, which provides useful info, bathrooms, and Wi-Fi, only operates seasonally from mid-May through mid-October. However, you can still make an appointment during the off-season Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. So, if you want to elope in the off-season, you’ll need to remember to plan ahead of time!

Writing on Stone Provincial Park Elopement Permits

To elope at Writing on Stone Provincial Park, you’ll need to obtain a Special Event Permit from Alberta Parks. This permit ensures that your elopement doesn’t interfere with other visitors and helps protect the park’s natural and cultural resources.

Applications are accepted up to one year in advance, and I recommend you try to apply as soon as possible because they can take a while to process. Even then, submission doesn’t guarantee permit approval, so you have to be ready to pivot.

Getting your permit for an elopement here shouldn’t be a problem since this is one of the more hidden gem locations, but you should still be prepared.

You can learn more about the permit process here and the applicable fees here! As your elopement photographer, I am happy to help with researching and getting any and all permits you need for your big day!

Making Your Elopement Legal

First of all, to get married in Writing on Stone Provincial Park in Alberta, you’ll need to apply for a marriage license. To get your license, you’ll need to apply together at a registry agent office and pay the required $40 government fee. Check out this official government article for the specifics on how to actually apply for your license!

Once you have your license, you’ll need to find someone who can legally officiate your ceremony and have two witnesses to make it official! As your photographer, I’m happy to be one of them! You can also absolutely have your closest loved ones with you during your ceremony, with a couple of them serving as witnesses!

Writing on Stone Elopement Activities

Many eloping couples choose to include fun and meaningful activities and go adventuring to celebrate their love on their big day. Here are some ideas!

• Hike the Hoodoos Trail, which takes you past some of the park’s most impressive rock formations.
• Go birdwatching and try to spot some of the 160 species that call the park home.
• Go camping! If you elope here, camping might be the best option to enjoy a full day in the park.
• Go hiking through one of the trails, and maybe even join a guided tour if you’re into it!
• Enjoy some beach time at the coast of Milk River.
• Go canoeing or kayaking in the Milk River.

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