How to Elope in Lassen Volcanic National Park
Did you know California is the state with the most national parks in the lower 48? That’s right! The Golden State has 9 national parks, ranging from popular favorites like Yosemite or Joshua Tree, to the lesser-known parks like Pinnacles or Channel Islands.
Lassen Volcanic National Park falls into the category of underappreciated California national parks.
If you haven’t been to Lassen before, the landscape is a combination of natural environments. You can find epic mountain views, alpine lakes and forests—but it’s also known for volcanic features and geological activity. Yes, you can find old volcanos, lava fields, bubbling mud pits, and steamy hot springs. All this makes Lassen a perfect spot for eloping couples who want all the majesty of mountain locations without the crowds that places like Tahoe and Mammoth are known for.
Exciting stuff, right? So, why is it one of the less visited parks? Well, the park is remote. And the two nearby towns are very small and offer limited amenities. You’re not going to find grocery stores, nightlife, or too many wedding vendors. But that also means you’ll see way fewer people.
So, if you’re looking for a private elopement in a gorgeous national park, Lassen Volcanic National Park might be the perfect wedding location for you! This guide include everything you need to know about getting married in Lassen NP.
Wedding Permits for Lassen Volcanic National Park
Special-used permits are almost always required for weddings in national parks. Don’t sweat it, it’s pretty simple stuff:
Visit the Lassen Volcanic Nationa Park website
Fill out the application
And pay the $75 fee via phone.
If you run into any issues or questions, reach out to your wedding or elopement photographer to help you.
Note that you and your wedding guests will need to pay an entrance fee for each car. This is typically between $10 to $30—although, if you visit any national parks multiple times in one year, you might be interested in an $80 annual pass instead. This is a really good deal because the annual pass pays for itself after just 4 visits!
If you choose to get married in a national park, you need to respect the rules. For example, the parks forbids signs, banners, ribbons, balloons, rice-throwing, confetti, sound amplification, and any other form of decoration. This is meant to keep the park clean, healthy, and accessible to other visitors.
Have other questions about the park, what you can bring, or anything else? Feel free to ask the Lassen park staff or reach out to your adventure wedding photographer.
Marriage License and Legal Weddings
Weddings are more than romantic ceremonies. They are legal ceremonies as well. So, you’ll need to acquire and complete the relevant paperwork for a legal wedding ceremony. Here’s what you need to know:
If you’re a Californian, you can pick up your wedding certificate from any county-clerk’s office.
If you’re coming from out of state, you’ll need to get your marriage certificate from the Lassen County Clerk’s office in Susanville.
The application process is fairly simple:
You should make an appointment to visit the county-clerk’s office.
You’ll both need to show up in person, with your IDs, and pay a fee.
You’ll bring the paperwork to the ceremony for your wedding officiant and witness(es) to sign.
You or your officiant will return the completed paperwork to make the marriage official!
Fun fact for two-person elopements: We have an officiant on staff, which frees me up to be a witness if it’s just the two of you.
Want to skip the legal stuff? Consider a commitment ceremony.
Where to Get Married in Lassen Volcanic National Park
Unlike other national parks, Lassen does not have a list of approved ceremony sites. This gives you some flexibility as to where you can host the actual wedding ceremony.
Do you want mountain views and lakes? Forests and open meadows? Ancient volcanoes or geological areas?
Check out all these options:
Mountain Views
Lassen Peak: A harder hike up Lassen’s classic peak.
Geological Activity
Bumpass Hell: A geologically active area with hot springs, mud pots, and more. This is a very popular area, so expect crowds.
Diamond Valley Cinder Cone: This park is known for the dormant cinder cones you can find here. A very popular spot, so expect crowds.
Lakes
Manzanita Lake: One of the more popular parts of the park. More people, but great views of Lassen Peak.
Lake Helen: A vibrant blue lake with views of Lassen Peak.
Summit Lake: One of the more popular lakes in the park. More people, but great views of Lassen Peak.
Ridge Lakes: A moderate hike to beautiful lakes with far fewer people than other spots in the park.
There are tons of other spots in the park. If these don’t catch your eye, hit me up, and we can discuss location options for your perfect wedding ceremony!
Please note that there is about an hour drive from the north to the south entrance. The road is steep and winding in some sections, so be prepared if you are sensitive to car sickness or high elevations.
Bonus Wedding Spots Outside of Lassen NP
Want similar views and vibes but don’t want to go all the way to Lassen? Here are some similar options near and far.
McArthur-Burney Falls State Park: Just under an hour from the north entrance of the park is an epic waterfall.
Crater Lake National Park: A huge, vibrant, blue lake in a crater in Oregon. Craters and volcanoes, they’re similar, right?
Lake Tahoe: Another vibrantly blue lake. Lake Tahoe is much larger and surrounded by forests and other lakes to visit.
Redwood National and State Parks: Get married in the California redwoods. Just 4.5 hours from Lassen.
Mount Shasta: An iconic mountain that’s similar to Lassen Peak, just with more prominence in the skyline. There’s also a cute town with amenities.
Mammoth Lakes: This area has lakes, forests, mountains, and hot springs. Definitely similar to Lassen, just with more amenities but also more crowds.
Yellowstone National Park: No, this isn’t in California. But this park has major Yellowstone vibes, given all the geological activity. So if you want the Lassen vibe without traveling to California, this is another option.
None of these fit your vibe? Reach out, and we can discuss your location needs!
Venues Near Lassen Volcanic National Park
National parks aren’t always private, and sometimes have restrictions on the number of cars and people you can bring. If this doesn’t work for you, consider having a more traditional wedding ceremony at a venue nearby, then heading into the park for portraits, vows, or another activity.
Check out these nearby wedding venues:
Lassen Meadows Ranch: You can get married here, but you can also stay! Rent the place out for the whole weekend for you and your guests. You have access to three lawns, a barn, the kitchen pavilion, a large camping area, two cabins, and a bathhouse. Pets are allowed with some restrictions. This spot is a one-hour drive from the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor’s Center at the south end and 2 hours from Manzanita Lake at the north end.
Gordon's Rim Rock Ranch: Rent a cabin for you and your guests! Pets are allowed with some restrictions. There are games, fishing, and more. This spot is a one-hour drive from the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor’s Center at the south end and 15 minutes from Manzanita Lake at the north end.
Highlands Ranch Resort: Stay and get married here! You can rent cottages, use the meadow and other areas for ceremonies, use the large dining deck, use a private conference room, rent tables and chairs, and more. Pets are not allowed. This spot is a 15-minute drive from the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor’s Center at the south end and 1 hour from Manzanita Lake at the north end.
A note on rentals: Sometimes Airbnbs or Vrbos will allow you to have events or weddings on their property. This is a great option for smaller wedding parties. Always ask the host before booking. See more in the lodging section.
Can You Bring Dog to Your Lassen Volcanic National Park Wedding?
The short answer is: Not really. And the longer answer is: Kind of.
Pets, including cats and dogs, are generally not allowed in national parks. But—there’s a little bit of wiggle room. Pets can go anywhere a car can go. This means pets are sometimes allowed on roads, campground, picnic areas, and parking lots.
Yes, that does restrict where you can go in the park. So, consider leaving your four-legged friends at home or at a hotel/rental that allows pets.
Keep Lassen Volcanic National Park Clean: Leave No Trace
Lassen might seem hardy, but high elevation locations are still delicate! This is especially true for all those beautiful meadows you find in mountain areas. So, it’s vital to follow Leave No Trace (LNT) guidelines and protect the land.
Keep these guidelines in mind when visiting Lassen:
Pack it in, pack it out. Take trash with you, even orange peels.
Dispose of waste in proper receptacles. Or better yet, pack out your trash.
Obey signs if they tell you to stay on the trail. Alpine areas are delicate. Soft ground can crumble, plants can get trampled, and animals can change normal routes due to people smells.
Don’t disturb local flora and fauna. I know it’s tempting, but don’t feed animals, pluck flowers, or pocket leaves.
Watch where you step. Don’t crush the brush!
Don’t set fires if there’s a ban. Especially here, where a fire destroyed a large section of the park in 2021. Yikes!
Keep invasive species out. Avoid bringing flowers into the park, especially baby’s breath. The pollen and seeds from foreign plants can harm the local ecosystem.
In addition to these standard LNT policies, the park does not allow signs, banners, ribbons, balloons, rice-throwing, confetti, sound amplification, or any other decorations for weddings. If you have specific questions about what is or isn’t allowed, just ask the park.
When to Get Married in Lassen Volcanic National Park
It’s time to talk about seasons, days of the week, and times of day.
TL;DR:
Get married at Lassen in the summer!
Pick a weekday to avoid crowds.
Stick to morning or evening for the ceremony.
Take advantage of a full-day photo package to make the most of your time!
But here’s a deeper dive into all the timing stuff you might want to consider.
Lassen is at a higher elevation, which means lots of snow! I once visited the park in July, and there was still snow here and there. Just something to be aware of.
As for the four seasons in Lassen Volcanic NP:
Spring: Roads will be snowed in, so expect full access to the park in May or June.
Summer: Generally warm, but can be cooler at higher elevations. Expect evening thunderstorms. You can see wildflowers at lower elevations in May and June, or higher elevations in July-September. Some of the park is closed due to snow until July, and there may be smoke from wildfires. Accessibility issues with snow also mean there will be more people in the park during this time.
Winter: It snows—a lot! Road closures are guaranteed. Trails will have some level of snow on them from November to April. This limits a lot of what you can do in the park in winter.
Fall: You may still see wildflowers at higher elevations in the very early fall. Smoke from wildfires is still possible. Road closures begin as soon as snow starts falling regularly, which could be as early as October or as late as November.
What about the days of the week?
Weekdays tend to be less crowded, giving your more opportunities for photos, focusing on each other, and an easier time moving between spots.
Weekends are busier. But hey, if that doesn’t bother you, have at it!
Check your calendars regarding holidays, as these are busier too.
And the time of day?
Sunrise makes for glorious photos. It’s also good for wedding ceremonies, if you and your guests are willing to rise and shine. Obviously a bit chilly in the colder months, but nice and cool during the hotter months.
Sunset offers ideal lighting for wedding photos. It’s also a good time for wedding ceremonies, but you’ll likely see more folks out and about. Temperatures can drop in the evening, so bring layers no matter the season.
Midday is a great time for exploration. Just bring layers to dress in, sunscreen and suncovers for healthy skin, and food and water to keep your energy up.
Nighttime in Lassen is incredible, if you want to see the stars or get couples photos under the Milky Way in the summer! In fact, Lassen Volcanic NP is a designated dark-sky park!
Lodging: Where to Stay in Lassen Volcanic National Park
Looking for places to stay? Whether you want lodging options for you or your guests, here’s a helpful list. Also check out the venues section further below.
The Shire at Poderosa: Cabin with beautiful surroundings, great bathroom, 4 guests. Contact the owner to inquire about a wedding ceremony.
Cozy Log Cabin on 3 acres: Cabin with beautiful surroundings, 4 guests. Contact the owners to ask about wedding ceremonies.
Lassen Red Barn: Red barn with beautiful surroundings, games, and 5 guests. Reach out to the owner to ask if wedding ceremonies are allowed.
Lassen Tree Cabin: Cabin with beautiful surroundings, hot tub, and 2 guests. Ask the owner if you can have a wedding ceremony, and your expected guest count.
Creekside Mountain Home: Home on a farm with river access and a waterfall, 20 acres, hot tub, and 9 guests. Yes, weddings are allowed here.
Mt. Lassen Getaway Cabin: Cabin with beautiful surroundings, 4 guests. Message the owner to inquire about your wedding ceremony.
Rustic Mountain Cabin: Cabin with beautiful surroundings, laundry, 8 guests. Contact owner to inquire for wedding ceremony.
Campgrounds: Want a rustic experience? Book a campground or find a dispersed camping spot.
Getting Around (Planes and Cars)
Lassen is big and remote. So, no matter what, you’ll need a vehicle or ride to get in and around the national park.
Flying in? Here are the options:
Sacramento International Airport, CA: Three-hour drive from the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center.
Reno-Tahoe International Airport, NV: Three-hour drive from the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center. This is the best option if you’re coming from out of state and need to pick up a marriage license from Lassen County.
San Francisco International Airport, CA: Four-hour drive from the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center.
Fun Activities for Your Lassen Volcanic National Park Wedding
Make your wedding day epic and adventurous with one of these fun activities!
Hike or backpack: There are tons of cool things to see in Lassen. You can find meadows, alpine lakes, cinder cone volcanoes, rolling colorful hills, forests, and more. As a bonus, bring snacks or a fun drink to share.
Stargaze: Lassen is far from light pollution, making it a great park to stargaze in. Choose a date with a crescent or new moon for the best stargazing.
Paddle and other water sports: Love getting on the water? You can paddle or fish from a kayak, paddleboard, or other non-motorized boat. Bring your own or get a rental. You cannot boat on Lake Helen, Reflection Lake, Emerald Lake, or Boiling Springs Lake (yes, the last one is actually boiling).
Winter sports: Much of the park is closed during the winter, but you can still get out there. Sledding, snowshoeing, skiing, and snowboarding are all available.
Hiring Vendors in Lassen Volcanic National Park
Since Lassen is remote, you’ll have a harder time finding vendors in the surrounding towns.
Depending on your route to the park, check out vendors on the way, such as San Francisco, Sacramento, Reno, Shasta, Redding, Tahoe, and more. Expect extra travel fees for some vendors.
Best Advice for Getting Married in Lassen Volcanic National Park
Plan for crowds and weather: Summer is the best time to visit due to road closures in the winter, late fall, and early spring. That also means more people. Be flexible or get married on weekdays andat sunrise.
Prepare ahead of travel: There’s not a ton of resources here. Gas stations and grocery stores are few and far between. Plan ahead by buying groceries in a major city along the way.
Read up on Leave No Trace (LNT) guidelines: Alpine locations, such as meadows, can be delicate. Tread lighting and follow all other guidelines.
Book Your Lassen Volcanic National Park Wedding Photographer
As a California-born photographer, I love exploring all the nooks and crannies of this beautiful state. Every time I travel to a new spot, I’m amazed at all these is to see—and I hope you are two. Whether it’s a two-person elopement, a rugged adventure wedding, or a joyful ceremony with your closest people—I’m here to capture the love and magic of your day in the mountains.
Need a Lassen wedding photographer to capture all of the magic?
Book with Love & Latitudes Outdoor Wedding and Elopement Photography today!
Lassen Volcanic National Park Wedding Photographer
+ 4-8+ hours of coverage
+ Planning and vendor services
+ Location assistance
+ Online gallery with high-resolution photos
+ Option to download images or purchase prints online
+ Travel fees included, minus permits
+ Optional officiant services.
Meet Your Lassen Volcanic National Park Photographer
I'm Diana Lustig, a California-born adventurer with a camera for a hand and an inborn love for the outdoors. I'm a professional photographer of 15 years and counting. In my free time you'll find me traveling with my husband in our van, Clyde.
How did I get into wedding and elopement photography? In 2019, I hired adventure photographers for my own wedding and they showed me there’s a different, more personal way to get married. It was such a special day, I want to bring it to so many more couples who believe in getting married their own way.
