The Adventure Bride’s Guide to a Custer State Park Adventure Wedding
Hey Adventure Brides!
Since the adventure wedding I shot in April at Sylvan Lake in Custer State Park, SD, I’ve had several inquiries about that specific location. Lots of potential brides had some really great questions about Custer State Park weddings, and I decided to put all of my answers into a blog post! Read along if a South Dakota adventure wedding sounds right up your alley!
If you’re dreaming of an outdoor wedding with stunning landscapes, iconic wildlife, and endless opportunities for adventure, Custer State Park in South Dakota might be your perfect wedding destination. Located in the Black Hills, this breathtaking park offers a unique blend of rugged charm, sweeping vistas, and serene spots for an unforgettable wedding experience.
Here’s everything an adventure-loving bride needs to know about planning a wedding in Custer State Park.
1. Why Choose a Wedding at Custer State Park?
Sylvan Lake, Custer State Park, SD by Dye the Knot Weddings & Elopements
Custer State Park’s landscapes are incredibly diverse, offering everything from granite peaks and rolling prairies to tranquil lakes and vast pine forests. Here’s why this location stands out:
- Scenic Beauty: The park features jaw-dropping views of the Black Hills, stunning lakes like Sylvan Lake, and towering rock formations that make the perfect backdrop for wedding photos.
- Iconic Wildlife: Custer State Park is home to a large herd of free-roaming bison, as well as deer, elk, pronghorns, and bighorn sheep. For couples who love wildlife, this setting adds an unforgettable element to the experience - but don’t pet the fluffy cows!
- Adventurous Atmosphere: With scenic drives, hiking trails, and plenty of open spaces, Custer State Park brings an adventurous, intimate feel to your day that a traditional venue can’t replicate.
2. Top Wedding Locations in Custer State Park
With so many scenic spots, here are a few top picks that offer unique backdrops and capture the park’s spirit.
Custer State Park Adventure Wedding by Dye the Knot Weddings & Elopements
- Sylvan Lake: Often called the “Crown Jewel” of Custer State Park, Sylvan Lake is a picture-perfect location with clear water, towering granite boulders, and lush surroundings. This is a great choice for both elopements and intimate ceremonies.
- Black Elk Peak Trail: For the truly adventurous, Black Elk Peak offers an exhilarating hike that leads to breathtaking panoramic views. It’s best for small, fit wedding parties looking for a stunning mountain-top ceremony.
- Needles Highway: Known for its towering rock spires and rugged landscape, the scenic Needles Highway offers various spots for photos or small gatherings. The narrow, winding road adds to the sense of adventure, and the nearby Cathedral Spires are awe-inspiring.
- French Creek Natural Area: If you’re looking for a more secluded, natural feel, the French Creek Natural Area has rolling meadows and creek-side views that feel like they’re out of a storybook. Ideal for private ceremonies or intimate celebrations.
3. Planning Tips for a Custer State Park Wedding
- Permits: Weddings and elopements in Custer State Park require a permit, which you can obtain through the park’s administration. Contact the park office early, as rules and permit availability may vary depending on your chosen location and wedding size.
Custer State Park Wedding by Dye the Knot Adventure Weddings & Elopements
- Best Seasons: Late spring, summer, and early fall are popular for weddings here. Fall offers gorgeous autumn colors, while summer brings lush greenery and warm weather. Winter can be magical but may be more challenging due to snow and park access restrictions.
- Leave No Trace: Since Custer State Park is a protected area, following Leave No Trace principles is essential. Be mindful of wildlife, clean up after yourselves, and avoid disturbing the natural landscape.
- Weather Preparedness: Weather in the Black Hills can be unpredictable, so plan for changing conditions. Bring jackets, blankets, and comfortable footwear if you’ll be venturing off the beaten path.
4. Adventure Activities to Add to Your Wedding Weekend
Make your Custer State Park wedding a full-on adventure experience by incorporating some of these exciting activities into your weekend.
- Hiking and Exploring: The park offers many trails that vary in difficulty, allowing you and your guests to explore the park’s beauty. Try Sunday Gulch or the Lovers’ Leap Trail for scenic views.
- Wildlife Loop Road: For a chance to see bison, elk, and more, take a drive along Wildlife Loop Road. This 18-mile scenic route showcases the park’s vast open spaces and gives you a front-row seat to its incredible wildlife.
- Camping or Glamping: The park has several campgrounds for those looking to stay overnight. Some nearby locations also offer glamping options if you prefer a more upscale outdoor experience.
- Stargazing: The open skies in Custer State Park are perfect for stargazing. If you’re an astrology fan or just love the night sky, plan a post-wedding stargazing session with cozy blankets and hot chocolate.
Aurora and stars in South Dakota, taken by Dye the Knot Weddings & Elopements
- Aurora Borealis: Oftentimes the northern lights can be viewed in the scenic areas with no light pollution, especially given the recent solar storm activity happening this year!
5. Photography Tips for a Custer State Park Wedding
Adventure weddings in Custer State Park call for a photographer who understands how to work with natural light, landscapes, and adventurous couples.
- Golden Hour Magic: The early morning and late afternoon golden hours offer the best lighting. Sunrise over the Black Hills or sunset at Sylvan Lake can create magical lighting for your wedding photos.
- Embrace the Landscape: From the towering granite spires of the Needles to the tranquil waters of Sylvan Lake, encourage your photographer to capture wide-angle shots that highlight both you and the landscape.
- Weather Adaptability: Be ready to go with the flow when it comes to weather. It’s also important to choose a photographer who is comfortable adapting to changes and is familiar with the area (like ME!!!!) Overcast skies or a bit of drizzle can add mood and depth to your photos and does not always mean a canceled event, but safety still needs to be considered depending on where you choose to have your ceremony. Those rocks get slippery fast!
6. Custer State Park Accommodations and Local Vendors
Custer State Park Wedding, South Dakota by the Dye the Knot Weddings & Elopements
Consider booking accommodations within the park or nearby towns like Custer and Hill City. Lodges, cabins, and campgrounds provide options that suit a variety of budgets and tastes.
7. Why Choose Custer State Park for Your Adventure Wedding?
Custer State Park is a one-of-a-kind wedding destination that combines the spirit of adventure with the serene beauty of the Black Hills. From intimate lakeside ceremonies to epic mountaintop vows, every part of the park offers a beautiful backdrop. This location is perfect for couples who value nature, adventure, and the idea of creating a wedding experience as unique as their love story.
Ready to plan your unforgettable Custer State Park wedding? Fill out my contact form at Contact — Dye the Knot Adventure Weddings & Elopements to book a Discovery Call with me to discuss your wedding goals!
Embrace the adventure, and let’s make it a day you’ll never forget!
Till next time!
-Carlie
