CONAF is Chile’s Corporación Nacional Forestal, the government body that manages Torres del Paine National Park. All visitors to the park pay an entrance fee, and as of 2026, couples holding elopement ceremonies within the park require additional permits beyond the standard entrance fee. Understanding exactly what those permits cover and what is not allowed avoids the situation of arriving at the park entrance with a plan that the ranger on duty is not going to approve.

What the Permits Cover

The standard Torres del Paine entrance fee (around USD 35 for international visitors in high season, lower in low season) grants access to the park’s trails and viewpoints. It does not cover commercial photography or organised ceremonies. For a ceremony with a professional photographer, CONAF requires a separate permit for commercial activity within the park. As of 2026, this permit is obtained through the park administration office in Puerto Natales or at the park entrance and covers the photographer’s commercial work for the duration of the session. Couples holding a private ceremony without commercial photography are in a different category. Most elopements involve a photographer, which means the commercial permit applies.

Torres del Paine national park entrance with CONAF signage and dramatic Patagonian peaks behind administration building — The Torres del Paine park entrance. CONAF administers permits for commercial activity including professional photography sessions. The process is straightforward when organised in advance and creates difficulties when left until the day of arrival.

What Is and Is Not Allowed in 2026

CONAF’s permit structure for 2026 allows professional photography sessions at any of the park’s designated visitor areas with the commercial permit in place. Drone operation within the park requires a separate permit and is subject to restrictions around wildlife nesting areas that change seasonally. Fires and candles within the park are prohibited without exception following the 2012 fire that burned a significant portion of the park. This means ceremony elements involving fire (candles, lanterns, flares) are not permitted. CONAF rangers conduct regular trail checks and are present at the main viewpoints. Permits obtained in advance are checked at the entrance and are sufficient for the duration of the session.