Updated For 2024

How to Elope in Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton Elopement Photographer

In this guide you’ll find elopement info on:

  • Designated ceremony sites

  • Getting the proper permits

  • Best photo locations

  • When to visit the park

Getting Married in the Grand Tetons

Getting married in Grand Teton National Park is a breathtaking and unforgettable experience that allows couples to exchange vows amidst the stunning natural beauty of the Teton Range. The park, located in northwestern Wyoming, offers a spectacular backdrop of majestic mountains, pristine lakes, and lush meadows. Couples can choose from various picturesque locations within the park to host their wedding ceremony, whether it's beside the iconic Jenny Lake, overlooking the snow-capped peaks, or surrounded by vibrant wildflowers in the summer months.

The process of getting married in Grand Teton National Park involves obtaining a special use permit, which allows for the reservation of specific sites and ensures the event complies with park regulations. The park's staff can provide guidance on available locations, logistics, and any restrictions that may apply. Imagine saying "I do" with the Grand Tetons as your witnesses, creating an intimate and personal connection with nature as you embark on your lifelong journey together. The unique and unparalleled setting of Grand Teton National Park offers a romantic and adventurous backdrop for couples seeking a wedding experience that transcends the ordinary.

Beyond the ceremony, Grand Teton National Park provides abundant opportunities for memorable moments and stunning photographs. Couples can explore the park's trails, go on a scenic boat ride, or simply enjoy a quiet moment together while taking in the awe-inspiring views. Whether it's an intimate elopement or a larger celebration with friends and family, getting married in Grand Teton National Park offers a truly magical and awe-inspiring start to a couple's life together, surrounded by the unparalleled beauty of the American West.

While ceremony sites are limited (see below) we can drive around the park to take your portraits at other locations.

Site-Specific Ceremony Sites

The total number of permits issued by the park are limited to 1 ceremony per day, per location with a maximum of 60 ceremonies per year per location with the exception of Colter Bay Swim Beach, which is limited to a maximum of 30 ceremonies per year.

Ceremonies are limited to two hours maximum and must be defined with a start and end time. This time includes the arrival for set-up and ending time to including photos or video at the ceremony location.

Group size includes the ‘wedding party’, wedding guests including children, officiant, and photographer(s).

There are 6 site-specific ceremony locations that may be applied for:

  1. Colter Bay Swim Beach – Group size limit of 40 people (Full for 2024)

  2. Schwabacher Landing – Group size limit of 25 people (Full for 2024)

  3. Mormon Row (North or South) – Group size limit of 40 people (North) or 25 people (South)

  4. Mountain View Turnout – Group size limit of 25 people

  5. Glacier View Turnout – Group size limit of 25 people

  6. Snake River Overlook – Group size limit of 25 people

Small Dispersed Ceremony Permits

Group size is restricted to no more than 12 people, including the wedding party, wedding guests including children, officiant, and photographer(s).

Small Dispersed Ceremony locations may be applied for parkwide except in prohibited areas (see below). Only one permit will be issued per location per day. A location may not be permitted if the activity will interfere with or prevent general visitor use or cause resource damage.

Ceremonies are limited to one hour maximum at Small Dispersed locations and must be defined with a start and end time. This time includes the arrival for set-up and ending time to including photos or video at the ceremony location.

Applicant must provide a location description with coordinates and/or a satellite view map of the requested location.

Prohibited locations include:

  • Reserved Site-Specific Ceremony locations during Friday, May 10, 2024 to Sunday, October 20, 2024

  • The paved trails within and surrounding the Jenny Lake Visitor Plaza at South Jenny Lake, Jenny Lake Trail, and Jenny Lake Overlook

  • Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point

  • String Lake developed area and trail

  • Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve

  • Within proximity of places where weddings are being managed by a chapel or concessioner (e.g., the Chapel of the Transfiguration)

  • Areas where there is high visitation during the requested period or potential for resource damage

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Best Locations

  • Schwabacher’s Landing

    Accessible via a short trail and nestled along the Snake River, this iconic spot is renowned for its mirror-like reflections of the towering mountain peaks on the glassy waters below. The area is particularly enchanting during sunrise and sunset, as the soft light bathes the rugged mountain landscape in a warm and golden glow.

  • Mormon Row

    Against the backdrop of the majestic Teton Range, the well-preserved structures of Mormon Row create a captivating contrast, offering a unique opportunity to capture the intersection of human history and natural splendor. The iconic T.A. Moulton Barn, with its weathered wooden facade and stunning mountain backdrop, has become an enduring symbol of the American frontier, making Mormon Row a popular stop for those seeking a tangible connection to the pioneer spirit that shaped the landscapes of the Grand Tetons.

  • Mountain View Turnout

    A captivating panorama that lives up to its name, offering a breathtaking spectacle of the Teton Range. Situated along the Teton Park Road, this scenic overlook provides an unobstructed view of the rugged peaks, including the iconic Grand Teton itself. The turnout is strategically positioned, allowing travelers to pull off the road and soak in the awe-inspiring mountain vistas. A serene and easily accessible spot to appreciate the grandeur of the Tetons in all their towering glory.

Elopement Information

Jackson Hole WY Info

Grand Teton National Park is located about 30 minutes outside of the Jackson Hole area. For out of state travelers you’ll want to fly into the Jackson Hole Airport which will welcome you warmly to this cute mountain town. The downtown area is full of life! Lots of shopping options, great food, and hotels. The National Park is named after the tallest mountain in the Teton Range - Grand Teton. The Teton Range is home to over a hundred gorgeous alpine lakes and stunning hiking opportunities. The park is also well known for it’s wide array of large animals, such as bison, moose, bear, elk, pronghorn, and much more! Keep your eye out as you adventure throughout the park for these animals.

Best Time of Year

Summer: Summer in the Tetons is usually between June-August and you’ll find that everything is open during the summer which makes for an easier and more adventurous trip - but it does come with a downside - more crowds. The park is big enough though that we can easily find a more private area for your vows and photos. All visitor centers, roads, campgrounds, lodges, and frontcountry trails will be open by June, but there will likely still be lots of snow in the backcountry. July is when it starts to really warm up to the 80s with evening thunderstorms commonly - one thing to consider though is that this is the start of wildfire season so smoke may impede your plans. August cools down slightly to a comfortable 70s range, with all backcountry trails being open now but still facing potential smoke and thunderstorms.

Fall: September is one of the best times of year to visit the Grand Tetons with busy summer tourism season slowing down. The foliage will begin to change colors and the temperatures are extremely comfortable. Specifically the third week of the month you’ll start to see orange taking over the landscape in a gorgeous fall hue. Most roads, campgrounds, etc will still be open in September, and starting to close in October. October is less predictable as some years the snow comes early, and some years the summer weather hangs around longer.

Time of Day

Sunrise: you’ll get a stunning apline glow on the Tetons which makes the mountains appear more crisp and colorful in your photos, and you’ll avoid more tourists to shoot at sunrise. Only downside is waking up early and having cooler morning temperatures!

Sunset: the sun sets a bit early behind the mountains but it’s so glowy and gorgeous! You’ll likely face more crowds at sunset, but then you don’t have to get up at the crack of dawn.

If you want the best of both worlds and access to shooting in multiple locations and at both sunrise and sunset, I’d suggest the full day package!

Permits

To have your ceremony in the park you’ll need a permit. No structures of any kind are allowed in the park (such as tables, chairs, an alter, etc). You must adhere to Leave No Trace principles and make sure to not leave any flower petals behind, or throw any confetti of any kind. Permits are $200 and must be applied for at least one month ahead of your elopement date, and more information can be found on the Grand Teton Permits Page.

Popular Activities

The full day elopement package allows you to incorporate fun activities in your elopement day & have it all captured! Like Horseback Riding, Kayaking, Fishing

Elopement Packages

  • Full Day $7,500

    7 hours of coverage

    3-5 locations + capturing any activities you do

    Split or consecutive coverage

    Includes any necessary photography permits

    Includes ALL TRAVEL FEES to get here

    Vendor referrals, location recommendations, help planning your timeline

  • Half Day $6,000

    4 hours of coverage

    2-3 location

    Consecutive coverage or $250 extra for split

    Includes any necessary photography permits

    Includes ALL TRAVEL FEES to get here

    Vendor referrals, location recommendations, help planning your timeline

Let’s work together.