How to Elope in Grand Teton National Park in Jackson Hole, Wyoming in 2024

Are you dreaming of a breathtaking and intimate elopement in the heart of nature? Look no further than Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. This national park offers stunning views of the Teton mountain range and crystal-clear alpine lakes, making it the perfect location for your elopement. As a Grand Teton Elopement Photographer, I have put this comprehensive guide together for clients who are looking to have the best ever elopement experience in the park!

Where are the Best Ceremony Spots for a Grand Teton Elopement?

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Here are some of the best locations to elope in Grand Teton National Park:

Schwabacher Landing

• Best Time of Day for Photos: Sunrise or Sunset
• Max Ceremony Guest Count: 25 People
• Restrooms: Yes
• What makes it Unique: Incredibly accessible with gorgeous sunrise views giving an alpenglow

This picturesque location offers stunning views of the Tetons reflected in the Snake River. It’s an excellent spot for an early morning ceremony, as the light is beautiful and the crowds are minimal. At sunrise the mountains are lit up pink and red, and at sunset they are a beautiful golden and blue. Often times you will even see a moose in the water. This spot is my personal favorite.

Glacier View Turnout

• Best Time of Day for Photos: Sunset
• Max Ceremony Guest Count: 25 People
• Restrooms: Yes
• What makes it Unique: You are at a higher elevation so you are almost directly in line with Tetons as you are saying your vows!

This is a popular spot for the couple who wants to say their vows within the park and have the Grand Teton view! It is extremely accessible, but not always the most private. You can see ceremony site photos and read more information from the National Park Service about Glacier View Turnout here.

Snake River Overlook

• Best Time of Day for Photos: Sunset
• Max Ceremony Guest Count: 25 People
• Restrooms: No
• What makes it Unique: The elevation is higher than Glacier View Turnout so it tends to lean to more cinematic, elevated photos. You can’t go wrong with this spot.

From this spot you are high above Snake River but still getting views of the Teton Range. With paved pathways it’s very accessible, and will be beautiful year round, but especially in the fall. You can read more about the Snake River Overlook and see photos of the actual ceremony site from the National Park Service here.

Mormon Row

• Best Time of Day for Photos: All times of day due to the ability to find shade!
• Max Ceremony Guest Count: 25 (South) or 40 (North)
• Restrooms: No
• What makes it Unique: The historic barns are really cool to see and experience! There are also miles of golden wheat fields that look incredible for photos at sunset. This is also a better spot for a group of more guests, the North Mormon Row location can accommodate 40 people.

There are two different locations at Mormon Row, one is North and one is South, both are near Antelope Flats View. The historical buildings at these locations are iconic and have been around for centuries. This area can be more private as it is more open, stretching with wheat fields for miles with the Teton Range visible in the distance. It is less busy than an area like Schwabacher Landing. For more photos and official NPS guidelines on ceremonies at Mormon Row click here.

String Lake, Jenny Lake, or other Grand Teton Lake Ceremony Locations

• Best Time of Day for Photos: Any time of day, lots of spots for shade
• Max Ceremony Guest Count: 12, these spots will require a small dispersed ceremony permit
• Restrooms: No
• What makes it Unique: In my opinion, these alpine lakes are some of the most incredible spots for your ceremony if you have a small group. Some of the BEST views in the Tetons are at the end of long hikes, which can be perfect if you are look for a Grand Teton hiking elopement.

Jenny Lake is one of the most popular lakes within the park and for good reason, it is beautiful (and busy) all times of day. String Lake, pictured above, is less busy and a great option for eloping couples! Some spots I think would be amazing to hike to include Lake of the Crags Trail (5.0 miles), Taggart and Bradley Lakes Trail (6.0 Miles), and Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes Trail (10.1 miles). I am always down to hike with you both to any of these amazing lakes should you want to elope at the top of these view points!

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When is the Best Time of Year to Elope in the Grand Tetons?

Mid May into Late September

The weather in Grand Teton National Park can vary greatly depending on the time of year. The park has a high altitude and can experience sudden changes in weather, so it’s important to choose a time when the weather is most favorable. Generally, the best times for an elopement are during the summer months, when the weather is warm and sunny. In the summer, the alpine meadows are lush and green with wildflowers, and the lakes are crystal-clear. In the fall, the aspen trees turn a beautiful golden color. Winter offers a different kind of beauty, with snow-covered peaks and frozen lakes.

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What Permits do you need to Elope in the Grand Tetons?

A Special Use Permit ($200)

-Reserved Site-Specific Ceremony Permit

Leave no trace is taken incredibly seriously at Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. Site-Specific Ceremony Locations include most of the ones listed above, Schwabacher Landing, Glacier View Turnout, Snake River Lookout, Mormon Row and a few others. You will need to apply 30 days ahead of your projected date and they will be given out on a first come, first serve basis. I know permits are overwhelming, as your elopement photographer this is something I will help you with to take the stress off of you!

-Small Dispersed Ceremony Permit

These are for more remote areas in the Grand Tetons! Think going on a hiking adventure to a view point to be married. Because they are more remote the number of people you can have at your ceremony is limited to 12, including all vendors! Locations like String Lake, Jenny Lake, or other trails within the park would fall into this category.

You can view the current updated permit requirements at Grand Teton National Park here. As always, I am here as your Grand Teton elopement photographer to ensure you have the accurate permits you will need for your elopement ceremony.

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How Much does a Grand Tetons Elopement Cost?

The average cost of an elopement in the Grand Tetons can range from $5,000-$20,000 depending on how many vendors, activities, and options you want to include as a couple. Permit fees as discussed above will cost around $200. Flights into the Jackson Hole airport can run anywhere from $500 to $1,000 due to it being really remote and small!

From there most eloping couples will include just an officiant, photographer (that’s me!), videographer, and florist! The best part about deciding to elope is there are no rules. You can make your day look however you want in the Tetons, accommodating for most every budget.

Keep reading for lodging recommendations in the Jackson Hole area for your elopement.

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Best Places to Stay in the Grand Tetons

Here are a few of the absolute best places to stay while visiting Jackson Hole for your Grand Teton elopement! There are also lots of cute Airbnbs to be found within the town.

• Elk Ridge Lodge
• Jenny Lake Lodge
• The Lodge at Jackson Hole
• Signal Mountain Lodge
• Teton Tepee Lodge

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Best Elopement Activities to do in the Grand Tetons

Here are just a few activities for you to do on or during your elopement experience!

• Go hiking on one of the hundreds of trails Grand Teton has to offer
• View the Stars under the wide open Wyoming Sky (and let me take your astro photos!)
• Go for a boat ride together in the National Park
• Take a swim at Jenny Lake
• Have a drink at the iconic Million Dollar Cowboy Bar
• Visit some favorite coffee shops– my favorites include Persephones & Cowboy Coffee

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Grand Teton Elopement Photography Packages

Now that you are prepared to have the best elopement experience in the Tetons, let’s talk photos! I know I’m biased as a photographer, but they really are the most important thing to consider when eloping. Photographs are the only physical thing you take away from your wedding day. They mean so much when it comes to preserving the memories you make on your day. Here is more information about my Jackson Hole elopement packages and how I can help you! Would love to be included in your day.

• Choose between 4, 6, & 8 Hours of Photography Coverage
• Full service planning, logistics, and permitting assistance
• Custom Timeline specifically made for you & your love
• Vendor Recommendations to help make your day perfect
• High Resolution Images for printing all your photos
• Web Size Images for sharing on social media
• Custom Online Gallery with a personalized store
• Full Printing Rights
• Polaroids to take a physical piece of your day with you
• TRAVEL INCLUDED to ANYWHERE in Wyoming or Montana
• Starting at $3800

Ready to Plan your Grand Teton Elopement? Reach out here!

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