Grand Teton National Park is one of the most beautiful in the United States. With it’s jagged peaks, views of the Teton Range, crystal clear lakes, amazing sunsets, diverse landscape, and wildlife- Grand Teton has so much to offer for your elopement or wedding day. The Tetons embody an adventurous and wild West experience if that is what you are seeking for your special day. What better way to say ‘I do’ than to be surrounded by the mountains in a place that makes you feel so free? As a National Park enthusiast and Grand Teton National Park elopement photographer, I have created this comprehensive guide with all the details on how to elope in Grand Teton National Park.
Table of Contents
Where is Grand Teton National Park?
Why Elope in Grand Teton National Park?
Do you need a permit to get married in Grand Teton National Park?
Best Places to Elope in Grand Teton National Park
Best Time of Year to Get Married at Grand Teton National Park
Places to stay for a Grand Teton Elopement
Grand Teton National Park & Jackson Hole Elopement Vendors
Grand Teton National Park Elopement Photographer
Where is Grand Teton National Park?
Grand Teton National Park is on the border of Wyoming and Idaho in the Northwest part of Wyoming.
Closest Major Cities, Towns, & Airports:
When flying into Grand Teton National Park, you have a few options in regards to airports. The closest one is Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) as it is only 10 miles away from the park. Below is a list of some options.
-Jackson Hole Airport (JAC)
Located extremely close to the park along with the city of Jackson.
-Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA)
On the Idaho side of GTNP, this is a little bit further of a drive at around 2 hours, but still
a convenient place to fly in or out of.
When choosing where to fly in or out of, things to consider are trip itinerary. If you are flying in for your elopement and are planning on spending most of your time in Grand Teton National Park and direct surrounding areas, it may be best to fly into Jackson Hole. If you are looking at an extended trip and are hoping to see more that the area has to offer such as the Idaho side and to do some exploring either before or after your elopement, then you can always consider flying into Idaho Falls.
Why elope in Grand Teton National Park?
When deciding on a location to elope you want a few things to resonate with you, such as is the area significant to you and your partner? Does the area give off the vibes that feel like you as a couple? When you close your eyes and picture yourself exploring this beautiful place does it excite you both? If you feel that way about eloping in Grand Teton National Park, then you have found your place.
Honest reasons why you should elope at Grand Teton National Park:
-Variety of landscapes- mountains, lakes, forest, rivers, glaciers
-You can have the best of both worlds by enjoying nature in the park but also explore the town of Jackson with all it’s options for food, boutiques, and galleries
-There are tons of options for activities to include in your elopement day, such as horseback riding, helicopter tours, stargazing, hiking, or even a luxury picnic
-Picture tying the knot surrounded by the Teton range in Wyoming. Need I say more?!
Do you need a permit to get married in Grand Teton National Park?
Now for all the legal logistics of making your dream day happen. I know that the planning process can be super overwhelming at first. That’s why I have made this guide to help outline the first major things to consider. You may be wondering, do you need a permit to elope at Grand Teton National Park? The answer is yes. There are 2 types of permits, Reserved Site-Specific or Small Dispersed.
What is the difference between Grand Teton permits?
Reserved Site-Specific Permit– this permit is for you if you want to have your ceremony at one of the locations listed below. Please keep in mind, if you plan on having more than a group of 12 people present at your elopement (photographer and officiant included in the group # as well) this is the permit that you will need. Below are the stunning locations for ceremony that you will have to choose from:
*To note: Site-Specific ceremonies can only be held in the park from May 10th to October 20th of each year.
Small Dispersed Permit– this permit is for you if you want to get married at a location beyond the 6 listed above. Please keep in mind for a permit like this your group size must be 12 or less. Grand Teton National Park has many stunning locations in addition to the list above, and that’s where I come in to help you decide and plan. I help all my couple’s by location scouting and sending suggestions on ceremony locations if this a route that you decide you’d like to go!
*To note: Small Dispersed ceremonies can be held in the park all year round.
Grand Teton National Park limits the amount of special use permits that they issue each year and there is also an application period to submit your application. There is a $200 application fee and must be submitted no less than 30 days before the event.
To read more about the permitting process in detail, full information can be found at the link below:
Grand Teton National Park Wedding & Commitment Ceremonies
Wyoming Marriage License
You will need to obtain your marriage license prior to your elopement by filling out a questionnaire and making an appointment at the County Clerk’s office to get your license in person. The closest one is in Jackson Hole. I recommend planning this into your accommodation a few days before your elopement so that you do not need to stress about the logistics close to your day.
Wyoming has no waiting period for getting married after you receive your marriage license. You will need to have 2 witnesses and the officiant sign your marriage license. I have a list of officiants I can recommend to you and also if you are eloping just you 2 and are worried about having 2 witnesses, me and Jake (my assistant/fiance) can sign your marriage license as your witnesses as well!
Information on obtaining your marriage license can be found here.
Grand Teton National Park Entry Fees & Passes
You and your guests (if you plan on having any) are all required to pay the park entrance fee, which is $35 per vehicle per week. If you plan on visiting more than 2 or 3 National Parks in the calendar year, I recommend getting an America the Beautiful pass which is an annual pass for all National Parks and it is $80.
Best Places to elope in Grand Teton National Park
When deciding on the location for your elopement ceremony a few factors we are going to want to consider are the time of year, if you prefer a more private intimate setting, and the group size. All of these factors are going to play a role in deciding on your location.
Below is a list of a few to consider:
1. Mormon Row (North or South)
- More info on location can be found here. This is an iconic location in the Tetons. If you’ve researched the park before, you may have come across a few photos of this location including the Moulton Barn with the Tetons in the background. Mormon Row North provides a view of the Tetons and a golden grass field as the backdrop for your ceremony. Mormon Row South has the Tetons and the iconic barn in the background.
2. Schwabacher Landing
- One of the most popular locations to elope in Grand Teton National Park. It has a beautiful view of the jagged mountains reflecting off the snake river. This location does get quite popular though, especially during peak season, so that is something to keep in mind. A morning or sunrise ceremony would be best for this location.
3. Colter Bay
- This location sits on the shore of Jackson Lake. Across the lake you have views of Mount Moran and the Teton range.
4. Taggart Lake
- 3 mile round trip trail leading to a beautiful lake, tucked in the Tetons. Along the trail there are many beautiful places to stop for photos before or after your ceremony.
5. Glacier View Turnout
- Classic view of the Tetons in the back for your ceremony location, wide open space.
The Best Time of Year to Get Married at Grand Teton National Park
The best time of year to get married at Grand Teton National Park hands down is summer or fall. I say this because in the summer, you have great weather and wildflowers. And in the fall you have the gorgeous Cottonwood, Aspen, and Willows that paint the landscape with the beautiful colors of fall foliage. In both summer and fall most hikes will be accessible as well.
Pros on getting married in the Tetons in the summer:
Great weather
Wildflowers
Cons:
Busiest tourist season of the park which means more people
Usually more expensive during peak season
Pros on getting married in the Tetons in the fall:
Beautiful fall foliage
Less people
Cons:
Weather can be a bit colder and unpredictable
Spring and winter are both beautiful times to elope in the Grand Tetons as well, but most hikes will be snowed in these seasons. Some roads may be closed. There are a ton of activities though such as local ski resorts and restaurants with delicious cuisine that you can include on your off season elopement in the Tetons!
Places to stay for a Grand Teton elopement?
When planning your elopement, deciding on your accommodation is a very important part. You want this to be comfortable and conveniently located so that you can truly get the most out of your trip. As your elopement photographer, I have compiled a list of some options for lodging with different vibes and price ranges. When you hire me as your elopement photographer, I help you with all of this in the planning process.
Hotels
Some gorgeous hotel options:
- Amangani Resort Click here for info
- Rustic Inn at Jackson Hole Click here for info
- Four Seasons Click here for more info
- The Lodge at Jackson Hole Click here for info
AirBNB & VRBO
I love AirBNB & VRBO’s for elopements because they have a ton of different options and can offer more room. You can find cute small cabins, or larger houses to accommodate guests as well if you plan on having any at your elopement. When choosing your place to stay you want to pay special attention to the listing on house rules, and also reach out to the host before booking to let them know if you plan to have a photographer there the morning of your elopement (ahem, me!) or if you plan on having any type of dinner or event there, some restrict that. These are all things to keep in mind during the planning process, which I can help you with! Here is a list of some AirBNB’s that are local.
Here is a list of some VRBO’s to consider:
Rustic Kelly Retreat (beautiful option, great location, but no A/C so this would probably be best for a fall or winter elopement)
Grand Teton National Park & Jackson Hole Elopement Vendors
When planning your elopement day, beyond your photographer, there are a few other vendors that you may want to consider. As your elopement photographer and planning confidant, I send a list of local vendors that are great to take all of the hard work and searching off of your hands.
A few of the vendors you are going to want to consider:
Officiant- You are going to need an officiant for your Grand Teton elopement. You can either have one of your elopement guests get ordained through ULC more information on that here, or you are going to want to hire an officiant for your elopement. I know of some really great ones in the area that I can recommend.
Hair & Makeup- Just because you are saying ‘I do’ out in the wild doesn’t mean you have to skip on the glam or pampering. If there’s one day to spoil yourself, your wedding day is that day. With all the talented Hair and Makeup artists, many being local to Jackson Hole- this is something to consider.
Florists- Do you want a beautiful bouquet or some florals?
Videographer- Do you want to have a videographer on your elopement day? Take your time and think if this is something you’d like as well.
Day of Coordinator- Depending on the amount of guests you plan on having and the activities, some couples opt to have a Day of Coordinator. This is especially helpful if you plan on having food catered or any dinner that needs set up. Day of Coordinators help to take all the worrying of logistics day of away so that you can focus on what’s really important, which is enjoying your day!
Grand Teton National Park Elopement Photographer
Hi there! I’m Lindsay, your Grand Teton National Park Elopement Photographer. I travel all over the US documenting elopements and helping couples plan out their dream day. From Pennsylvania to California I have photographed love in all kinds of places, but truly the Tetons is one of my most favorite. We’ll explore hidden valleys, witness sunset paint the mountains, and capture your love story amidst the grandeur. This is your day, designed for adventure and raw emotion.
Ready to elope in the Tetons?
Grand Teton National Park Elopement Packages
Some details on my elopement packages:
- Packages ranging from 6 hours to multi-day coverage
- Travel fees included
- Planning & Timeline assistance
- Vendor & local recommendations
- Planning Resources & a 60+ page elopement guide
- Personalized online gallery
- Printing rights
Starting at $5,000
Want to learn more about my elopement package offerings in detail?
Final Tips for your Grand Teton National Park Elopement
I hope you enjoyed reading through this guide on how to elope in Grand Teton National Park. Whether you are in the preliminary process of planning or far into it, I am happy to help! Feel free to reach out through my website or catch me on the ‘gram!
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