I spend months at a time at each location I travel to, diving deep into the local elopement market in that area, so I can bring the important information to you from the comfort of your home.
Welcome to the blog, where resources are available to help you plan your best adventure yet!
Wyoming might be the most underrated elopement destination in the entire country. Why, you ask? Many couples chase the otherworldly beauty of Utah and Arizona’s desert landscapes, or dream of exchanging vows underneath a cascading waterfall surrounded by lush rainforest in Washington–and while these destinations are incredible and I would love to make this happen for you, too–there is something truly unique and special about eloping in Grand Teton. Read on for the ultimate guide on everything you need to know.
The awe-inspiring backdrop of the Tetons coupled with the chance to swim in pristine alpine lakes with bald eagles soaring overhead create a stunning backdrop to exchange your vows. Add to this the promise of adventure… and the fact that Wyoming is one of the least densely populated states in the U.S. (second only to Alaska), giving it an untouched quality. Wyoming is the perfect place to elope for those couples that crave striking scenery, thrilling activities, and getting off the beaten path and away from the crowds. Read on for everything you need to know about eloping in Grand Teton National Park.
Eloping in Grand Teton National Park can offer unique experiences and challenges depending on the season you choose. No matter the season, it’s crucial to research and plan so you’re prepared and comfortable during your ceremony and for the duration of your stay.
Summer is by far the most popular time to visit Grand Teton, and with good reason. The warmer temperatures and longer days make summer the best season for outdoor ceremonies and offers a wide range of outdoor activities. Summer offers high likelihood of clear skies and good visibility of the mountains for photographs, as well as lush greenery and vibrant wildflowers throughout the park. With these gorgeous weather conditions comes the crowds of tourists, leading to busy trails and viewpoints. Accommodations are in higher demand and therefore more expensive during the summer months.
Fall is a great time for eloping in Grand Teton National Park. There are fewer tourists in the fall, allowing for a more intimate experience and lower costs on accommodations. Crisp air and potentially clear skies can make for beautiful conditions, not to mention the spectacular fall foliage with vibrant colors, creating a stunning backdrop for ceremonies. On the downside, weather can be unpredictable, ranging from pleasant to chilly and there’s a higher possibility of snow, especially towards the end of the season.
Winter in Grand Teton is long and harsh with heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures. Many facilities and roads within the park are closed during this time, causing limited accessibility and additional planning and preparation is required to ensure safety and comfort in cold conditions. If you’re brave enough to endure the cold, you’ll likely be rewarded with magical, snow-covered landscapes, a serene atmosphere and seclusion due to the limited number of visitors during this time of year. Although winter is the most extreme of the seasons in Grand Teton, nearby Jackson is bustling when ski season is in full swing. There’s opportunities to elope on skis at the local ski resorts, snowshoes and dog sledding in the park, or in front of a roaring fireplace in a cozy lodge for a completely unique experience.
Springtime in the Grand Tetons can still be quite chilly, with snow and ice lingering in higher elevations. Rain and snow throughout April and May are not uncommon, and the melting snow can lead to muddy trails and wet conditions. The weather can be quite unpredictable during this time of year, but if you’re willing to brave the uncertainty of the weather for a spring elopement, there are the benefits of fewer tourists, more privacy than peak summer season and lower costs on accommodations.
There are 2 types of elopement ceremony permits you can apply for in Grand Teton National Park. If you have more than 12 people in attendance, you must apply for a “Reserved Site-Specific Ceremony Permit”. If you have less than 12 people in attendance, you have much more flexibility with location and can apply for a “Small Dispersed Ceremony Permit”.
Note: The max capacity for each location includes your officiant, photographer, you, your boo and all of your guests.
You are limited to one of the following six ceremony sites if you have 12 or more guests while eloping in Grand Teton
If you have less than 12 people in total in attendance, then you can apply to hold the ceremony almost anywhere in the park (with some exceptions).
For those dreaming of eloping at the famous Inspiration Point or Hidden Falls, unfortunately this is prohibited, as are a few different areas in the park. But I can help you navigate this process and find the perfect location for you.
Check out this breathtaking elopement at Delta Lake I had the pleasure of photographing, one of the many small dispersed ceremony locations you can apply to elope at.
Permit applications must be submitted to the National Park Service at least 30 days before your elopement date. The application fee is $200, and there are additional fees if you make changes to your application after it’s been submitted.
Permit applications can be found here. (link to https://www.nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/weddingcommitments.htm )
In order to obtain a marriage license in Wyoming, couples must appear in person. There is no waiting period in Wyoming (like there is in other states).
They do not accept walk-ins. Call 307-733-4430 to make an appointment.
The nearest County Clerk’s Office to Grand Teton National Park is in nearby Jackson:
County Clerk in Jackson – 200 S Willow Street, Jackson, WY 83001
Open Monday-Friday and issue marriage licenses between 9am-3:30pm
What to bring to your appointment:
The marriage license must be returned to the County Clerk’s Office within 10 days after the ceremony.
Be sure to check the County Clerk’s website for the most updated information. (link to https://tetoncountywy.gov/296/Marriage-Licenses)
Yes! You will need an officiant and 2 witnesses to sign the marriage license when eloping in Grand Teton.
For a more intimate elopement, a friend or family member can officiate your wedding. It’s free (and takes less than 5 minutes) to get ordained through Universal Life Church (https://www.ulc.org/). If you want a truly intimate experience, I officiate weddings for free!
Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) – 10 minutes
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) – 4.5 hours
Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA) – 2 hours
Hotel Jackson: A boutique hotel located in the heart of Jackson. It offers upscale accommodations, personalized service, and a stylish ambiance.
The Wort Hotel: A historic hotel with western charm. It features elegant rooms, fine dining, and a central location.
Amangani: A high-end resort offering stunning views of the Tetons, tucked into the hills just outside of bustling Jackson. It provides luxury accommodations, spa facilities, and fine dining.
Four Season Resort Jackson Hole: A renowned luxury resort with upscale rooms, multiple dining options, spa services, and ski-in/ski-out access in the winter.
Regardless of what season you decide for eloping in Grand Teton National Park, there are SO MANY fun and adventurous activities to incorporate into your elopement day. What sounds exciting to you? What activities do you like to do in your normal life? Your elopement day is the perfect time to incorporate an activity you love in your everyday life, or it’s the perfect time to try something new and exciting!
I’m Sarah, an elopement photographer based in my campervan. I’m always down for an adventure and ready to meet you wherever in the world to capture the most epic, breathtaking, and unforgettable moments of your life. I spend months in Grand Teton National Park every year photographing incredible elopements and scoping out the best locations for my future clients. I’d love to photograph your Grand Teton National Park elopement! To get in touch, fill out my contact form.