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.

Quick Reference to Your Grand Teton National Park Elopement Guide

• Which Season is Best?
• Elopement Locations
• Permit Requirements
• Marriage License Info
• Do I Need an Officiant and Witnesses?
• How to Get to the Park
• Accommodations
• Elopement Day Activities
• Elopement Packages

When is the Best Time to Elope 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 (June-August)

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 (September-October)

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 (November-April)

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.

Spring (May)

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.

Where Can I Elope in Grand Teton National Park?

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.

Reserved Site-Specific Ceremony Permit

You are limited to one of the following six ceremony sites if you have 12 or more guests while eloping in Grand Teton

1. Schwabacher Landing – Group size limit of 25

• Schwabacher Landing is one of the most photographed locations in the park. The Snake River winds through trees with a backdrop of the Tetons peaking overtop from behind. This is an extremely busy location, so if privacy is important to you, there are other locations that may be better suited for you elsewhere in the park. It’s also possible to have your ceremony at another site, and then drive here to take pictures if you’re keen on this location.

Check out this dreamy Grand Teton engagement photo session I photographed at Schwabacher Landing!

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

• Mormon Row is a historical site that was once the community for agricultural settlers in the area. There are barns and houses that date back to 1908 to the 1950s. Mormon Row is another highly trafficked location in the park. While it’s not as busy as Schwabacher Landing, if privacy is important to you I’d recommend having a sunrise or sunset ceremony here — which coincidentally is when the best lighting is! As early as 8am, the parking lots for Mormon Row are usually completely full in the summer.

3. Mountain View Turnout – Group size limit of 25

• This is one of my favorite ceremony locations in the park. It’s off the main highway, so while tourists will still be able to stop off at this location, it’s much less busy than some of the other ceremony sites. Mountain View is great for your classic Grand Teton view in the background.

4. Glacier View Turnout – Group size limit of 25

• Glacier View Turnout is along the main highway, so it’s a heavily trafficked area for tourists. Although not as busy as Schwabacher Landing or Mormon Row, it’s pretty exposed to the highway so cars driving by will be able to see. If that doesn’t both you, Glacier View is a great option for a ceremony location.

5. Snake River Overlook – Group size limit of 25

• Snake River Overlook was made famous by an Ansel Adams photograph in the 1920’s. It’s a really beautiful location to visit, but there is a barrier lining the entire sidewalk along the overlook. If you don’t want a wall in the background of all of your photos, I’d recommend against this location.

6. Colter Bay Swim Beach – Group size limit of 20

• Colter Bay is a great ceremony location. It’s tucked away from the main highway, and you get much more privacy than any of the other locations. There are also a ton of places to photograph in the area, and you have the lake, the mountains, and wooded forest to play around in to get more diversity in your elopement day photos.

Small Dispersed Ceremony Permit

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.

How Do I Get a Permit to Elope in Grand Teton National Park?

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 ) 

How do I Get a Marriage License in Wyoming?

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:

• Your completed Marriage License Questionnaire found here. (Link to https://tetoncountywy.gov/296/Marriage-Licenses)
• Both of your photo IDs
• License fee of $30 – payable by cash, check, or card

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)

Do I Need an Officiant and Witnesses for my Grand Teton Elopement?

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!

How To Get To Grand Teton National Park

Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) – 10 minutes

• The most convenient option is to fly into Jackson Hole Airport. Several major airlines operate seasonal and year-round flights to Jackson Hole, however flights are generally more expensive and have more restrictive flight times when flying through this airport.

Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) – 4.5 hours

• Salt Lake City, Utah generally has the widest range of flight times and most affordable flight options from around the country and internationally. From there, you can rent a car to drive to Grand Teton National Park.

Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA) – 2 hours

• Another option is to fly into Idaho Falls, Idaho. While it’s a bit farther than Jackson Hole Airport, it may offer more flight options depending on your origin city, and is closer to the national park than Salt Lake City Airport.

Best Places to Stay Near Grand Teton National Park

Best Places to Stay In Jackson

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.

Grand Teton National Park Elopement Activities

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!

• Go on a helicopter tour
• Go horseback riding underneath the towering Tetons
• White water rafting
• Wildlife tour through the park
• Paddleboarding on String and Leigh Lakes
• Kayaking through the park down Snake River
• Cliff jumping at Phelps Lake
• Cool off in an alpine lake at the end of a hike
• Hot air balloon ride
• Boat rental on Jackson Lake
• Rock climbing or summiting one of the Tetons
• Skiing/Snowboarding at nearby Jackson Hole or Snow King
• Dog-sledding
• Stay up late and go stargazing
• Stop by Persephone to grab pastries and coffee
• Rent UTVs and go off-roading in the national forest
• Go to a rodeo in Jackson
• Fly Fishing in the Snake River
• Mountain biking at Jackson Hole Resort or road biking through the park
• Paragliding over Jackson Hole Valley

Grand Teton National Park Elopement Packages