How to Elope in Grand Teton National Park

Eloping is no longer a spur-of-the-moment decision, it’s a carefully crafted, intimate alternative to traditional weddings. For couples who crave adventure and want their vows surrounded by towering peaks, pristine lakes, and rugged wilderness, Grand Teton National Park offers the perfect setting.

As a photographer who has explored all of Western Wyoming, from Jackson to Moose, Grand Teton National Park, and even Yellowstone, I know the ins and outs of this breathtaking area. I’ve hiked its trails, chased sunrises at its most iconic overlooks, and captured love stories against its stunning backdrops. This guide combines my firsthand experience with everything you need to plan your dream Grand Teton elopement.

Why Grand Teton National Park Is Perfect for Your Elopement

Few places in the U.S. rival the drama of the Tetons. The mountain range rises almost abruptly from the valley floor, creating jaw-dropping scenery everywhere you turn. Whether you want to say your vows by a quiet lake at sunrise or on a mountaintop at sunset, this park offers locations for every style of elopement, from adventurous hikes to easy-access viewpoints.

Beyond the scenery, Grand Teton National Park offers:

• Versatility: From snowy winter wonderlands to vibrant summer wildflowers.
• Accessibility: Many stunning locations are just a short drive or walk from the road.
• Adventure options: Hiking, kayaking, wildlife viewing, and even helicoptering, or hot air ballooning.

And because I’ve explored and photographed all over this region, I can help you choose the perfect spots for light, privacy, and epic views.

Choosing the Right Time of Year & Location to Elope in Grand Teton National Park

When planning your dream Grand Teton elopement, one of the first questions you should ask yourselves is “When do we want to elope?” Grand Teton has, generally speaking, great weather all year round, but each season has its unique perks and challenges and your experience will vary depending on when you visit.

• Spring: Blooming wildflowers and fewer crowds.
• Summer: Long days, warm weather, but peak visitor season.
• Fall: Crisp air, golden aspens, and fewer tourists.
• Winter: A snowy wonderland with serene vibes.

My tip? September is one of the best months for elopements, beautiful fall colors, mild weather, and far fewer people than in summer. You can also see the Milky Way directly over the Tetons if you are looking for some night-time photos with the stars!

Grand Teton Seasonal Elopement Information

Season	Months	Pros	Cons	Best For
Spring	March-May	Blooming wildflowers, fewer crowds, mild temps	Some trails closed due to snow/mud; unpredictable weather	Couples wanting quiet trails + fresh blooms
Summer	June-August	Longest daylight, wildflowers peak, full trail access, warm weather	Busiest season; higher travel/lodging costs	Adventure elopements + multi-location shoots
Fall	September-October	Golden aspens, fewer tourists, crisp air, stunning sunsets	Temps drop quickly; some services close after mid-October	Romantic, scenic ceremonies + fall colors
Winter	November-February	Snowy wonderland, ultimate privacy, dreamy winter photos	Limited access, extreme cold, shorter daylight hours	Cozy, intimate winter elopements

Best Grand Teton Elopement Locations + Insider Tips

Okay, so you picked out the perfect time of year to elope. Now the next big question is where. The first thing you should ask yourself is what kind of vibe you want your elopement to have. The location you choose is more than just a pretty background; it’s the entire atmosphere of your elopement. Below, I have listed my favorite elopement locations in Grand Teton National Park and when the best time to visit is.

Pro Tip: Plan for either sunrise or sunset ceremonies to avoid crowds and capture magical light on your photos, one of the most recommended strategies for park elopements.

Location	Why It Works	Elopement Photographer’s Tip	Group Size Limit
Schwabacher’s Landing	Iconic reflections of the Teton Range; moose, eagles, and wild landscapes nearby	Go before sunrise to catch mirror-like water and soft pink mountain light, crowds can be tough though so the first pull off is sometimes a better spot!	25 People
Jenny Lake / String Lake	Surrounded by forest and the Tetons, soothing, easy to access, dramatically beautiful	Aim for early or late in the day; hike for more privacy. You can take the boat across the lake for more location options. Parking is TOUGH!	12 People
Signal Mountain	Sweeping views over Jackson Hole valley and the Tetons, great for cinematic portraits	Opt for sunset to bathe the valley in golden light!	10 People
Colter Bay	Sweeping views of the Tetons with easy access to the water. It’s perfect for couples who want a mix of mountain backdrops and lakefront serenity without long hikes.	Plan for a sunrise or sunset elopement to get the best golden light over the lake and mountains. It’s also less crowded than some of the main viewpoints, especially if you explore the smaller beaches along the bay.	40 People
Mormon Row	Rustic barns framed by soaring peaks, timeless Western charm	Visit at sunrise or sunset to dodge tourists, there are sometimes bison and elk out here! Two locations to choose from, North and South!	25-40 People
Oxbow Bend / Snake River Overlook	Serene water reflections and majestic views	Sunrise is unbeatable for golden hues and calm water. More parking and less crowds too!	25 People

Chapels to Elope At in Grand Teton National Park

Arrangements for the use of these must be made directly with the establishments.

Chapel of the Sacred Heart – 307-733-2516 or http://www.olmcatholic.org/

Chapel of the Transfiguration – 307-733-2603 or https://www.stjohnsjackson.org/

Mapped Locations to Elope at in Grand Teton National Park

Permit & Legal Requirements for Your Grand Teton Elopement

One of the most critical steps in planning your Grand Teton elopement is securing the appropriate permits. The National Park Service (NPS) requires permits for all wedding ceremonies and elopements within the park to ensure that the natural beauty and resources are preserved for future generations. Here’s what you need to know:

Ceremony Permit (Special Use Permit)

• Required for any elopement inside Grand Teton NP.
• Two types:
  • Reserved Site-Specific Ceremony: 25–40 people.
  • Small Dispersed Ceremony: Up to 12 people (including vendors).
• Submit at least 30 days prior to your date (applications open in December for the following year).
• Non-refundable $200 application fee, covers the ceremony hour (setup + breakdown included). You can pay the $200 application fee electronically by visiting www.pay.gov. 
• Be ready to include: date, time, location + alternates, number of people/vehicles, and vendor details.
• After submission: you’ll receive a draft permit, which you must review and sign, and bring a printed final permit on your wedding day.

Application Process: You can apply for a Special Use Permit by submitting an application to the park’s administration office. The application should include details about your ceremony, such as the location, date, time, and the number of people attending. On the application, be sure to note if you are applying for either Reserved Site-Specific Ceremony Permits (for more than 12 people) or Small Dispersed Ceremony Permit (for less than 12 people). Under the “List of Equipment” section, be sure to enter your photographer/planner’s contact information (i.e., name, email, website, phone number). If you haven’t hired them yet, email this information to grte_visitor_services@nps.gov once they’ve been hired. All locations that accommodate 26-40 participants are full for the 2025 season, and the Snake River Overlook is the only location available for group sizes up to 25. For participants up to 12 you may apply for a small dispersed location permit. Applications for 2026 elopements will not be accepted until the acceptance date announced in November of 2025.

Restrictions: Some areas within the park have restrictions on group size or use of amplified sound, and certain locations may be off-limits for ceremonies to protect wildlife and natural resources. Always check with the park service to ensure your desired location is approved.

To get more information and see more helpful tips on filling out the application, check out the permit page here.

Marriage License

• Apply in-person with a photo ID and completed form. Marriage licenses can be obtained at any County Clerk’s office in Wyoming. The closest offices to Grand Teton National Park are in Jackson (Teton County), Lander (Fremont County), Pinedale (Sublette County), and Kemmerer (Lincoln County).
• No waiting period, you can get married the same day if you wish! Both parties must be present to apply, and you’ll need to provide valid photo IDs. The marriage license is valid for one year from the date of issuance, so you have plenty of time to plan your elopement.
• Fee: ~$30 give or take depending on the county
• You’ll need two witnesses. Many couples ask their photographer and officiant to serve, or friends and family!

Grand Teton Elopement Essentials Checklist

• Permit & printed permit
• Wyoming marriage license
• Weather-appropriate layers, sturdy shoes (hiking or cowboy boots are a perfect option!)
• Snacks, water, and anything sentimental (e.g. vow books)
• Photographer who knows the area (hint: that’s me!)
• Be flexible and embrace the elements, mountain weather changes fast!

Should We Include Guests in Our Elopement?

First, remember that your decision is yours (and your partner’s) to make, and whatever you decide should be a choice you make together without any coercion or added stress from others. There are numerous factors that make the decision to elope solo or with others a tough one. Weddings can be expensive, and if you’d prefer to spend your budget on something special for just yourselves, you are valid. You should choose the right option for your day (and location choice)!

If you have questions, comments, concerns, what-ifs, what-abouts, etc.; please do not hesitate to contact me, and I am happy to walk you through all of it.

Accommodation & Activities

Where to Stay:

• Inside Park: Jenny Lake Lodge (luxury log cabins), Lodge at Jackson Lake
• Nearby: Jackson Hole lodges, Airbnbs, Signal Mountain Lodge, Colter Bay Village, Teton Village

Post-Elopement Fun:

Add Yellowstone: If you have an extra day, broadening your adventure is easy and epic

Hiking: Easy trails like Phelps Lake or Jenny Lake Loop, Hermitage Point, or backcountry adventures like hiking to Delta Lake or the Grand Teton itself!

Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for moose, elk, bears, and bald eagles. Always carry bear spray when in the park!

Kayaking / Boating: On Jackson or Jenny Lake, you can take the boat at Jenny Lake to the other side for additional views and areas to explore within the park!

Stargazing: Wyoming’s dark skies make for epic evening views and you can see the Milky Way on clear nights because there is little to no light pollution!

Why Work With Me?

As a photographer who’s adventured, and captured photos across Jackson, Moose, Grand Teton, and Yellowstone, I know the area intimately, where to go, when for the best light, and how to capture you authentically in a vast landscape. You’ll get personalized location guides, permit help, custom timelines, and stunning imagery that feels you.

Eloping in Grand Teton National Park offers an unforgettable experience, filled with breathtaking scenery and intimate moments. Whether you’re planning a summer elopement surrounded by wildflowers or a cozy winter ceremony, this guide will help you navigate the process. If you’re ready to start planning your Grand Teton elopement, reach out to me, and let’s create something beautiful together.

I hope this guide will help you through the elopement process in Grand Teton National Park. I am so lucky that I get to capture love stories in this beautiful place. If you want me to tag along and capture your Grand Teton elopement, please fill out my booking form!

Frequently Asked Questions About Eloping in Grand Teton National Park