Wyoming, known for its expansive landscapes, towering mountain ranges, and iconic national parks, offers countless beautiful and budget-friendly elopement locations. Whether you’re dreaming of saying your vows in the rugged Tetons, the remote wilderness of national forests, or a serene lakeside spot, there are plenty of places to elope in Wyoming without a hefty price tag. In this guide, we highlight 20 of the best free places to elope in Wyoming, sorted by region, so you can find the perfect spot for your special day.
Free Places to Elope in Western Wyoming
Grand Teton National Park
- Location: Jackson, WY
- Why it’s great: Featuring breathtaking mountain views, lakes, and endless scenic spots, Grand Teton is iconic for a reason. While there’s a small entrance fee, elopements can be held in various free, picturesque areas.
- Tip: Permits are required, but they’re affordable.
Schwabacher’s Landing
- Location: Grand Teton National Park
- Why it’s great: This quiet, riverside spot provides one of the best views of the Teton Range, perfect for a serene elopement.
- Tip: Go early in the morning to catch the reflection of the mountains on the water.
Jenny Lake
- Location: Grand Teton National Park
- Why it’s great: This lake, surrounded by forest and mountains, provides a tranquil setting for an intimate elopement.
- Tip: For a more private experience, plan your ceremony early or late in the day.
Bridger-Teton National Forest
- Location: Near Jackson, WY
- Why it’s great: With over 3 million acres, this forest offers endless free locations for a natural and secluded elopement.
- Tip: No permit is required unless your event is organized or has a large group.
Signal Mountain
- Location: Grand Teton National Park
- Why it’s great: For sweeping views of Jackson Hole and the surrounding valleys, Signal Mountain is an easily accessible elopement spot.
- Tip: Plan for a sunset elopement to capture the best light over the landscape.
Free Places to Elope in Northern Wyoming
Yellowstone National Park (Mammoth Hot Springs)
- Location: Near Gardiner, WY
- Why it’s great: While Yellowstone charges an entrance fee, the Mammoth Hot Springs area provides a unique and visually striking spot for a ceremony.
- Tip: Permits are necessary but affordable for small elopements.
Lamar Valley
- Location: Yellowstone National Park
- Why it’s great: Known as the “Serengeti of North America,” Lamar Valley’s expansive grasslands are home to wildlife, offering a unique and quiet backdrop for your vows.
- Tip: An early morning elopement is best to avoid crowds and catch the wildlife.
Shell Falls
- Location: Bighorn National Forest
- Why it’s great: This impressive 120-foot waterfall offers a stunning backdrop for an adventurous elopement.
- Tip: It’s most accessible in the warmer months, so plan for spring or summer.
Bighorn Canyon
- Location: Lovell, WY
- Why it’s great: With dramatic cliffs, wide canyons, and breathtaking views, this spot is perfect for couples seeking a wild and free elopement location.
- Tip: The Devil Canyon Overlook is particularly stunning for ceremonies.
1Medicine Wheel
- Location: Bighorn National Forest
- Why it’s great: A sacred Native American site, the Medicine Wheel offers a deeply spiritual and unique setting for your elopement.
- Tip: Make sure to respect the cultural significance of this site when planning your ceremony.
Free Places to Elope in Central Wyoming
Fremont Lake
- Location: Near Pinedale, WY
- Why it’s great: As one of Wyoming’s largest natural lakes, Fremont Lake offers a peaceful and scenic setting for a lakeside elopement.
- Tip: Summer is the best time to elope here when the weather is warm, and the waters are calm.
Green River Lakes
- Location: Wind River Range
- Why it’s great: Located at the base of the majestic Squaretop Mountain, Green River Lakes provide a striking and serene elopement backdrop.
- Tip: Accessible via a scenic drive, ideal for an adventurous and remote ceremony.
Sinks Canyon State Park
- Location: Lander, WY
- Why it’s great: Known for its disappearing river, Sinks Canyon offers a one-of-a-kind landscape for a memorable elopement.
- Tip: Fall foliage adds a special touch to the natural beauty of the park.
Castle Gardens
- Location: Riverton, WY
- Why it’s great: This area is home to unique rock formations and ancient petroglyphs, making it a mystical and historical location for an elopement.
- Tip: Ensure you’re prepared for rugged terrain and pack accordingly.
Free Places to Elope in Southern Wyoming
Vedauwoo Recreation Area
- Location: Between Laramie and Cheyenne, WY
- Why it’s great: Famous for its towering rock formations, this area offers endless free locations to say “I do” among the boulders.
- Tip: Perfect for rock-climbing couples or those looking for a dramatic backdrop.
Snowy Range Pass
- Location: Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest
- Why it’s great: This high-altitude pass offers scenic mountain views and alpine lakes, providing a stunning natural setting for your elopement.
- Tip: Best accessible in the summer when the snow has melted, creating lush surroundings.
Curt Gowdy State Park
- Location: Cheyenne, WY
- Why it’s great: With lakes, forests, and open meadows, this state park offers diverse elopement options, all with beautiful Wyoming scenery.
- Tip: Opt for a ceremony by one of the park’s serene reservoirs.
Free Places to Elope in Eastern Wyoming
Devils Tower National Monument
- Location: Northeastern Wyoming
- Why it’s great: This iconic monolith offers a unique and awe-inspiring backdrop for an adventurous elopement.
- Tip: A small entrance fee applies, but ceremonies are free. Consider a sunrise or sunset ceremony for fewer crowds and magical lighting.
Thunder Basin National Grassland
- Location: Between Casper and Gillette, WY
- Why it’s great: If you love wide-open spaces, Thunder Basin’s vast, untouched grasslands provide an endless sky and horizon for an intimate elopement.
- Tip: Early fall provides cooler temperatures and stunning skies.
Fort Laramie National Historic Site
- Location: Near Torrington, WY
- Why it’s great: With wide-open fields and historical buildings, this location blends history and natural beauty for couples looking for a unique elopement spot.
- Tip: This spot is ideal for history-loving couples who appreciate both Wyoming’s wild landscape and its cultural heritage.
Eloping in Wyoming offers the chance to say your vows in some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in the United States. Whether you’re drawn to the dramatic cliffs of Bighorn Canyon or the peaceful waters of Fremont Lake, there’s a perfect free spot for every couple. Just remember, while many locations don’t require a fee, some may require permits for the ceremony itself, so always check local regulations before planning your big day.
