A Fall Taggart Lake Hiking Elopement & Wedding Tree Ceremony

A morning ceremony beneath the Wedding Tree, a hike through Grand Teton National Park, private vows on a rock in the middle of an alpine lake, and nighttime portraits illuminated by lanterns. Chandler and Anna’s Taggart Lake hiking elopement was the perfect combination of intimate wedding traditions and an adventurous day exploring the Tetons. From exchanging rocks inspired by penguins to hiking in their wedding attire, their day was filled with personal details that made the experience entirely their own. Their wedding was documented on digital, 35mm film, and Super 8 video.

A Morning Wedding Tree Elopement Ceremony

Chandler and Anna began their wedding day getting ready at the Wedding Tree in Bridger-Teton National Forest, just outside Grand Teton National Park. After photographing their details and preparations, they gathered with their moms and four-person wedding party for an intimate morning ceremony. Anna and Chandler’s sister-in-law officiated, making the ceremony even more personal. One of the sweetest details of their day was their decision to exchange rocks, inspired by the way penguins are known to give pebbles to their mates. They also wore matching socks, another small detail that made their wedding feel completely like them. Following their ceremony, we spent time capturing family portraits, wedding party photos, and portraits of the newlyweds beneath the Wedding Tree before heading out for the next part of their adventure.

Hiking to Taggart Lake for Private Elopement Vows

Immediately after their Wedding Tree ceremony, we headed into Grand Teton National Park for a hike to Taggart Lake. Chandler and Anna changed into comfortable clothes for the hike, with their four wedding party members joining us for the adventure. Once we reached the lake, they changed back into their wedding attire for portraits and private vows. Surrounded by the still water and mountain scenery, they made their way onto a rock in the middle of the lake to exchange vows privately. It was such a beautiful contrast to their morning ceremony. They had already celebrated their marriage with the people closest to them, but this moment was reserved just for the two of them. We spent additional time taking couple and wedding party portraits around the serene lake before hiking back.

Exploring Grand Teton National Park for Fall Elopement Portraits

After our Taggart Lake adventure, we continued exploring some of Grand Teton National Park’s most recognizable locations. Our stops included Mormon Row, Glacier View Turnout, and Schwabacher Landing, each offering a different backdrop for their fall wedding portraits. With a combination of digital photography, 35mm film, and Super 8 video, we documented everything from the mountain scenery to the candid moments throughout their adventure. Having time to explore multiple locations gave Chandler and Anna a gallery that tells the story of their entire wedding experience, not just the ceremony itself.

Nighttime Elopement Portraits with Lanterns

As the sun disappeared behind the Tetons, Chandler and Anna’s wedding adventure wasn’t quite finished. We ended their day with nighttime portraits illuminated by lanterns, creating a completely different atmosphere from the bright mountain landscapes we’d explored earlier. It was a beautiful way to finish an already memorable day, with their wedding gallery transitioning from a morning ceremony to an alpine lake adventure and finally to portraits after dark.

Planning Your Own Grand Teton Hiking Elopement

If you’re dreaming of a Grand Teton hiking elopement, Chandler and Anna’s wedding is a great example of how you can combine an intimate ceremony with an adventurous experience in the mountains. Whether you’re planning a Wedding Tree ceremony, hiking to Taggart Lake for private vows, or exploring the park for portraits, there are so many ways to create a wedding day that reflects your relationship.

As a Grand Teton elopement photographer, I help couples plan and document adventurous wedding experiences throughout Jackson Hole and the Tetons, blending documentary storytelling with digital photography, 35mm film, and Super 8 video. Planning your own Grand Teton elopement? Explore the Evergreen Photo Co. elopement experience and let’s create something entirely your own.