Grand Teton National Park has so much to offer, from the iconic Teton peaks to clear lakes and wildlife, it is one of my favorite locations to elope in the United States! There are endless opportunities for hiking, top tier rock climbing and boat rides across Lake Jenny. Eloping in the Tetons is a great way to plan a unique day with memorable activities so your wedding day can consist of not only your vows, but also the hobbies you love doing together.
This guide will tell you everything you need to know about eloping in Jackson Hole and help you put together the elopement you’ve always dreamed of!
About Grand Teton National Park
Weather in the Tetons
Summer (May) through fall (September) are the most popular times of the year to elope in Wyoming. Most of the trails are accessible those months which puts the park’s busy season in full swing. Although you should be prepared for snow anytime of year, the lower elevation areas of the park are usually safe from the chilly weather later into the summer. The park is open all year around so if you’re dreaming of a snowy elopement with epic views and less people around the off season is going to be for you. Don’t under estimate the cold weather and be prepared to be flexible based on which roads are plowed, but the off season is another choice that makes for a unique elopement!
No vehicle reservations are required but you will have to pay an entrance fee to get into the park any time of year. If you plan on entering the park more than one day it might be worth buying a year long national park pass! It gives you access to all national parks and federal recreation land.
The Best Place to Elope In Grand Teton National Park
Jackson Hole has many incredible spots to elope! Some are popular, for good reason, and some are lesser known and will be more of a private experience. We include location information in our packages so send us a message to talk about the more private spots!
Schwabacher Landing is one of the most popular spots in the park. Between the way the sun peeks through the mountains at sunset and the gorgeous water it’s one of the most stunning locations in Grand Teton National Park. That being said it is a very popular spot so if you’re hoping to have a private experience this is not the location for you! Schwabacher Landing permits allow up to 25 people (including vendors) in a reserved site for a one hour time slot. The other locations with the same rules are Mormon Row – South, Mountain View Turnout, Snake River Overlook, and Glacier View Turnout.
If you have a larger group that 25 people you’ll want to check into Colter Bay and Mormon Row – North. Both of those location allow up to 40 people but if you have a group larger than that you won’t be able to get a permit in the park. You’ll want to check out other venues in Wyoming for larger groups!
For smaller groups, under 12 people, there are many small dispersed ceremony locations to chose from. There is a pretty big list of locations in the park that you are not allowed to elope but don’t let that discourage you from all of the wonderful locations that you can get permits for. Just to name a few, Lake Jenny, Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point are areas that are off limits for ceremonies. If you’re drawn to one of those spots you can definitely check them out after your vows but don’t plan on inviting guests to those locations.
Getting Legally Married In Grand Teton National Park
Permits for eloping in the Tetons go fast so you’ll need to plan ahead if you want to get married in the park. They typically open in December for the entire next year and some locations that allow larger groups sell out within a few days. For example, this year Schwabacher Landing, Mormon Row, and Colter Bay sold out within a week of the permits being released. The park gets a high volume of requests and typically takes 15-30 days to get back to you after your initial inquiry.
If you’re looking for something that is less crowded and easier to obtain permits, Bridger-Teton National Forest is near-by and has some gorgeous forest views. If you know the right areas you can still see the Teton mountain range from the national forest as well! The Wedding Tree is one of the best spots at Bridger-Teton and you must apply at least 30 days before your wedding. We always recommend planning in advance but you don’t need as much time to plan an elopement here as you do in Grand Teton National Park.
Permits in Grand Teton National Park
Check out the official website to submit your permit to get married at Grand Teton National Park. You’ll need to download an application, fill out all of the information and email it to grte_visitor_services@nps.gov. Be patient because the park will do their best to get back to you within 7-10 days but during the busy season it can take up to 30. The permit will cost you $200 but is completely worth it for the magic that comes with a Grand Teton National Park elopement.
Grand Teton National Park Elopement Packages
We would love to help you put your plans together and photograph your special day. As elopement photographers we help you with your wedding day timeline, permits and location scouting. Contact us for more information on elopement photography at Grand Teton National Park.
