How to Plan Your Grand Teton Elopement
Updated for 2024
Grand Teton National Park is located in Wyoming right outside of very beautiful and popular town of Jackson. If you're planning your elopement here you should consider flying to Jackson or Salt Lake city about 5 h away. Jackson is the best option to base yourself out of, followed by Wilson or Victor which are the less expensive options.
Truly one of America's most spectacular parks and an elopement or wedding in the Tetons would be a stunning and memorable way to celebrate your love amidst the breathtaking natural beauty of the Rocky Mountains. In this blog I'll help you answer some of the most popular questions and outline how you might plan your elopement in Grand Teton National Park:
- If you want to get married in WY you have to get a marriage license apply for it in person. It costs $30 and there is no waiting period in Wyoming, meaning you can pick up your marriage license and get married on the same day
Jackson Hole clerk office right in town, would be the best convenient place to get it.
- if you have more than 12 people, you’re limited to the six ceremony sites listed below. If you have less than 12 people, you can elope anywhere in the park aside from the locations I will mentioned in the next 2 paragraphs..
- You will need a special use permit in order to have a ceremony in the park. Because this park gets pretty popular I recommend applying for one at least 3 months in advance, if not 6 months in advance. Most sites only allow 60 weddings a year. The special use permits are reversed on a first-come first-serve basis. The permit fee is $200 and it's non refundable. In order for your application to be considered you should fill out the form from GTNP website and submit your $200 fee. You can read more about it here.
- Applications for each year open in the fall of the previous year so depending when are you planning on eloping keep checking their website.
- Reserved Site-Specific Ceremony Permit starting Friday, May 10, 2024, through Sunday, October 20, 2024: most permits are being granted for 2 h window, although you do not have an inclusive access to these spots.
- Small Dispersed Ceremony Permit starting Sunday, January 1, 2024, through Sunday, December 31, 2024
- You also will need an officiant and at least two witnesses in order to elope in Grand Teton National Park.
Best Elopement Ceremony Locations in the Grand Teton National Park
- Schwabacher Landing is located at the end of is short walk from the parking area and this location is very popular among landscape photographers especially in the morning due to beautiful alpenglow and the reflections. It gets pretty busy but if you're looking beautiful sunrise this is the spot. This location overlooks the Tetons, Snake River and beaver ponds. It’s best to plan during a weekday and avoid holidays.
Ceremony group limit: 25 people
Limitations: One ceremony per day, no more than 60 per year.
Restrooms: Yes
- Mormon Row There are two parts of this iconic and historic compound. North and South and both have a side areas for ceremonies. You get epic views of the Tron Range here and its historical buildings. The sunsets here are truly spectacular. This area isn’t as busy as Schwabacher Landing, but it’s still best to plan your ceremony during a weekday.
Ceremony group limit: 25 people (South) 40 people (North)
Limitations: One ceremony per day, no more than 60 per year.
Restrooms Yes
- Mountain View Turnout This location is a bit more remote compared to the others we have mentioned, and it also doesn’t get as busy. It still offers epic views of the Teton Range here, but there isn’t any sitting. This area is also inaccessible by vehicle in the winter as the road gets closed.
Ceremony group limit: 25 people
Limitations: One ceremony per day, no more than 60 per year.
Restrooms No
- Glacier View Turnout
Great option to avoid crowds as it's a less busy spot. This spot is easily accessible with parking spots.
Ceremony group limit: 25 people
Limitations: One ceremony per day, no more than 60 per year.
Restrooms No
- Snake River Overlook
Snake River gives you views of the Teton Range and Snake River. There are designated accessible parking spots and pathways are paved here, but there is no sitting. Also, there is a rock wall along the main viewing platform so not everyone likes obstructed views but once you walk further along the way you get more natural setting. Ceremonies must be help on the pavement though. Not the best location to have a wedding mid day due to lack of shade and harsh light so eloping here during the evening would be ideal.
Ceremony group limit: 25 people
Limitations: One ceremony per day, no more than 60 per year.
Restrooms Yes
- Colter Bay Swim Beach
Colter Bay Swim Beach is a gorgeous spot with views of the Teton range and Jackson Lake. Good location for sunrise elopements. This location is good for bigger groups and if you need wheel accessible spot. Not as busy as other locations within the park.
Ceremony group limit: 40 people
Limitations: One ceremony per day, no more than 30 per year.
Restrooms Yes
More Grand Teton Elopement Locations
If you have less than 12 guests and want to elope within the park's boundaries you can do so almost anywhere but the locations mentioned below. These sites are called Small Dispersed locations.
Just a reminder, a good photographer who knows the park well and shot there before should be able to help you find more private, dispersed and romantic spots outside of the popular 6 locations mentioned above. I have shot a numerous times in the Grand Teton National Park and know many great spot for elopements less than 12 people.
- Ceremonies are limited to one hour maximum at Small Dispersed locations and must be defined with a start and end time. This time includes the arrival for set-up and ending time to including photos or video at the ceremony location.
Locations where wedding and commitment ceremonies are not allowed in the GTNP:
You can still have portraits taken at these locations but you can't have the ceremony there.
- The paved trails within and surrounding the Jenny Lake visitor plaza at South Jenny Lake
- Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point
- String Lake and Jenny Lake overlook on the one-way road from May 15 to October 15
- Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve (LSR)
- Concessioner land assignments (exception for weddings sold/catered by Concessioners in assigned facilities in accordance with their contract)
- Park partner facilities (e.g., Murie Ranch, Teton Science School)
- Within proximity of places where weddings are being managed by a chapel or concessioner (e.g., the Chapel of the Transfiguration)
Other wedding locations not managed by the park but within its boundaries:
Jackson Lake Lodge
You won't need a permit to have a wedding here because they are a full-service wedding venue located in Grand Teton National Park. This venue is a good option for those looking for dining and lodging or having a larger group.
Chapel of the Transfiguration & Chapel of the Sacred Heart
You don't need any permit to elope at any of these chapels, although they're located within the park. In order to hold the ceremony here you have to make any arrangements directly with the church. This is an expensive option so I recommend you find out the cost first. Also, my least favorite location due to how dark it is inside these chapels, which is bad for photography.
You can choose between Chapel of the Transfiguration and Chapel of the Sacred Heart
If you don't want to deal with limited permits to elope within the park the next best location will be the Wedding Tree
There are also many locations on the National Forest Land. A good photographer will help you finding those.
The Wedding Tree
This location makes the perfect wedding venue for those who want privacy but also a beautiful view of the Tetons. You must reserve the area for your wedding or elopement with a permit from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The good news is that often you can book your time slot within a month or so. At the time of writing this blog permits were $300. You can choose between 1 or 5 hour time slots when reserving this site.
Best Time to Elope in the Tetons, Wyoming
- Spring is an excellent time for Grand Teton elopement and wedding. Later in the spring (Mid to late May till mid June) are great because it's not as crowded, hot and it's easier to get permits fort your desired locations. The green vegetation adds a beautiful backdrop, the wildlife is abundant and so are wildflowers in June. One thing to keep in mind is higher possibility for rain storms especially in May.
- Summer is also a great time to visit and elope in Grand Teton National Park if you want to see wildflowers and have blue skies. If you like hiking and want to include that in your elopement day that's another great reason to elope in the simmer. Summer in Grand Teton comes with many tourists, higher prices and limited parking and reservations so keep that in mind.
- Fall is the best time to elope in Grand Teton National Park if you want less crowds. Also accommodation prices won't be as expensive, and you'll see some beautiful foliage. September or early October would be the best months but expect snow as early as September and definitely cool temperature at night and early in the mornings.
Things to Do During and After Your Grand Teton Wedding
Jackson, Wyoming, is a charming town located near the entrance of Grand Teton National Park and not far from Yellowstone National Park. It's a perfect place to unwind after you Tetons elopement. It offers a wide range of fun activities for visitors to enjoy. Here are some ideas:
Hiking:
The Jackson area offers numerous hiking trails for various skill levels. Explore trails in Grand Teton National Park or nearby Bridger-Teton National Forest. Fun fact: I me my love hiking in the Tetons!
Some of my favorite hikes in the Tetons include Phelps Lake, Delta Lake, Cascade Canyon and Jenny lake Loop
Walking around town: Jackson is famous for its four elk antler arches at each corner. It's a great place to stroll, shop for local art and crafts, and enjoy the town's western atmosphere or visit a brewery.
Fishing: Enjoy fly-fishing on the Snake River or its tributaries, known for their excellent trout fishing opportunities.
Biking: Rent a bike or bring your own and enjoy many incredible bike paths along the Grand Teton National Park.
Scenic Drives: Take a scenic drive on the Teton Park Road or venture into the nearby Yellowstone National Park for breathtaking landscapes and wildlife viewing.
Horseback Riding: Explore the area's beauty on horseback with guided trail rides that offer a taste of the western lifestyle.
Rodeo: If you're visiting during the summer months, catch a rodeo at the Jackson Hole Rodeo Grounds. It's a fun and authentic western experience.
Galleries and Art: Jackson has a vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries showcasing local and international artists' work.
Skiing: If you're getting married in the winter you must hit one of the most renowned slopes in the US
Whether you're interested in outdoor adventures, arts and culture, or simply enjoying the scenic beauty, Jackson has something for everyone to enjoy and the Tetons offer one of the most spectacular backdrops in the country. If you have more questions about eloping in the Tetons feel free to contact me.
