Everything you need to know about planning your Grand Teton elopement!
I've always adored the Tetons.
Growing up, my family visited almost every summer. We spent days swimming in the alpine lakes, stopping at The Bunnery for huckleberry pie (or a giant cinnamon roll!!), and hiking deep into the mountains just because we loved being there.
Now getting to come back as a Grand Teton elopement photographer feels like such a full-circle moment.
There really is something special about this place. It feels wild in the best way, while still embracing that classic western charm. I'm not sure anything beats saying your vows beneath one of the most iconic mountain ranges in the country.
If you're dreaming about eloping in Grand Teton National Park, here's everything I recommend to help you plan an unforgettable wedding weekend.
Why Elope in Grand Teton National Park?
The scenery is unreal.
I mean... how do you beat this?
There are no mountains quite like the Tetons, and every turn somehow gets prettier than the last. The iconic peaks, rivers, alpine lakes, and wildflowers, not sure how it can get any better!
It's adventurous AND accessible.
One of my favorite things about the Tetons is that you can have incredible mountain views without hiking miles into the backcountry.
That means you can still have Grandma, Grandpa, and Uncle Joe there celebrating with you while getting those epic mountain views you've always dreamed of. It really gives you the best of both worlds—adventure and your favorite people.
Sunrise and sunset are worth planning around.
The alpenglow here is unbelievable. Watching the mountains glow at sunrise or sunset is something everyone should experience at least once... and you'll have some pretty amazing photos to show your grandkids someday. 😊
Make it a wedding weekend.
This is probably my biggest piece of advice! Don't just come for one day, go hiking, spend an afternoon paddleboarding, watch the rodeo, grab breakfast at The Bunnery (their huckleberry pie!!), go horseback riding, explore Jackson.
The Tetons deserve time to slow down and enjoy them instead of rushing from one thing to the next.
The wildlife is incredible.
Half the time I'm photographing at Schwabacher Landing, we end up spotting a moose wandering through the river with the Tetons behind it. How does it get any better than that??
Best Time of Year to Elope in Grand Teton National Park
Summer (Mid-June–Early September)
Summer is the most popular time to elope, and for good reason.
- Longer days
- Warm weather
- Beautiful wildflowers
- Everything in the park is open
The biggest downside is that it's busier, but honestly, I've never had crowds interfere with an elopement. Everyone has always been incredibly respectful.
Fall (Mid-September–Early October)
Fall might honestly be my favorite! Think cowboy boots, crisp mountain air, cozy sweaters while you're getting ready, hot coffee brewing, and golden aspens surrounding the mountains. It's so fun and western! (YES bring your cowboy boots!!) Also, you'll also have fewer crowds once school starts back up, making everything feel a little quieter and more intimate.
The only thing to keep in mind is that weather becomes much more unpredictable. One day might be sunny and 65°, and the next could bring rain, or even snow.
Do You Need a Permit?
Yes!
If you're planning to have your ceremony inside Grand Teton National Park, you'll need a Special Use Permit from the National Park Service.
You'll also want to follow Leave No Trace principles so these beautiful places stay beautiful for years to come.
Check out my separate blog post describing this process! (Always check the National Park Service website for the most up-to-date permit information.)
My Favorite Ceremony Locations
Schwabacher Landing
My number one favorite! You get the river, trees, mountains, and beautiful reflections all in one location. I've photographed multiple couples here and somehow it never gets old.
Mormon Row
Probably the most iconic mountain view in the park. It's more open with fewer trees, but I think it has one of the best unobstructed views of the Tetons. Excellent accessibility!
Glacier View Turnout
A beautiful option that's incredibly easy to access.
Snake River Overlook
Another great option if you're looking for sweeping mountain views without a long hike.
Sample 3-Hour Elopement Timeline
4:30 PM – Meet at Schwabacher Landing
5:00 PM – Private vows
5:30 PM – Ceremony
6:00 PM – Family photos
6:20 PM – Portraits around Schwabacher Landing
7:00 PM – Drive to Mormon Row
7:30 PM – Sunset portraits
What Should You Wear?
Lean into the western feel!
Cowboy boots, a beautiful flowy dress, layers, and neutral colors photograph beautifully here. Browns, creams, soft greens... let the mountains do the heavy lifting.
Where to Stay
If you're making a weekend out of it (which I highly recommend!), here are a few great options:
- Jackson
- Moose
- Signal Mountain Lodge
- Dornan's
- Cozy Airbnbs around Jackson Hole
A Real Grand Teton Elopement
One of my favorite elopements I've photographed took place at Schwabacher Landing in late May.
The weather was absolutely perfect! sunny, warm, and still quiet enough that it felt peaceful.
They flew all the way from Georgia because they wanted a mountain wedding, but the venues they loved back home were pushing $50,000.
Instead, they turned their wedding into an entire adventure.
They spent the week exploring Yellowstone, grabbing drinks at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, horseback riding, hiking, and making memories with their closest people before saying their vows beneath the Tetons.
Their ceremony took place at Schwabacher Landing. It was absolutely magical seeing them surrounded by their closes people saying their vows on the riverbank under the iconic mountain range.
After family photos, we explored around the landing before ending the evening at Mormon Row with the prettiest golden light.
They wrapped up the night celebrating together over dinner with family.
Why I Love Grand Teton Elopements!
Stories like this are exactly why I love photographing elopements in the Tetons.
Yes, the mountains are incredible.
Yes, the scenery is unreal.
But what I love most is that couples get to slow down.
Instead of rushing through a packed wedding day, you get an entire weekend to celebrate with the people who matter most.
Years from now, I don't want you to just remember your ceremony. I want you to remember hiking together, grabbing huckleberry pie, celebrating with your family, watching the sunset over the mountains, and everything in between.
That's what makes an elopement so special.
Ready to Plan Your Own Grand Teton Elopement?
If you're dreaming about a Grand Teton National Park elopement, I'd love to help you plan a day (or weekend!) that feels like you.
Whether you already know exactly what you want or you're just starting to dream, I'm always happy to help with locations, timelines, permits, and all my favorite local recommendations.
Reach out here, and let's start planning your Grand Teton adventure. 🤍
