Grand Teton gives you a rugged and majestic backdrop perfect for your next adventure. With open fields overlooking snowy mountains, it’s an absolute dream for a National Parks wedding! As an adventure elopement photographer, I adore working with couples to ensure they can have their ideal celebration. Here’s what you need to know for your Grand Teton elopement!
Take Off On A Dream Adventure With This Grand Teton Elopement Guide
Photo Credit: Unsplash. Let’s replace these photographs with your own Grand Teton National Park Elopement!
When You Should Elope in Grand Tetons & How to Pick Your Date
The very first thing you need to do when planning your Grand Teton elopement is to pick the date. You will need a Special Use Permit (we’ll dive into that in a sec!), and it’s best to plan early since it’s first come, first serve! If you need some tips, I would suggest first narrowing down the month based on the weather.
Here’s What You Can Expect From Each Season
- Spring: While spring can be downright beautiful, it can also be extremely frigid. The snow from winter typically doesn’t melt until late May at the earliest. Some people prefer the snowy aesthetic for their elopement; just be sure to be prepared! Pack extra layers and be ready for some chilly weather.
- Summer: Finally, warmer weather is here! The wildflowers are starting to make their appearance, and the snow is gone. Because the weather is so beautiful, it tends to be a very popular season for weddings. I would suggest booking your ceremony as early as possible so you can reserve your spot! Summer in Grand Teton starts in early June and ends around the end of August.
- Fall: The autumn is another lovely season in the park. The weather hasn’t gotten unbearably cold yet, but the leaves have started to turn. Plus, you miss out on many of the summer tourist crowds! While this is considered to be one of the best times for weddings, be sure to keep an eye out ahead of your wedding date. Wildfires aren’t a rarity during this season, and you want to make sure you can avoid them.
- Winter: The chilly weather has made its grand return, and the park starts to turn white with snow. The park also starts to get pretty empty as the tourists leave. While the park is definitely open for weddings, be sure to be prepared with lots of layers!
Once you have your Grand Teton season, it’s time to decide on the actual elopement date and time. My advice? Go with a weekday so you can avoid the weekend tourist rush. I would also suggest going with a morning wedding right around sunrise. It might be early, but you’ll get the fewest crowds.
Photo Credit: Unsplash. Let’s replace these photographs with your own Grand Teton National Park Elopement!
Grand Teton Elopement Locations
Now that you’ve started to figure out your date, it’s time to think about locations. Lucky for you, Grand Teton has no shortage of options! The park has designated a number of spots where you can exchange your vows. They allow up to 40 guests depending on the location and will give you one hour for your ceremony. Here are some of my faves!
- Schwabacher Landing: This spot tends to be one of the most popular options in the park! If you don’t mind a few onlookers, you can exchange your vows by the river’s edge with the rugged mountains off in the distance.
- Glacier View Turnout: While this one might not be as popular, it’s still not uncommon to see tourists exploring this area. If you don’t mind that, you will have gorgeous views of the mountains as your backdrop!
- Mormon Row: This will give you one of the clearest looks at the mountains as well as the largest crowds. It tends to be pretty quiet during sunrise, however!
- Snake River Overlook: With this location, you are going to have open skies, clear water, and breathtaking mountain views. It’s especially lovely during fall!
- Mountain View Turnout: This is one of my favorite places to get a little privacy for your ceremony. As the name suggests, the Tetons will be the star of the show!
How to Get a Grand Teton License
For your Grand Teton elopement, there are several things that you will need to obtain: a Special Use Permit through the NPS and a Wyoming wedding license. The Special Use Permit will be the first step since these are offered up to a year out from your wedding. It’s also first come, first serve, so don’t drag your feet! You will head to the NPS website to fill out the application. You will need to select if you are having a Reserved Site or a Small Dispersed Ceremony. From there, you will email your application to the department and pay the $200 fee. Once you have your preliminary permit, you will have 7 days to review, sign, and return it. They will then send you the completed application.
For a Montana wedding license, you must apply in person. You will first fill out the marriage license questionnaire and then make an appointment at the County Clerk’s office before your wedding. Just a head’s up, they do not accept walk-ins!
Photo Credit: Unsplash. Let’s replace these photographs with your own Grand Teton National Park Elopement!
What to Wear to Your Elopement
The beauty of an elopement is that you get a lot of freedom over what to wear! With Grand Teton, I would recommend having layers just in case it gets a little chilly. A faux fur cape or a stylish jacket always photographs well. I would also suggest flowy materials like lace, linen, or satin that allow you to easily hike to your location. And lastly, don’t forget comfortable shoes for the journey! If you want high heels, I would suggest bringing them with you and changing out of your hiking shoes once you arrive.
How Much Does This All Cost?
On average, a Grand Teton elopement will cost $5,000-$10,000. In addition to the Special Use Permit fee, you will likely need to book a flight to the Jackson Hole airport. This can get a little pricey (think $500-$1000) since it’s pretty remote. From there, you will need to budget accommodations and lodging, food, attire, and, of course, your photographer.
Photo Credit: Unsplash. Let’s replace these photographs with your own Grand Teton National Park Elopement!
Hiring a Grand Teton Elopement Photographer
When it comes to elopement fees, the one investment you need to make is a Grand Teton photographer up for an adventure! Elopements are intimate and special events that are meant to help you create a brand new memory with your favorite person. You need a photographer by your side ready to document every second of your celebration. As an adventure photographer, I have such a passion for creating epic moments you can treasure forever! I will also be right by your side to help you find locations, create your timeline, and even perfect your look. I want to be there to make sure your day is nothing short of magical!
Your Dream Grand Teton Elopement Is Only A Few Steps Away
Hopefully, this guide helps you as you start to plan your Grand Teton elopement! And if you think I might be your photographer, let’s chat all about it! Send me a message today if you are ready to start the conversation.
