Located amidst the rugged Grand Teton mountains, Jackson Hole gives you a breathtaking backdrop worthy of a forever-kind-of adventure. With lush wildflowers and snowy mountain caps, it’s impossible to find a bad spot for your Jackson Hole elopement. If you have been considering this location, I would love to guide you through everything you need to know! As an adventure elopement photographer, I adore working with couples to plan celebrations that perfectly match their style! Here’s a short guide on planning your intimate wedding!
You Will Love Planning Your Dream Jackson Hole Elopement With Help From This Guide
Photo Credit: Unsplash. Let’s replace these photographs with your own Jackson Hole Elopement!
When You Should Elope in Jackson Hole & How to Pick Your Date
When you are planning your wedding, the very first thing you need to think about is the crowd size. Because it is so close to both Grand Teton and Yellowstone, this site tends to get lots of visitors each and every year. There are a few steps you can take to reduce the number of potential party crashers. The first thing to do is avoid the weekend rush and exchange your vows on a weekday. You’ll still have some vacationers, but it will still be much more manageable than what you would see on a Saturday afternoon. I would also suggest planning a sunrise wedding. Sure, it’s early, but you’ll have some solitude throughout your ceremony. Other bonus? You are going to get the best lighting during the morning hours!
From there, I would suggest looking at the average temperatures in Jackson Hole and deciding which season works best for you. Personally, I always suggest sticking with spring or fall. The weather during this season is positively divine, with warm temperatures that bring the area to life. You will still likely want to bring an extra layer or two, but it will be much better than the freezing temperatures you get throughout the winter. While summer in the park is gorgeous, this is the season when you’ll deal with the most crowds. If you don’t want to fight with a hundred people for your wedding location, I would avoid July and August.
Photo Credit: Unsplash. Let’s replace these photographs with your own Jackson Hole Elopement!
Jackson Hole Elopement Locations
With Jackson Hole, the hardest part of planning your elopement will be narrowing down the potential locations. There are simply so many breathtaking spots, and it can be impossible to land on one. Here are the most popular options:
- Mormon Row: This area tends to be the most iconic location across all of Jackson Hole. In fact, there’s a pretty good chance you’ve seen the famous wooden farms first constructed a century ago by the homesteaders. This is also one of the few spots in the park you can reserve for your wedding, making it a favorite elopement spot!
- Schwabacher Landing: If you are looking for the best views of the Tetons, this is it! In addition to the majestic mountains, your portraits will have the Snake River running through them. Just know that this tends to be a pretty popular wedding spot, so you will need to reserve it early.
- The Wedding Tree: Located in the midst of the Bridger-Teton National Forest, The Wedding Tree gives you a picturesque location between two trees. In addition to the breathtaking view, they do not require permits for parties with fewer than 75 people.
- Chapel of the Transfiguration: If you prefer an indoor location, you might love this church. The chapel is an actively practicing Episcopal church that allows enough space for up to 65 people. The denomination is both welcoming and affirming, making it a great spot for every couple.
How to Get a Marriage License
There are a few things you will need for an elopement in Jackson Hole. First up is your wedding license. You will need to apply at the Teton County Clerk’s Office located in the basement of the County Administration Building. It costs $30, and there is no waiting time, so you can apply the day you arrive! Just a heads up, the office tends to get really, really busy. Lucky for you, they do offer appointments so you can nab your spot before you arrive.
Next comes the Park Permits. This is necessary if you get married anywhere inside the boundary of the Grand Teton National Park. The permits are first-come, first-served, and you are able to apply up to a year before your wedding date, so definitely don’t procrastinate on this! The park will walk you through what kind of permit you will need based on your wedding location of choice.
Photo Credit: Unsplash. Let’s replace these photographs with your own Jackson Hole Elopement!
What to Wear to Your Jackson Hole Elopement
Now comes the fun part: what to wear?! Because Jackson Hole tends to be a bit rustic, the boho chic styles photograph is so good here. Think flowy, lacy dresses, rust accent colors, cowboy hats, and boots. You can adjust however you’d like, but I would recommend choosing something that is both stylish and practical. There’s a good chance you will have to hike to your location, and you want to make sure you can actually make it there!
How Much Does It All Cost?
With an elopement, you tend to have a lot of freedom when it comes to cost. The necessary costs include your marriage license, an officiant, and the necessary permits. From there, you can start to budget things like your outfit, flowers, food, activities, a celebratory dinner, and a photographer. Jackson Hole gets higher-end clientele, so you might pay more than you would at other locations. On average, a Grand Teton will cost around $5,000-$20,000.
Photo Credit: Unsplash. Let’s replace these photographs with your own Jackson Hole Elopement!
Hiring a Jackson Hole Elopement Photographer
The one investment I always encourage clients to make is a photographer who will be there to capture every second of your celebration. There’s a good chance you picked a Jackson Hole elopement because you are an adventurer who values making memories. When you are picking your photographer, you need to make sure they are able to capture the beauty of the location while keeping you as the stars of the show. As an adventure elopement photographer, this is my specialty. I adore working with my clients to plan the day that’s perfect for them. When you hire me, you are getting a wedding bestie who will be there whether you need help adjusting your veil or calming your nerves. I would love to work together so you can have that unforgettable day you’ve been dreaming about for years!
A Jackson Hole Elopement Can Be Absolutely Magical
I hope this guide helps you as you start to make your Jackson Hole elopement plans. If you do think I might be the right photographer for you, I would love to chat about it! Send me a message today if you think we might be a match written in the stars!
