Ultimate Grand Teton Elopement Guide
There are few places on Earth quite like Grand Teton National Park! In a natural landscape as unique and epic as this, a Grand Teton elopement is a next-level experience that’s guaranteed to create lifelong memories.
This iconic mountain range in northwest Wyoming is one of the crown jewels of the United States National Park System, and it is not difficult to see why. The massive, jagged peaks reaching into the sky, the crystal clear lakes dotting the vast landscape, the lush forests of spruce and cottonwood trees, and the vast array of gorgeous and exotic wildlife all combine to ensure that every visit to the Grand Tetons is absolutely awe-inspiring and unforgettable.
With so many things to see and do in this vast national park, it can sometimes be a bit daunting for couples planning a Grand Teton elopement to figure out where to begin! Fortunately, this comprehensive Grand Teton elopement guide has got you covered, with all the ins and outs and essential Grand Teton National Park elopement tips you’ll need to keep in mind to plan the perfect elopement in Grand Teton National Park. Here’s everything you need to know about how to elope in Grand Teton National Park!
Who Should Elope In Grand Teton National Park?
A Grand Teton elopement is perfect for any couple who loves seeking out adventures and never thinks twice about diving headlong into the unknown to encounter truly unique and unforgettable experiences.
If you are seeking romance, natural beauty, exciting forays into some of the most epic landscapes in the world, then you’re the kind of couple who is completely perfect for a Grand Teton National Park adventure elopement.
What Activities Can You Do During A Grand Teton Adventure Elopement?
Grand Teton National Park is so expansive that there’s basically no limit to the types of adventures you can discover here. There are endless places to discover and countless amazing natural landscapes to experience.
Some of the most popular activities for couples embarking on a Grand Teton adventure elopement include:
Hiking on the one-of-a-kind mountain trails.
Kayaking or boating on the crystal clear waters of the Snake River or Jackson Lake.
Viewing the park’s endless array of stunning wildlife.
Picnicking in the heart of some of the most gorgeous natural scenery you’ll ever encounter.
Swimming in Colter Bay
Horseback riding in the meadows
What Is The Best Time Of Year To Elope In Grand Teton National Park?
The time of year you choose to elope in Grand Teton National Park all depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for in your Grand Teton adventure elopement. The park changes with the seasons, and each time of year offers a different side of the Grand Tetons.
Here are a few highlights from each season to help give you a sense of what time of year is best for you:
Spring
It’s pretty hard to beat Grand Teton National Park in the spring. The weather is absolutely gorgeous and the towering mountain peaks and sprawling forests are complemented by a bloom of wildflowers. The temperature is perfect for all sorts of outdoor activities, from hiking to kayaking to picnicking.
The only real drawback is that spring is one of the most popular times of year to visit Grand Teton National Park, so you’re going to have to compete with relatively large crowds.
Summer
The weather in Grand Teton National Park remains incredible during the summer months!
It’s definitely a bit warmer than the spring, but as long as you plan to dress for hotter weather and bring plenty of water to stay hydrated, you’ll be able to take full advantage of all the adventures the park has to offer.
As in the spring, however, summer in Grand Teton National Park draws a lot of crowds, so you’ll definitely need to do some careful planning to beat the rush.
Autumn
During the fall, the weather is still mild enough to do plenty of outdoor activities like hiking and wildlife viewing, but you have the added bonus of fewer crowds.
You’ll be able to enjoy a more secluded experience while still getting the full impact of the Grand Tetons’ natural beauty.
Winter
Naturally, when the winter months roll around, the temperature in Grand Teton National Park starts to dip dramatically, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have an awesome adventure elopement!
During the winter, the Grand Tetons are covered with a pristine blanket of pure, white snow and the park becomes a tranquil winter wonderland. If you plan ahead and dress warmly, you’ll be able to enjoy the gorgeous snowy surroundings and engage in plenty of thrilling activities like skiing and snow-shoeing.
You’ll also have a front-row seat to some amazing wildlife without having to worry about the big crowds you might encounter during the spring or summer.
What Do You Need To Elope In Grand Teton National Park?
In order to legally elope in Grand Teton National Park, you’ll need to take care of a few minor administrative requirements and some brief paperwork. Here are the basic requirements that you’ll need to elope legally in Grand Teton National Park:
A Special Use Permit: This is the permit you’ll need from the National Park Service in order to elope legally in most of the elopement sites in Grand Teton National Park. The type of special use permit you’ll need will depend on which location in the park you’ve selected for your elopement ceremony.
Typically the type of permit you’ll need will depend on the type of ceremony, whether the ceremony is taking place in an outdoor elopement site or in an indoor location like a chapel, and the number of guests you’re planning on inviting to your Grand Teton elopement ceremony.
You can find a complete list of the different types of Grand Teton elopement permits, and apply for the one that’s right for your location, on the National Park Service's website.A Wyoming Marriage License: One of the key Wyoming marriage requirements is a state-issued marriage license that certifies that you meet all the criteria necessary for a legal marriage in the state.
To fill out a marriage license application in Wyoming, you’ll need to be at least 18 years old, appear in person at a County Clerk’s Office within the state, present a valid ID, and complete a simple Marriage License Questionnaire about basic information like your address and date of birth.
Once you’ve received your Wyoming Marriage License, it remains valid for a full year, so as long as you get married within 365 days of receiving your license, you should be good to go!A One-Time Marriage License Fee: Obtaining a marriage license in the state of Wyoming typically requires a small, one-time fee of $30.
Two Witnesses: Your marriage must be witnessed by two people over the age of 18 in order to be officially recognized by the state of Wyoming (and yes, your wedding photographer can double as one of your witnesses!)
A Qualified Officiant: Your elopement ceremony must be performed by a qualified officiant, whether that’s a religious leader, judge, or a close friend who got ordained on the internet just to officiate your elopement. (P.S. I offer free officiating services for all of my couples!)
I know that this part of the process can sometimes seem a bit daunting or overwhelming, but please don’t worry!
If you ever need any help, I’ll be there every step of the way to act as a go-to resource for all the legal requirements and administrative details for your Grand Teton adventure elopement.
I’ve been through this process so many times that I’ve become something of an expert on the legalities, so if you ever have any questions or need any assistance, just say the word!
My Favorite Grand Teton Elopement Locations
One of the best things about an adventure elopement in the Grand Tetons is that there are so many different types of elopement spots to choose from, with a stunning diversity of environments and natural landmarks to take in.
With so many awesome places to explore, it can sometimes feel daunting picking just one location for your Grand Teton adventure elopement, but here are just a few of my favorites:
Schwabacher Landing
This scenic channel of the Snake River offers stunning views of the mountains along with some truly amazing wildlife.
Schwabacher Landing is particularly famous for its beaver dams, and at dawn and dusk, you can see the little guys working busily on their various construction projects.
It offers the absolute best of the Grand Tetons’ natural beauty, and the majestic mountains and awe-inspiring forests of spruce and cottonwood trees make a stunning backdrop for wedding photos.
Mormon Row
The rustic atmosphere and picturesque location make Mormon Row one of the best places to elope in Grand Teton. Historic barns built by early members of the Mormon Church offer a glimpse of the American past alongside some of the most stunning natural landscapes Grand Teton has to offer.
Mountain View Turnout
Mountain View Turnout offers a stunning, panoramic view of some of the most epic peaks in the entire Grand Teton mountain range. Combine the one-of-a-kind view with access to some unforgettable hiking trails filled with amazing wildlife and you’ve got yourself one of the best possible locations for a Grand Teton adventure elopement.
If you’re considering having your Grand Teton elopement ceremony at Mountain View Turnout, do keep in mind that you will need a ceremony permit, and the National Parks Service has a limit of one permit per day and 60 permits a year.
I definitely recommend planning ahead and booking your elopement date as far in advance as possible to make sure you are able to secure a permit for your preferred date. You can apply for a ceremony permit at Mountain View Turnout here.
Glacier View Turnout
If you’ve never seen a real glacier up close, you are truly missing out! Fortunately, the Grand Tetons’ Glacier View Turnout offers an opportunity to get up close and personal with this majestic sight.
From this spot in the valley, you’re afforded a completely unobstructed view of the glacier, which provides a magical, romantic atmosphere to your wedding vows and lends a truly unique and epic backdrop to your Grand Teton elopement photography.
Glacier View Turnout also provides a stunning view of the conifer and cottonwood forests that line the Snake River, lending even more variety and natural beauty to this perfect elopement spot.
Colter Bay
Colter Bay is located on the shore of Jackson Lake in the northern part of Grand Teton National Park, and it’s easily one of the most exciting and gorgeous elopement spots in the entire Grand Tetons mountain range.
In addition to an unparalleled view of the mountains and surrounding forests, Colter Bay also offers access to unforgettable hiking trails, and even offers opportunities to go boating on Jackson Lake! Colter Bay is also considered one of the best spots in the Grand Tetons for viewing wildlife, and you can expect to see a wide variety of birds and maybe even a bear or two during your visit.
For couples with a truly adventurous spirit, Colter Bay offers some of the best opportunities to really explore all the natural beauty that the Grand Tetons have to offer (and provides some excellent opportunities for completely unique wedding photos along the way)!
A Note On Guest Lists
When you’re planning your Grand Teton adventure elopement, it’s important to note that different elopement locations in Grand Teton National Park have different limits for the number of guests permitted during the elopement ceremony.
However, each of the six locations mentioned above allows more than 12 guests at a time, so whether you’re planning a close-knit, intimate or something slightly larger, you’ll be covered!
The Mountains Are Calling Your Name!
If you’re planning an adventure elopement in Grand Teton National Park and are looking for a Grand Teton elopement photographer with a passion for excellence and an insider’s knowledge of the area, then we should definitely have a chat! Reach out any time and let’s start planning!
No matter what kind of experience you’re looking for, we’ll create something together that perfectly realizes your vision for the elopement of your dreams.
Hey, I’m Sally! I’m a destination adventure elopement photographer based in Washington, but traveling worldwide!
CHECK OUT MY FREE ELOPEMENT PLANNING GUIDE & CHECKLIST!
This freebie gives you a step-by-step guide on exactly how to plan your dream adventure elopement.
