Grand Teton National Park is one of my all time favorite elopement locations - with the jagged, rocky peaks of the Teton range filling the park horizon for as far as the eye can see, to crystalline and pristine waters and endless hiking opportunities, this national park should be high up on your list to visit, or in this case, to elope at! This guide will inform you on how to plan your Grand Teton National Park elopement for 2024-2025 by covering everything you need to know to plan your rugged mountain elopement in this stunning location!
Table of Contents:
Why You Should Elope in Grand Teton National Park
The real question is why wouldn't you elope in the Tetons?! Like I mentioned in the intro of this blog post, if you love jagged rocky mountain peaks, amazing wildlife, having easy access to some of the West's most diverse landscapes, the Tetons is a literal elopement dream!
The park offers breathtaking landscapes that are unlike any other. This park is unforgettable any time of the year - and the park offers site specific ceremony locations - perfect for your elopement ceremony. We will touch on what those locations are in just a bit!
Where is the Park Located?
Grand Teton National Park is located right outside the Southeast border of Idaho, about an hour outside of Driggs/Victor, Idaho. Or if you're coming from the east, the park is located towards the Northwestern border of Wyoming - just south of Yellowstone National Park! Jackson, Wyoming is a popular town located just south of the park entrance. If you're coming from the Montana direction, from Bozeman is about a 4 hour drive. And if you're coming from Idaho Falls/Pocatello area, there's a 2-3 hour drive in from there.
Nearest Towns to Grand Teton National Park
Driggs & Victor, ID
Idaho Falls, ID
Pocatello, ID
Jackson, WY
Nearest Airports to Grand Teton National Park
JAC (Jackson Hole Airport) - Located 7 miles North of Jackson, WY
IDA (Idaho Falls Regional Airport) - Located 1 hour and 40 minutes East of the park
SLC (Salt Lake City International Airport) - About 5 hours South of Jackson, WY
Best Times of Year to Elope in Grand Teton National Park
The park's busy season runs from Mid-May to late September, and Summer and Fall are the most popular times to elope in the park, as most of the hikes are accessible by this point.
The elevation just in Jackson Hole is over 6000 feet, so at this elevation, some places will still have snow even in June. If you stick to the lower elevations of the park, the snow should be mostly gone by mid-June, but prepare mentally that you can get snowed on even at this time of year!
Fall is a great option, as most of the crowds head back home for work and school, and you still get the gorgeous fall colors and access to the amazing hikes in the park. Snow can easily come as soon as September depending on the year, so keep that in mind too.
In the off season of Spring and Winter (November-April), the park is still open as it's open 24 hours a day and year round. If you plan to visit during these times, extra planning and research is needed to see what roads are plowed and which ones are closed. The park website has information on current Park Alerts and Conditions so it's always good to check on there before planning your visit.
There are definitely some winter activities available in the off season of the park besides visiting some ski resorts in the area (Snow King Mountain, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, and Grand Targhee Resort). Other popular winter activities include snowshoeing, wildlife photography tours, and Nordic skiing.
Talk with your elopement photographer about what activities you have in mind for your elopement, and we can help you from there to pick the best time of year for your Grand Teton elopement!
How to Enter the Park - Entrance Fees & Information
Entrance passes are required for all visitors entering the park, and these can be bought at the entrance gates for prices ranging from $20-$35. No vehicle reservations are required.
2024 Free Entrance Days:
Monday, January 15 — Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Saturday, April 20 — First Day of National Park Week
Wednesday, June 19 — Juneteenth
Sunday, August 4 — The Great American Outdoors Act
Saturday, September 28 — National Public Lands Day
Monday, November 11 — Veterans Day
Grand Teton National Park Entrances
There are 3 different entrances into the park:
Where to Elope in Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park Elopement Locations
Grand Teton National Park offers gorgeous locations available for your elopement! They have a page on their website for Wedding and Commitment Ceremony Information as well. For picking a location, you can pick different places based on your total guest count, so I'll break down the locations below!
Note: The total guest counts listed below count for the total amount of people including on-site vendors present at ceremony, not just wedding guests and children. This can include photographers, videographers, officiant, etc.
- Locations for Elopements for up to 40 Total People (Reserved Site-Specific Ceremonies)
Reserved Site-Specific Ceremony locations are available for 2 hours only. The following two locations are able to accommodate a maximum of 40 people by reaching out for a Reserved Site Specific Ceremony Permit:
Colter Bay Swim Beach - Fully Booked for 2024
Mormon Row - North Side
What if there's more than 40 total people? If you have more than 40 people, you are unable to get a permit through the national park. In this case, there are three places that might be able to accommodate a larger group:
- Locations for Elopements for up to 25 Total People (Reserved Site Specific Ceremonies)
These Reserved Site-Specific Ceremony locations are also available for 2 hours only. The following five locations are able to accommodate a maximum of 25 people by reaching out for a Reserved Site Specific Ceremony Permit:
- Locations for Elopements for up to 12 Total People (Small Dispersed Ceremonies)
Small Dispersed Ceremony locations are available parkwide for a total of 1 hour - the start times must be listed on the application - so make sure you have your timeline finalized with your photographer before reaching out for a permit. The locations for this type of ceremony are allowed throughout the park besides the prohibited locations listed below.
- The Wedding Tree
The Wedding Tree is not part of the National Park as it's located in Bridger-Teton National Forest, so the above permits and regulations don't apply the same here. Visit their website for booking your date. You are able to reserve this location for up to 5 hours. There's a very small parking area that can fit only about 5 cars, so carpooling is ideal. The cost to rent this location is $200, and you have to hike a short ways up to the spot from the parking area. You must apply at least 30 days prior to your elopement date.
- Locations You Can't Elope at in Grand Teton National Park
These locations aren't allowed for any weddings or elopements in the park:
Reserved Site-Specific Ceremony locations during Friday, May 10, 2024 to Sunday, October 20, 2024
The paved trails within and surrounding the Jenny Lake Visitor Plaza at South Jenny Lake, Jenny Lake Trail, and Jenny Lake Overlook
Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point
String Lake developed area and trail
Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve
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)
Park cemeteries
If a location is behind a gate, the permittee may have walking access but not vehicle access
Areas where there is high visitation during the requested period or potential for resource damage
Elopement Permit Information
How to Apply for a Permit
Step 1: Determine what kind of permit you need, either Reserved Site-Specific or Small Dispersed.
Step 2: Fill out the application. Include all the needed information it calls for.
Step 3: Submit the application to grte_visitor_services@nps.gov. Please allow 7 to 10 days for a response.
Step 4: Pay the application fee of $200. This is non-refundable.
Step 5: Once the permit and the application fee have been processed, they will send you a preliminary permit to review and sign. You will have 7 days to complete this task and return the document.
Step 6: Once your permit is finalized and signed by an authorizing official, it will be mailed to you. Make sure to get a printed copy to bring with you.
Do I Need a Permit to Elope in the Park?
Yes, if you want to elope/get married in Grand Teton National Park you will need a permit. If the area you want to elope in is outside the national park boundary, then you'll need to reach out to the corresponding national forest that you plan to be at. The surrounding national forests are Bridger-Teton and Caribou-Targhee. Each national forest has its own set of rules and permit regulations, so reach out with the specifics of your group.
When Should I Reach out for a Permit?
For Reserved Site-Specific Ceremonies: The application period for this type of permit is from Friday, May 10, 2024, through Sunday, October 20, 2024. For this year, the permit process began accepting permits back in December 2023 for the dates above. For 2025, the date will be announced sometime in the fall of 2024. Usually the park's website and Instagram page announces when they start accepting permit applications, so be sure to follow them there too to get first picks of your top location.
For Small Dispersed Ceremonies: Permit applications period for small dispersed ceremonies is from Sunday, January 1, 2024, through Sunday, December 31, 2024.
Applications will be accepted no less than 30 days prior to the ceremony date.
How Much Does a Permit Cost?
Applicants must submit a non-refundable $200 processing fee before the application can be reviewed.
If you make any changes to the permit you already submitted, there is a $100 reprocessing fee.
Prohibited Activities
Erecting or placing of alters, arbors, arches, platforms, podiums, rugs, tables, and tents.
Chairs with the exception of a few portable chairs (provided by the permittee) under special circumstances, such as for guests who would have difficulty standing during the window of this permit.
Attaching or placing decorations (e.g., balloons, banners, flower stands, lights, objects, signs, streamers) to any natural or historic object or any National Park Service sign, bench, post, building, or facility. Only handheld items that can be carried at all times are permissible.
Use of generators.
Rearrangement of park facilities (e.g., moving benches, tables).
Mowing and/or removal of vegetation.
Scattering, spreading or throwing of any materials (e.g., birdseed, rice, flower petals, confetti).
Releasing or throwing birds, butterflies, balloons, rice, bubbles, etc.
Receptions or catered food services. Small food and drink items, like a champagne toast, are permitted but must follow strict bear safety/food storage protocol.
Using park visitor center, restrooms, and other buildings for ceremony preparations (e.g., dressing, picture-taking, rehearsals, waiting areas) or in the event of inclement weather.
Unmanned aircraft (e.g., drones, model airplanes, quadcopters).
Wyoming Marriage License Information
Different counties in Wyoming may have different laws and requirements, but for Teton County where Grand Teton National Park is located, here is the information for that county.
Can You Get Married if You're Not a Wyoming Resident?
Yes! You can definitely come from out of state to elope in Wyoming!
Are Witnesses Required?
Yes, there must be 2 witnesses at your ceremony (18 years or older) . The witnesses and wedding officiant are required to sign the license.
How Much Does a Marriage License Cost?
The license fee is $30 payable by cash, check, debit or credit card ($1.55 service fee will apply if using a card).
How Long is the License Valid for?
The license expires after 1 year.
Is There a Waiting Period?
There is no waiting period in Wyoming.
What Documents do I Need to Bring?
To obtain a marriage license in Wyoming, couples must appear in person, be 18 years of age or older, and present a picture ID - Driver’s License, Passport, Military ID, School ID. You should also complete a marriage license questionnaire, which can be found on their website listed above.
Reception/Venue Options
After spending the day getting married in the park, how fun would it be go somewhere local for dinner to celebrate with your family! Here's some local options to look in to!
Local Restaurants in Jackson Hole that Offer Private Dining
Another fun option is if you rented an Airbnb that allows events, you can always have a dinner there! You should definitely consider renting an Airbnb for your elopement! Again, make sure your Airbnb host is okay with a dinner setup/events.
Best Places to Stay Near Grand Teton National Park
Local Lodging
Jackson Hole offers some amazing lodging options, either for you or for your family and guests to stay at! Here's some of the most popular top picks for local lodging.
Airbnb's Near Jackson Hole
I personally love it when my couples book Airbnb's for their elopement! Airbnb's give you a ton of flexibility by allowing you to have your own space, kitchen, multiple bedrooms, and a property with amenities you can utilize for your elopement! Here's some local picks in the area.
Elopement Activity Ideas
There is endless adventure available in the Tetons! Here are some adventurous elopement activity ideas for your elopement in Grand Teton National Park to help you get inspired!
Visit a brewery for a post-elopement celebration
Do a sunrise hike for private vows
Roast s'mores back at your Airbnb under the stars
Have a breakfast picnic in the mountains
Have an afternoon fishing session
Relax in a hammock
Go wildlife viewing
Take a photo by the Grand Teton entrance sign
Check here for 30 more fun adventurous activity ideas for your timeline!
Grand Teton Elopement Vendors
Hiring vendors for your elopement can really add to the look and feel of your elopement! Things like hiring a florist to create a bouquet that matches the colors of the landscape will look absolutely beautiful in photos, or getting a hair and makeup artist to help your hair and makeup stay in place all day even after hiking or adventuring around! Hiring professionals will help bring your vision to life!
Elopement Vendors Near Jackson Hole:
- Hairstylists
- Makeup Artists
- Florists
- Officiants
- Food & Desserts
- Planners
All Day Timeline Example
Here's a real, full day timeline example that one of my Teton couples had! I am such a visual person so here's a good timeline example to see why you need more than just a few hours to have your day documented.
Full Day Grand Teton Elopement Timeline Example
5:00 am: Coverage starts. Meet up at rentals and drive to trailhead.
5:30 am: Arrive at trailhead.
5:30 am - 7:15 am: Intimate sunrise hike for private vows.
7:15 am - 8:15 am: Hike back down and drive back to houses in Driggs.
8:15 am - 9:45 am: Make breakfast and have a breakfast picnic.
9:45 am - 12:00 pm: Getting ready photos, detail photos, a first look.
12:00 pm - 1:45 pm: Drive to The Wedding Tree.
1:45 pm - 2:00 pm: Meet up with everyone else at the parking lot and hike up to the ceremony site.
2:00 pm - 2:30 pm: Ceremony at The Wedding Tree.
2:30 pm - 3:15 pm: Group shots with everyone.
3:15 pm - 3:30 pm: Walk back down to cars and back to the park for mountain bridals.
3:30 pm - 4:30 pm: Drive to Turnout.
4:30 pm - 5:30 pm: Take bridals.
5:30 pm - 7:00 pm: Drive back to houses in Driggs.
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm: Coverage of cocktails, dinner, campfire, and smore’s (if burning fires is allowed).
Final Planning Tips
Floral bouquets are permitted but they may not contain any plant species on the Wyoming State Designated Noxious Weeds list nor the Teton Country Declared Species List (e.g., Baby’s Breath).
Practice LNT Principles - How to Leave No Trace During Your Elopement.
Dogs aren't allowed on the hiking trails, but in certain areas of the park you can bring your dog. They must be restrained at all times and are not permitted on hiking trails, inside visitor centers, swimming beaches, or other facilities (unless they're a service animal).
Weather changes rapidly within the park, so come prepared with the proper gear and mindset.
Carpooling is recommended, especially for your wedding group. Some areas in the park have very limited parking so carpooling will help with this.
Grand Teton National Park Elopement Photographer
Grand Teton National Park is by far one of my favorite places to photograph elopements! To see some elopement photo examples from this national park, go check out Kennedy and Jack's Teton elopement that I got to photograph back in June of 2023!
What it's like to elope with me in Grand Teton National Park:
"I HIGHLY recommend Karlie for anyone looking for an elopement photographer! From the moment I began talking with Karlie about our wedding, I could sense how much thought and care she puts into her work. She supported us in every step of the planning process. From phone calls, emails, and text messages, to thoughtful welcome gifts, location scouting, and even taking the time to meet us before out big day, she thought of everything! She helped us plan out day in a way that was truly unique to us and made us feel so comfortable along the way. Karlie is a kind, creative, and rockstar of a human that we were lucky enough to have capture our beautiful day! We are absolutely in love with the photos Karlie took and were left speechless by how well she captured us. She is 110% worth the investment. Thank you so much Karlie!!"
- Kennedy and Jack
Grand Teton National Park Elopement Packages & Pricing
If you're curious about the elopement services I offer for eloping in the Tetons, here are the things included in those elopement packages!
↠ Booking Gift
↠ 72 Hour Turn-Around Time for Sneak Peek Images
↠ Day of Elopement Gift
↠ Beautifully Edited Final Images
↠ Access to High Quality Print Products
↠ Free Phone Consultation or Zoom Call
↠ Timeline Creation
↠ Leave No Trace Guide
↠ 30+ Page Planning Guide
↠ Vendor Recommendations
↠ Unlimited Planning and Assistance
↠ 6 Week Turnaround Time for Full Elopement Gallery
↠ Travel & Accommodations are Covered for Photographer
Click here to see pricing and more info! I can't wait to hear from you!
I hope this blog post on how to elope in Grand Teton National Park was insightful for you to plan your elopement here! I love working with my couples to not only photograph their day, but to help them create an unforgettable experience in the outdoors. Let's plan your elopement in the Tetons together next!
