If you want to be surrounded by mountains on your wedding day, then you should definitely elope in Grand Teton! Home to amazing wildlife, jagged mountain peaks, and alpine lakes, Grand Teton National Park is also an epic wedding location! If you want an adventurous elopement location with amazing views, then there’s no better place than the stunning Grand Teton Mountains!

Northwest Wyoming holds my heart like no other place, which is why it’s one of my favorite areas to help couples elope in! As an elopement photographer, I love getting to help couples like you plan unique weddings in amazing places like Grand Teton.

This guide was written to help you plan your own adventurous wedding in the beauty of the Grand Tetons!

Why Elope in Grand Teton National Park?

If you’re not already sold on the idea of having your wedding in Grand Teton National Park, let me share with you a few of the best reasons to get married here.

Incredible Mountain Views

Whether you want an adventurous day of hiking or want to be able to drive up to your ceremony location and be surrounded by jagged mountain peaks, Grand Teton has epic views for everyone.

Abundant Wildlife

From moose to bears to bison and more, this is one of the best places for incredible wildlife sightings. Wildlife is so abundant in Grand Teton that it’s difficult to come here without spotting wild animals roaming about.

A Unique Wedding Experience

Eloping in a National Park will provide you with the opportunity to make this day uniquely yours. Whether it’s hiking in your wedding attire, taking a boat ride across Jenny Lake, or watching a thunderstorm roll across the valley, this day will be an unforgettable experience.

Epic Wedding Photos

These incredible landscapes are not just an incredible place to share your vows, but they will also make for some of the most incredible wedding photos imaginable!

Common Questions about Eloping in Grand Teton

Most common questions about Grand Teton National Park weddings and elopements, answered.

How Much Does it Cost to Get Married in Grand Teton National Park?

To get married in Grand Teton National Park, you will need to apply for a Special Use Permit, which costs $200. You will also need an entrance pass to get into the park, which costs $35. Combine both of those, and it comes to a total of $235 to get married in Grand Teton! Of course, there will be other expenses, such as wedding attire, lodging, and food, but that’s all up to you on how much you want to spend.

Do You Need a Permit to Get Married in Grand Teton National Park?

Yes, as mentioned above, wedding ceremonies taking place inside of Grand Teton National Park require a Special Use Permit. Click here to jump to Grand Teton wedding permit information >>

When is the Best Time of Year to Elope in Grand Teton National Park?

There’s no wrong time to elope in Grand Teton. It all depends on the kind of wedding experience you want! If you want warm weather, then summer in July or August is going to be the best time. But if you want snow-capped mountains and to see some amazing wildlife, Spring or Fall is probably best. We’ll dive deeper into this topic further on in this guide. Click here to jump to weather in Grand Teton >>

How to Elope in Grand Teton

  1. Hire an Elopement Photographer
  2. Decide on a Date for Your Elopement
  3. Choose a Ceremony Location
  4. Apply for Your Grand Teton Wedding Permit
  5. Plan Your Elopement Experience
  6. Have an Epic Elopement in Grand Teton!

Hire Your Grand Teton Elopement Photographer

Your elopement photographer should be one of the first vendors you hire for your elopement. Why? Because many elopement photographers can also help with planning your wedding experience! From location scouting to advising you on the best time of day for portraits, a good photographer can help with so much of the planning process.

I offer elopement packages for Grand Teton that include customized location recommendations, a custom-made timeline for your elopement day, permit assistance, and photo coverage of your day. Want to learn more about working together? Contact me and let’s chat about your elopement!

Best Time of Year to Elope in Grand Teton

Most couples choose to elope in the Grand Teton National Park in the summer because it offers the best weather. The park is open year-round, which means if you thrive in the snow, Grand Teton can be a magical place to elope in the winter!

When choosing your date, remember that you’re not limited to weekends! I actually recommend that you choose a weekday if you can to avoid some of the crowds.

Grand Teton in Spring

March, April & May

Spring in Grand Teton is a prime time for seeing wildlife. The temperatures will still be chilly, especially at night, but the park comes alive with wildlife as they emerge from hibernation.

Here’s what you can expect in Grand Teton during the Spring:

  • Abundant Wildlife – From grizzly bears emerging from their dens with their cubs to moose feeding in the rivers, this is the best time of year for viewing wildlife.
  • Cold Weather Continues – The temperatures remain cold, especially at night. You can expect a mix of rain, snow, and sun during this time of year.
  • Fewer Crowds – One of the biggest benefits of Grand Teton in the Spring is that the summer crowds haven’t hit yet, meaning less traffic and more solitude.
  • Less of the Park is Accessible – Much of the park is still closed until late May or early June as the park works to clear the roads of snow. This can limit the locations you can access.

Grand Teton in Summer

June, July & August

Summer is easily the most popular season in Grand Teton because it’s the only time of year when the entire park is open and accessible. That also means it’s the busiest time of year.

Here’s what you can expect in Grand Teton during the Summer:

  • The Warmest and Driest Weather – Summer, specifically July and August, are when the weather will be the warmest and driest. Though thunderstorms and chilly temps are still common during this season.
  • Fewer Wildlife Sightings – Bears and other animals go to higher elevations to escape the heat in the summer, meaning you’re less likely to spot as much wildlife. But there’s still plenty of moose, elk, and other critters around!
  • Lots of Crowds – This is the park’s busiest season, but with some careful planning, you can avoid crowds and manage to find some quiet moments in the park.
  • The Entire Park is Open – All of the roads inside of Grand Teton are open during the summer, as well as all lodging, dining, gift shops, and facilities.

March

April

May

Average Precipitation

1.63 in.

1.73 in.

1.99 in.

Average High Temperature (°F)

42

50

61

Average Low Temperature (°F)

14

24

32

Average Snowfall

20.3 in.

9.5 in.

2.4 in.

June

July

August

Average Precipitation

1.67 in.

1.14 in.

1.24 in.

Average High Temperature (°F)

72

82

81

Average Low Temperature (°F)

38

42

40

Average Snowfall

0.1 in.

0 in.

0 in.

Grand Teton in Autumn

September, October, & November

Autumn is another great time of year for spotting wildlife. The temperatures begin to drop and the park begins to close down. Crowds become less as you get further into the Fall season.

Here’s what you can expect in Grand Teton during Autumn:

  • Active Wildlife – Elk, Bison, bears, and moose are all common to see in the Autumn months.
  • Cold Weather Begins – The temperatures begin to drop, especially at night. You can expect a mix of rain, snow, and sun during this time of year.
  • Fewer Crowds – The further into the Autumn you get, the fewer crowds will be in the park. This is a great time if you want solitude.
  • Autumn Foliage – The park comes alive with bright colors as the trees turn to golden browns.
  • Park Services Begin to Close – Much of the park’s services, such as lodging, restaurants, and gift shops, begin closing down in mid-September to mid-October.

Grand Teton in Winter

December, January & February

Most of the park is closed, and with only a few main roads open when the weather permits. Snow blankets the area, creating some incredible scenery!

Here’s what you can expect in Grand Teton during the Winter:

  • Winter Sports – Whether it’s guided snowmobile tours, cross-country skiing, or going on a ranger-led snowshoe tour, winter is filled with incredible scenery and activities in Grand Teton!
  • Free of Crowds – Not many people venture to Grand Teton in the Winter, which makes it an incredible time to visit if you want peace and quiet.
  • Extreme Cold Weather – Freezing temperatures begin, and snow covers the park.
  • Limited Access to the Park – Throughout the winter, much of the park remains closed and inaccessible due to snow.

Sept.

Oct.

Nov.

Average Precipitation

1.51 in.

1.72 in.

2.03 in.

Average High Temperature (°F)

71

56

40

Average Low Temperature (°F)

33

24

14

Average Snowfall

0.4 in.

4.7 in.

23.4 in.

Dec.

January

Feb.

Average Precipitation

2.58 in.

2.60 in.

2.45 in.

Average High Temperature (°F)

28

28

32

Average Low Temperature (°F)

4

2

5

Average Snowfall

39.5 in.

172.2 in.

43.1 in.

The Best Time for Warm, Dry Weather

Mid-July through mid-August are the best months to elope in Grand Teton for the warmest, driest weather. The shoulder seasons, mostly June and September, are also a great time if you want fewer crowds and more wildlife; however, the temperatures can still be chilly this time of year.

The Best Time for Winter Weather

January through March is the best time if you want to elope in a winter mountain landscape! This time of year, you can take guided snowmobile tours, go snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing in the park.

A storm passes over the Teton Mountains.

Grand Teton Elopement Locations

There are several beautiful locations to choose from for your Grand Teton elopement! One of the best parts about eloping in Grand Teton is that these incredible mountain views are easily accessible. So if you don’t want to hike to an epic view, you don’t have to. This is also great if you plan on bringing family with you.

Tip! Decide on a ceremony location and then select your elopement date to ensure your dream location is accessible. Some locations are better at certain times of the year than others.

There are a handful of designated wedding locations in Grand Teton that require a permit and a few that do not. I’ve listed them below to help you find the best option for you and what you’re looking for.

Don’t worry, we’ll go over how to get your permit further on!

Colter Bay Swim Beach

Located on Jackson Lake, Colter Bay Swim Beach is a day-use area in the park and an easily accessible location for wedding ceremonies. Located in the same area is a campground, visitor center, shops, and other amenities nearby, making it a very convenient location.

Location: Colter Bay.

Capacity: 40 people.

Availability: Mid-May through mid-October.

The Grand Teton mountains from the Colter Bay Swim Beach

Schwabacher Landing

This popular viewpoint of the Teton Mountains is also a stunning location for an elopement. Accessed with a short, easy hike, Schwabacher Landing takes you down to peaceful beaver ponds with the Tetons in the distance. This is an especially perfect location for sunrise or sunset ceremonies!

Location: 4 miles North of Moose Junction.

Capacity: 25 people.

Availability: Mid-May through mid-October.

Tip! This is easily the most popular spot for wedding ceremonies in Grand Teton. Be ready to submit your permit on the day it opens in December for the best chance of getting it for your big day!

A peaceful river with the Teton Mountains behind it.

Mormon Row (North or South)

Home to the iconic historic T.A. Moulton Barn, Mormon Row has two wedding ceremony sites, North and South. This area offers epic panoramic views of the Tetons and easy accessibility. It is one of the top attractions in the area, so I recommend a sunrise ceremony to avoid potential crowds.

Location: Mormon Row.

Capacity: South location: 25 people. North location: 40 people.

Availability: Mid-May through mid-October.

The historic T.A. Moulton Barn with the Teton mountains peeking through the clouds in the background.

Glacier View Turnout

Located off North-South Highway 89, the Glacier View Turnout offers stunning views of the mountains and a serene setting for a peaceful wedding ceremony. Easily accessible, this location offers stunning views of the mountains throughout the year.

Location: About 4 miles north of Moose Junction.

Capacity: 25 people for weddings in May through October, 12 people the rest of the year.

Availability: All year.

View of the Teton Mountains from Glacier View Turnout.

Snake River Overlook

Another overlook of the Tetons, the Snake River Overlook is an easily accessible viewpoint and wedding ceremony location! For some reason, this spot is one of the last to get booked, but don’t let that deter you. It’s a gorgeous ceremony location!

Location: 9 miles North of Moose Junction.

Capacity: 25 people between May and October, 12 people the rest of the year.

Availability: All year.

The Snake River winding over the plains in front of the Teton Mountains at the Snake River Overlook in Grand Teton National Park.

Grand Teton Elopement Locations that Do Not Require a Permit

The locations below do not require a special permit for weddings; however, you will still need to contact them to make a reservation for your elopement or wedding ceremony.

Chapel of the Transfiguration

The Chapel of the Transfiguration is an Episcopal Church, built in 1925 for early settlers so they wouldn’t have to travel into Jackson for church each week. It is currently an active church with regular services open to the public, as well as for weddings.

Location: Moose, Wyoming.

Availability: May through September.

Chapel of the Sacred Heart

Built in 1937, this historic chapel is also available for weddings. The Chapel of the Sacred Heart is a Catholic chapel and offers Sunday services in Grand Teton during the summer months.

Location: Alta, Wyoming.

Availability: June through September.

Grand Teton Wedding Venues

Here are some of the top wedding venues near Grand Teton National Park for a bigger or more traditional wedding experience.

Apply for Your Grand Teton National Park Wedding Permit

Unless you decide to have your wedding ceremony in one of the park’s chapels, you will need to apply for a Special Use Permit for your Grand Teton elopement. 

How much Will Your Grand Teton wedding permit cost?

There is a non-refundable $200 fee when applying for a Grand Teton wedding permit.

When You Should Apply

Grand Teton begins accepting wedding permit requests the first week of December for the following year.

The park issues a limited number of permits each year, and each location is limited to one permit per day. I always recommend applying for your permit as early as possible for the best chances of getting your first choice in locations!

How to Apply for Your Grand Teton Wedding Permit

You will need to fill out a Special Use Application and include the following:

  • Your names
  • Contact information
  • Details about your day (including date, location, and time)
  • The location you are requesting and an alternative location in case your first choice is unavailable
  • The number of vehicles you plan on having
  • Guests/vendors

Make sure to include your photographer, videographer, makeup artists, or any other vendors that will be present during your elopement on your application.

Send the completed form to grte_visitor_services@nps.gov and wait for a follow-up from the park. If all goes well, you should hear back in a couple of weeks with the next steps for moving forward!

Tip! When submitting your permit application, add your second-choice location as a backup in case your first choice is unavailable.

Get Your Wyoming Marriage License

No matter where you’re coming from, if you’ll be holding your legal wedding ceremony in the Tetons, you’ll need to get a marriage license from Wyoming.

In order to obtain your marriage license in Wyoming, you and your partner will need to appear in person at the County Clerk’s Office. To apply, you will need a form of picture I.D., which can be a Driver’s License, Passport, Military I.D., or School I.D.

The marriage license cost is $30, which can be paid in cash, check, or credit card (though there is a $1.55 service fee for credit cards).

There is no waiting period, meaning you can get married the same day you receive your license. This license will only be valid in Wyoming and expires one year from the date of being issued.

Officiant

Your officiant must be an ordained minister to legally perform your marriage. This can be a judge, clergy member, or an ordained friend or family member, or even your photographer if they’re ordained (like I am!)

Witnesses

Wyoming requires you to have at least 2 witnesses attend your ceremony.

You can find more information about getting your Wyoming marriage license in my Wyoming elopement planning guide.

Grand Teton National Park Entrance Pass

An entrance pass is required for everyone entering the park. You only need one pass per vehicle and everyone within the vehicle is included. Your pass will be good for 7 consecutive days so you can come and go from the park as you need within that timeframe.

The standard vehicle pass is $35 and covers up to 15 people in one vehicle.

Tip: Purchase your ticket online ahead of time and have it printed to use the pre-paid lane to save time when entering the park!

Another option is to buy the America the Beautiful pass for $80, which allows you access to all of America’s National Parks, lands managed by the US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and more! This is an annual pass and pays for itself if you plan on visiting 3 or more National Parks in a year.

If you’re a veteran, you can get an America the Beautiful pass for free!

Plan the Details of Your Elopement Experience

Now it’s time to start filling in the details of your elopement day, such as lodging, booking your travel plans, and what kind of activities you want to include in your day, etc. Remember, you are free to include anything you want, and there’s no pressure to include traditions that don’t hold meaning for you.

Read about wedding traditions and their origins here.

When booking your travel plans, be sure to factor in the time required to obtain your marriage license. While there is no waiting period between obtaining your Wyoming marriage license and using it, I still recommend planning to obtain it at least one day in advance so you don’t have to worry about it on your wedding day.

Grand Teton National Park Lodging

Great lodging can make a good trip into a truly exceptional one, so be sure to find the perfect place to stay to make your elopement that much more special!

There are tons of options when booking your accommodations for your Grand Teton elopement. Whether you want to stay close to the mountains in one of the park’s lodges or want the comfort of your own space with an Airbnb, there are so many great options in the area to choose from!

Grand Teton National Park Lodges

There are 77 lodges and hotels within Grand Teton National Park, offering comfortable and convenient lodging options. Rooms and cabins can be booked online, with prices ranging from $150 to $600 per night. Staying inside the park allows you to spend more time exploring and celebrating, and less time driving into and out of the park.

Colter Bay Village

Availability: Mid-June through mid-September

Type of Accommodations: Cabins and tent cabins

Headwaters Lodge & Cabins at Flagg Ranch

Availability: Early-June through late-September

Type of Accommodations: Cabins and tent camping

Jackson Lake Lodge

Availability: Mid-May through early-October

Type of Accommodations: Cottages and lodge rooms

Jenny Lake Lodge

Availability: Early-June through early-October

Type of Accommodations: Cabins

Signal Mountain Lodge

Availability: Early-June through early-October

Type of Accommodations: Cabins, hotel-style rooms, and bungalows.

Triangle X Ranch

Availability: Mid-May through mid-October, with some availability in winter.

Type of Accommodations: Cabins

Top Sights to See During your Elopement

There’s a lot to see and do in Grand Teton, but these are some of the top sights in the park that you might want to include in your elopement experience:

  • Jenny Lake
  • Jackson Lake
  • Mormon Row
  • Take a Scenic Drive (Teton Park Road, Moose-Wilson Road, and Jenny Lake Scenic Drive are some of the best in the park!)

Top Hikes in Grand Teton

Depending on how adventurous you are and how much time you want to dedicate to hiking on your elopement day, there are tons of amazing hikes in Grand Teton for you to explore! Here are some of the top hikes, ranging from easy to hard hikes:

A bride and groom's muddy feet from hiking on their elopement in Wyoming.

Celebrate Your Wedding in Grand Teton National Park!

The day finally comes and all of your planning comes together for the best wedding experience ever! You get to celebrate your elopement in the beauty of Grand Teton and make some unforgettable memories together. I bet you can’t wait!

Leave No Trace for Your Elopement

It’s important to protect these beautiful places that we love so much, which is why Leave No Trace is something to include in your planning process. A little bit of preparedness goes a long way in protecting the landscapes around us.

Make sure you are familiar with the rules and regulations for weddings in Grand Teton National Park, and always follow them. The regulations are set up to protect you, other visitors, the wildlife, and the landscape.

Perhaps the most important thing you can do during your elopement is to clean up after yourselves. It’s respectful to other people, helps keep the animals and people safe, and keeps these beautiful spaces open to others who want to be out in nature for their wedding day as well.

Learn more about planning a Leave No Trace elopement

Grand Teton Elopement Packages

Now that you’re pumped about your Wyoming elopement, I’m sure you’re wondering about elopement packages for Grand Teton! Well, I’ve got great news for you, this is an area that I specialize in!

Every single one of my Wyoming elopement packages includes planning assistance, customized location recommendations, a custom-made timeline for your day, GIFs, polaroid photos, and digital photos of your day. Learn more about my elopement packages or contact me to start planning together!

Happy eloping!

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