Oxbow Bend is a gorgeous elopement location within Grand Teton National Park. Most National Parks only allow couples to have wedding ceremonies in designated locations. That being said, Grand Teton has some beautiful options. Oxbow Bend being one of them, and it’s absolutely stunning. Here’s what you need to know to have an Oxbow Bend Elopement
Where is Oxbow Bend?
Oxbow Bend is located within Grand Teton National Park. It is one of the most iconic viewpoints in the entire park. It’s well known for the gorgeous reflection of Mount Moran within the snake river. This viewpoint is super easy to access, as you can just pull of the highway and say your vows here. Oxbow Bend is a great elopement choice for couples who don’t want to hike.
Best Time for a Oxbow Bend Elopement
The best time for an Oxbow Bend elopement is going to depend on what season you prefer, as it’s easily accessible year round. However, based on crowds, my favorite time of year for an elopement here is Fall. It’s important to consider what this area is like throughout the entirety of the year, and what your main priorities are for an elopement. This is what each season brings to Oxbow Bend:
Spring
Spring is a great time for an Oxbow Bend elopement if you want the greenery mixed in with the snow capped mountains. It’s a quieter season, offering more privacy for elopements compared to the busier summer and fall months. Wildlife is active, with grizzly bears, moose, and birds spotted along the riverbanks.
However, the weather can be unpredictable, with lingering snow, rain, and muddy conditions. Some trails and roads may still be partially closed or difficult to access due to snowmelt. The Snake River also runs higher and faster in the spring, which can impact its usually glassy reflections.
Summer
Summer is a beautiful time for an Oxbow Bend elopement. You’ll have the most sun, and the longest days. The weather makes this season one of the most accessible in the park, with all of the trails and roads open. Not to mention, the wildflowers are gorgeous this time of year.
However, this is peak tourist season. meaning Oxbow Bend can be crowded, especially at sunrise and sunset when photographers gather for the famous reflections. While early mornings and weekdays can offer a bit more seclusion, expect lots of people and limited parking. If you’re set on a summer elopement, a weekday sunrise or late evening ceremony will be your best bet for privacy.
Fall
Fall is my favorite time of a year for an Oxbow Bend elopement. You get the gorgeous fall foliage, nice temperate weather, and way less crowds. Wildlife is still active, with moose and elk especially visible as they enter their rutting season.
Early fall is the best bet for accessibility. Snowstorms can start rolling in as early as late October. Things start to become harder to access, but Oxbow Bend is accessible year round.
Winter
Winter is a magic time for an Oxbow Bend elopement. The images on this blog post feature an elopement at this location during that time of year. This time of year brings about a lot of volatility in the weather, with frequent clouds and snowstorms. Only some roads and trails are open, and deep snow can make exploring hard.
Although, The crowds completely disappear, leaving you with a private, peaceful experience. The Tetons look even more dramatic against the stark white landscape, and wildlife like bald eagles, foxes, and elk can often be seen along the river. This is a great choice for couples who want privacy and don’t mind the snow and cold!
Oxbow Bend Elopement Inspiration
The couple featured in this blog post had a winter Oxbow Bend elopement, and couldn’t have been happier. They started their morning by going to a nearby natural hot spring. We got there prior to the sun being up. It was very cold outside, but the hot water from the springs kept them warm as they relaxed laying in pools along the snake river.
Next, they got ready at their cabin. Once they were set to go, they did a first look and private vows. Next, they headed to Oxbow Bend for their elopement ceremony with friends and family. They had 6 guests total. The ceremony was short and beautiful. Following that, they stopped at the lodge for pizza and time to relax with their guests. Finally, they took photos in the park at sunset. It was a relaxed and amazing day, filled with gorgeous views and adventure.
Astoria Hot Springs
Astoria Hot Springs are an amazing activity to tack on to your Oxbow Bend elopement! They’re incredibly close to Jackson, Wyoming. Jackson is a great place for lodging for an Oxbow Bend elopement, being so close to the park entrance. You can find the trail to the hot springs here. Note that they trek is very short, but very steep!
If you prefer something more modern, you can visit the Astoria Hot Spring Resort
Ready to Elope in Oxbow Bend?
This guide is designed to get you excited about having your own Oxbow Bend elopement. If you don’t know how to get started, reach out! I’m an elopement photographer that helps couples with all of the planning, and I’m here to help you create and capture an amazing elopement experience wherever you want to go.
