The Grand Tetons are a gorgeous elopement location. This National Park has some of my favorite views and places to tie the knot. There’s a lot to consider when planning to elope here, such as seasons, crowds, and getting the correct permits. This Grand Teton elopement guide is going to tell you everything you need to know about how to elope in the Grand Tetons as well as the best Grand Teton elopement locations.

Where is Grand Teton

The Grand Teton National Park is located in Wyoming, also surrounded by the Bridger-Teton National Forest. The closest airport to this park is the Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) and the closest major airport is Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC). From the Jackson Hole airport, it’s only a 7 minute drive to the park entrance. From SLC, it’s 4 hours and 40 minutes. Either way, it’s best to rent a car when exploring this beautiful location.

When to Elope in Grand Teton

The best time of the year to elope in Grand Teton is likely fall. This is because it’s when the crowds die down, and fall is a gorgeous season with the colors changing. However, each season comes with it’s own pros and cons. It’s important to consider all of the factors and what feels the best to you and your partner! Here is what all of the seasons look like in Grand Teton National Park:

Spring

Spring can be a good time to elope in Grand Teton, however, you never really know. This time of year is a bit unpredictable with the weather. Normally trails are still closed, as well as some roads. There is likely even still snow on the ground until early summer. However, if you like the feeling of winter but want it to be a bit warmer, and avoid crowds, this could be a great time to elope.

Summer

This is the time of the year where everything is open, trails are fully accessible, and wildflowers are in bloom. The weather is gorgeous, although, that tends to bring in a lot of crowds. If you’re looking to elope at one of the more popular locations in Grand Teton, expect plenty of people to be around. That being said, you can still find elopement locations with way less foot traffic.

Fall

Fall is my personal favorite season for an elopement in the Grand Tetons. Once again, the crowds have died down. But equally as important, everything is still open since there isn’t yet any new snowfall. The autumn colors are beautiful, although the wildflowers and greenery will be gone at this point.

Winter

Winter is a special time in the Grand Tetons. It’s a snowy wonderland, and sometimes you can even see some wildlife such as bison. If you like cooler temps and want to elope at a low elevation location, this could be a great spot. Remember, a lot will be closed and inaccessible due to the snow.

Grand Teton Wedding Permit

To have an elopement in Grand Teton National Park, you will have to get a special use permit. The fee of the permit is $200. You will need to apply for a permit based on how many guests you’re having. One permit is for under 12 people, and another permit is for over 12 people. There will be specific locations you’ll choose from for a group over 12.

They only give out a certain amount of permits per year, on a first come first served basis. So, apply for a permit as soon as you can! Here is where you can find more information about obtaining a permit. As an elopement photographer who includes planning in my packages, I help you find and obtain the proper permits.

How to Get a Marriage License for Grand Teton

Getting a marriage license in Wyoming is actually fairly easy and straightforward! You do not need to be resident of Wyoming to get a marriage license. You will apply online at the closest county clerks office’s website. The one closest to the park is in Jackson Hole.

Following that, you will both need to appear in the office in person with valid ID’s, pay the $31 fee, and you’re all set! There’s no waiting period for marriage licenses in Wyoming, so you’re able to use your marriage license right away.

How to Elope in Grand Teton

You plan a Grand Teton elopement in similar ways as you’d plan any adventure elopement. There are a few major steps, and you can read about those here on my thorough guide on how to elope. For this Grand Teton elopement guide, I’m going over the major things you’ll need to consider!

1. DECIDE IF YOU’RE HAVING GUESTS

This is an imperative part of the planning process for elopements. This is because some guests won’t have the hiking ability, some might not want to drive on winding park roads, and others will be apt to altitude sickness. Choosing a location will be much easier once you’ve determine who you’re inviting, and how many guests total you’ll have.

2.HIRE YOUR GRAND TETON ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER

This might feel early in the planning process, but bear with me. Elopements don’t have wedding planners. Most elopement photographers have taken it upon themselves to help couples with some of the planning. Many actually help you find your location! And they will think of things you might not have considered, such as: lighting, elevation, difficulty in hiking in a dress, permits, and so much more.

Each elopement photographer offers something different. Personally, I send my couples a customized list of locations based on their preferences, hiking ability, who they want to invite, and what they want to see. I also help them determine lodging options, get permits, get their marriage license, recommend vendors, and create a comprehensive day of timeline, and offer unlimited guidance calls for any questions along the way.

The being said, hiring your Grand Teton elopement photographer early is going to take a massive amount of planning stress off of your shoulders. Wanna chat? Contact me here!

3.DETERMINE WHAT WEATHER YOU WANT TO BE IN

This is going to help you choose a date and get an idea of what the park is like that time of year. There are rainy seasons, dry seasons, and even seasons that you THINK would be warm, but can still be snowy and cold in the mountains. So, when you’re doing that research, you’ll already want to have in mind what kind of weather you want.

4.PICK YOUR GRAND TETON ELOPEMENT LOCATION

Once you’ve decided on how much you’d like to hike, how many guests are coming, your ideal weather, and the landscapes you want, you’re ready to deep dive into researching Grand Teton elopement locations. Finding the perfect spot will be a lot simpler after considering all of your needs and logistics.

This is information I collect from my couples through a questionnaire, and then use to make a customized list of Grand Teton elopement location options for them.

5.HIRE VENDORS

Once you have your location, it’s time to consider if there’s anything you need vendors for. Do you need any event rentals? Do you want a friend or family to officiate, or do you want to hire an officiant? Will you go out to eat, or do you want something catered, like a meal at an Airbnb from a private chef?

Figure out what extra services you may want, and hire your vendors in advance!

6.GET YOUR PERMITS

You will need to get the correct permits for your elopement. These are usually “special use” permits that you apply for on the National Parks website, or National Forest/BLM website.

Personally, I get all permit information for my eloping couples that hire me. With that, all you need to do is fill out the application when it’s sent to you and pay the fee. Fee’s vary, but are usually around $150 or less.

7.CHOOSE ADDITIONAL ELOPEMENT ACTIVITIES

Activities are such a fun part of an elopement. When you choose to elope, you’re opening yourself up to having a wedding day celebration that feels unique and resonates with you. Incorporate things that will elevate your elopement day experience. Here’s just a few ideas to get you brainstorming:

• Going on a hike
• Having a bonfire
• Having a picnic on a mountain top
• Star-gazing or astrophotography
• Swimming
• Visiting waterfalls
• Camping
• Glamping
• Hiring a private chef
• Hot air balloon ride
• Helicopter tour (landing on glaciers, mountains, etc)
• Kayaking
• Paddleboarding
• Sightseeing
• Scenic driving with time to stop for pictures
• Exchanging gifts
• Reading letters from friends or family

8. MAKE A DAY-OF TIMELINE

Making a timeline is an important part of any elopement. It strings together all of your locations, activities, and lets guests know where to be and when. Creating a well thought out timeline will help you feel relaxed during the day, instead of stressed or rush. Make sure to include drive times as well as buffer times between each “event.”

Here are the things I include in the timelines I make for my couples:

• All addresses
• Sunrise time
• Sunset time
• Drive times
• A linke to Accuweather
• A list of all names for group shots
• Vendor info
• Emergency contact info
• A packing list

Lodging in Grand Teton

Lodging is important when planning an elopement. Since you aren’t using a venue, not only will your accommodations be home base, but a place for getting ready (and possibly getting ready photos) sometimes a first look, sometimes a place to be used to host an intimate reception, or even hire a private chef for a romantic dinner. You’ll also want to make sure that your lodging location isn’t too far from your ceremony location.

That being said, decide what you’ll use your accommodations for before booking a place to stay. If you plan on using the space for an intimate reception, I’d recommend using Airbnb. However, you’ll always want to check with the host and make sure it’s okay with them first. Other options are hotels, resorts, cabins, chalets, and vacation rentals. Here are a list of options for accommodations near Grand Teton.

• Moose Creek Ranch
• Teton Mountain Lodge and Spa
• Snake River
• Rustic Inn Creekside Resort
• Teton Cabins
• List of Airbnb’s Near Grand Teton

How Much Does it Cost to Elope in Grand Teton

With a special use permit, entry fees, and your marriage license, it costs $261.00 to elope in Grand Teton. That being said, most couples spend an average of $5000-$20,000 on their elopement. This includes flights, lodging, permits, vendors, wedding attire, meals, and anything extra a couple might want.

Grand Teton Elopement Locations

There are a lot of beautiful places to elope in Grand Teton National Park. There’s areas that are allowed, and not allowed. A lot of them are listed on their website. However, this is just for elopement ceremonies. Once your ceremony is complete, you’re allowed to explore the park and take photos in other areas. Here is a list of beautiful Grand Teton elopement locations.

Schwabacher Landing

The Snake River

String Lake

National Elk Refuge

Glacier View Turnout

 

Mormon Row

Taggart Lake

Grand Teton Elopement Packages

Elopement photography by Emilee Setting Photo, and everything included in my packages:

• Explore anywhere within Wyoming, all travel fees included in the price!
• Packages from half day elopements to multi-day elopements
• Receive a customized location list
• Help finding lodging that suits your needs if you’re having an intimate reception
• Included comprehensive timeline design
• Help obtaining your permits
• Help obtaining your marriage license
• A planning checklist
• Unlimited planning and guidance calls 
• All of your stunning photos delivered under three months
• Day of polaroid sneak peeks

Grand Teton elopement packages starting at $6800. Want more information on my pricing and what’s included? Click here

Ready to Elope at Grand Teton?

This Grand Teton elopement guide is a way to get you excited about all the possibilities of what your day could look like. Although, this amount of information can be overwhelming. I’m here to help. I can answer any and all questions you have on a complimentary low pressure consultation call. If you then choose you’d like to work together, I’ll do all of this planning right by your said to alleviate any stress, and bring your Wyoming elopement vision to life. We can chat here!