How to Elope in Jackson Hole
As your elopement photographer, my mission is to be more than just a vendor—I’m here to support and guide you every step of the way. From our initial consultation to the final delivery of your images, my goal is to make this experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
I’m committed to understanding your vision, answering your questions, and ensuring that every detail is in place so you can fully enjoy your special day. Whether it’s offering advice on timelines, helping you feel at ease in front of the camera, or capturing the essence of your celebration, I’m here to serve you and make sure your elopement day is everything you’ve dreamed of and more.
Take a moment to appreciate your incredible bond that’s led you to this milestone… you’re getting married!!!!!
I’m beyond honored to document your day and offer one important piece of advice: plan an elopement that makes you feel amazing and true to yourself. Leisurely read through all the details of this guide to plan your dream day, or simply skim through for a quick overview. The most important thing is that your wedding feels like you – comfortable, amazing, and unapologetically YOU.
If you are asking yourself, “how to plan an elopement” or “how do you elope,” you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, I’ll cover all the intricacies to help your day run smoothly, so you can focus on saying “I do” and have a blast.
I understand how precious your photos are to you. They’re your cherished memories that will last a lifetime. To make sure we capture the photos that mean the most to both of you, I suggest taking a moment together to discuss your priorities. It’s possible that some photos hold more significance for one of you than the other. Even if you’re not particularly concerned about specific photos, it’s worth considering their importance to your partner.
Just as open communication is important between you, the same goes for communicating with me. Please rest assured if you ever need a break from the camera, simply let me know and I’ll respect your wishes. This day is all about you and making it exactly how you want it..
Where Do We Start?
Planning an elopement in Grand Teton National Park involves several key considerations to ensure your day is as magical as you’ve envisioned. First, think about the season and timing that best suits you, whether it’s the vibrant colors of fall or the lush greenery of summer. Next, choose a ceremony location within or near the park that matches your vision, taking into account the number of guests and the scenic backdrop you desire. Obtaining the necessary permits early is crucial to avoid any last-minute issues, but no worries, I help you with all of this throughout this guide. Lastly, additional planning tips such as accommodation, travel advice, and local vendor recommendations will round out your preparations, ensuring every detail is taken care of for your unforgettable Grand Teton elopement.
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 as far as the eye can see, 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 by covering everything you need to know to plan your elopement in this stunning location.
The Lay of the Land
The nearest towns to Grand Teton National Park include Driggs and Victor in Idaho, which are about an hour’s drive from the park’s southeastern entrance. These quaint towns offer a more relaxed, rural atmosphere with a range of lodging and dining options. Idaho Falls, located approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes east of the park, is a larger city with more extensive amenities and services. Pocatello, situated further south, is around 2 to 3 hours from the park and provides additional accommodations and services. Jackson, WY, located just south of the park, is the closest major town, offering a variety of dining, shopping, rodeo, and lodging options, as well as easy access to the park.
The nearest airport to Grand Teton National Park is Jackson Hole Airport, located just 7 miles north of Jackson, WY. This airport provides convenient access to the park and is a great choice for those looking to start their adventure quickly. Idaho Falls Regional Airport, about 1 hour and 40 minutes east of the park, offers additional flight options and serves as a viable alternative. For those coming from further afield, Salt Lake City International Airport is approximately 5 hours south of Jackson, WY. As a major hub with numerous domestic and international flights, it provides a range of travel options and connections for visitors arriving from various locations.
The Best Time to Elope
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 6,000 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 are 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.
Where to Elope
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.
Up to 40 Total People
Up to 25 Total People
Small Dispersed Ceremony locations (12 people) are available park wide for a total of 1 hour. The locations for this type of ceremony are allowed throughout the park besides the prohibited locations listed below.
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. 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 $300, 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.
The following 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)
- 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
Permits and Licensing
To elope in Grand Teton National Park, you need a permit. Here’s a brief overview of the application process:
- Determine the Permit Type: Decide between a Reserved Site-Specific or Small Dispersed permit.
- Complete the Application: Fill out the form with all required details.
- Submit the Application: Email it to grte_visitor_services@nps.gov and wait 7-10 days for a response.
- Pay the Fee: A non-refundable $200 fee is required.
- Review and Sign: Once processed, you will receive a preliminary permit to sign and return within 7 days.
- Receive Final Permit: After final approval, your permit will be mailed. Bring a printed copy with you.
In Teton County, Wyoming, where Grand Teton National Park is located, couples from out of state are welcome to elope without any residency restrictions. For your ceremony, you’ll need two witnesses who are at least 18 years old. These witnesses, along with the officiant, must sign the marriage license. The cost for obtaining a marriage license is $30, and payments can be made by cash, check, or card (with a $1.55 service fee for card payments). The license is valid for one year from the date of issue, and there is no waiting period required in Wyoming.
To obtain your marriage license, both parties must appear in person and be at least 18 years old. You will need to present a valid picture ID, such as a Driver’s License, Passport, Military ID, or School ID. Additionally, you’ll need to complete a marriage license questionnaire, which can be found on the county’s website. This straightforward process allows you to plan your elopement with ease and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of Grand Teton National Park.
Reception & Airbnb Options
After your elopement day in Grand Teton National Park, you might enjoy celebrating with a dinner at one of Jackson Hole’s local restaurants that offer private dining.
Consider options like Gather in Jackson Hole, Snake River Grill, The White Buffalo, Palate, StillWest Brewery & Grill, or Million Dollar Cowboy Bar for a memorable meal with your family.
Alternatively, if you’ve rented an Airbnb that allows events, you could host a private dinner there. Make sure to check with your Airbnb host to ensure they’re comfortable with your event plans.
For lodging, Jackson Hole provides several excellent options, whether for you or your guests.
If you prefer the flexibility of an Airbnb, these are my favorites:
For additional fun, plan activities like a post-elopement brewery visit, a sunrise hike for private vows, roasting s’mores under the stars, or a relaxing hammock session. There’s no shortage of adventures to enhance your unforgettable elopement!
My Purpose
I want your elopement in Grand Teton National Park to be an experience as magical and unique as your love story. From the moment we start planning until the final photograph, my goal is to ensure that every detail reflects your vision and makes this day truly unforgettable.
I’m here to guide you in choosing the perfect location within the park that resonates with your dreams, whether it’s a secluded mountain spot or a picturesque lakeside ceremony. Together, we’ll craft an elopement that captures the essence of your relationship and fulfills your desires, making sure every aspect of your celebration is tailored to your preferences.
I understand how personal and significant this day is for you, and I’m dedicated to helping you plan every detail to perfection. Whether it’s finding the ideal spot for your vows, coordinating logistics, or simply offering support and creative ideas, my aim is to create a seamless and enchanting experience that reflects the beauty of your love and the grandeur of the Tetons.
