How to Plan Your Grand Teton National Park Wedding

Grand Teton National Park has been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember. It used to be my computer background when I was little (and the photo below is my current background!) I dreamt of being able to experience the magic of the Grand Tetons with my own eyes. There are so many epic locations within the park that make for the perfect Grand Teton elopement. Read on below to see how you can plan your Grand Teton National Park Wedding.

Why get married in the Grand Tetons?

Did you know of the 325.5 million visits to national parks in 2023, 3.4 million of those were to Grand Teton National Park? This park spans about 310,000 acres of land. It is home to many different species of trees and wildlife, boasts beautiful streams and lakes, and is covered in miles and miles of endless views to enjoy.

The Grand Tetons are the youngest mountains in the Rockies, forming only about 6-9 million years ago. (The best way to determine if a mountain range is young or old is to look at how sharp the peaks are!) These jagged peaks are the perfect backdrop for saying your vows and marrying your life partner. The endless trails and activities are also a great way to ensure you have truly extraordinary memories.

The best time of year to get married in the Grand Tetons

Although the park is open year round, summer and fall are the most popular times to elope in the park. Most of the trails are open. But be prepared for any and all weather! National park weather can be unpredictable, especially with the mountains nearby changing the air pressure.

I would personally recommend late summer or early fall to elope in the park, as most of the crowds have started to disperse and go back to work or school. The deeper into fall you go, however, the more likely you are to experience snow. Be prepared to work around the possibility of road closures and trail closures if you decide to get married or elope in the winter or spring. Bring winter clothing, gear, and a car with four wheel driving! You can always check the park’s alerts and conditions guide to get the most up-to-date information on any and all closures.

As your Grand Teton National Park wedding photographer, be sure to collaborate with me on what your vision is for your elopement and how you can make the most of your weekend.

Best locations to get married in Grand Teton National Park

There are six site-specific locations where you can get married within the park that you can apply for.

• Colter Bay Swim Beach – limited to 40 people – full for 2025

• Schwabacher Landing – limited to 25 people – full for 2025

• Mormon Row north or south -limited to 40 people at the north location, 25 at the south location – full for 2025

• Mountain View Turnout – limited to 25 people – full for 2025

• Glacier View Turnout – limited to 25 people – full for 2025

• Snake River Overlook – limited to 25 people and still has 2025 availability!
• The Wedding Tree is actually not in the park and thus has its own permits and regulations. Book your reservation at the website. The coordinates for the Wedding Tree are 43.631089, -110.564799 and is about 45 minutes away from downtown Jackson. The Wedding Tree can accommodate up to 75 people and costs $300 to reserve.

You can also apply for a small dispersed ceremony permit; keep in mind, this limits your guest count to 25 and prohibits you from certain trails and locations within the park.

How to Get Married in Grand Teton National Park

First, apply to the location you want to get married at in Grand Teton National Park. Submit your application along with the $200 fee with a minimum of 30 days before your date to grte_spu_permits@nps.gov. Once the park processes your permit, you must sign it and return it within 7 days via email. The park will email your final permit back to you. Be sure to have a printed copy with you on hand on the day of your wedding.

You and your guests are responsible for your entrance fees. You can waive the entrance fees with national parks pass.

Where to stay in Grand Teton National Park

• American Alpine Club Grand Teton Climbers’ Ranch – open mid-June to mid-September; co-ed rustic cabins where you supply your own food and bedding
• Colter Bay Cabins– open late-May to late-September
• Headwaters Lodge & Cabins at Flagg Ranch – open early-June to late September; lodging units with queen and king sized beds; central to both Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park
• Jackson Lake Lodge open mid May to early October; full service resort hotel
• Jenny Lake Lodge open early June to early October; luxury hotel
• Signal Mountain Lodge open early May to mid October; lakefront motel-style apartments with kitchenettes and fireplaces
• Triangle X Ranch a dude ranch open mid May to mid October near many western activities

What to do in and near Grand Teton National Park

There are so many different activities you can do to make your wedding feel special and true to you!

• Do a sunrise hike to say your private vows

• Enjoy a breakfast picnic with pastries along a mountain

• Explore Jackson Hole and take the gondola up to Corbett’s cabin for mountain top waffles

• Go horseback riding through the fields
• Take a photo at the Grand Teton National Park Sign

• Visit the iconic Million Dollar Cowboy Bar in downtown Jackson Hole

• View the Milky Way during peak season

Hiring your Grand Teton National Park Wedding Photographer

Getting married or eloping in a national park sounds like a blast! As your Grand Teton wedding photographer, I work with you to find the best location and offer guidance with planning. Whether you already have a timeline and locations picked or you need me to help you start from scratch, I will capture every single moment! When you’re ready to plan your wedding or elopement, send me an email at hello@sunshinesentimentsphoto.com or inquire here! As a thank you for inquiring with me, I will automatically waive travel fees to Grand Teton National Park!

Looking for more resources?

Check out my other blog posts and galleries!

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Rocky Mountain National Park Elopement: Best Places To Elope In Rocky Mountain National Park