Eloping in Grand Teton National Park is a dream for couples who want jaw-dropping mountain views and quiet moments in nature. With towering, jagged peaks, alpine lakes and wide-open valleys, the Tetons offer one of the most iconic backdrops in the U.S.
This guide will walk you through exactly how to elope in Grand Teton National Park, including the best time of year, permits, locations, timelines, and planning tips— so you can focus on what matters most: celebrating your love.
2027 Permit Application Update
2027 Wedding and Ceremony Commitment ceremony applications open December 2026.
Check back in November 2026 for any updated locations, permit application information, and application process!
Why Elope in the Tetons?
Breathtaking Views
The Tetons are *ICONIC*. Grand Teton National Park offers dramatic scenery without any extreme hiking involved (unless you are down for that kind of adventure which, if you are, you can find that here too!). You will want to keep your head on a swivel the entire time you are in the park, with views from the valley that go on for miles. Between the rocky peaks, the thick woods, and the alpine lakes, Grand Teton National Park is bound to offer you stunning views.
Wildlife
Wyoming is a wild place. It’s not uncommon to see wildlife when you are in the park! Bison, elk, antelope and moose can be found grazing throughout the park and, if you’re lucky, you may even get the chance to see a black bear or a grizzly bear! I recommend bringing bear spray with you when out hiking!
Lodging and Adventures
Grand Teton National Park is located very close to Jackson, Wyoming, which can offer a variety of different levels of lodging during your stay. There are also beautiful cabins, ranches, and AirBNBs located in the greater area of the park. The adventures that you can also spend some time on are endless! Between meal cruises on Jackson Lake, horseback riding, hiking, boating/canoeing, and fishing, you will have plenty of options to choose from to spend your time in the park!
Best Time of Year to Elope in Grand Teton National Park
Summer: mid June - September
Summer in the Tetons is stunning. With warm weather, potential for wildflower blooms, and wildlife milling about, this is the best time if you want to explore all of what the park has to offer with hiking trails accessible and all of the roads open for the season. Long daylight hours allow for maximal exploration and adventures. The summer season is the peak season, however, which mean prices for accommodations will be high, and more crowds/tourists can be expected, with potential waiting times at the gates to enter. Summer out here in the west unfortunately can have large wildfires that may affect air quality.
Fall: late September through October
Fall in the Tetons offers less crowds and continued nice weather, although it may be a bit cooler! The days are getting shorter and the fall leaves can create such a beautiful contrast to the mountains in the background. There’s always the possibility for early season snow, so being aware of that and bringing some warmer clothing is a great idea.
Winter: late October through March
Days are short, temperatures are cool— but don’t fret, this is ski season! Jackson has two resorts that you can choose from, and the park/Jackson has so many different activities than what the summer has to offer (think skiing/snowboarding, snowmobiling, snow shoeing, hot springs in the snow). Due to ski season, accommodations may be on the higher end again. Park accessibility is much more limited, but with less visitors, you can have a quiet, dreamy, white mountain snowy elopement experience.
Spring: April through early June
Eloping in the Tetons in the spring can still be beautiful, however, snow may still be covering higher elevation hikes, you may get unexpected weather coming in, and there still may be some limited access to roads and trails as a result of such. Be prepared for weather with warm clothing and potential for wet conditions!
Visit the current Park Alerts and Conditions prior to your visit any time of year you are visiting for the most up to date information and need to know alerts, road closures, construction, etc.
Elopement Activities in The Tetons
Hiking
Hiking in the Tetons can be as easy or as challenging as you make it! Whether you want to take a longer stroll with minimal elevation gain along Jenny Lake, or summit Middle Teton or challenge yourself with scrambling through boulder fields to Delta Lake, you are bound to find something that fits your experience level.
Climbing
Those jagged peaks brings climbers from all over to scramble up to reach the top. While personally not a climber, there are several books and resources available for you to learn more about climbing routes, peaks, and more!
Horseback Riding
What better way to experience the west than to go on a horseback ride? There are several outfitters that offer different trip experiences? Want just a quick ride? Check out a one-hour ride to get a little taste of riding on horseback. Have a bit more experience? Try to find an outfitter that offers rides for more experienced riders, like at Swift Creek Outfitters that offers a 3-hour ride that brings you to a grand view of the Tetons summiting up to just over 8,000 feet.
Lake Cruises
Wanting more of a leisurely activity that you can enjoy while you’re enjoying the splendor of the Teton range? Check out the cruises the park has to offer on Jackson Lake. You can choose a scenic lake cruise, or they offer scenic cruises that take you to Elk Island for a meal (perfect for an early morning to yourselves before your ceremony, or a nice dinner before catching that golden hour glow during your sunset vows).
Interested in other activities like hot air balloon, fishing, renting a canoe/kayak, or other adventures? Reach out and let's chat about what makes your hearts full!
How to Get to The Tetons & Entry Information
Grand Teton National Park is located in Wyoming, with several airport options to choose from if you are flying in to visit the park! The nearest airports to Grand Teton National Park are:
- Jackson Hole Airport (JAC): about 30 minutes drive
- Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA): about 2 hours drive
- Yellowstone Airpot (WYS): about 2 hour drive
- Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC): about 5 hours drive)
- Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN): about 4 hours drive
You must pay an entrance fee to visit the Tetons. You can get a Standard, Annual, or America the Beautiful Pass for entry, with prices ranging from $20 up to $80. There are also several Free Entrance Days in the National Parks, however, I would not recommend visiting around these dates as no fee entry may increase visitation and lead to increased traffic in the park. No vehicle reservations are required, but keep in mind high season may lead to long lines at the entrance stations.
Visit the Fees & Passes site for the most up-to-date information!
Permits & Rules for Eloping in Grand Teton National Park
To elope in Grand Teton National Park, you MUST have a special use permit issued by the National Park Service. The cost of the permit is $200 and, if you do not get issued the permit, it is non-refundable, so please be sure to ask your photographer (like me!) to assist you if you have any questions. The park requires a minimum of 30 days to process the application. There are two different permits that you can apply for: large site-specific or small dispersed. When looking at the people permitted, this number includes you, your partner, AND any vendors (such as photographer, videographer, planner, etc.).
Large Site-Specific Ceremony Permits
** Update 2/1/2026: large, site-specific ceremony locations are fully booked for 2026 season **
This year (season 2026) the site-specific permit locations went FAST, so for 2027 brides who are wanting to elope any of the sites listed below, or want more than 12 people present total, I recommend to pay close attention to the date that permits will be open for 2027. Typically the NPS will announce the date that applications can start to be submitted in late November, with application submissions for the next year being early December.
The following locations are the parks large site-specific ceremony locations:
- Colter Bay Swim Beach (40 people)
- Schwabacher Landing (25 people)
- Glacier View Turnout (25 people)
- Snake River Overlook (25 people)
- Mountain View Turnout (25 people)
- Mormon Row (North 40 people, South 25 people) - 2026 this site will be closed for ceremonies after May 15 due to anticipated construction, portrait/bridals photography will still be permitted
Small Dispersed Ceremony Permits
This permit is for groups of 12 people or fewer. You can apply for this permit throughout essentially within the entirety of the park, with some exceptions listed below. I have a handful of locations that are my personal favorites and, based on what you’re envisioning for your day, I can help you find your ideal spot for your day! Inquire with me to learn more.
Exclusions:
- Hidden Falls & Inspiration Point
- Jenny Lake Trail, Jenny Lake Overlook, and the paved trails at and around Jenny Lake Visitor Plaza
- String Lake developed area and trail
- Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve
- Concessioner land assignments (e.g. the veranda at Jackson Lake Lodge)
- Park partner facilities (e.g. Murie Ranch, Teton Science School)
- Near areas where weddings are managed by a chapel/concessioner (e.g., the Chapel of the Transfiguration)
- Park cemeteries
- Areas with high visitation
- Areas with potential for resource damage
FACILITIES WITHIN THE PARK
Wanting to have more than 40 people present, or not be exposed to the elements outdoors? Check out the following options! Additional fees are required for ceremonies at these sites, and will need to be inquired about for cost/availability by the couple.
Prohibited Activities
Just because you have obtained a permit to have a ceremony within the park doesn’t mean you are allowed to do anything you want in the space! As a Leave No Trace Aware photographer, I believe it is important to be up front with my couples that I am strict with following the rules of adhering to the following prohibited activities:
- Erecting or placing of alters, arbors, arches, platforms, podiums, rugs, tables, and tents
- Chairs with the exception of a few portable chairs (provided by the permittee) under special circumstances, such as for guests who would have difficulty standing during the window of the permit
- Attaching or placing decorations (e.g., balloons, banners, flower stands, lights, objects, signs, streamers) to any natural or historic object or any National Park Service sign, bench, post, building or facility. Only handheld items that can be carried at all times are permissible.
- Use of generators
- Rearrangement of park facilities (e.g., moving benches, tables)
- Mowing and/or removal of vegetation
- Scattering, spreading, or throwing of any material (e.g., birdseed, rice, flower petals, confetti)
- Releasing or throwing birds, butterflies, balloons, rice, bubbles, etc.
- Receptions or catered food services. Small food and drink items, like a champagne toast, are permitted but must follow strict bear safety/food storage protocol
- Using park visitor center, restrooms, and other buildings for ceremony preparations (e.g., dressing, picture-taking, rehearsals, waiting areas) or in the event of inclement weather
- Unmanned aircraft (e.g., drones, model airplanes, quadcopters)
For more the most up-to-date information, visit the Grand Teton Weddings and Commitment Ceremonies site
Accommodations in The Tetons
From stunning ranch locations, incredibly lodges and resorts, and beautiful cabins-- whatever your vibe is, you can find it for your elopement. Jackson is going to be the most popular, closest place to stay, although you can certainly take a longer drive and stay in Driggs or Victor on the other side of the range in Idaho (this can be an hour and a half to two plus hour drive, depending on where in the park you are visiting, so keep that in mind!).
Ranch Options
LODGING OPTIONS
CABIN OPTIONS
Unique Options!
Modern A-Frame with sauna in Teton Aspen Forest (Victor, ID)
Teton View Cabin (Driggs, ID)
Grand Teton Elopement Reception & Dining Options
After your ceremony, you may decide that you’d like to host a small reception or have dinner to celebrate with each other (or loved ones if any guests are attending!) in Jackson! While not an exclusive list, here are some options that you can check out for dinner in the evening.
Another option to look at is your AirBNB! Some AirBNB’s allow events where you could choose your own catering. Please check the rules of your AirBNB first, or discuss this with your AirBNB host, prior to going this route.
Grand Teton Elopement Vendors
Hiring vendors help your elopement vision truly come to life! Hairstylists and make-up artists can help you keep everything in place if we plan on hiking and adventuring, and local florists can help to ensure you do not have any plant species that are not permitted (from the Wyoming State Designated Noxious Weeds or the Teton County Declared Species List).
Florals
Hair & Makeup Artists
Tanya Crocker (both)
Beauty by Autym (both)
Ashley Drew Artistry (makeup)
Teton Valley Beauty (both)
Event Design/Planners
Cakes
Process For Eloping in Grand Teton National Park
Visit the NPS site here for specific detailed information and application fees, most up-to-date information!
Step 1: Decide on your ceremony location
Based on how many people you’d like to invite and what location you’d like, decide whether you need to apply for a large site-specific permit (25-40 people) or small dispersed permit (12 people or less) ** count of people must include you & your partner, as well as vendors **
Step 2: Apply for your permit
If you are wanting a large site-specific ceremony location, I recommend applying for your permit immediately, or as soon as you can, when the date/time opens for applications— have your permit ready, card ready for payment, and set a timer on your phone!! 2026 site-specific ceremony locations went FAST this season. Be sure to include alternate dates/locations should your site/date be unavailable.
Step 3: Pay the fee
Submit the non-refundable $200 fee with your application.
Step 4: Sign permit draft
Review and sign the preliminary permit that is sent to you after receiving confirmation that you have gotten your date/time for your permit!
Step 5: Print permit
Print out your permit and bring it with you so we have it during your ceremony!
Step 6: Obtain your marriage license
The Teton County Clerks office recommends scheduling your appointment one to two business days before your ceremony date to avoid delays in obtaining your license. Call 307-733-4430 to make an appointment prior to going into the office— marriage license appointments are available Monday through Friday 9 am to 3:30 pm (excluding federal holidays). Couples MUST appear in person, be 18 years of age or older, and present a picture ID. Complete the Marriage License Questionnaire and bring it along with you to your appointment, in addition to your photo ID. There is a $30 license fee payable by cash, check, debit/credit card (service fee of $1.55 will apply if using credit card). There is no waiting period. An officiant and two witness (18 years or older) must sign the license, and it must be returned to the County Clerk’s Office within 10 days of the ceremony. Please visit the Teton County website here for the most up-to-date information!
Step 7: GET MARRIED!
Let’s get your beautiful souls married!! We are going to have the best time together frolicking around the mountains and taking stunning photos. A gentle reminder that having a permit does not give you exclusive rights to that location— anyone visiting the park is allowed to be in the area and enjoy the views, just like we are.
Need a Grand Teton National Park Elopement Photographer?
I’ve hiked, camped, and explored all over the Grand Tetons! I love showing couples the well-known, popular spots, as well as the more excluded spaces. I’m here for you to help plan your day! Contact me and let’s chat about how to make your vision come to life.