Schwabacher Landing Wedding + Elopement Guide - Grand Teton National Park
Hey, I’m Danielle! I’m a wedding and elopement photographer in Jackson, WY and literally live in Grand Teton National Park. I’ve seen all of the wedding ceremony sites at every time of day and in every season, which is the kind of experience you want in someone who will be helping plan your timeline and taking your wedding photos.
I’m not saying you should pick the coolest photographer you find…but if having a photographer with some serious local expertise and skill behind the camera sounds like something you want on your very important wedding day, check out my Grand Teton wedding and elopement packages.
Below is a quick run down on the details of the Schwabacher Landing wedding and elopement ceremony site.
Interested in booking the Schwabacher Landing for your wedding but not sure where to start? I put a whole guide together for my clients that includes planning essentials like a step-by-step permitting guide, marriage license information, and my personal suggestions for time of day, where to stay, and more.
Below, I’ll get into:
Choosing to elope at Schwabacher Landing is a huge step in the planning process but there’s a lot more that goes into Grand Teton elopements. Check out my ultra-comprehensive guide to eloping in Jackson Hole for everything else you need!
Schwabacher Landing 101
Schwabacher’s Landing is located near the present course of the Snake River, almost exactly east of Grand Teton, where the terrain flattens out and allows easy access to the river. There is a dirt road coming off the main highway and down to various trailheads.
This was once a flowing channel that served as a launch for boats onto the Snake River, but the river changes courses often and this channel is no longer runnable. When the wind is calm, the pond reflects the central Teton Range framed by spruce and cottonwood trees.
Location
Schwabacher Landing is fairly close to Jackson (30 minutes is close in Grand Teton terms). Its central position within Grand Teton National Park makes it easy to pop over to other scenic locations in the area too, including the Snake River Overlook and Mormon Row barns for additional photos and videos after the ceremony.
Its close proximity to town makes it a more practical option too for getting ready in town and then proceeding to the ceremony (as opposed to some more distant locations like the Colter Bay Swim Area).
Cost
Eloping or having a micro-wedding at Schwabacher Landing is significantly more budget-friendly than traditional venues in the area. Couples can secure a spot via a $200 permit fee through the Grand Teton National Park, which is so much cheaper than the cost of a traditional venue in Jackson (they can cost over $20,000!!).
Permits
Permits can be found on the Grand Teton Weddings & Ceremonies page. Permit applications open on December 4th. Do not submit your application before then - the park will not accept them and you will not receive a refund.
Site-Specific Ceremonies
Ceremony sites are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Due to the popularity of Schwabacher Landing, only one wedding or elopement is allowed per day. To secure your desired date, you must apply for the permit early because it’s one of the first locations to book up. Last minute elopements here are not likely but it’s worth checking with NPS for cancellations.
Applications must be submitted at least 30 days before the scheduled event, but earlier is better given Grand Teton National Park’s popularity for weddings. Schwabacher Landing, Mormon Row (South), Mountain View Turnout, Glacier View Turnout, and Snake River Overlook can accommodate up to 25 guests, while Mormon Row (North) and Colter Bay Swim Beach have a capacity for up to 40 guests.
Remember: ‘guests’ includes the photographer, officiant, videographer, and guests.
Site-specific ceremonies can only be held in the park from May 10th to October 20th.
These permits do not apply to the two distinct chapels in the park (Chapel of the Transfiguration and Chapel of the Sacred Heart) or the lodges - all of these locations have their own websites and fees.
Small Dispersed Weddings
Small dispersed wedding permits are available for smaller gatherings of up to 12 guests, including the officiant. These ceremonies are permitted in any park area except reserved ceremony sites, certain paved trails (around Jenny Lake, Hidden Falls, Inspiration Point, String Lake), Lawrence S. Rockefeller Preserve, park partner facilities, park cemeteries, and areas near chapels.
Small dispersed weddings can be held in the park all year.
Prohibited locations include:
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)
Within proximity of places where weddings are being managed by a chapel or concessioner (e.g., the Chapel of the Transfiguration)
Park cemeteries
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
Park regulations prohibit the use of arbors, arches, platforms, podiums, rugs, tables, or tents. Limited seating, primarily for guests with standing difficulties, is allowed. It's important to note that rearrangement of park facilities is not permitted according to park guidelines.
Time of Year
It can snow in Jackson from September until June, so the middle of the summer is the safest time for a wedding. June and July in particular will have stunning wildflowers too.
However, my preferred time for weddings and elopements in Jackson Hole is mid-September through early-October. This period showcases the breathtaking changing aspens and cottonwoods in the region.
You also have a higher chance of seeing moose down here in the fall, when they move back and forth between the Snake River and the Gros Ventre river.
There is high demand during the fall, so you’ll want to reserve well in advance as popular ceremony locations and venues tend to book up quickly. Weddings at Schwabacher Landing can only be reserved until October 20th.
Hoback, the baddest boy in Jackson Hole
Pros
Breathtaking Grand Teton backdrop
Fits well into various budgets
Ideal location in relation to Jackson and the entire Grand Teton National Park
Creates beautiful and memorable photos and videos
Small and intimate ceremony with close friends and family
Moose sightings!
Cons
Limited to 25 people (may not suit larger weddings)
Area remains open to the public during your wedding date (though visitors are typically respectful)
Not ideal for couples seeking complete privacy during the ceremony
The advantages notably outweigh the drawbacks, making Schwabacher Landing a great choice for small weddings and elopements. The public access usually isn’t a big deal, and the ceremony location is surrounded by trees to provide a sense of privacy. Opting for a sunrise or sunset ceremony further minimizes encounters with visitors for a more secluded experience.
More Jackson Hole Wedding Venues
If you’re just starting to explore wedding venues in Grand Teton and Jackson Hole, check out my guides to the other popular elopement locations in the area.
Grand Teton National Park:
Bridger Teton National Forest:
What NPS Says
The Schwabacher Landing ceremony location is available as a Reserved Site-Specific Wedding Ceremony Special Use Permit for groups up to 25 people between mid-May and mid-October. The location is a short walk from the northern most parking area at the end of the trail with a view of the Tetons with the beaver ponds. The road is closed in the winter and spring due to snow.
Schwabacher Landing is limited to one ceremony permit per day. Ceremony site permits are issued in the order of the date applications are received, so don’t wait to submit your application.
Details
Restroom? Yes – vault/pit toilet
Points of interest? Views of the Teton Range; Snake River; beaver ponds, damns, and lodges.
Is the site level or rocky? Level
Is the location accessed by a paved or gravel road? Gravel
Is the site closed seasonally? Yes – Typically closed mid-October to mid-May.
How many parking spots are available? Approximately 20 parking spaces.
Is there overflow parking nearby? Yes
Is the parking frequently full or have availability? Frequently busy, but not frequently full.
How busy is this location? Very busy in the morning, moderately busy at midday, and very busy in the evening.
Seating? There are some benches, but no picnic tables at this location.
Any structures for shade or rain cover? No, but some trees.
Are there formal pathways? Yes, unpaved.
Accessibility? There are not designated accessible parking spots and pathways are unpaved.
