Snake River Overlook Wedding + Elopement Guide - Grand Teton National Park
Early morning at the Snake River Overlook
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 Snake River Overlook wedding and elopement ceremony site.
Interested in booking the Snake River Overlook for your wedding but not sure where to start? I put together a comprehensive guide 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:
Floating the Snake River beneath the Snake River Overlook Wedding Venue
Snake River Overlook 101
The Snake River Overlook is a beautiful location, but it’s one of those locations where I can’t stress enough hiring a local photographer who knows the location over a travel photographer. There are a few barriers (literally) that can make photographing the location a little more challenging. Fortunately, my partner rafts this stretch of the river for Grand Teton Lodge Company so I know the area well.
It’s also a very famous location - Ansel Adam’s most popular photo of Grand Teton National Park featured this stretch of river with the incredible Tetons in the distance. It has a direct view of the Grand Teton is well, which is a nice feature of this location.
Read on to find out how to get married at the Snake River Overlook in Grand Teton National Park.
Location
The Snake River Overlook is about 30 minutes from town. It has a large parking area that can accommodate a decent number of guests, though the park does not close the area off for ceremonies. Couples will have to be relatively comfortable with other visitors at this venue. On the plus side though, it is a good branching off point to hit other places like Blacktail Ponds, Schwabacher Landing, and the Mormon Row barns.
Cost
Eloping or having a micro-wedding at the Snake River Overlook 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 Snake River Overlook, 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.
Early am at the Snake River Overlook
Mid-afternoon at the Snake River Overlook
Time of Year
It can snow from September to June, so targeting the middle of the summer is a good idea. 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 fall colors in the region.
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
Photo: Ansel Adams
What NPS Says
The Snake River Overlook is available a Reserved Site-Specific Wedding Ceremony Special Use Permit for groups up to 25 people between mid-May and Mid-October The location is available as a Small Dispersed Wedding Ceremony Special Use Permit for groups up to 12 people for the remainder of the year. The location is limited to one ceremony permit per day and no more than 60 per year.
Ceremony site permits are issued in the order of the date applications are received. Visit the Wedding and Commitment Ceremonies page for detailed information on how to apply.
Details
Restroom? No
Points of interest? Views of the Teton Range and Snake River.
Is the site level or rocky? Level
Is the location accessed by a paved or gravel road? Paved
Is the site closed seasonally? No
How many parking spots are available? Approximately 16 parking spots.
Is there overflow parking nearby? No
Is the parking frequently full or have availability? Generally has availability.
How busy is this location? Slightly busy in the morning, moderately busy at midday, and not busy in the evening.
Seating? There are no benches or picnic tables at this location.
Any structures for shade or rain cover? No
Are there formal pathways? Yes, paved.
Accessibility?There are designated accessible parking spots and pathways are paved.
More Planning Resources
Choosing to elope at the Snake River Overlook 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!
