Glacier View Turnout 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 Glacier View Turnout wedding and elopement ceremony site.
Interested in booking the Glacier View Turnout 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:
Choosing to elope at the Glacier View Turnout 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!
Glacier View Turnout 101
Glacier View Turnout is a hidden gem among Grand Teton’s wedding and elopement ceremony locations. It’s right off the highway so a lot of visitors pull in, but luckily there’s a large sagebrush bench down the hill where couples can go for more private photos.
Location
Glacier View Turnout is conveniently located 20-minutes away from Jackson. It’s a great option for those looking to prepare in town and then have their ceremony in the park.
It is a very busy turnout for all visitors to the park, though, so couples can’t be shy in front of other visitors here. It is a great launching point for visiting other venues in the area, though, like Schwabacher Landing and Mormon Row.
Cost
Eloping or having a micro-wedding at Glacier View Turnout 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 Glacier View Turnout, 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 the 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.
Pros
Classic Grand Teton backdrop for your ceremony
Fits well into various budgets
Ideal for small and intimate ceremonies
Close proximity to Jackson
Central location in relation to the rest of Grand Teton National Park
Cons
The ceremony location is close to the parking lot and the main highway, making privacy a bit challenging compared to other spots
The pros undoubtedly outweigh the cons for Glacier View Turnout. While it may not be as popular as some other locations like Schwabacher Landing, Mormon Row, and the Wedding Tree, it stands as an excellent and versatile option. Should your preferred spots be fully booked, Glacier View Turnout serves as a great backup, offering a classic Grand Teton backdrop and a memorable setting for your celebration.
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 Glacier View Turnout is available a Reserved Site-Specific Wedding Ceremony Special Use Permit for groups up to 25 people between mid-May and mid-October.
The Glacier View Turnout is available as a Small Dispersed Wedding Ceremony Special Use Permit for groups up to 12 people for the remainder of the year.
Location is limited to one wedding 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.
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 26 parking spaces.
Is there overflow parking nearby? No
Is the parking frequently full or have availability? Generally has availability
How busy is this location? Not busy in the morning, slightly busy at midday, and moderately 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.
