Common Elopement FAQs

Where can I get married in Jackson Hole?

Jackson Hole has just about anything you want, from lakesides to sagebrush meadows to craggy viewpoints, and you're spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing your elopement location. The best spots are on public land, including Grand Teton National Park and National Forest Service land. For those with larger guest lists, considering a private property ceremony can also be a fantastic option. Below, I've written out specific guides to the permitted locations in the Grand Teton National Park area:

Grand Teton National Park Wedding Venues

1. Schwabacher Landing

2. Mormon Row Barns

3. Colter Bay Swim Beach

4. Mountain View Turnout

5. Glacier View Turnout

6. Snake River Overlook

Jackson Hole Wedding Venues

1. The Wedding Tree

2. Diamond Cross Ranch

3. Jackson Lake Lodge

4. Jackson Hole Golf & Tennis

5. Antelope Trails Ranch

6. Rendezvous Lodge

7. & so much more

As a general rule of thumb, anywhere with the word “turnout” or “overlook” is going to be a busy stop for all visitors, not just wedding guests. These spots tend to be near the road and while beautiful, they are usually a little less coveted than spots like Schwabacher Landing and Mormon Row. Which makes them a great option for last minute elopements! But be aware that Mormon Row, Schwabacher Landing, and Colter Bay all book up quickly and Mountain View Turnout tends to book shortly after.

We’re having a last minute elopement and everything is booked! Where else can we go?

Don’t worry! Grand Teton National Park also has “Small Dispersed Ceremony” wedding permits that can accommodate later requests (the park will still need 30 days to process). These have a guest maximum of 12 people.

Also, it’s worth seeing if there are any cancelations when sending in your applications! I had a couple land Mormon Row south a month before their wedding, which was an awesome surprise.

Can you give us location and planning ideas before we book you?

I’ve been burned by this a few times so I’m pretty cut and dry with sharing my knowledge nowadays. I’m happy to provide planning assistance and bequeath all of my local expertise on you (as well as my super comprehensive client guide), but I have to protect my time and knowledge and only provide this information once I’ve received a signed contract and deposit. I do, however, provide basic overviews of each location in Grand Teton that you can refer to (see above) and I recommend a couple of vendors below to get you started.

How much does it cost to elope in Jackson Hole?

The cost of your Grand Teton wedding can range anywhere from $4,000 to $15,000, depending on what your dream day looks like. The factors that contribute to your elopement costs include hiring a photographer (that's me!), videographer, florist, baker, travel accommodations, professional hair & makeup, wedding attire, lodging, and, of course, food to keep you fueled up for your adventure. Don't worry; I'll break down the costs for you in more detail below!

That said: I think the images of your day (and maybe professional makeup) are the most valuable expenses for your wedding, and if you’re trying to keep the rest of your expenses low, I have the scoop. You can cut some costs by gathering your own bouquet, getting a small cake at Whole Foods, camping on NFS land or staying in the Anvil hostel, flying into Idaho Falls or Salt Lake City, and more.

Do I need a permit to have a ceremony?

Yep! If you’re trying to avoid the ritzier ranch venues, the approved ceremony locations in Grand Teton National Park require permits and specific locations in Bridger Teton National Forest require them too (see: The Wedding Tree). The specific regulations depend on your group size and the location you choose. So, do your homework or better yet, let someone like me help you navigate the permit process. I've got your back!

When is the best time of year to plan a wedding or elopement in Jackson Hole?

Jackson Hole is pretty spectacular year-round, but if sub-zero temps aren’t your style, I recommend planning your elopement between mid-June and mid-September. These seasons offer fantastic weather, ensuring that your wedding experience is as comfortable as it is stunning. There is a high chance of getting smoked out mid-summer from the wildfires all over the West, so I personally recommend shooting for the edge of the seasons.

Where can I have a larger wedding in Jackson Hole?

Jackson Hole has a ton of private venues, like Diamond Cross Ranch, Jackson Hole Golf and Tennis, Rendezvous Lodge, Jackson Lake Lodge, and Antelope Trails Ranch. There are about a million more, many of which require planners, so I’d consult a wedding planner (I can recommend one!) to find your perfect venue.

How do I get a marriage license in Wyoming?

Bureaucratic processes in Wyoming are pretty simple and my planning guide for clients gives you all the details you need to get a Teton County marriage license!

We aren’t having any guests at our elopement - how do we get witnesses to sign?

I can be one of your witnesses but the officiant cannot. Most of the year, you can easily find another visitor to sign as one of your witnesses. The park does not close any of the ceremony sites to the public, so there’s a good chance there will be other people around (they’re usually very respectful of weddings though!). If that sounds a little too risky for your taste, I can likely hire a friend or another local to pop over the ceremony - one of the benefits of choosing a local photographer!

Where am I not allowed to elope in Grand Teton National Park?

• Reserved Site-Specific Ceremony locations (aka the six locations listed above)

• The paved trails within and surrounding the Jenny Lake visitor plaza at South Jenny Lake

• Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point

• String Lake and Jenny Lake overlook on the one-way road from May 15 to October 15

• Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve (LSR)

• 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 gated road, the permittee may have walking access but not vehicle access.