Diamond Cross Ranch Wedding Guide - Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Hey, I’m Danielle! I’m a wedding and elopement photographer in Jackson, WY and literally live at Colter Bay in Grand Teton National Park. So basically, I’ve been to all of the wedding ceremony locations and viewpoints more times than I can count and at all times of day.
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.
Diamond Cross Ranch is in my neck of the woods, in the northern part of Grand Teton National Park. It’s one of the premier wedding venues in the Jackson Hole region, offering a spectacular backdrop for your special day in Grand Teton National Park. It’s a stunning venue, though my favorite part of Diamond Cross is that Kanye is banned after breaking all of the rules during his Ye launch party.
Below, I’ll delve into the details to help you make an informed decision about whether Diamond Cross Ranch aligns with your vision for the perfect wedding.
Below, I’ll get into:
Location
Diamond Cross Ranch is 35 miles east of Jackson, which translate to about an hour of driving. While it may be a bit farther from town, the approximately 60-minute drive from Downtown Jackson is easily one of the most scenic drives in the country.
Though it’s only 35 miles away, I highly recommend clients leave early - this is my regular commute to town, and I regularly get get stuck in bison jams or behind very slow RVs.
Cost
Diamond Cross Ranch falls on the higher end of the price spectrum among Jackson Hole wedding venues. It usually costs $10,000 to rent, though they may be more flexible with off-season dates. Despite the higher cost, the venue promises an extraordinary view of the Tetons (usually - see the cons) and is known as one of the most coveted wedding venues in the western United States.
Here's a breakdown of what is included in the Diamond Cross Ranch wedding package as of 2023:
Exclusive use of the property and facilities from 10 am – 10 pm
Horse release during your ceremony
Landscaped lawn for your ceremony and reception with an unobstructed view of the Grand Tetons
Full use of the Red Barn (a 12,000 square-foot indoor event space with large picture windows framing the Tetons)
Comfortable seating for up to approximately 200 guests
On-site bridal suite for bride and bridesmaids’ preparation
Wooden chairs with padded seats for ceremony or reception
60-inch round tables seating 8 adults each
WiFi, outdoor fire pit, interior heating
Outdoor covered patio and interior Men’s and Women’s restrooms
Couple photos with horses during sunset
Ample parking for shuttles and vehicles
The cost for booking Diamond Cross Ranch for your wedding day ranges from $5,000 to $16,000, dependent on the size of the event, day, and season. A $1,000 damage deposit is required for all booking options.
Afterparty
Diamond Cross Ranch closes relatively early, so those looking for after party fun can head to the Fireside bar right across from Diamond Cross. It’s a weird little spot in a gas station, but that kind of vibe is classic Wyoming.
Lodging and Transportation
There are several places to stay in the nearby vicinity. Hatchet is probably the closest, and Togwotee Mountain Lodge and Jackson Lake Lodge aren’t too far (though JLL is beyond the pay booths in GTNP).
There is plenty of parking at Diamond Cross, but it’s best to arrange a shuttle if you have a lot of guests flying into town.
Pros
Spectacular Teton backdrop during your ceremony
Ample parking
Large guest capacity - suitable for larger weddings
Unique 'running of the horses' ceremony touch
Well-lit reception space in the Red Barn
Cons
Limited getting-ready space for the groom, and a relatively small room for the bride (alternative arrangements recommended)
A 60ish-minute drive from Jackson
The distant Tetons may be completely socked in with smoke if it’s a bad wildfire year
Time of Year
You can’t really go wrong any time of year since the venue is primarily indoors. But for outdoor ceremonies, it’s best to stick to the warmer months. Summer is a beautiful time in the Tetons, but I’d advise earlier summer weddings (June) to minimize your chances of being smoked out of the Tetons by wildfires in other states.
I also love fall in the Tetons. Diamond Cross Ranch sits on the outskirts of Buffalo Valley, which gets some truly beautiful cottonwood and aspen colors in October. Fall is also a gamble though, since it can snow September - June.
Common FAQs
Is a wedding planner required?
Yes, Diamond Cross Ranch mandates hiring a wedding planner, who must provide a timeline, floor plan, and vendor management.
Do they offer food catering services?
Yes, Diamond Cross Ranch provides food catering packages, and third-party catering providers are also allowed.
Can you use your own collection of vendors?
Yes, couples are free to choose their vendors.
What is the payment structure for booking your day?
A 50% non-refundable deposit is required upon booking, with the remainder due within 15 days of the wedding day.
Can your dog be included in the ceremony?
Absolutely! Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash at all times during the ceremony.
Other Wyoming Wedding Venues in Jackson Hole:
If you’re just starting to explore wedding venues in Grand Teton and Jackson Hole, check out my galleries and guides to the other popular elopement locations in the area.
Traditional Wedding and Reception Venues in Jackson Hole
Elopement and Intimate Weddings Venues
Small Dispersed Ceremony Sites
The wedding venues above book out well in advance and can cost up to $20,000. If you’re looking for something smaller and more intimate, Grand Teton also offers “Small Dispersed Ceremony” permits that allow couples with small guest counts to get married in places besides the formal wedding ceremony locations listed above. There are some beautiful options, but be sure to book a local photographer who is familiar with the park and knows the best spots!
More Planning Resources
Choosing to get married at Diamond Cross Ranch 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!
