Why you should plan your elopement to Grand Teton National Park
One of the great things about this national park is the beauty it provides in every season! So, no matter what time of year you’re dreaming of eloping, Grand Teton has many options. There are big snow-peaked mountains, serene alpine lakes, abundant wildlife and incredible views no matter which direction you turn. Within the park, you will find hiking trails for all abilities each offering something unique. Plus, there are tons of scenic pullouts that require no hiking with equally gorgeous views for possible vow exchange sites. The nearby western town of Jackson Hole, WY also has all the amenities of a big city with a small town charm. Grand Teton National Park is a literal dream venue for your elopement!
Your Grand Teton elopement checklist
I love helping my clients with all the need-to-know steps of pulling off an epic adventure elopement. So, I've compiled my top to-do’s for couples into a simple checklist. If you can check these off, you’re ready to elope in the Tetons!
1. Find a photographer
With a completely biased opinion, here at Galavanting Gersper Photography, I'm one pretty awesome adventure elopement photographer! While I'd love to be the one to document your day, this is a really important step in your planning process. You want to be sure to find the right person for the job! The photos are one way to ensure you remember your elopement for years to come and usually how you get to share the experience with your friends and family! You'll want them to be epic! But, you also want to book a photographer with experience planning adventure elopements to help you manage national park logistics, scouting locations and timelines.
2. Pick a time of year and day
Like I mentioned earlier, Grand Teton National Park offers year-round access, which means there are plenty of options when choosing a time of year to elope (if you are up for some real adventure that is!). Here are some of our common takeaways when choosing your season and day to elope at Mt Rainier:
Spring
- Recommended day to elope: Weekdays
- Grand Teton features: Baby animals, snow capped peaks, lower elevations clear of snow
- Things to consider: Variable weather, roads may still be closed
Summer
- Recommended day to elope: Weekdays
- Grand Teton features: Clear views of the peaks, wild flowers
- Things to consider: Peak visitor season, trails and scenic areas will be more crowded
Fall
- Recommended day to elope: Weekdays
- Grand Teton features: Fall foliage, first snow on the peaks
- Things to consider: Early winter storms can roll through, road closures can occur
Winter
- Recommended day to elope: Weekdays & weekends
- Grand Teton features: Welcome to Narnia, sleigh rides, skiing at Jackson Hole Resort, winter wonderland
- Things to consider: Chilly temps, most of the roads are closed, will require snowshoeing/cross-country skiing/snowmobiling
3. Pick a location
There are six site-specific. ceremony locations that you can apply for:
- Colter Bay Swim Beach
- Schwabacher Landing
- Mormon Row
- Mountain View Turnout
- Glacier View Turnout
- Snake River Overlook
Follow this link to the national park website to see the views each location has to offer. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more private setting, you may consider other locations in the park that allow you to apply for a small dispersed ceremony permit. There are a lot of locations on the prohibited list and your time is limited to 1 hour in these instances. I can help you narrow one of these sites down if one of the six site-specific sites does not float your boat.
4. Apply for a permit
According to the National Park Service, all weddings and commitment ceremonies require a Special Use Permit. You can access more information about applying for a permit in Grand Teton National Park by clicking here. Please know, permits must be submitted at least 30 days prior to the ceremony date, however, I recommend apply ASAP. The park only allows a small number of permits to be issued annually. You don't want to miss out!
5. Book accommodations
After you have secured your permit to elope in the Tetons, you can begin booking your amenities! I have worked with couples who pull their trailers up to a campground, rough it in the backcountry in a tent, or opt to stay in a cozy cabin. The great thing about this park, is there is an option for every budget and every level of adventure! Does a dude ranch sound intriguing? Or maybe you see your elopement as your one opportunity to splurge on a five-star hotel! The options are seem unlimited.
6. Apply for a marriage license
You can apply for a marriage license at any courthouse throughout Wyoming, however, if you are getting your license in Jackson Hole, plan ahead! The county does require an appointment to issue the license, but there is no waiting period once it is obtained. A license is valid for one year from the date it is issued, but must be returned within 10 days of the ceremony. You must have an ordained officiant perform the ceremony along with having two witnesses (I can be one!) for this to be a legal marriage.
The logistics behind your Grand Teton elopement
One of the many things that makes Grand Teton National Park so unique is its proximity to an airport. In fact, Jackson Hole airport is the only commercial airport located within the boundaries of a national park! When you get off the plane you will be immediately welcomed by incredible mountain views. It is less than 10 miles to downtown Jackson and 5 miles to the Moose Gate Entrance of the park. Car services are available for hire, but renting a vehicle will be your best bet for getting around. Due to the mountains, cell service for all carriers is spotty in the region, so you want to feel comfortable reading a map. If staying on the main roads, it is pretty hard to get lost in this park! The paths are well marked.
Where to stay for your Grand Teton elopement
I mentioned early, that there is a place to stay within every budget for your elopement to Grand Teton National Park.
See all the lodging options within the park here
- For a more rustic feel consider the Colter Bay Cabins
- If you are looking for a place with OMG views, check out the Jackson Lake Lodge
Just outside the park are a plethora of working dude ranches
- For a budget friendly option look into the Heart 6 Ranch (they have covered wagons you san sleep in!)
- For an all inclusive experience don't miss the Mood Head Ranch
Grand Teton elopement packing list
Curious what to pack for your Grand Teton elopement? Below are my top recommendations of what to pack before your adventure:
- Let's keep this legal, don't forget the documents!
- National Park Pass: even with a ceremony permit, you will still need to purchase a pass to enter the park. I suggest grabbing an America the Beautiful annual pass for $80. It allows you access to all the national parks and monuments across the nation for one year. Totally worth the investment!
- Marriage License: if you are getting your license in Jackson Hole, plan ahead! The county does require an appointment to issue the license, but there is no waiting period once it is obtained. A license is valid for one year from the date it is issued, but must be returned within 10 days of the ceremony. You must have an officiant perform the ceremony and two witnesses (I can be one!) for this to be a legal marriage in Wyoming.
- Ceremony Permit: The park issues a limited number of permits annually, so it is important to apply early. The park rangers will ask for your permit if they see a ceremony being performed within the park. Make sure you pack it with you!
- Layers and then some more layers of clothes.
- The temperature drastically changes as the sun rises/sets, so I recommend bring plenty of layers you can add on or shed throughout the day. Have a down jacket, a rain shell, a sweatshirt, extra socks all tucked away and you should be set! There is nothing worse than being uncomfortable because you didn't pack appropriately.
- Bear spray.
- This is grizzly country! It never hurts to be overly prepared. I have personally seen black bears while on the trail in the park, but thankfully only the grizzlies while driving by. Again, just a good idea to have some bear spray on hand!
- Ceremony attire.
- Bride: dress, veil or headpiece, etc.
- Groom: bowtie, cufflinks, etc.
- Toiletries.
- This is particularly important if your elopement includes a hike/bike ride/paddle, etc. Make sure you pack a few toiletries to freshen up before the ceremony starts. Consider:
- A compact mirror
- Makeup
- Bobby pins
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- Deodorant
- Accessories/decor.
- Per the park permit, not a whole can of decor can be brought because nothing can be put down on the ground. A few things to remember:
- RINGS!!
- Vow books
- Champagne/glasses for toasting
- Family bible, etc.
- Special touches.
- Almost all my couples have brought along something special to them:
- Photos of grandparents
- Framed photos of family members
- Letters from loved ones
- "Just eloped" signs, etc.
I'll take care of the rest! I love being over-prepared, so will make sure you’re fully covered! I will always have these things on me during an adventure elopement:
- First aid kit
- Cameras
- Extra snacks and water
And one last tip: pack early! This will ensure nothing gets left behind in the rush of last-minute packing.
Vendors for a Grand Teton elopement
Are the details to consider and understand about an adventure elopement at Mount Rainier making you sweat a little bit? There is no need to stress! We have worked with some incredible vendors who have helped plan and execute dream days for many of our couples, who will be some of the best teammates to make your adventure elopement a reality. Here’s some of our favorite people to work with:
Cake: Buttercream Cake Design Co
Florals: Briar Rose Florals
Hair & Makeup: Champu Salon
Officiant: Many options based out of Jackson Hole depending on religious preference
Photographer: Me of course! Alisha Gersper of Galavanting Gersper Photography
Things to keep in mind
I want nothing more than for every day to bring us clear blue skies, it not be too hot but not too cold, and no wind to mess with your perfectly styled hair. Mother Nature, however, works in her own way! As we work together to plan your epic elopement its important to remember to stay flexible. Your first plan may not work out, but with the right people on your team, you'll have plenty of other options to make your elopement day memorable!
Another detail to keep in mind is the park entrance fee. If you’re inviting guests to witness your elopement, be sure they are aware of the required park fees. Most of my couples have traveled to national parks before, and understand the fees. Just make sure your friends and family know the deal as well!
And, lastly, you have to keep in mind that this is a popular national park. It’s likely that there will be others around, either on the trail or at pullout. I can help you plan a timeline to avoid the peak visitation hours, but no one can guarantee a private area in a national park. Even with a permit, your elopement site is not yours alone. But hey, it is an easy way to grab a couple of witnesses for a fun story later on in life!
