Okay, so you’ve decided on getting married in Grand Teton National Park, and seriously, congratulations, because this is going to be amazing! There’s something absolutely magical about saying “I do” surrounded by jaw-dropping mountains, lush valleys, and that wild, untamed beauty. But, planning a wedding or elopement in a national park isn’t something you can just throw together. It takes some prep to make sure your day goes off without any issues. Here are five tips on how to get married in Grand Teton National Park.
1. Apply Early For Your Permit
First things first, if you’re getting married in a national park, you need a permit. The park wants to make sure that everyone playing, hiking, and getting married gets their fair time, so there are limits on how many permits are approved each day. And trust me, these permits go fast. The special use permit for Grand Teton weddings is only $200. That’s a total steal for one of the most incredible wedding backdrops you could dream of. You’ll need to submit your application at least 30 days before your big day, and honestly the earlier, the better!
Pro tip here: when you’re figuring out your permit spot, look into the approved ceremony locations in the park (they’re listed on the National Park Service website). Each spot is unique, whether it’s mountain views or lakeside vibes. Once your spot is locked down and your permit is approved, you’ll officially be all set to get married!
2. Pick the Right Season for the Best Experience
Okay, now picture this: you’ve set your heart on Grand Teton National Park but accidentally choose a winter wedding date, only to find out the road to your ceremony location is buried under two feet of snow. The weather here is no joke. If you’re dreaming of wildflowers, warm golden sunlight, and those incredible mountain views, aim for a date between mid-June and early October. Summer weddings here are perfect, with long days and sunshine, while the fall gives you these stunning golden aspens and crisp mountain air.
A couple of elopements I captured in the Tetons include a Grand Teton Fall Elopement that took place in October with lots of fall colors. Another was a Sunny Summer Mountain View Turnout Wedding experienced right in the heart of the park. Both of these galleries can provide you different inspiration for the season of your choice!
3. Book Your Accommodations ASAP
Here’s the thing about planning a wedding in such a popular, dreamy destination…Everyone also wants to be there. Grand Teton National Park is a big hit with hikers, families, and adventurers, so lodging can fill up quickly. The nearest towns, like Jackson, Teton Village, and Moose, have great options for hotels, cabins, and even some Airbnbs that have that cozy mountain vibe. But don’t sleep on booking, or you’ll be staying hours away! If snagging the coziest spots (or getting something budget-friendly) is important to you, plan to book your accommodations as soon as you pick your date.
Even better, look into group lodging if you’re bringing guests! Some spots around the park offer awesome options for renting an entire house or lodge, perfect for keeping the fun (and your favorite people) close. Once you’re all booked in, you can start planning all those wedding weekend activities like hiking or a campfire party.
4. Go All-In With a Full Day Elopement
If you’re eloping, don’t rush your day! I know lots of couples think they can just do their ceremony, snap some pics, and call it a day. Trust me, you want the full experience of being in Grand Teton National Park.
Here’s why a full-day elopement is where it’s at. You and your partner will have time to actually soak in the whole park rather than seeing just one location. You can explore multiple trails, take paddle boards across a lake, enjoy a picnic surrounded by alpine scenery, or even end the day watching a perfect sunset over the Tetons. Plus, you’ll get tons of variety in your photos since Grand Teton is packed with so many gorgeous spots. Whether you plan an intimate hike together, schedule time for epic portraits, or just wander hand-in-hand while soaking up the peace of nature, a full day gives you all the space to make memories and adventure together.
5. Hire Your Photographer First
Hiring your photographer early is honestly one of the smartest moves you can make. Your photographer is going to be your biggest guide when it comes to planning your Grand Teton wedding. They’ll help you figure out the best ceremony location, make sure you’re squared away on permits, and even connect you with other local vendors like florists and officiants. Plus, they’ll make sure your timeline is on-point so your elopement feels stress-free.
The Next Step
Getting married in Grand Teton National Park is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of experience. It’s big, beautiful, and absolutely unforgettable. Just make sure you take the time to plan it out. Get your permits, pick the right season, and book everything early. Whether it’s an adventurous elopement or a sweet ceremony with your closest crew, these tips will help you make sure your wedding day is just as dreamy as you’ve always imagined. Fill out my contact form and we can start planning your Grand Teton Elopement or Wedding today!
