How to Get Married in Grand Teton National Park (Wedding & Elopement Guide)

How to Apply for a Wedding Permit

Group size limits:

Why It’s Important

First thing that you need to know is that you need a permit to get married in the park! Grand Teton National Park requires a Special Use Permit for any wedding or elopement ceremony, no matter the size.

Application Fee: $200
Ceremony Time: Permit allows you to have 1 hour for your ceremony
Where to Apply: Through the National Park Service website
When to Apply: Honestly as soon as they open! (Applications typically open for the year in mid December and dates go fast!) 

After you submit your application, the park will issue your permit once it’s approved. You’ll need to carry a copy of this permit with you during your ceremony. If this is confusing I help all my couples in this process, so if you work with me I’m here to make things easy and stress free!

All ceremony locations are outdoors and rustic in nature, so there’s no shelter or protection from weather. The park prohibits most setup items like arches, chairs, tables, signs, decorations, non-native plants, or scattering of petals. You can bring in a few simple, non-invasive items (like a small bouquet or blanket to stand on), but everything must leave the area exactly as you found it. Keep in mind that exclusive use of any site isn’t allowed, so your ceremony spot will stay open to the public during your time slot. Most sites also don’t have nearby restrooms or great cell service, so plan ahead! Parking can be limited, so definitely consider carpooling or minimizing the number of vehicles if you have guests.

Group sizes vary depending on the location, but most designated ceremony sites allow up to 25 people total. This includes the couple, officiant, guests, photographer(s), and any other vendors. Smaller “dispersed” ceremony sites (non-designated areas) have a maximum of 12 people.

Applications must be submitted by one of the individuals getting married. They can’t be submitted by a third party (like a wedding planner, friend, or photographer). 
Once approved, the permittee signs the permit to confirm they understand all terms and conditions. Portrait photos or video can absolutely be taken during your permitted ceremony, just make sure to stay on existing trails or durable surfaces to help protect fragile vegetation.

Permits help protect the park’s natural beauty and ensure your ceremony doesn’t conflict with other scheduled events. Plus, having your permit in hand means your spot and time are officially reserved!

Schwabacher Landing might be the most iconic ceremony spot in the Tetons! Those mountain reflections in the Snake River are unreal. Can be busy at sunrise due to its popularity, but it’s hard to find a prettier backdrop anywhere.

Max Group Size: 25
Permit Fee: $200
Dates of Vehicle Access: Generally Mid/Late May - End of October 

Schwabacher Landing

Colter Bay Swim Beach

If you love the idea of rustic barns with the Tetons rising behind them, this is your spot. Mormon Row gives off that timeless, Western vibe. It’s an easily accessible location that is so pretty in every season! 

Max Group Size: 40 (North) or 25 (South)
Permit Fee: $200
Dates of Vehicle Access: Generally Mid/Late May - End of October (can hike/snowshoe into location)

Mormon Row

This one’s a bit underrated and my personal favorite! Mountain View Turnout offers an incredible, wide angle view of the Tetons without as many crowds. It’s perfect for couples wanting a more up close view of the Tetons with very easy accessibility!  

Max Group Size: 25
Permit Fee: $200
Dates of Vehicle Access: Generally Mid/Late May - End of October 

Mountain View Turnout

The Tetons experience all four seasons, but the ideal time for weddings and elopements is late May through early October when roads and ceremony sites are open. I see so many couples get set on a date that just isn’t logistically going to work! It’s super important to do research before setting a date! 

May: Snow capped peaks, cooler temps, and the weather can be a bit more unpredictable. 

June: Snow capped peaks and peak flower wildflower season! Honestly my favorite month in the park! 

July & August: Warm weather and fully open trails this is peak season and peak of the summer in the park as well. 

September & October: Crisp fall air, changing leaves, fewer crowds, stunning colors.
 
Winter (Nov–April): Lots and lots of snow! But limited accessibility and cold weather in the park. 

Stay in Jackson Hole, Teton Village, Wilson, WY, or Driggs, ID for easy access to the park! Lodging fills up quickly, especially in summer, so book early!

The best lighting for photos and ceremonies is sunrise or sunset. Early mornings are super calm and golden, while evenings have the prettiest golden hour light that sinks behind the Tetons! I love helping to make all my couples elopement timeline! Here are two recent timeline examples from my Teton elopement couples! 

12:30PM - Details at Airbnb + Getting Ready Photos
1:30 PM - Head to the Park for first look 
3:45 PM - First Look at Turnout Location 
4:00 PM - Drive to Nearby Lake - Privately Read Vows + Photos 
5:30 PM - Ceremony at Glacier View Turnout
6:00 PM - Family Photos following ceremony 
6:30 PM - Sunset Photos  
8:00 PM - Dinner with Family in Jackson + candid dinner shots
8:30 PM - Photography Coverage Done 

2:30 pm - Meet at Schwabacher Landing for Private Vows & Photos
4:30 pm - Ceremony at Mormon Row
5:00 pm - Family Photos 
5:30 pm - Sunset Photos
6:30pm - Photography Coverage Done 

Accommodation Tips

Timing Your Wedding Day in the Tetons

Full Day Glacier View Turnout Wedding Timeline Example: 

Half Day Mormon Row Wedding Timeline Example: 

Getting legally married in the Tetons is actually super simple! You’ll just need to grab your marriage license from the Teton County Clerk’s Office in Jackson before your ceremony.

When to Apply: Schedule your appointment 1–2 business days before your wedding (they require an appointment!).
Where: Teton County Clerk’s Office
Phone: 307-733-4430

Only the two of you need to be there. Both of you must show up in person with a valid photo ID and be 18 or older. You’ll also fill out a short Marriage License Questionnaire beforehand, it’s linked right on their website.

Fee: $30 (cash, check, or card — there’s a small $1.55 fee for cards).
Good to Know: There’s no waiting period, the license is only valid in Wyoming, and it expires after one year.
Officiants: Ceremonies aren’t performed at the office, so you’ll need your own officiant and yes, a friend or family member can totally get ordained to do it!
You can find the full details and the questionnaire link on the Teton County website.

If you’re dreaming about getting married in Grand Teton National Park, I’d love to help you make it happen as your Tetons elopement and small wedding photographer! I’m here to help you plan a day that feels like you and is also intentional, nature filled, and stress free! 

When we start planning, I’ll help you figure out the perfect ceremony spot based on what kind of vibe you want (mountain views, lakes, easy access, or something more private). I’ll also walk you through the permit process so it’s super easy! 
Step two is one of my favorites and I’ll send you a custom list of vendor recommendations that fit your exact style and needs. Whether that’s an officiant, a florist that creates stunning bouquets, or a makeup artist who knows how to work in mountain weather! I’ve got you covered! 

Once that’s all in place, a few months before your day I’ll help build out your timeline for exactly how you want to spend your day! No rushing, no stress, just time to be in the moment and with each other and your closest people! Basically, I’m there for more than just taking pretty photos. I help make the whole experience easy and fun and your dream wedding out west in Wyoming!  

Grand Teton national park Elopement Photographer