Best Grand Teton Elopement Guide: Locations, Permits, and More

Grand Teton National Park may just be one of the best national parks in the country for elopements. It’s one of the few parks where no hiking is required for any ceremony site, which means you can easily include guests like grandparents or anyone needing more accessibility. It’s also incredibly close to town, offering plenty of lodging and dining options. And then there are the views. Enough said.

As an elopement photographer who has photographed countless Grand Teton elopements, I’ve put together the ultimate Grand Teton National Park elopement guide to help you plan every detail. From permits and ceremony locations to the best time of year to elope, this guide covers everything you need to know.

Can I Elope Anywhere in Grand Teton National Park?

Yes and no. Where you can elope in Grand Teton depends on your guest count.

If Your Group Has More Than 12 People

You’re limited to the following six ceremony sites:

• You are limited to six designated ceremony sites:
• Schwabacher’s Landing
• Mormon Row
• Glacier View Turnout
• Mountain View Turnout
• Colter Bay Swim Beach
• Snake River Overlook

I’ll break down each of these locations in detail below.

If Your Group Has Less Than 12 People

You’re allowed to elope almost anywhere in the park except the following locations:

• Reserved Site-Specific Ceremony locations (the six locations listed above) – only available in the off-season
• Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point
• Jenny Lake Trail, Jenny Lake Overlook and the paved trails at and around Jenny Lake Visitor Plaza
• String Lake developed area and trail
• Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve
• Concessioner land assignments (e.g., the veranda at Jackson Lake Lodge)
• Park partner facilities (e.g., Murie Ranch, Teton Science School)
• Near areas where weddings are managed by a chapel or concessioner (e.g., the Chapel of the Transfiguration)
• Park cemeteries
• Areas with high visitation
• Areas with the potential for resource damage

6 Best Places to Elope in Grand Teton National Park

Now that you know a little bit about where you can and can’t have ceremonies in Grand Teton National Park, let’s go over the 6 best places to elope in Grand Teton National Park.

Schwabacher’s Landing

Schwabacher’s Landing is easily the most popular elopement location in Grand Teton National Park and one of the most photographed spots in the entire park. It’s especially known for sunrise ceremonies, when the Tetons turn pink and are reflected in the water. With open meadows, trees, and a short trail that winds through the area, it offers a lot of variety in a small space.

That said, this location is rarely quiet. Schwabacher’s Landing draws photographers, tourists, and other couples throughout the day. If privacy is high on your priority list, this likely isn’t the best fit for your ceremony.

• Max capacity: 25 people.
• Crowd level: High, expect people.
• Available for ceremonies: June 1st-October 25th.

Mormon Row

Mormon Row is one of the most iconic locations in Grand Teton National Park, known for its historic barns and wide-open views of the mountain range. It’s a favorite for couples who want classic Grand Teton scenery with easy access and plenty of space for guests.

Because of its popularity, Mormon Row does see consistent foot traffic, especially mid-day. Sunrise and sunset ceremonies are your best bet if you’re hoping for fewer people. That being said, this area is huge. There is plenty of room to spread out for ceremonies and pictures.

• Max capacity: 25 people at Mormon Row South, 40 people at Mormon Row North.
• Crowd level: Moderate to high.
• Available for ceremonies: May 15th-October 12th.

Mountain View Turnout

Mountain View Turnout is one of the most underrated ceremony locations in the park and a personal favorite if you’re looking for privacy. This turnout offers some amazing views and a feeling of being right up against the mountains without the constant stream of visitors you’ll find at more well-known spots.

The only downside to this area is its proximity to the road which can draw in some traffic noise every once in awhile.

• Max capacity: 25 people.
• Crowd level: Low, don’t expect people.
• Available for ceremonies: June 1st-October 12th.

Glacier View Turnout

Glacier View Turnout is another solid option for couples who want dramatic views without committing to a hike. It’s larger than many other turnouts and works well for smaller ceremonies and portraits.

Because of its size and location near the park entrance, it tends to see more tourist traffic than Mountain View Turnout, but it’s still far quieter than places like Schwabacher’s Landing or Mormon Row. This is a great spot for wildflowers in the spring and summer!

• Max capacity: 25 people.
• Crowd level: Low to moderate.
• Available for ceremonies: May 15th-October 12th.

Snake River Overlook

Snake River Overlook is the least chosen ceremony site in Grand Teton National Park. While the views are beautiful, the overlook includes a large granite wall that appears in most ceremony and portrait angles. There are a few paths in the area that will take you away from the wall, but you usually can’t see the river. This location works best as a quick photo stop rather than a full ceremony site.

• Max capacity: 25 people.
• Crowd level: Low to moderate.
• Available for ceremonies: May 15th-October 12th.

Colter Bay Swim Beach

Colter Bay Swim Beach is one of the quieter ceremony locations in the park since it’s quite a distance away from spots like Mormon Row or Schwabacher’s Landing. Located farther north, this location has mountain views, open space, and overall, a more relaxed atmosphere.

This location is especially well-suited for ceremonies with guests. There are some great forest trails in this area and its proximity to Yellowstone makes this location a favorite!

• Max capacity: 40 people.
• Crowd level: Moderate.
• Available for ceremonies: May 15th-October 12th.

Bonus Locations Right Outside the Park

If you love the Grand Tetons but want to avoid national park crowds, restrictions, or the permit competition, there are a few incredible locations just outside the park boundaries that are worth considering. These spots still offer Teton views with far fewer people and, in some cases, a simpler permit process.

Table Mountain

Table Mountain is one of the most overlooked elopement locations near Grand Teton National Park. The views are some of the most dramatic and up-close you can get of the Tetons. You can reach the summit by taking a scenic chairlift at Grand Targhee Resort or by hiking roughly 10 miles roundtrip.

Because of its popularity with hikers and sightseers, this is a location that benefits from careful timing. Weekdays and shoulder season dates offer the best experience.

The Wedding Tree

The Wedding Tree is a well-known ceremony spot on BLM land that offers privacy and wide-open views of the Tetons. It’s far enough from the main road that you’ll rarely encounter other people, making it a great option for couples who want a quiet ceremony.

That said, this location is very weather-dependent. On cloudy days, the mountains can be completely hidden. A $300 BLM permit is required to reserve the space for weddings or elopements.

How to Get a Grand Teton Wedding Permit

To elope inside Grand Teton National Park, you’ll need to apply for a Special Use Permit.

Only one permit per day per ceremony location is issued, and permits are granted on a first-come, first-served basis. For 2026, permits opened on December 4, 2025, and several locations filled within two weeks. As of now, Schwabacher’s Landing, Colter Bay Swim Beach, and Mountain View Turnout are fully booked for 2026.

1. Download and complete either the Microsoft Word or the Adobe PDF application.
   • On the application, be sure to note if you are applying for either Reserved Site-Specific Ceremony Permits (for more than 12 people) or Small Dispersed Ceremony Permit (for less than 12 people). If you’re applying for a Small Dispersed Ceremony Permit, include the location name or GPS coordinates of where you’re having your ceremony.
   • When entering your start time, note that permits are only limited to one hour.
   • Under the “List of Equipment” section, be sure to enter your photographer/planner’s contact information (i.e., name, email, website, phone number). If you haven’t hired them yet, write TBD then email this information to grte_visitor_services@nps.gov once they’ve been hired.
2. Pay the $200 application fee electronically by visiting www.pay.gov. Instructions on how to do this can be found on the national park website (linked below).
3. Email the completed application to grte_visitor_services@nps.gov.
4. Once your application has been reviewed and payment confirmed, you will be emailed a preliminary permit within 7-10 days.
5. You will then have 7-10 days to review, sign, and return the draft permit back to the email.
6. The final permit will then be emailed back. You must have a printed copy of the fully executed permit on site during the event.

To get more information and see more helpful tips on filling out the application, check out the permit page here.

Best Time of Year to Elope in Grand Teton National Park

The best time to elope in Grand Teton National Park is September, with late August and early October also being great options. This window offers fewer crowds, cooler temperatures, active wildlife, and the best chance for mountain views without peak-season chaos. Summer brings beautiful weather but heavy crowds, while winter and spring limit access due to snow. Below is a seasonal breakdown to help you decide which time of year fits your priorities best.

Summer (June – August)

Summer offers the most reliable weather and full access to trails and ceremony sites. However, it’s also peak season in Jackson Hole, meaning heavy crowds, traffic, limited parking, and high lodging prices. If you choose summer, weekday ceremonies at sunrise or sunset are key.

Best for: Warm weather and full park access
Things to note: Crowds, traffic, higher costs

Fall (September – October)

Fall is hands-down the best time to elope in the Tetons. Crowds thin out after Labor Day, prices drop slightly, and the landscape comes alive with fall colors and wildlife activity. September is ideal, as snow can arrive early in October. It does get chilly this time of year so be sure to bundle up!

Best for: Fewer crowds, fall colors, wildlife
Things to note: Cooler temperatures, unpredictable early snow

Winter (November – April)

Winter elopements are quiet and can be quite dramatic with so much snow. While ceremony locations are limited due to snow, the Tetons in winter are stunning. Keep in mind that Jackson Hole becomes busy during ski season, and prices can increase during peak winter months.

Best for: Snow lovers and privacy
Things to note: Limited locations, winter driving conditions

Spring (May)

Spring is a transitional season. While crowds are minimal, many trails and locations remain snow-covered until late May. Weather is unpredictable, but for flexible couples, spring can be a beautiful (and crowd-free) time to visit.

Best for: Avoiding crowds
Things to note: Snow, mud, and limited access

How Much Does It Cost to Elope in Grand Teton National Park?

Most Grand Teton elopements fall between $6,000 and $22,000, depending on travel, lodging, vendors, and how elevated you want your experience to be. Jackson Hole is a luxury mountain town, so lodging and dining costs are higher than average, especially in summer.

Below are budget examples to help give you an idea of what it may cost you to elope in the park:

How to Get a Marriage License for Your Grand Teton Elopement

If you want to get a marriage license in Wyoming, you must apply in person.

The most popular place to get a marriage license is in Jackson Hole, which is directly outside of the park. To get a marriage license, you first need to fill out the marriage license questionnaire. Once filled out, you need to make an appointment at the County Clerk’s Office by calling 307-733-4430. They do NOT accept walk-ins.

Be sure to bring the questionnaire, your photo ID, and $30 cash or $31.50 on your card for the application fee.

There is no waiting period in Wyoming, meaning you can pick up your marriage license and get married on the same day. Once you’re married, drop off the license for processing.

To get more information on how to obtain a marriage license in Teton County (Jackson Hole), check out the official site here.

Grand Teton Elopement Timeline Examples

Once your location, permits, and vendors are locked in, the next step is creating a timeline. Below are a few sample Grand Teton elopement timelines to help you picture what your day could look like.

Grand Teton National Park Elopement Activities

One of the best parts of eloping is that your wedding day doesn’t have to follow a traditional script. Instead of rushing from one thing to the next, you can slow down and build a day around the experiences you actually love. A Grand Teton elopement gives you the freedom to turn your wedding into a full adventure, whether that looks like wildlife spotting at sunrise, sharing a picnic beneath the mountains, or ending the day stargazing together. The Tetons and the surrounding Jackson Hole area offer no shortage of unforgettable things to do. Here are some of my favorite ways to make your elopement day even more special.

• Grab a bite to eat at Big Hole BBQ (they have incredible mac and cheese!)
• Take a picture with the famous antler arch
• Watch the elk at the national elk refuge
• Ride the Jackson Hole Aerial Tram
• Stay up late and go stargazing in the park
• Stop by Persephone Bakery for breakfast
• Go skiing at Grand Targhee Resort
• Have a picnic under the mountain
• Go on a helicopter tour
• Book a wildlife tour or off-roading adventure
• Go horseback riding through the backcountry of the park

How to Get to Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park, while fairly remote, is close to a few different airports. Below are the closest airports, as well as some additional information about each one.

• Jackson Hole Airport: 5 minutes. This airport is located just 5 minutes away from the park. You can fly directly into Jackson Hole from most international airports on the West Coast, though it tends to be a bit pricer, as the airport sees just a few flights a day.
• Idaho Falls Regional Airport: 2 hours. Located just two hours away from the park, Idaho Falls is a great airport option. Similarly to Jackson Hole, the flights into Idaho Falls tend to be a bit pricer due to the small airport size. They have been expanding though, so more flights should be offered soon.
• Salt Lake International Airport: 4.5 hours. Salt Lake is the largest and most popular airport on this list. Salt Lake has the cheapest and most flight options available.

Grand Teton National Park Elopement Packages

I’m Brianna, an elopement photographer who helps couples plan and photograph elopements all across the West Coast. I lived just two hours from Grand Teton National Park for four years, so I know the area inside and out and love helping couples create truly unforgettable experiences here. You can explore my elopement package options here.

Still exploring locations? You might like other locations on my list of where to elope in the US.

Grand Teton National Park Elopement Pricing

• 4 hours – 2 days of elopement coverage anywhere in Wyoming
• A personalized elopement planning experience with unlimited assistance
  • Personalized elopement location recommendations
  • Vendor, lodging, and activity recommendations
  • Assistance and information to help you with permits, licenses, etc.
  • 90+ page elopement planning guide filled with tips and tricks
  • Customized elopement timelines
  • Optional complimentary officiant services
• Online gallery with full resolution images and printing rights
• 24-48 hour sneak peeks to share with the world
• Travel fees to anywhere in Wyoming are already included
• Starting at $7,500