Top 3 Places To Get Married in Grand Teton National Park

Dream Elopement in the Grand Tetons

So, you're thinking you want to elope in The Tetons but aren't sure where to start?

It all begins with choosing your date. There are several aspects that go into choosing a date, but I recommend you start by researching the weather. Some parks are not open year-round due to inclement weather, or they have limited accessibility. Also, you’ll want to look into any construction projects on roads that may hinder your ability to navigate through the park, all of which can be found on the respective park's website linked at the bottom of the page. The site will also inform you of what they consider "busy season" which may influence your decision on dates if you would prefer something more private.

Remember, even with a permit, exclusive access is not granted to any park guests - meaning, if you choose a particular spot the park does not bar any other visitor from enjoying that particular part of the park if they wish. Once you have selected a date or at least a date window, your next step is to find your photographer. Not all elopement photographers are wedding photographers and vice versa, but you can absolutely find someone who enjoys photographing both. You’ll want to choose someone who is comfortable in nature, has photographed in that particular National Park or others similar to it, but most importantly - someone whose personality you vibe with.

If you and your partner want to hike 10 miles before you say 'I Do' be sure that your photographer is just as pumped as you are to do so. They will be helping you through the planning process and will be with you on your wedding day, so you want to at least like them. Now, each National Park has their own permit process, rules, regulations, and a set number in which they grant per calendar year. To make it more fun - these are ever-changing. To get the most up-to-date information, I recommend you and your photographer refer to the respective park's NPS website.

Now that you have nailed down the fundamental details, you'll want to start by choosing where within the park you want to get married. These obviously aren't the only spots within Grand Teton National Park, but they are my favorites.

1. Schwabacher Landing | Kenzie + Conner

Situated before the official park entrance, this gorgeous location backs up to a small creek and pond that you may oftentimes find wildlife enjoying as well. The past couple of times I have been there, we have seen moose hanging out in the water. These animals are beautiful, but be sure to give yourself a safe distance. It is a very popular spot so I recommend doing a sunrise elopement or 1.5 hours before the sun officially sets. For Kenzie and Conner's special day, we made this one of our first stops of many so the sun was higher than I typically recommend but still just as gorgeous.

2. Mormon Row | Riley + Tanner

This iconic location is a fan favorite. I absolutely love Mormon Row because it gives you a fantastic panoramic view of the mountains alongside a historic rustic barn. Mormon Row is before the official park entrance and closer to Jackson Hole, parking is available and there is a restroom onsite. Take note, it is one of the top visited spots in The Tetons so you'll more than likely have visitors telling you congratulations. If you want something a little more private, I recommend eloping at sunrise. For Riley and Tanner's elopement, we got caught in an unplanned rain shower just before sunset that made their photos even more beautiful.

3. Antelope Flats | Lauren + Brent

Unlike Mormon Row and Schwabacher Landing, there isn't a designated parking lot to experience Antelope Flats but there are multiple small lots or random pullouts that you can use to access it. Oftentimes filled with antelope (hence the name), this is a close-up view of the mountains that make sunset absolutely picture perfect. Lauren and Brent chose this location for a golden hour/blue hour elopement and they are some of my absolute favorite pictures of all time.

Bonus Stop in Jackson Hole | Million Dollar Cowboy Bar

Not located within the park but worth making a pit stop is the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar in Jackson Hole is a must! Lauren and Brent couldn't think of a better way to celebrate tying the knot than having a beer and enjoying the nightlife, and I couldn't agree more. We had a brief photo session in front of the bar but it was a packed summer night inside so we put the cameras away and enjoyed a cold beer and a shot to finish out an incredible day.

The Tetons are truly a magical and wild place that is worth so much more than this short blog. I could go on forever on the things to do, places to see, etc. However; I think some of the magic in that comes from discovering what you love about it yourselves. If you find yourself looking to elope in the Tetons but haven't found a photographer, head on over to my site at laurencrumplerphoto.com. We have several different elopement packages that cater to exactly what you want. We can even provide an officiant who doubles as a second shooter during your portrait session.

Dream Team of Wedding Vendors:

Venue: Grand Teton National Park

Florist: Dandelion Floral

Photographer: Lauren Crumpler Photography

Wedding Dress: Raw & Golden Rentals