How to Elope in Grand Teton National Park

A few weeks ago I was having one of those “pinch me moments” as I was minutes away from landing in Jackson Hole Wyoming! As someone who has spent a lot of time exploring from the Blue Ridge mountains to the Rockies, this was DIFFERENT, it felt different. The Tetons are one of the most beautiful mountain ranges you could ever have the joy of laying your eyes on. That is why I wanted to take some time to give an in depth guideline on how to elope in Grand Teton National Park. If you have ever had the dream of eloping with the Tetons behind you, Nothing should stand in your way! So I hope you find this guide helpful! Happy memory making!

Get to know Grand Teton National Park

I never thought another mountain range would capture my heart in the same way the Rockies did the first time I ever laid my eyes on them. Well I’m here to say, the Tetons came literally out of nowhere and have pushed the Rockies to the side, not fully but still. This mountain range deserves to be on your bucket list, for exploring or saying your vows! Don’t miss out on this wanderous mountain range.

The Basics

If you aren’t familiar with Grand Teton National Park, I’m here to help you answer any questions you may have on this spectacular place. First things first, the Teton mountain Range is in Wyoming, although very close to the Idaho boarder. The park runs about 40 miles long with it’s inner and outer loop. Over 30 million visitors all fall in love with this stunning location every year. Within the park boundaries you have over 300,000 acres of beautiful, dreamy, EVERYTHING, from the wildlife to the alpine lakes and everything in between. This park is MAGIC!

Fun fact: Yellowstone National park is not far from Grand Teton National Park, so if you wanted a grand adventure, I’d consider adding Yellowstone to your list and making it a fun road trip!

How to get to Grand Teton National Park

• Jackson Hole airport (JAC): closest to the airport to the park and not far from the town of Jackson Hole. Since this is a small airport there are only a few flights coming in and going out a day.

• Idaho Fall Regional Airport (IDA): Further down the road but still not far, 1 hour and 40ish minutes from the park entrance.

• Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC): This is the biggest airport you can fly into for the Tetons, prices would probably be cheaper than a flight in to JAC. Located about 5 hours south of Jackson, WY

Why Elope in Grand Teton National Park

Who in their right mind would not want to elope in the Tetons, I mean just look them! (heart eyes all day!). I’ll list a few little things that, in my mind, stand out as reasons for this mountain range to be your background while you’re saying “I do!”

• Diverse landscapes, jagged mountain tops, alpine lakes, wildflower meadows (depending on year) and so much more. Truly heaven on earth!
• The wildlife..oh the wildlife. Grizzles, pronghorns, moose, elk, wolves, black bears, bison. Just to name a few.
• This place is a walking history lesson, 11,000 years or culture and history to dive deep into.
• Endless epic views, even for those who aren’t the biggest hikers, easy accessible lookouts while also more difficult trails for the true outdoor lovers.
• Plenty of places to stay within the park limits, from cabins, to campgrounds.
• Want a elopement activity? Well the outdoor recreation is unmatched! Hiking, rock climbing, swimming, kayaking

How much does it cost?

Just like most National Parks in the US there is an entrance fee into park, ranges from $20-$80 depending on what you are looking for.

• Standard Pass: $20-$35 (if you are only looking to visit this park and once this is a great choice)
  • $20 biking in or walking
  • $30 Motocycle
  • $35 Private Vehicle
• Annual Pass: $70 (visit just this park, multiple times throughout trip)
• America the Beautiful Pass: $80 (access to all park, in the US and then some, just is covers up to 4 peoples entry fees in one vehicle)

However, there are also a number of “free entry days” into the National parks, and if your chosen date lines up with one of those days, the entrance fee is something you would not have to have be concerned about!

*Keep in mind, those who want to explore the entrance cost would apply to you as well!

Something Important to Note

In addition to a possible fee cost, you would be required to Obtain a Special Use Permit to get married in Grand Teton National Park. This park is strict on how they go about guests wanting to elope or hold wedding ceremonies, but it is truly all for good reason. As a heavily visited park they only give out a few permits every year. With that being said, planning in advanced and knowing exactly what you need to do in order to receive one of these permits is so IMPORTANT.

You might be asking yourself, what exactly does this permit allow? Well, by having a permit you are guaranteed a one hour time frame within the park boundaries at a specific location (you choose the location). Keep in mind, if you were to get a permit for a small ceremonies at North Mormon Row, this permit does not close the location to other visitors. They would still have free range of the space. One thing to note about this park, they take so much pride in perserving EVERYTHING, so chairs, tables, any other decor is not allowed.

There are two different types of permits that the park offers for weddings and or commitment ceremonies.

1. Reserved Site-Specific Ceremony Permits
2. Small Dispersed Ceremony Permits

Reserved Site-Specific Ceremony Permits is a permit for those looking to have a large group. This allows you the opportunity to have your ceremony with a group of people ranging from 25-40 people , pre-permitted ceremony location in the park.

There are 6 location that fall under this permit that you have access to apply for:

• Schwabacher Landing (25 guests)
• Glacier View Turnout (25 guests)
• Mormon Row (two areas, North Mormon Row 25 guests, South Mormon Row 40 guests)
• Colter Bay (40 guests)
• Mountain View Turnout (25 guests)
• Snake River View Turnout (25 guests)

Small Dispersed Ceremony Permits is perfect for the smaller ceremony, I mean no more than 12 people including the two of you, officiant, guests along with your photographer/videographer.  This permit gives you a bit more flexible with your elopement location, rather than picking from just a few designated sites throughout the park. While you do have more freedom with this permit, there are certain locations that are prohibited, including:

• Reserved Site-Specific Ceremony locations (6 locations listed above) during Friday, May 16, 2025, through Monday, October 13, 2025
• Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point
• paved trails with in the Jenny Lake area

* just to name a few. You can find the full list here

How to apply for Permits

After you have taken all the time to do the research to figure out what special permit that is best suited to your needs in order to elope in Grand Teton National Park, this is how your going to actually apply for the permit;

1. Fill out and complete this special use application , SO IMPORTANT make sure you answer everything! If you miss something the application will not be filed. So be sure to included; activity, particapants, date, location, time, etc
2. Submit application; email to grte_spu_permits@nps.gov
3. Pay application fee; $200 non-refundable application fee, via pay.gov using the Grand Teton NP Special Use Permit Application Fee Form
4. Review the preliminary permit , sign, (you will have 7 days to send back) to document to grte_spu_permits@nps.gov 
5. Final permit; email lookout! Final permit will be email back to you, PRINT and BRING TO ELOPEMENT

Do you need a Marriage License to get Married in Grand Teton National Park?

YES absolutely! In addition to the special use permit, you will need to get a Wyoming marriage license to get married in Grand Teton National Park, to make everything completely official! When planning your elopement be sure to give you self some extra time to do this.

It is so important!

• visit the Teton County website for information regarding marriage licenses as these regulations may affect your application submission
• Must present a valid photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport
• At least two witnesses must be present at your ceremony
• Licenses must be returned to the County Clerk’s Office within 10 days of your ceremony

The closest County Clerk’s Office to Grand Teton National Park is Teton County. Call their office to make and appointment at 307-733-4430!!! There is $30 licensing fee.

Whats the grand total to elope in the Tetons?

In addition, to vendors that you pick at your own choosing, please do not forgot to have room in your budget for the cost of elopement destination. Some places require them, and some don’t. However, in the case of eloping in the Grand Tetons having some wiggle room in the budget is important.

• Park entrance fee: $35+
• Special Use permits: $200
• Marriage License: $30+

Can my fur child by our witness??

In the state of Wyoming unlike Colorado, your pet does not count as a witness. If you are asking me, I’d maybe even leave them at home, air bnb, or hotel. Pets are allowed in the park but they have strict guidelines. They can only be in campgrounds, picnic areas, roads, and parking lots. The are not allowed on the trails, in visitor centers and definitely not in the backcountry. It’s unfortunate but it is ultimately for the safety of both the animal and the parks wildlife.

What’s the Best Time of Year to Elope in the Tetons?

As mentioned, with Grand Teton National Park being one of the most heavily trafficked National Parks in in the US, finding the perfect time to hold a wedding ceremony can be tricky, especaily if you are trying to avoid crowds. I would suggested not being too focused on the crowds as much as the weather. If you are looking for the “best time of year”, I’d have to say May to late September for adventure elopements and/or small wedding ceremonies. Trails, roads, and overlooks are open + accessible during this time. Keep in mind the summer months are very much peak tourist season and for good reason the weather is magic. Peak season means lots of crowds.

If you’re hoping to avoid busy season and still hopefully for somewhat warmer weather, with accessibility to trails. Personally i’d consider a fall elopement between early September to mid-October! These months tend to be a bit less busy, meaning you get more trails to yourselves, and the fall foliage in the Tetons is absolutely spectacular + makes the cooler temperatures so worth it.

Grand Teton National Park Elopement Photographer

Hi that’s me! I’m Nichole and am an adventure seeking, outdoor loving enthusiast who is always looking for the next amazing story to capture. I’m based out of the Blue Ridge Mountain on the east coast and love to venture to new and exciting places. Telling your story in a place as grand as Grand Teton National Park would be a dream come true. I pride myself on being more than just your photographer but your new adventure buddy. I’m passionate about your love story and want to freeze all your moments for you! If this sounds up your alley I’d love to chat to start planning your adventure fairy tale!