How to Elope in Grand Teton National Park

Why Should you Elope at Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park is a national park located in Wyoming. It is known for its dramatic, jagged mountain range, alpine lakes, open ballers and amazing wildlife and color. With over 3.5 million visitors each year, it is one of the most breathtaking national parks in the United States & it lives up to the hype!

I visited Grand Teton for the first time in 2025 after moving from Colorado, knowing almost immediately that this park was going to be something truly special to photograph. The scale, the light, and the way the mountains rise straight from the valley floor make it feel raw, wild, and unforgettable.

Grand Teton is a dream elopement location for couples who want quiet sunrise ceremonies, jaw-dropping mountain backdrops, and endless photo opportunities in every direction. Whether you’re standing by a glassy lake or watching the first light hit the peaks, eloping here feels intimate, adventurous, and undeniably iconic.

Permits

In order to Elope inside Grand Teton National Park, you must have a permit. You can get more information on that here. (https://www.nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/permitsandreservations.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

The steps to get this permit are as follows:

Determine if you need a
1. Small Dispersed Permit (Less than 12 guests)
2. Reserved Site-Specific Permit (Up to 25-40 people)
Fill out the application https://www.nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/weddingcommitments.htm
Pay the $200 non-refundable fee that is to be paid on the NPS page above
Submit your application to grte_visitor_services@nps.gov
Receive a draft permit for your to look over
Review and Sign draft permit. (You have 7 days to complete this task)
Send signed draft permit to grte_spu_permits@nps.gov.
Receive your Permit through email.
Print Permit and bring to your Elopement

Apply for a Reserved Site-Specific Permit in December once applications open
Apply for a Small Dispersed Permit from January 1- December 31 but it has to be at least 30 days from Ceremony date
Only ONE permit per location per day is issued.

There are locations that are prohibited locations to Elope at even with a ceremony permit. These locations are:

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

Setup & Decorations

There are no formal structures like arches, tents, altars, tables, rugs, generators or anything requiring installation allowed when Eloping at Grand Teton National Park.

You are also not allowed to throw confetti or balloons. The release of things like bubbles, butterflies is also not allowed as they can interfere with the wildlife or its resources.

Drones

Launching or operating unmanned aircraft is prohibited anywhere in the park!

No Exclusive Use

The NPS page clearly states that even with a permit, you do not have exclusive access which means that other visitors may be present. In my photography career, I have never had an issue with this as people usually are very respectful and understand that this is an important moment for the both of you.

Entrance Fees

Besides the $200 permit that is required, you also need to pay the National Park Entrace fee which is $35 dollars per vehicle.

Conclusion

Eloping in Grand Teton National Park can be one of the best decisions you can make in your life. Choosing a beautiful location and creating a wedding day that feels intentional, meaningful, and true to you is my top priority.

While permits, rules, and planning details matter, the reward is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that feels intimate, adventurous, and timeless. With the right planning (and the right team), eloping here can be seamless, stress-free, and absolutely magical.If Grand Teton feels like your place, I’d love to help you plan a day that reflects your story. From choosing the perfect location and navigating permits to capturing every quiet, epic moment along the way I would love to be considered for such a momentous occasion.

Reach out to start planning your Grand Teton elopement