Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Factors to Consider when choosing a Location
- Iconic Spots
- Schwabacher Landing
- Snake River Overlook
- Mormon Row
- Colter Bay Swim Beach
- Cascade Canyon Turnout
- String Lake
- Mountain View Turnout
- How permits Affect Location Choice
- Quick tips for Choosing your perfect spot
- Conclusion
Introduction
You decided to Elope in Grand Teton National Park, that’s great. I love the decision. But now, how do you decide where to really elope? The park itself is huge! But do not worry, I am here to help you determine which location (or locations) are best for you!
Choosing the perfect location for your elopement in Grand Teton National Park is one of the most exciting parts of planning your adventure wedding. With dramatic mountain peaks, serene alpine lakes, historic barns, and hidden meadows, the park offers endless possibilities. This guide will help you navigate the options and find a location that fits your vision, whether you want iconic scenery, intimacy, or a mix of both.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Location
There are few factors to consider when choosing your location in Grand Teton National Park.
Those are the following:
- Guest Count
- Accessibility
- Time of day
- Privacy
Once you can decide which factors are more important than others, then you can really start nailing down on which location is the best one for you. Each location discussed in this blog will go through a little on each of the points above.
Iconic & Popular Ceremony Spots
Schwabacher Landing
Notes about Location:
- Restroom Available
- Seasonally closed from Mid-october to Mid-may
- 20 parking spots, overflow parking nearby
- Very busy location throughout the day
- There are some benches
- There are some trees for shade and rain cover
Snake River Overlook
Notes about Location:
- GPS Coordinate to parking area: 43.75171, -110.60817
- 25 minutes away from Jackson, WY
- No restrooms
- 16 parking spots
- Not busy in the evening, slight busy in the morning
- No benches or seating at this Location
- No structures for shade or rain cover
Mormon Row
Notes about Location:
- There are 2 ceremony sites
- North- Allows for group of 40 guests (GPS Coordinate to parking area: 43.665417, -110.664444 or 43°39’55.5″N 110°39’52.0″W)
- South- Allows for group of 25 guests (GPS coordinate to parking area: 43.661452, -110.664211 or 43°39’41.2″N 110°39’51.2″W)
- Bathroom available
- Not accessible in winter
- 12-14 parking spots with overflow nearby
- Very busy at Sunrise and Sunset
- No benches or picnic tables
- Some trees available for shade
Colter Bay Swim Beach
Notes about Location:
- GPS Coordinate to parking area: 43.90807, -110.64735
- 1 hour away from Jackson, WY
- Restrooms available
- Many parking spots
- Very busy midday and moderately busy in the evening
- No benches but there are some picnic tables
- Some Trees available for shade
Cascade Canyon Turnout
Notes about Location:
- Open Space
- 360 degree mountain views
- Easy Access, no hiking
- Small Dispersed Ceremony Permit
- No restroom
- 12 Parking Spots
String Lake
Notes about Location:
- Different Hikes available
- Small Dispersed Ceremony Permit
- Easy look trail available (How you reach the beach area above)
- Restrooms Available
- Trees available for shade
- No picnic tables
- Busy throughout the day
Mountain View Turnout
Notes about Location:
- Small Dispersed Ceremony Permit
- Open Space, very little crowds
- No restrooms
- Not very busy at sunset
- No picnic tables or benches
How permits Affect Location Choice
When planning your elopement in Grand Teton, permits play a big role in deciding where you can say “I do.” Small groups of 12 people or fewer can select from many dispersed locations throughout the park, as long as they obtain a Special Use Permit. If your guest list is larger, you’ll need to reserve one of the designated ceremony sites and secure a site-specific permit. Keep in mind that some popular areas, like Jenny Lake Trail, Hidden Falls, and the Laurance Rockefeller Preserve, are off-limits for ceremonies, so planning ahead is essential to ensure your dream location is available and compliant with park regulations.
Read my “How to Elope in Grand Teton National Park” blog for more information on permits!
Quick Tips for Choosing your Perfect Spot
- Define Your Vision: Are you dreaming of an intimate meadow, a dramatic mountain overlook, or a serene lakeside ceremony? Knowing the vibe you want will narrow down your options quickly.
- Consider Your Guest Count: Small groups (<12 people) have more flexibility with dispersed spots, while larger parties must use designated sites with site-specific permits.
- Think About Accessibility: Decide how much hiking or travel you want. Roadside pullouts are easy and convenient, while hidden meadows or alpine lakes may require a short hike
- Combine Locations: Many couples choose one spot for the ceremony and another for portraits, giving a variety of scenery without overcrowding one location
By keeping these tips in mind, you can choose a location that matches your style, comfort level, and sense of adventure, making your Grand Teton elopement unforgettable.
Conclusion
I provided a lot of information, and I know it can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry, I am here to help guide you.
Grand Teton National Park offers an incredible variety of elopement locations, from iconic overlooks and historic barns to quiet lakeshores and hidden meadows. No matter what kind of experience you’re looking for. Intimate and secluded, adventurous and active, or classic and scenic, there’s a spot in the park that will make your ceremony unforgettable.
If Grand Teton feels like the perfect place for your love story, reach out today! I’d love to help you find your dream location, navigate the permits, and capture every breathtaking moment of your elopement.
