Grand Teton National Park offers an extraordinary place to begin your marriage. The park’s diverse landscapes mean you can find the perfect setting that reflects your relationship, whether that’s the peaceful shores of Taggart Lake, the wild beauty of the backcountry, or the classic Western charm of the valley floor. Additionally, choosing the Tetons means your wedding photos will never go out of style – the mountains have looked essentially the same for millions of years and will continue to do so, making your images timeless.
Marriage License Info for Wyoming
Before you say “I do” with the Tetons as your backdrop, you’ll need to obtain a marriage license from Wyoming. The process is straightforward: you can apply for your license in any Wyoming county, but many couples choose to get theirs in Jackson at the Teton County Clerk’s Office for convenience. You’ll both need to appear in person with valid photo identification, and the license costs around $30. There’s no waiting period in Wyoming, so you can get married the same day you receive your license, and the license is valid for one year. Remember to bring your completed license to your ceremony and ensure your officiant returns the signed document to the county clerk within 30 days of your wedding.
- Officiant and 2 witnesses are required for a marriage license.
- PLEASE call 307-733-4430 to make an appointment (1-2 days before) before coming to our office. Marriage license appointments are available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (excluding federal holidays).
- There is no waiting period to pick up your marriage license. It’s valid to sign within 1 year.
- It costs $30 with a small fee for certified copies. You can pay with cash or credit card in most counties.
- Wedding licenses must be returned to the County Clerk’s Office within 10 days of the ceremony.
- I always advise calling the County Clerk’s Office in the county where you’re getting married just to double-check their process.
More information can be found on the Teton County Website here.
Best Time of Year to Get Married In Grand Teton National Park
Summer months (June through August) offer the most reliable weather and full accessibility to all areas of the park, with wildflowers blooming in alpine meadows and long daylight hours extending your photography opportunities well into the evening. The trade-off is higher crowds and the need to book accommodations and vendors well in advance.
Fall (September through early October) provides a spectacular alternative with golden aspens creating a stunning contrast against the granite peaks, fewer crowds, and crisp, clear days perfect for dramatic mountain photography. However, weather becomes less predictable in fall, and some higher elevation locations may become inaccessible due to early snow. Both seasons offer their own distinct beauty, so choose based on your priorities: summer for reliability and accessibility, or fall for spectacular colors and solitude.
Top Tips for Grand Teton National Park Locations
Roadside and Easy Access Locations: Spots like Oxbow Bend offer stunning mountain views with minimal hiking required, making them perfect for older family members or guests in formal wear. However, these locations can get busy during peak hours, so consider early morning or late afternoon ceremonies for more privacy.
Moderate Hiking Locations: Destinations like Taggart Lake require a 1.5 mile hike but reward you with more intimate settings and fewer interruptions. These spots are ideal for couples who want some adventure without extreme difficulty, and the hiking filters out casual park visitors.
Private Ranches and Venues: If you’re planning to include guests, consider booking a private ranch venue near the park like Hotel Jackson or rustic lodges that offer ceremony packages. These provide the convenience of facilities, catering, and backup weather options while still offering those iconic Teton views.
Backcountry Adventures: For the truly adventurous, locations like Cascade Canyon, Lake Solitude, or even alpine locations require significant hiking but offer unparalleled privacy and dramatic scenery. These require proper planning, physical fitness, and potentially overnight camping permits.
Getting Married at High Elevation
Grand Teton National Park sits at elevations ranging from 6,000 to over 13,000 feet, with popular ceremony locations like Jackson Lake and Jenny Lake at around 6,800 feet. I recommend arriving in Jackson a day or two before your ceremony to allow your body to adjust to the thinner air and stay well-hydrated. The high elevation combined with Wyoming’s clear mountain air means UV rays are more intense, so high-quality sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher is essential—even on cloudy days. I recommend Supergoop’s sunscreen trial set to figure out which one works best for you.
The dramatic elevation changes throughout the park also mean weather can shift quickly, so having layers and sun protection readily available will ensure you and your guests stay comfortable while celebrating against the backdrop of these iconic peaks.
Why get married in Grand Teton National Park?
Grand Teton National Park offers some of the most dramatic and iconic mountain scenery in the United States, making it an unforgettable backdrop for your wedding day. The jagged peaks of the Teton Range rise abruptly from the valley floor without foothills, creating a breathtaking vertical landscape that photographs beautifully from every angle. Beyond the stunning natural beauty, Grand Teton provides a sense of adventure that transforms your wedding into an experience rather than just an event, creating memories that will feel as majestic as the mountains themselves.
Best Elopement Locations in Grand Teton National Park
There are so many incredible places to get married in Grand Teton National Park. Each location offers something unique for your elopement day with the dramatic backdrop of the Teton Range. Here are my top picks for the most stunning ceremony locations in the park.
Swabacher’s Landing
Best Time of Year to Elope: late May – early October
Best Time of Day: sunrise or late afternoon
Popularity/Crowds: Busy, especially at sunrise
Swabacher’s Landing is hands down one of the most iconic spots in Grand Teton National Park, and for good reason. This location offers unobstructed views of the entire Teton Range reflected perfectly in the Snake River. The cottonwood trees and willows create a natural frame around your ceremony, while the river adds a peaceful soundtrack to your vows. Early morning ceremonies here are absolutely magical with soft golden light hitting the peaks, though you’ll share the spot with photographers capturing the famous sunrise. Late afternoon ceremonies offer warmer light and fewer crowds. The boardwalk and viewing area make this location easily accessible for guests of all ages, making it perfect for intimate elopements or larger family gatherings. Just remember that this spot is popular with tourists, so weekday ceremonies will give you more privacy than weekends. This spots permits also fill up very quickly, so get this permit asap.
Oxbow Bend
Best Time of Year to Elope: late May – September
Best Time of Day: early morning or golden hour
Popularity/Crowds: Very popular with wildlife watchers and photographers
Oxbow Bend is where the Snake River curves dramatically, creating one of the most photographed scenes in the entire national park system. This location offers incredible reflections of Mount Moran and the Teton Range, especially on calm mornings when the water acts like a perfect mirror. What makes Oxbow Bend extra special is the incredible wildlife viewing opportunities – moose, elk, trumpeter swans, and even bears frequent this area, so you might have some unexpected (and distant) wedding guests. The best ceremonies happen at sunrise when the light is soft and golden, though you’ll need to arrive early to secure the best spot along the riverbank. Late spring through early fall offers the most reliable weather, with July and August being peak season for both tourists and better mountain weather.
Taggart Lake
Best Time of Year to Elope: late June – early October
Best Time of Day: sunrise or sunset
Popularity/Crowds: Moderate hiking traffic, more private than roadside locations
Taggart Lake is perfect for couples who want a more adventurous elopement with stunning alpine scenery. The 1.5-mile hike to reach the lake keeps the crowds manageable while rewarding you with one of the most beautiful ceremony locations in the Tetons. The crystal-clear alpine lake sits in a dramatic cirque surrounded by towering peaks, creating an intimate and secluded feeling that’s hard to find at the more accessible locations. Summer months offer the best hiking conditions and wildflower displays, with July and August being peak season for mountain weather. The trail is well-maintained and moderate in difficulty, making it accessible for most fitness levels, though I’d recommend comfortable hiking shoes for your wedding party. Morning ceremonies are ideal because you’ll have good lighting on the peaks and the lake, plus you can take your time hiking back down without feeling rushed. This location is perfect for couples who want their wedding day to feel like an adventure.
String Lake
Best Time of Year to Elope: June – early October
Best Time of Day: any time, but late afternoon is magical
Best Time of Season: mid-July for wildflowers, September for fall colors
Popularity/Crowds: Busy trailhead, but easy to find quieter spots farther along the lake
String Lake offers some of the most dramatic and up-close views of the Teton Range you can get without serious mountaineering. The lake sits right at the base of the mountains, making you feel completely surrounded by these incredible peaks. What I love about String Lake is how many different ceremony locations you can choose from along the shoreline – from the busier areas near the boat launch to more secluded spots further along the lake. The short, flat walk from the parking area makes this location accessible for guests while still feeling more private than the roadside locations. Late afternoon light here is absolutely stunning as it hits the western faces of the mountains, creating dramatic shadows and golden light on the peaks. The lake is also perfect for couples who want to incorporate some adventure into their day – you can easily continue hiking after your ceremony. Wildflower season in July adds incredible pops of color, while September brings beautiful fall colors to the aspens and cottonwoods around the lake.
Blacktail Ponds Overlook
Best Time of Year to Elope: May – October
Best Time of Day: sunset or sunrise
Popularity/Crowds: Less crowded, perfect for intimate ceremonies
Blacktail Ponds Overlook is one of Grand Teton’s best-kept secrets for weddings and elopements! This location offers incredible panoramic views of the entire Teton Range without the crowds you’ll find at more famous spots like Jackson Lake or Jenny Lake. The overlook sits above a series of beaver ponds and wetlands, creating a unique foreground that adds depth and interest to your wedding photos. What makes this spot extra special is the incredible wildlife viewing opportunities – this area is known for moose, elk, and bird watching, so you might spot some amazing wildlife during your ceremony. The elevated position gives you unobstructed views of the mountains while the ponds and meadows below create a beautiful, serene setting. Sunset ceremonies here are particularly stunning as the light hits the peaks and reflects in the ponds below. The location is easily accessible by car with just a short walk to the best viewpoints, making it perfect for couples who want dramatic mountain views without a long hike. This spot tends to be much quieter than the more popular locations, giving you more privacy and intimacy for your special moment.
Reserved Site-Specific Ceremony Permits + Small Dispersed Ceremony Permits
There are 6 site-specific ceremony locations that may be applied for:
Snake River Overlook – Group size limit of 25 people
Colter Bay Swim Beach – Group size limit of 40 people
Schwabacher Landing – Group size limit of 25 people
Mormon Row (North or South) – Group size limit of 40 people (North) or 25 people (South)
Mountain View Turnout – Group size limit of 25 people
Glacier View Turnout – Group size limit of 25 people
Group size is restricted to no more than 12 people, including the wedding party, wedding guests including children, officiant, and photographer(s).
You can view Grand Teton National Park’s wedding permit information here.
I have a questionnaire and custom location guide in the planning process where I’ll share locations that I think will be a great fit for your day. So if you’re looking for the perfect spot to say your vows, I’d love to help you plan your elopement adventure. Whether you want an easy-going ceremony with family or an adventurous hike to an alpine lake– Grand Teton National Park really has it all. You can reach out using my contact form to get started.
