Lizzy here, your Grand Teton National Park (GTNP) wedding photographer, and I am here to give you a new and updated Getting Married in Grand Teton National Park Wedding Guide 2022.

Did you hear the cheers and screams of Jackson Hole Photographers? For months we have been fighting with Grand Teton National Park over changes and permits they implemented right before the 2022 wedding and elopement season. These changes were devastating to brides, couples, and photographers. Those changes were mentioned in a blog HERE. Thankfully, they revoked those changes for 2022. While there may be changes in 2023, hopefully everyone will be more prepared.

If you plan on getting married in Grand Teton National Park there are some things that you need to be aware of. First we will educate about group size, second locations, and third how to apply for the permit! Overall, this Jackson Hole Wedding Guide 2022 will help you in knowing what option you have for your Jackson Hole Wedding or Jackson Hole Elopement in Grand Teton National Park.

Group Size – Getting Married in Grand Teton National Park Wedding Guide 2022

The size of your wedding or elopement is important. Obviously, it changes the options. The number of people allowed includes the couple. officiant, and of course us your Grand Teton National Park Photographer(s)! Something to keep in mind is that you need TWO whitenesses. After all, that’s why all of our elopements include a second shooter. We gotchu!

4-12 people – Grand Teton National Park Elopement/ Micro Wedding

If you have less than 12 people total then you have the most FREEDOM! Your wedding would be classified as a small dispersed wedding . There are endless options on where to photograph. However, there are a couple we can’t use for ceremonies! This is a list provided by GTNP. This list gives specifics on what locations are not allowed for dispersed weddings.

Reserved Site-Specific Ceremony locations

The paved trails within and surrounding the Jenny Lake visitor plaza at South Jenny Lake

Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point

String Lake and Jenny Lake overlook on the one-way road from May 15 to October 15

Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve (LSR)

Concessioner land assignments (exception for weddings sold/catered by Concessioners in assigned facilities in accordance with their contract)

Park partner facilities (e.g., Murie Ranch, Teton Science School)

Within proximity of places where weddings are being managed by a chapel or concessioner (e.g., the Chapel of the Transfiguration)

Park cemeteries

If a location is behind a gated road, the permittee may have walking access but not vehicle access.

-GTNP

13+ Guests

If you have more than 13 guests you will need a site-specific ceremony location. You have 6 locations to choose from and they are all beautiful and different. You can learn more about these locations HERE.

Schwabacher Landing -available for groups up to 25 people

 Mormon Row (North or South)
South (barn): available for groups up to 25 people
North (pink house): available for groups up to 40 people 

 Mountain View Turnout – available for groups up to 25 people

 Glacier View Turnout – available for groups up to 25 people

Snake River Overlook – available for groups up to 25 people

Colter Bay Swim Beach – available for groups up to 40 people 

Don’t… just don’t

Without a doubt, you are getting married at one of most beautiful locations in the world! Please don’t do any of the following (list copied from the GTNP site. Find it HERE). Really, nature is your backdrop and your decorations. You don’t need anything else!

• Erecting or placing of alters, arbors, arches, platforms, podiums, rugs, tables, and tents.
• Chairs with the exception of a few portable chairs (provided by the permittee) under special circumstances, such as for guests who would have difficulty standing during the window of this permit.
• Attaching or placing decorations (e.g., balloons, banners, flower stands, lights, objects, signs, streamers) to any natural or historic object or any National Park Service sign, bench, post, building, or facility. Only handheld items that can be carried at all times are allowed
• Use of generators.
• Rearrangement of park facilities (e.g., moving benches, tables).
• Mowing and/or removal of vegetation.
• Scattering, spreading or throwing of any materials (e.g., birdseed, rice, flower petals, confetti).
• Releasing or throwing of birds, butterflies, balloons, rice, etc.
• Receptions or catered food services are prohibited. Small food and drink items, like a champagne toast, are permitted but must follow strict bear safety/food storage protocol.
• Using park visitor center, restrooms, and other buildings for ceremony preparations (e.g., dressing, picture-taking, rehearsals, waiting areas) or in the event of inclement weather.
• Unmanned aircraft (e.g., drones, model airplanes, quadcopters)

Applying for Getting Married in Grand Teton National Park

Permits

It should be noted, permits are required when getting married in Grand Teton National Park. However, there are a couple exceptions. Unless you are eloping at the stunning Chapel of the Transfiguration, the Chapel of the Sacred Heart, or a concession facility such as Jackson Lake Lodge (they are all beautiful) you will need a permit!

Fees

There is a $200 non-refundable processing fee for a special use permit. If the date/location you want isn’t available they will work with you on a different date or the next best location.

Applying

You must apply at least 30 days in advance, this is important, and there are time frames as to when you can apply. Special Use Applications are open for 2022. 2023 ceremonies will be available by mid-November 2022. Permits are first come first serve. Because of this and limited permits for each location specific areas like Schwabacher Landing are going to sell out fast! This location is already full for 2022.

Above all, Grand Teton National Park has really done a fantastic job listing the steps. Follow the steps listed HERE. If you have any questions- don’t hesitate to reach out! Overall, we are are the experts ready to help you, or direct you to the people who can help you better.

GTNP Wedding Guide 2022

Finally, are you ready to book your wedding or elopement after reading this GTNP Wedding Guide 2022 blog?! Let’s chat! You can contact us HERE.