Are you planning an Ultimate Jackson Hole Elopement? The great thing about a Jackson Hole elopement 2023 is that the sky really is the limit. Evidently, as a Jackson Hole photographer, I can tell you that an elopement can be as minimal or as extravagant as you want. Regardless, when it comes to planning a Jackson Hole elopement there are some things that you need to consider.

Officiant for Jackson Hole Elopement

There are some phenomenal officiants in the area that will help you get legal at your Jackson Hole elopement. Officiants we work with go above and beyond what is expected of them. They truly care about you and try to get to know you and customize the ceremony to fit your relationship the best they can for your Jackson Hole elopement.

Jackson Hole Elopement Witnesses 

Did you know that in the state of Wyoming you need two witnesses at your Jackson Hole elopement? Well now you do! Don’t panic! I’m not only a Jackson Hole photographer I can also be a witness! The videographer or second shooter can also be a witness . So, if your Jackson Hole dream elopement was for you to elope with just your partner, officiant, and photographer then we can still make it work by adding a Jackson Hole videographer or Jackson Hole second shooter photographer. Many times Sadie and I have photographed the same Jackson Hole elopement to make this vision come to life for our clients. Eloping in Jackson Hole can be easy and intimate!

Grand Teton Wedding Locations

Although, we are saddened that there are many locations not on the ceremony list, we can still get incredible images! We are able to take photos at other locations, but they will need to be within 1/2 mile from the trailhead and/or parking lot. Nevertheless, it just means you’ll need to trust your photographers (us!) to take care of finding the perfect spot for your dreamy pictures. I will take you through locations depending on your group size. Feel free to ask me questions if you need help deciding on where your Ultimate Jackson Hole Elopement is going to take place.

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

For example, if you have less than 12 people total then you have the most FREEDOM! Your wedding would be classified as a small dispersed wedding . Secondly, 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. Below are 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

Likewise, 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. They would be perfect for your Ultimate Jackson Hole Elopement. 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 Forget the Permit! 

Also, you need a permit! A permit will guarantee that your Jackson Hole elopement will happen at a specific place and time. Elopements with 11+ people have different rules. Nevertheless, you have seven locations in and outside of the park gates. Hence, if you are under 11 people (including yourselves, guests, and vendors) and you can have a dispersed wedding anywhere besides those 7 locations and a couple other places, we’ve broken it all down in our Jackson Hole Ceremony Location Guide. 

Marriage Licenses Make Things Official

Overall, don’t forget this critical piece of paper! The Jackson Hole county clerk office is right in the middle of town. You need to set up an appointment to get the marriage license. The people that work there are wonderful. They will answer any questions you may have on how to fill it out and return it.

Don’t… just don’t

Without a doubt, this is the most beautiful location in the world to get married! Certainly, don’t do any of the following (list copied from the GTNP site. Find it HERE). Really, nature is your backdrop and your decorations. Therefore, 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)

Finally, the end! Hope this Jackson Hole Elopement 2023 guide helped. I imagine it can be really stressful, especially when you may not live locally. So, let us help you! Clearly, as Jackson Hole elopement photographers we are here to help you have the perfect day. Therefore, eloping in Jackson Hole is 100% worth the effort.

Ready to plan your perfect Jackson Hole elopement? Contact us HERE!