Your Grand Teton Photographer

HEY HEY! I’M MANDIE!

With 7 years of traditional wedding experience, I’ve seen a few things. Traditional weddings and elopements are different animals, but both bring unexpected twists that need quick thinking and solid backup plans. That’s where I come in.

I’m more than just your hype woman. I come prepared with backup plans A through Z, know which trails are dog-friendly, and can guide you to both epic overlooks and the best coffee in town. My job? To make your mountain elopement easy, fun, and unforgettable—no matter what the day throws our way.

You didn’t just pick any elopement spot—you chose the Tetons.

You’re picturing it already: the sun lighting up the Tetons, crisp mountain air on your face, and the quiet stillness of the valley wrapping around you as you walk toward your partner. It’s peaceful, it’s epic, and it’s everything you’ve been dreaming of.

But then reality hits: where do you even start?

Between permits, locations, and timing, planning a Grand Teton National Park elopement can feel like a lot.

The good news? This valley does most of the work for you. From alpine lakes to wide-open fields, charming mountain towns to hidden overlooks, Jackson Hole has a little bit of everything for couples who want to cut the fluff and focus on what matters.

As a Jackson Hole elopement photographer, I help couples navigate the details so their wedding day feels effortless, intentional, and unforgettable.

Here’s how to make it happen.

• Grand Teton Photographer
• Intro
• Choose your location early
• Permits
• Make it legal
• Best time to elope
• Guest List
• Hire the right photographer
• Don’t do basic!

Choose Your Location Early

From iconic overlooks to quiet alpine lakes, Jackson Hole is stacked with jaw-dropping ceremony spots. It’s what makes Jackson Hole popular among eloping couples. The key? Lock in a location that actually fits your vibe early on. Each site comes with its own quirks—whether it’s permits, accessibility, or crowds—and knowing those details ahead of time makes everything smoother.

• Schwabacher’s Landing: Reflection views of the Tetons in the Snake River. This is a super popular location so expect tourists and other photographers.
• Mormon Row: Historic barns framed by the mountains. Super photogenic, but expect tourists and photographers.
• Snake River Overlook: Sweeping valley views (hello, Ansel Adams photo spot). Best at sunset.
• Colter Bay: Perfect for couples who want water views without a big hike. Ceremony spots along Jackson Lake give you wide-open Teton backdrops.
• Mountain View Turnout: As the name promises—killer panoramic views of the Tetons.
• Glacier View Turnout: One of the most dramatic roadside viewpoints of the entire Teton range. Easy access, stunning photo ops, and jaw-dropping scenery.

Tip: Keep in mind the all sites remain open to the public even with a secured permit. Weekdays can help thin out some of the crowds and offer more privacy.

Permits

Okay, here’s the not-so-glamorous part of planning a Grand Teton National Park elopement—permits. But trust me, it’s not as scary as it sounds. The park has clear rules, and once you understand them, it’s smooth sailing.

When to Apply

• The park only accepts permit applications during a specific window each year.
• **2026 Couples**- Application window has opened as of Dec 8th. As of Dec 18th, Schwabacher Landing, Colter Bay, and Mountain View are already fully booked.
• Important: Applications submitted before that date won’t be saved or considered.

Two Types of Permits

Grand Teton National Park offers two types of permits, and knowing the vibe of your ceremony will help you pick the right one:

1. Reserved Site-Specific Ceremony Permits:

• One ceremony per day, per location.
• Annual limit: 60 ceremonies per location (except Colter Bay Swim Beach, capped at 30).
• Tip: Do NOT sit on your permit. These locations will fill up fast. Many 2025 dates are already full. Have your application ready to go when they release they announce the application window.

Locations & Group Size Limits:

• Colter Bay Swim Beach – 40 people
• Schwabacher Landing – 25 people
• Mormon Row (North) – 40 people / (South) – 25 people
• Mountain View Turnout – 25 people
• Glacier View Turnout – 25 people
• Snake River Overlook – 25 people

2.Small Dispersed Ceremony Permits:

• Group size is limited to 12 people total (this includes the two of you, officiant, guests, kids, and photographer).
• Locations are park-wide (with some exceptions, see below).
• Only one permit is issued per location, per day.

Each permit covers just 1 hour, so you’ll need to pick a clear start and end time. That hour covers everything—arriving, setting up, saying your vows, and snapping photos or video right at the spot. There’s also a non-refundable $200 application fee to submit before your application can be reviewed.

Tip: If you’re using a Small Dispersed Ceremony Permit, you can still hold your ceremony at some of the Reserved Site-Specific locations—but only outside the restricted dates. You’ll also need to follow the rules that apply to Small Dispersed permits.

Make It Legal

No ceremony is official without a marriage license! You’ll need to make a stop at Teton County Clerk’s Office to obtain yours! Here’s what you need to know about getting your marriage license without the headache.

• Appointments are required: Schedule your visit Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–3:30 PM. Plan to make your appointment at least 1–2 days before your ceremony.

• In-person appearance: Both of you must appear together and bring a completed questionnaire along with any other required documents.

• No waiting period: You can marry the same day you receive your license—but your ceremony must take place after you have it.

• Witnesses: You’ll need two witnesses for your ceremony.

• Officiant: If you’re bringing someone to perform the ceremony, that’s totally fine! They don’t need to provide credentials, but they must meet the state’s requirements.

• Returning your license: After your ceremony, the license must be returned to the courthouse within 10 days.

• Ceremonies: No weddings are performed at the courthouse itself—this is strictly for paperwork.

Tip: Make sure to work a visit to the courthouse into your trip itinerary. Once you have your license in hand, your Jackson Hole adventure officially begins!

Time Your Day Around the Mountains

We are in the mountains so weather here can be different than what you expect. Timing matters when planning your Grand Teton National Park elopement. 

Winter + late Spring (November–late-May) is stunning if you’re dreaming of a snowy, cozy ceremony. Snow starts in early Nov and roads can be icy—four-wheel drive or all-weather tires are strongly recommended. Wildlife, including moose, is often visible during this time, adding to the adventure. Valley trails are usually snow-covered until late May which is important to keep in mind for ceremony locations.

Late Spring (end of May- late June) brings longer days, melting snow, and blooming wildflowers. The mountains still have snow-capped peaks, but trails become more accessible, and crowds are still low.

Summer (July–early Sept) is warm, with long daylight hours and occasional afternoon thundershowers. This is the most popular time to elope, thanks to lush landscapes and epic views, but expect busier trails and ceremony locations.

Fall (September–October) delivers crisp air, golden aspens, and quieter trails. Sunny days with chilly nights, occasional rain, and early snow create dramatic backdrops without the crowds, making it ideal for couples looking for a peaceful, picturesque elopement.

Tip: Ditch the two-hour mindset—your elopement deserves more. Start with a sunrise first look, say your vows, then wander Jackson, sip coffee, and soak it all in. Golden hour portraits happen without the rush, and having extra time keeps weather and crowds from stealing your vibe.

Keep Your Guest List Intentional

Bringing family along? Totally doable, but keep it simple. Less really is more when it comes to Grand Teton spots. Grand Teton has strict guest limits, and parking, bathrooms, and trail access can get tricky with a big group.

All the ceremony spots are outdoors and totally rustic, so no hiding from the weather! Permits also come with some rules: no decorations, altars, tables, chairs, signs, scattering materials, non-invasive plants, generators, or catered food. And heads up—most locations don’t have restrooms near the ceremony site in particular, so plan ahead!

Tip: Want your dog in on the fun? National Park rules are strict, but places like The Wedding Tree located in Bridger-Teton National Forest makes a perfect pup-friendly alternative!

Hire a Photographer Who Knows the Area

Your photographer (yep, that’s me!) isn’t just there to click a camera. I’m your hype-person, your stress-buster, and your personal mountain guide—all in one. I’ll help you pick jaw-dropping spots (and avoid the crowds), point you toward activities you’ll actually enjoy, and wrangle the timeline so you don’t have to worry about a single thing. Basically, I make sure your day is effortless, fun, and full of moments you’ll actually remember—not just Instagram photos.

The Tetons don’t do “basic”. Neither should your wedding day.

Your decision to ditch tradition for something that feels authentic is already incredible and so badass. Jackson Hole matches that energy perfectly—it’s not just a view, it’s an experience.

Sure, planning a Jackson Hole elopement comes with its own quirks (permits, weather, and limited guest spots). But with the right planning and the right photographer in your corner, your day won’t just be smooth—it’ll feel like you.

Want to see how it all comes together? My Wyoming Elopement Page has everything you need to get started.