2026 Grand Teton National Park Wedding & Elopement Guide
Envision exchanging your vows against the unparalleled majesty of the Teton Range, its iconic peaks piercing the Wyoming sky. As a premier Jackson Hole wedding photographer, I have had the distinct privilege of documenting the most exclusive and heartfelt celebrations in this national wonderland. A Grand Teton wedding is a unique experience, blending raw nature with refined romance.
Planning a wedding or elopement in Grand Teton National Park for 2026 requires careful consideration of the park's guidelines, which are designed to protect its pristine environment. This guide offers an expert perspective on navigating the process, ensuring your celebration is both breathtaking and seamless. From securing the perfect location to understanding the fine print, let’s begin crafting your extraordinary wedding day.
Choosing Your Ceremony Location
Grand Teton National Park offers a curated selection of designated ceremony sites, each providing a spectacular and distinct atmosphere for your vows. The National Park Service issues permits for these locations to ensure a balance between private events and public enjoyment. It's important to remember that all locations are rustic, outdoor venues without protection from the elements, and exclusive use is not granted.
Whether you envision an intimate elopement or a small wedding with your closest family and friends, there is a perfect place to begin your life together.
Reserved Site-Specific Ceremony Locations
For those with a specific vista in mind, a Reserved Site-Specific Ceremony Permit secures one of six breathtaking locations for your wedding ceremony. These site-specific ceremony permits are highly sought after. For 2026, applications open on December 15, 2025, and are reviewed in the order they are received.
These are the designated ceremony sites for larger groups:
Schwabacher Landing: Famous for its tranquil beaver dams that perfectly reflect the Teton Range. Group size is limited to 25 people.
Mormon Row (North or South): Offers a historic, rustic ambiance with the iconic Moulton Barns. North is limited to 40 people, while South allows 25.
Snake River Overlook: The legendary view captured by Ansel Adams provides a dramatic backdrop. The maximum group size is 25.
Glacier View Turnout: A stunning, panoramic viewpoint of the Teton Range and Teton Glacier. It accommodates up to 25 people.
Mountain View Turnout: Provides a sweeping, wide-angle view of the mountains. This location allows for a group size of 25.
Colter Bay Swim Beach: Set on the shores of Jackson Lake, this spot offers a beautiful waterfront setting for up to 40 guests.
The Small Dispersed Ceremony Permit
For the ultimate intimate affair, the Small Dispersed Ceremony Permit is the perfect choice. This permit allows for a maximum group size of 12 people, including your officiant, photographer, and other vendors. It offers the flexibility to choose a more secluded spot away from the main designated sites.
This is an excellent option for micro-weddings and elopements, allowing you to find a personal and quiet corner of the park. Prohibited areas for this permit include the Jenny Lake trail and overlook, Hidden Falls, Inspiration Point, Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve, and any of the Reserved Site-Specific locations during their peak season availability. For detailed prohibited areas, review the official wedding and commitments ceremonies page.
Chapels and Lodges
For a more traditional setting with indoor options, consider one of the park’s historic chapels or luxury lodges. The Chapel of the Transfiguration and the Chapel of the Sacred Heart offer private ceremony services. Likewise, venues like Jackson Lake Lodge can accommodate a larger group for both the ceremony and reception. A separate park permit is not required when using these concession facilities, but entrance fees still apply.
Securing Your Special Use Permit
A Special Use Permit from the National Park Service is required for all wedding ceremonies in Grand Teton. The application process is detailed and time-sensitive.
When to Reserve for 2026
The application window for 2026 wedding permits opens at 8:00 a.m. MST on Monday, December 15, 2025. It is crucial to submit your application on this date, as popular locations and dates are claimed very quickly. Applications must be submitted at least 30 days before your desired ceremony date.
Application Process
Determine Your Permit Type: Choose between a Reserved Site-Specific Ceremony Permit or a Small Dispersed Ceremony Permit, as outlined on the official NPS website.
Complete the Application: Download the form from the Grand Teton National Park website. You, as the couple, must be the applicants; third-party submissions from planners or family members are not accepted. Be prepared to list alternate dates and locations.
Submit Electronically: Email your completed application to the park's permit office.
Pay the Fee: A non-refundable application fee of $200 is required and can be paid via Pay.gov. The park will not review your application until the fee is received.
Sign and Return: Once processed, you will receive a draft permit. You must review, sign, and return it within seven days to finalize your booking.
Planning the Details for Your Big Day
With your permit secured, you can focus on the finer details that will make your Grand Teton wedding unforgettable.
Prohibited Activities & Decorations
The park’s regulations are strict to preserve its natural beauty. Prohibited items include erected structures like arches or altars, decorations attached to natural features, generators, and amplified sound. The throwing of materials such as flower petals, confetti, or rice is not allowed. A simple champagne toast is permitted, but larger receptions or catered food services require a separate venue.
Parking and Transportation
Parking is limited at all ceremony locations and cannot be reserved. The parking area at popular spots like Schwabacher Landing can fill up quickly, especially during the summer months. It is a good idea to arrange carpooling or private transportation for your wedding party and guests to ensure everyone arrives on time. Remember that park entrance fees apply to every vehicle and all guests. Passes can be purchased in advance online for convenience.
The Best Time of Year
The peak season for a Grand Teton wedding is during the summer months, from June to September, when the weather is mild and the landscape is lush. Fall offers stunning foliage but cooler temperatures. The winter months transform the park into a serene, snow-covered wonderland, perfect for a truly intimate and dramatic elopement. For seasonal tips and visiting logistics, check Visit Jackson Hole.
Book Your Grand Teton Wedding Photographer
Your wedding day in Grand Teton National Park will be an elegant, adventurous, and profoundly beautiful start to your marriage. Capturing these moments requires a photographer with an intimate knowledge of the landscape, the light, and the logistics of a national park wedding.
I specialize in creating timeless, artful imagery for discerning couples who value both adventure and luxury. Beyond photography, I serve as a guide and a resource, helping you choose the perfect time of day for your ceremony and find other premier vendors in the Jackson Hole area, from florists to a makeup artist. Let’s connect and begin planning the photography for your incredible Grand Teton elopement or wedding.