By Nora Huntley Photography — Jackson Hole Elopement Photographer
If you’re dreaming about a Grand Teton National Park elopement, choosing the right ceremony spot is one of the most exciting parts of planning. Grand Teton offers stunning mountains, wild meadows, lakes, and quiet viewpoints — but it’s also one of the most regulated national parks when it comes to wedding permits.
This guide breaks down every single ceremony option in the Tetons, how the permits work, and a bonus 6th location: The Wedding Tree in Bridger-Teton National Forest.
Let’s make this easy. ✨
Grand Teton National Park Wedding Permits (How It Works)
There are two types of wedding permits inside GTNP:
1️⃣ Reserved Site-Specific Ceremony Permits
– Ceremony at one of 5 official locations
– One ceremony allowed per day, per location
– Group size limits vary (25 or 40 people)
– Cost: $200
– These book out fast (some are already full for 2025)
2️⃣ Small Dispersed Ceremony Permits
– Ceremony almost anywhere in the park except prohibited areas
– Group size limit: 12 people total
(including couple, guests, officiant, photographers)
– Cost: $200
– One permit issued per location per day
– Great for sunrise, intimate elopements, or couples without guests
The 5 Reserved Ceremony Locations in Grand Teton National Park
Below are the official “site-specific” ceremony spots — each with unique scenery and different group size rules.
1. Colter Bay Swim Beach
Group limit: 40 people
Permit: $200
A lakeside ceremony spot with sweeping views of Jackson Lake and the Tetons. Perfect for summer weddings with a large group.
2. Schwabacher Landing
Group limit: 25 people
Permit: $200
One of the most iconic places in the park. Cottonwoods, still water, mountain reflections — absolutely gorgeous in sunrise light. Extremely high demand.
3. Mountain View Turnout
Group limit: 25 people
Permit: $200
One of the most panoramic views in the park with a big meadow, dramatic peaks, and a very “Wyoming” feel.
4. Glacier View Turnout
Group limit: 25 people
Permit: $200
A classic angle of the Tetons with beautiful clean lines, perfect for a ceremony with guests.
5. Snake River Overlook
Group limit: 25 people
Permit: $200
Ansel Adams photographed this viewpoint — it’s a timeless, dramatic location for couples who want sweeping river + mountain views.
Small Dispersed Ceremony Permit
(Best for couples who want something intimate or unique)
Group limit: 12 people total
Permit: $200
Allowed: Parkwide, except restricted areas
Not allowed: At reserved ceremony locations during their permit season
Great small-dispersed ceremony options include certain meadows and pullouts.
This is the most flexible option and allows couples to create a ceremony that feels private and adventurous.
6. The Wedding Tree (Bridger-Teton National Forest)
Permit: $300
Group size: Up to ~30 people (forest service allows more flexibility)
Location: Not inside the national park — no park rules, no park crowding. Limited parking.
The Wedding Tree is a magical, rustic, intimate spot with:
🌲 Two dramatic twisted trees framing the Tetons
🌄 A sweeping mountain view
🛖 No tourists around
🚗 ~25 minutes from Jackson Hole
Because it’s outside GTNP, there are no national park restrictions, no ceremony caps, and no location closures.
This is one of the most popular elopement spots for couples who want privacy without the park’s strict rules.
