Grand Teton Dispersed Ceremony Permits
Grand Teton National Park is one of the best places for a mountain elopement out West, but some couples get overwhelmed when starting to research the permit requirements in the park. As your Grand Teton Elopement Photographer, I’m here to help you create the stress free, adventurous elopement day of your dreams AND help you navigate the logistics and processes.
The park has two different categories for Wedding Ceremonies. The first is for larger site specific ceremonies (anything over 12 guests), and smaller dispersed ceremony permits (12 guests and under). For couples who are wanting a truly unique and secluded elopement experience in the park, the smaller dispersed permit is absolutely the way to go. Here’s everything you need to know!
Permit Requirements
$200 Fee
12 guests MAX (this includes bride, groom, officiant, and photographer)
Must be submitted at least 30 days prior to your desired ceremony date, but ideally with much more time than that if possible!
There can only be one wedding per day at any location
You get your location for one hour, but you do not have exclusive use
No decorations or chairs are allowed
All park regulations, leave no trace principles, and bear safety protocols must be followed
And here are the things you need to know beyond the permit requirements!
Almost the entire park is open to us to use as a ceremony location! This means hiring someone (like me!) who is familiar with the park and more secluded, hidden locations is incredibly beneficial to you. I can guide you to places that others don’t know about, which means we are way more likely to have a private ceremony and not have to compete for permits at more popular spots.
If you’re wanting the classic Mormon Row barn look, I use a couple different more hidden areas with historic barns and homesteads! This way we can lean into the Western vibes, but not be sharing the view with hundreds of other people.
We can hike to some very incredible locations! For the adventurous couples who want an absolutely unforgettable day, we can secure permits at the top of amazing trails or at lakeside areas where you can swim and paddle board! Here are a few of my favorites:
Sample timelines for what your whole day could look like:
Adventurous Hiking Elopement Day
5am - Start Delta Lake Hike
8am - Change into your wedding clothes for a First Look, Vows, and Portraits at Delta Lake
9am - Breakfast hike picnic! Champagne and snacks
10am - Hike back down
12pm - Portraits at another spot in the Tetons
1pm - Photography coverage ends, go take a nap! You can celebrate later in the day at a bar or restaurant in Jackson Hole (I’ll send all my favorite recs!)
Micro Wedding Timeline
12pm - Getting Ready Photos and First Look at your Airbnb
2pm - Ceremony with guests (remember - 12 people max!) at a historic homestead in Grand Teton
2:30pm - portraits with guests
3pm - Bride and Groom Portraits
4pm - Canoe Ride in Jenny Lake
7pm - Private Chef Dinner at Airbnb - cake cutting, champagne toast, celebrate!
8pm - Photography coverage ends, but you can celebrate as late as you and your guests want to!
As your Grand Teton Wedding & Elopement Photographer my goal is to give you photos that feel like you’re reliving your favorite day over and over again, but I also help plan your favorite day from the ground up - that includes helping you secure permits for the park and planning the rest of your day.
I’ll also help with
Timeline Planning
Vendor Recommendations - tailored towards you two as a couple and your desert location. No more google searching!
Custom Location Guides - all of my favorite scouted areas that aren’t listed on my site!
Permit + Licensing help
Adventure Planning - all the best options for hiking, horseback riding, climbing, or whatever else you’re dreaming of doing together!