How to Avoid Crowds When Eloping in Grand Teton
Grand Teton and Jackson Hole, Wyoming have grown in popularity among tourists, outdoor enthusiasts, and eloping couples. It can be difficult to plan an intentional, private elopement in the park without crowds of tourists sneaking a peek of your wedding. As a Grand Teton Elopement Photographer I love this area and have a few tips and tricks for how to avoid crowds and still have the secluded western mountain elopement that you’re dreaming of.
Go to a Lesser-Visited Place for Portraits
Most tourists and couples hit the same areas in the park, so I love taking my couples to off the beaten trails, viewpoints, and areas in Grand Teton and outside of the park.
Some of my favorite areas include:
Death Canyon – the hikes in this area are just as beautiful but significantly less crowded
Idaho side of the Tetons – lots of campgrounds, pullouts, and trails with a view of the Tetons from the West instead of the East!
National Forest land – there are so many valleys and mountains in the area that are on National Forest land instead of National Park land, and they have just as epic views.
You can always pair a ceremony in one of these locations with portraits inside the park, giving you the best of both worlds. I’ll help you create a timeline that fits everything.
Choose the Off Season
June through September is the busiest time in the Tetons, so the other months are significantly less crowded than summer.
During the off season:
Popular locations feel quieter and more intimate
Permits are easier to secure
Lodging and vendor availability improves
While winter does bring cold and a lot of snow, the tradeoff is a much quieter experience without crowds of tourists.
Elope at Sunrise on a Weekday
If you’re planning during peak season, this one is non-negotiable. Sunrise weekday elopements are essential for avoiding crowds in the Tetons, especially during summer.
Why sunrise works:
Fewer visitors (many don’t arrive until mid-morning)
Cooler temperatures in warmer months
More privacy at popular locations
Tuesday through Thursday tend to be the quietest days, and sunrise ceremonies allow us to experience iconic spots before the park fully wakes up.
Have Your Micro Wedding at a Venue with Scenic Views — Then Go Into the Park for Portraits
For micro weddings, this is one of my favorite planning strategies. Hosting your ceremony at another location means we don’t have to compete for large, site specific permits and you still get epic views of the mountains!
My favorite options are
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 decide how to best navigate crowds.
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!