When to Elope in the Tetons
First things first—Grand Teton is one of the most visited National Parks in the country, especially in the summer. That’s why I recommend choosing a weekday for your elopement. Mondays through Thursdays usually mean fewer crowds at overlooks and trailheads, and sunrise ceremonies are especially dreamy (and private) in the Tetons.
Summer is absolutely the busiest season, so if you’re hoping for fewer crowds and more privacy, fall and winter are great options! I almost never recommend getting married in the Tetons in spring - scroll down to see why.
SUMMER
Summer is peak season in Grand Teton, and for good reason—it’s absolutely beautiful. Long days, fields of wildflowers, warm temperatures, and accessible hiking trails that make it easy to explore. This is the time of year for alpine lakes, kayaking, and dreamy sunsets over the mountains. Just know you’ll be sharing the park with a lot of other visitors.
Summer Elopement Activities: Hiking, kayaking, paddleboarding, scenic boat rides, horseback riding, stargazing
Pro Tip: I cannot stress enough how busy this park gets in the summer! Parking is difficult, lines for entry can be long, and there are crowds everywhere. I love to mitigate this as best as possible by applying for permits early, choosing weekdays, and possibly choosing sunrise for your ceremony.
AUTUMN
Fall in the Tetons is dreamy. The crowds start to die down and the colors start to change in the park! Fall is relatively short and it snows early, but can still be a beautiful option for an elopement.
Fall Elopement Activities: Hiking, scenic drives, wildlife tours, camping, canoeing, photography with fall foliage
Pro Tip: Early fall is still fairly busy, but by mid-October the crowds thin out dramatically. If you want peak color without the summer traffic, late September through early October is the sweet spot most years. Just dress warm—the weather cools quickly once the sun sets and snow can come early.
WINTER
Winter is beautiful and popular in the Tetons because of the ski resorts in the area. While vendors have more availability, lodging can be pricey and difficult to find because of the crowds in the area for winter sports. The main road in Grand Teton is closed past Taggart Lake, so the ceremony spots are the most limited during this time. A winter elopement can still be beautiful, we just have to work around road closures, storms, and ski crowds.
Winter Elopement Activities: Skiing & Snowboarding, Hot Springs, Snowshoeing, Snowmobiling
Pro Tip: Winter is the off season for the National Park! Jackson Hole and the ski resorts may be crowded, but you’re likely to have the park almost entirely to yourself.
SPRING
spring is actually the trickiest time of year in this park. Many of the main park roads are still closed from winter, trails are muddy or snow-packed, and weather can swing from sunshine to blizzards overnight. It’s also when bears are coming out of hibernation, which makes certain areas more limited for safe exploring.
Why I Don’t Recommend Spring for Elopements: Limited road access, unpredictable weather, muddy trails, and higher wildlife activity can make planning stressful and logistically tough. If privacy, accessibility, and a seamless experience matter most to you, another season is a much better choice.
Pro Tip: If your heart is set on a springtime elopement in the mountains, I usually recommend considering nearby areas like Jackson Hole or even Park City, Utah instead, where access and weather are more reliable. For the Tetons, holding out until summer or fall will give you the epic, stress-free experience you’re dreaming of.
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 the perfect time of year to get married.
Choosing a season is just one of the first steps, 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!