Listen, I know you’re here for all the local dirt and deep dives on eloping in Jackson Hole; but, can I just say, congrats on being crazy about each other. Seriously. Getting engaged is the most epic trust fall, and I hope that you and yours have truly taken the time to surrender to it.
Celebrations aside – DUDE you’re getting married! Like forever eva married. Which means the next thing on your to-do list is to start planning a wedding and make it count. Right? Yeahh… kinda.
Because you’ve landed on this guide, I’m going to assume that a traditional wedding in a factory-like venue with: 300 people, a packed timeline, luke warm pot roast, and an awkward sparkler exit (that the thought of has single handedly upped the dosage on your anxiety meds) haunts you in your sleep? Right? Now we’re talking.
Let me remind you that this is 2025, and your special day does not have to look like anyone else’s. You’re allowed to run away. You’re allowed to make your own rules. You’re allowed to say your wildest vows in the wildest of places with no one but nature as your witness. If that kind of intimate adventure makes your heart beat boundless, you should eternalize your love to the ends of the earth.
& when it comes to running into the great unknown together, there is no grander place to elope than the Tetons. That may seem biased coming from a destination wedding photographer based in Wyoming; but it’s true. From the lively, western culture and elevated hospitality to the spellbound allure of the vastly wild landscapes; Jackson is a dream destination for devoting your life to another whole heartedly.
If an adventure elopement is calling you out West; allow me to lift the veil and bring you closer to saying “I do!” in Jackson Hole. Grab your other half, pour up a glass, and let’s get western, folks (just don’t pet the bison)!
Here is your ultimate, local guide to eloping in Jackson Hole, Wyoming:
Unreal Elopement Locations in Jackson Hole
While supporting couples in their elopement planning, I always recommend choosing a location first. That’s because the backdrop to your love story not only amplifies the significance and feeling of a moment; but it sets the tone for your adventure ahead. In the Tetons there are endless untamed destinations to choose from. How to know what wild place is meant for you all depends on how you and your fiance prefer to roam in rhythm with nature. Whether you’re stirring up immersive backcountry vows or looking to strike the perfect balance between country and town for your elopement; Jackson has it.
Here are some of my ride-or-die recommendations:
Mormon Row
It doesn’t get more Jackson than this. The iconic T.A. Moulton Barn captured in every breathtaking landscape shot of the Tetons at sunset? You’ve found it! & yes we can go there to get you hitched! There are two ceremony locations at Mormon Row Historic District – North (max 40 guests) & South (max 25 guests). You’ll need a Reserved Site‑Specific Ceremony Permit for either which I recommend applying for as soon as you can as reservations are limited and can book up in advance! Mid-May to mid-October this staple is accessible by backroads. Winter can’t stop us but expect to hike it in with a Small Dispersed Ceremony Permit (see below)! No matter the season, if unparalleled mountain views and locations with deep roots is your vision; the Mormon Row Barn is worth it.
The Wedding Tree
Allow me to introduce you to Mormon Row’s neighbor The Wedding Tree in Kelly, Wyoming. Nestled between Bridger Teton National Forest and the sweeping Gros Ventre Mountains (about a 35 min drive from Jackson), this pristine, outdoor ceremony venue is just as awe-inspiring as it is accessible. Only a 5 min hike from the parking lot, The Wedding Tree is perfect for the couple who is bringing along loved ones for the adventure; but wouldn’t be caught dead making them sweat. Exchange vows below the beckoning spruce trees overlooking the Gros Ventre river while the Tetons hold you as you start your life together. All with enough time for a night cap at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar! You’ll catch a theme here in Jackson Hole – but plan & reserve your spot ahead. Dates fly!
Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park is a sacred location for a Wyoming elopement. I’m a big fan of GTNP, because she has a way of taking us where your love is meant to be; whether that’s preserved along the ponds at Schwabacher Landing, lakeside at Colter Bay with Mount Moran as your witness, or somewhere serene off the beaten path. The Park boasts 6 designated destinations to wed below the Tetons all of which require a Special Use Permit (SUP). However, if you’re dreaming of something beyond surface level (max 12 guests – including vendors) like Delta Lake or Leigh Lake, you can apply for a Small Dispersed Ceremony Permit. No matter where your wild vows wander; Grand Teton National Park is vast enough to hold your enduring promise to one another.
Yellowstone National Park
If the two of you long to transcend tradition into daring exploration, look no further than Yellowstone National Park for your elopement. With otherworldly waterfalls, endless mountain meadows and roaming wildlife at every turn; YNP will always bring you back to each other and what matters when you need it most. Like Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone offers up a handful of site specific locations that always deliver, like Lamar Valley (top of my list) and Fishing Bridge; however specific locations that carry meaning can always be applied for. Personally, I live to capture your love in rare places. Not only because it makes for an iconic adventure, but unparalleled, heirloom imagery you’ll geek out over forever.
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
To round out our legendary location list, I’m taking you folks slopeside to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. This pick is for all of you apres freaks and powder lovers. Whether you’re black diamond skiers or just a sucker for a snowy vista and a hot chocolate; Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is an idyllic place for a winter mountain elopement. Ride the gondola up, become newlyweds on the hill overlooking town, and ski down just in time for shared plates at the Four Seasons Jackson Hole (or beers at the Mangy Moose if dives are more your speed!). However you do the thing, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort will not disappoint.
Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Park Wedding Permits and Park Regulations
Just because I’m a loyal Leo doesn’t mean I don’t like to bend the rules every now and again for the shot. However, when it comes to making art and getting weird in the wilds of Wyoming; there’s nothing more important to me than respecting mother nature, leaving the land better than we came, and ensuring we have full permission and guidelines to roam where we please. With that being said, please don’t let the Permit Application process deter you from wild vows in Grand Teton or Yellowstone National Park. With the details, deadlines, and a wide-open spaces wingman as your photographer; you’ll have everything you possibly need to elope alongside the elements:
Permit Types
Reserved Site‑Specific Ceremony Permit
For up to 25–40 people: Available May – October. One wedding per site, per day. These go hot like a slice of Pinky G’s pizza at midnight. Apply early!
Small Dispersed Ceremony Permit
Up to 12 people: Available year-round. More flexible, less restricted, and ideal for adventurous spirits who crave to blend human connection with the last of the American West. Don’t wait to secure your date!
GTNP Elopement Ceremony Application Process:
- Download the special use permit form from the NPS website.
- Fill it out – include your date, location(s), group size, and backup options.
- Email it to grte_spu_permits@nps.gov.
- Pay the $200 application fee via Pay.gov and attach your receipt.
- Once you receive your draft permit, sign and return it within 7 days.
- Carry your finalized permit with you on the big day!
YNP Elopement Ceremony Application Process:
- Applications must be submitted at least 2–4 weeks in advance, though 6+ weeks is ideal.
- The permit fee is $75–$150, depending on your ceremony details.
- Email completed applications to the permit office linked on the Yellowstone NPS page.
Important Extras:
- No exclusive access – all ceremony sites remain open to the public.
- No confetti, arches, chairs, or generators. This is a leave-no-trace love story (keep reading for tips on roaming responsibly and romantically below).
- Permits must be submitted at least 30 days in advance, but the earlier the better.
Pro Tip: Applications for 2025 opened in December 2024 – mark your calendar, set an alarm, and get it in early if you’ve got your heart set on a spot like Mormon Row or Schwabacher Landing in 2026.
Bottom line? When you say yeehaw, I’ll follow with my camera in hand! If you’re down for the ride, so am I.
Roaming Romantically (& Responsibly)
It is a privilege to experience nature this close. & in order for us to continue to fully experience the outdoors for generations to come, we have to give just as much back as we take. Here are some tips for roaming tenderly so the wild lasts as long as your love:
Protect Wildlife
Keep wildlife wild. Admire from a distance, give them space to roam, and never feed them, cuddle them, or put them in your car. They’re not too cold out there – promise.
Stay on Trail
It may be tempting to wander off for a private moment in the wildflowers; but straying from designated trails can cause real, lasting damage to delicate alpine ecosystems. In high-altitude areas like Jackson Hole and the National Parks, the vegetation is slow-growing and fragile. What takes you two seconds to crush underfoot can take decades to recover. Trails exist not to limit your exploration, but to protect the very magic you came here for.
Design With Eco-Friendly Wedding Decor
Who’s going to tell your mother-in-law that no decor piece is going to compete with mother nature? I will take one for the team if I have to! But seriously mates – we’re here to roam in rhythm with the snow-capped Tetons and the sagebrush seas; not outshine them. If you’re dying to incorporate an intentional design piece, I’m here for the creativity – just keep the confetti, faux petals, balloons, and other “extras” at Hobby Lobby.
Pack It In. Pack It Out.
Pack it in and pack it out you silly gooses. Flower stems, champagne corks, tissue packets, snacky wrappers – everything. We don’t want to be those as*holes that left a trace.
The more invisible your ceremony is to the land, the more powerful it becomes. There’s something deeply romantic about treading lightly. About honoring the place that holds your vows by leaving it exactly as you found it. No signs, no mess, no proof but the photographs and memories etched between you and the mountains. That’s the kind of magic that prevails.
When to Elope in Wyoming
You know mother nature is unpredictable… & then there’s Wyoming. Wyoming weather is just about as chaotic and spontaneous as a money dance at a reception – just without the ego or blank stares. It’s known to rain while the sun is shining, snow in June, and give us all four seasons in 8 hours. However, with over 10 years of experience shooting intimate weddings in Wyoming, I’ll say that a storm is 9/10 quick to pass, the sun always has a way of coming out from the clouds for a love story, and the wind adds just the right editorial movement to your sunset portraits.
Here’s more insight into the Wyoming seasons and what to expect:
Spring (Late April–June)
Spring is the shortest season in Wyoming. & I won’t lie to you that sometimes it feels non-existent between the late season snowstorms and delayed blooming. Locals in Jackson Hole call spring “mud season” or “shoulder season”, because it can be just that. The snow is melting off the ski hills yet the trails are too muddy to flock to. If you’re thinking of getting married in Jackson or the Parks in the spring, you may find some deals on hotels and venues because town is not as busy which is a bonus. Yet because it’s a bit sleepier, be warned that a handful of restaurants do close their doors for a few weeks in the spring so locals can go on vacation and have a freakin’ moment before summer settles into the valley.
Summer (June–Early September)
Summer is Jackson’s busiest season for a reason, she’s a knockout. The area is incredibly accessible, the landscapes are alive, and town is a vibe. Because Jackson Hole is a mountain town with an elevation of 6,237’ the days are hot (80s average), and the nights are perfect – maybe even just cool enough for a denim jacket. Summer in Jackson Hole is a slice of Heaven. But know the secret is out on this place, and it’s busy busy with road trippers, Park tourists, and other madly in love folks. Book ahead. Book ahead. Book ahead.
Fall (Mid-September–Mid-October)
Although fall is also fleeting in the Tetons, it’s gorgeous. Golden hues paint the horizons, the mountainsides catch the falling leaves, and an autumn brisk brings a cozy vibe to Jackson Hole that is captivating. I may be biased, but fall is my favorite time to discover the depths of nature with laid-back lovers – camera in hand.
Surprise surprise fall in Wyoming can be unpredictable. Most years the peak fall season (ahemm… colors) shows up in mid-late September. Some years summer decided to linger a bit longer – pushing fall out to early October. However, in true fashion it can also snow in October in Northwestern Wyoming. If you’re set on a fall elopement, I recommend planning for mid/late September. But pack layers & boots in your bag – just in case! Flipping through the Farmer’s Almanac isn’t a horrible idea for more accuracy!
Winter (Late October–April)
There’s nothing more authentically Wyoming than a winter elopement in Jackson. From Jackson Hole Town Square dusted in sparkling snow and twinkling lights wrapped around elk antler archways to western ski culture alive on the hill; there’s something so wildly enchanting about preserving your forever in the frost. Not to mention, the photographs are always mesmerizing! If you’re someone who has always dreamed of a winter elopement, don’t let the weather wreck your vision. With a local as your photographer, we can navigate any narrative; whether that’s winter travel, snowfall, or a packing list. Together we can curate an experience that is just as relaxing as unforgettable!
While planning a Jackson Hole elopement, no matter the season, I recommend going in with an open mind and an adventurous spirit. Trusting that the land will provide, your love will endure, and your photographer will direct you through no matter what shows up.
Accommodations, Lodging, & a Wild Place to Tuck in Below the Stars
Whether you’re checking into luxury with your loved ones, cozying up at a cabin in the woods, or closing your eyes to a night sky full of stars; I’ve got just the place for you. Here are some of my favorite home-away-from-home accommodations in Jackson, Wyoming and along the outskirts:
Camping
For the romantics who dare to be fully immersed in the wilds of Wyoming or are traveling by Sprinter van, the camping in the Tetons is unparalleled. Pitch a tent on BLM land with free dispersed camping or reserve a camping site in Grand Teton National Park or Yellowstone in advance. If you and your honey are planning on camping, know that this is bear country. Do your research before you go & keep the bear spray close.
Teton Village
Right at the base of the mountain, Teton Village is your go-to for ski-in, ski-out, apres’ all day stays… with a side of serene spas and one pinkies up culinary community. Only a 20 min drive from downtown, Teton Village fuses luxury with legendary. P.S. keep an eye out for a Moose crossing!
Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole
Four Seasons for obvious reasons. No couple or family has had a bad experience here! FSJH boasts slope-side hot tubs, a full-service spa, and a speakeasy-style lounge overlooking the Tetons. Whether you’re cozying up by the grand fireplace or heading out for the first chair, it blends opulence with a genuine Western spirit – perfect for couples wanting adventure and elegance intertwined.
Teton Mountain Lodge
Teton Mountain Lodge blends rustic mountain charm with upscale comfort, sitting just steps from the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. With cozy fireplaces, a rooftop hot tub, and sweeping views of the Tetons, it’s a perfect stay for couples who want adventure out the front door and luxury waiting when they return.
Town Square
The energy in Town Square is palpable. Just steps away from art galleries, local watering holes, and the tried and true of Jackson; you and yours will be fully immersed in the spirit of the West.
Cloudveil
Cloudveil is a sleek boutique hotel right on Jackson Hole’s Town Square, blending Western artistry with chic, modern design. If her looks and location aren’t enough to win you over; don’t miss the 5,000 sq ft rooftop terrace featuring a retractable canopy, fire pits, and sweeping mountain and town views. All tailor-made for summer rehearsal dinners and intimate al fresco receptions.
The Rusty Parrot Lodge & Spa
The Rusty Parrot is a boutique, Western-inspired retreat just a jaunt from Jackson Hole Town Square. Reimagined in 2024 but rooted in family-led hospitality, The Parrot blends rustic charm with modern luxury – think cozy fireplaces, soaking tubs, and personal balconies overlooking the valley. With an award-winning Wild Sage restaurant, a soothing Body Sage spa, rooftop lounge, and spirited concierge service ideal for adventure-loving couples. Good luck not extending your stay.
Close to the Parks Stays
If you want to wake up just minutes from where you’ll exchange your vows; these lodging options on the outskirts are worth writing home about:
Lost Creek Ranch & Spa
Let this upscale ranch, set between the Snake River and the Tetons, transport you to a dream-like state with horseback rides by day and spa treatments by night. Lost Creek Ranch & Spa delivers soul-stirring views and a sense of stillness that hits different.
Teton Cabins
Nestled just outside Grand Teton National Park, on Diamond Cross Ranch, these cozy, cowboy-inspired log cabins are perfect for couples craving quiet mornings, coffee on the porch, and that “just us” feeling. It’s unfussy, authentic, and surrounded by the kind of scenery and heritage that brings true presence.
Luxury Stays
Bring the luxe without losing the unruly. Here are some luxury stays to add to the top of your list:
Snake River Ranch Lodge
Tucked in a quiet valley just outside of town, this intimate lodge offers privacy, sweeping views, and that “we’ve got the West to ourselves” vibe. Perfect for couples who want to stay close to the giddy up but still feel off-the-grid in all the glamorous ways.
Amangani
It’s not AI, it’s Amangani. With floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the Tetons like art, a world-class spa, and a staff that anticipates your needs before you even speak them; Amangani is it. It’s refined, remote, and White Lotus worthy.
Group Lodging
If your elopement weekend has turned into a party, this one’s for you:
Bentwood Inn
A historic log lodge with cozy fireplaces, big breakfasts, and the kind of charm you wish you could bottle up. Whether you’re getting ready with your people, playing cards by the fire, or sneaking off for a quiet moment, Bentwood feels just as warm as wildly romantic. Like a summer sleepover but better.
Whether it’s luxe, laid-back, or somewhere remote in between, choose a stay that feels like you two.
Must-Do Jackson Hole Experiences
Back to breaking the rules and saying “I Do!” however you please… the coolest part about eloping to the ends of the earth is it’s so much more than blacking out and crunching 120 events into 4 hours before the venue turns off the lights. This is your elopement, you depict the timeline, and this should be an experience of your own making!
In-between vows, rest, and kickin’ up dust; here’s some bucket-list experiences that deserve a spot on your elopement weekend itinerary:
Dornan’s
Flying into Jackson? Make Dornan’s your first stop. Trust me. There’s no better place to welcome you to the Tetons. Clink glasses, share some lunch, and breathe in the sacredness of your surroundings.
National Elk Refuge
Do not sleep on the National Elk Refuge in the winter when thousands of elk migrate to the valley and crowd the sanctuary. The best way to take it in? A horse-drawn sleigh ride out onto the snowy plains, surrounded by massive elk herds and framed by the grandeur of the Tetons. Let the Refuge Guides (real Wyoming cowboys) share how the refuge protects this iconic elk population, their ancient migrations, and the wider ecosystem – all while you cozy up under a Pendleton with a hot toddy in hand.
Granite Hot Springs
Granite Hot Springs is a dreamy elopement add-on that blends rugged adventure with romantic retreat. Nestled in the Gros Ventre Mountains and surrounded by endless alpine forests, this geothermal pool invites you to trade hiking boots for steamy waters – whether you’re soaking under a summer sky or watching snowflakes melt on shared skin in winter. Granite Hot Springs is only accessible by car in warmer months (May to October). However, in winter you’ll travel via snowmobile, dog sled, or cross-country ski – making the journey the whole point. Pack towels, bring cash (it’s country), and don’t forget your swimsuit… unless skinny-dipping is your style.
Jackson Hole Playhouse
Jackson Hole Playhouse is the oldest building in town, and, when you step inside, you feel it – the creak of the floorboards, the history in the beams, the stories that have lived here for over a century. What was once a blacksmith shop now hosts Western-themed musicals and heartfelt performances that bring the spirit of the Old West to life. It’s a cozy, one-of-a-kind experience perfect for a date night during your elopement weekend. Grab your tickets in advance (especially in summer), and opt for the dinner + show package if you want a truly memorable evening of good food, warm hospitality, and a bit of Jackson history woven into every scene.
Million Dollar Cowboy Bar
Call it a tourist attraction if you wish, but the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar is a right of passage in Jackson. If you’re the newlywed kind who never turns down a nightcap (& longs to capture it too); this is your watering hole. Let the iconic neon bucking bronc sign lure you in on Town Square before every bit of the Cowboy Bar pulsates through your veins; from live country sounds to the swing dancing crowds. Belly up on a saddle bar seat, sip on bourbon, and reminisce on the day as cowboy culture comes alive out West.
There is only one way to elope and experience Jackson – fully. Let this place become a part of you forever; from the way you worship creation and tip your hat to how you love each other uninterrupted.
Getting to Jackson Hole
Flying
The Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) is the closest and most scenic way in – just 10–15 minutes from town and nestled right in Grand Teton National Park. Some couples fly into Bozeman, MT or Salt Lake City, UT to save cash money and high tail it in with a killer playlist on.
Driving
No matter which direction you’re coming from, the drive into Jackson Hole is unreal – majestic peaks, wild valleys, and that slow, quiet build toward something unforgettable. In summer it’s always feet on the dash & fingertips in the wind while watching for wildlife on the road. But in winter? It’s not just beautiful, it’s real. Roads can get icy and snow-packed fast. Check the weather, pack extra layers, and rent a vehicle with 4WD and/or snow tires if you’re not already in one. Keep an eye on road closures and avalanche advisories, especially over mountain passes. Wyoming doesn’t mess around, but, when you’re prepared, the journey becomes part of the memory.
However you arrive – plane, car, or horse – the Tetons will be waiting. And the second you see them? You’ll know you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.
Sample Elopement Weekend Itinerary
Here’s a little somethin’ somethin’ to inspire your elopement weekend itinerary. However, know that with me as your elopement photographer, we will curate a custom experience that aligns with your vision, wants, needs and the time of year!
Thursday
- Arrive in Jackson
- Lunch at Dornan’s
- Check into your hotel
- Stroll & shop Town Square
Friday
- Brunch at Cafe Genevieve
- Paddleboard at String or Leigh Lake
- Post adventure brews at Roadhouse
- Dinner at Snake River Grill
- Early night before the big day
Saturday
- Coffee + breakey from Persephone
- Optional early riser short hike
- Spa time (facial, lymphatic drainage massage) or a nap (I see you!)
- Get ready/ H&MU
- 6PM Ceremony
- 7:30PM Golden Hour photos
- Dinner at The Local
- Nightcap & newlywed photos at Million Dollar Cowboy Bar
Sunday
- Brunch at The Bunnery
- Soak at Granite Hot Springs
- Goodbyes + slow drives out
Vendors You’ll Love
Beauty
Decor
Planning & Design
Floral
- Plush Floral (ask for Joni!)
- Albertsons for budget blooms
Rehearsal Dinners
Local Hacks from Benji
- Throw a subtle bunny ear wave from your steering wheel while passing another vehicle on the highway. If they wave back, you’re out with the locals (& nearly one of us!).
- Somehow there is this unwritten rule that every ceremony needs to start at 4pm when the light is harsh, the sun is relentless, and your guests are on the verge of a heatstroke. No, we don’t. This is your adventure & we you can get hitched at 5am for all I care… BUT I’m a big fan of an early evening ceremony that effortlessly falls into sunset photos – while still giving us enough time to go slow and be present in the little things.
- Cell service is spotty in the parks. Download your maps, screenshots of permits, and any vows you don’t want to forget.
- Cowboy hat etiquette: place your hat upside down, resting it on the crown (the top part) with the brim facing up. This not only protects the shape of the brim and allows the hat to air out properly; but your reputation amongst the local folks.
- Grocery store florals can surprise you. Albertsons in Jackson has shockingly solid blooms if you’re doing a DIY bouquet or last-minute boutonnière.
- Pack layers, snacks & water. Always.
- Tip locally. This is how many local folks make a living.
- Pastries from Persephone.
- Let the day unfold. Some of the best moments happen off-script.
Let’s Fly
If Jackson is calling your love out West, I want to be the Wyoming elopement photographer to take you there – belly laughing, close to snacks, and into the wild where your love comes alive as it’s meant to.
Know that, here at Ben Winckler Photography, we transcend tradition into daring exploration for the sake of real love. My all-consuming experiences lift the veil that keeps human connection from the wildest places on Earth. Because, I’ve witnessed the beauty that’s born when we surrender to the people and places that allow us to fully be ourselves without interruption.& I want that same kind of genuine devotion to always bring you back to one another; no matter where the great unknown leads you together in this lifetime.
If this guide stirred something in you (or felt like the kind of experience you’ve been searching for), reach out through my contact page or email at ben@benwinckler.com. More than happy to chat through logistics, answer any questions you may have or put together a package for you!
