How to Plan a Grand Teton Elopement (Updated for 2025)
Crested Butte is one of my favorite gems in the state of Colorado. It has rolling green hills, a quaint little mining town, and tons and TONS of wildflowers. I grew up visiting Crested Butte ever since I was a little kid, and since then, it’s gotten far more expensive and more well-known to outsiders, but the wilderness of the area is still just as pristine and magical to be in now as it was when I was a kid. I love nothing more than to show my couples my favorite places all around the state, so I made this guide that has everything you need to know about having your Crested Butte elopement from where to elope and where to stay.
Table of Contents
Elopement locations in Grand Teton National Park
Wedding venues in the Tetons
Hiking trails in Grand Teton National Park
Elopement photo locations in the Tetons that don’t require a hike
Why Elope in the Grand Tetons?
Stunning Views
The Tetons are tall, pointy, jagged peaks that are an iconic site that tower over the valley. The Tetons are some of the most beautiful mountains in the country and it’s hard to find a spot in the valley with a bad view. You can stay down near the main road, sit next to an alpine lake, or hike to a view higher in elevation and you’re going to have picture perfect scene laid out before you.
Beautiful Accommodations
Crested Butte has tons of little cabins and cottages in town with a storybook look to them. Every business and house in town has hanging baskets of flowers, and the businesses in town are painted pastel candy colored. Crested Butte used to be a mining town, so every house is in the style of mining huts, and the historical society has very strict requirements as to how buildings can be built. Staying up on the mountain is a bit cheaper in the summer, but I still recommend getting a cute little rental in town instead.
Wildlife
It’s hard to drive through the Grand Tetons and not see some sort of wildlife. It’s pretty common to catch Bison, Elk, Antelope, or even Moose on a typical day. If you’re lucky, you might be able to catch a black bear, Grizzley bear or even wolves, so be sure to carry bear spray with you anywhere you go!
Best Time Of Year To Elope In the Tetons
Summer: June-August
Summer is warm, there’s wildflowers all over the valley, the alpine lakes have thawed, and all manner of wildlife can be seen around the park. This is the best time of year for hiking and has the most accessibility on trails and roads to access different scenic areas for photos. Summer is also high season, however, so that means this time of year prices of accommodation is high, and there’s more crowds of tourists.
Fall: September-early October
Fall in the Tetons is a great time to visit, because everything is still still open through early fall, but crowds have gone down from the summer tourist high season. Prices for accommodation are lower, there are less people around, but the weather can be chillier, and there’s always a possibility of early snow, so bundle up! The Tetons look stunning when the colors change, and if you want to catch the leaves at their peak, aim for the end of September or the first week of October.
Winter: November-March
Winter is a popular time in the Grand Tetons, because it’s ski season. Jackson Hole has 2 different ski resorts where you can ski or snowboard, or if you want a different winter activity, you can always snowshoe, snowmobile, or soak in some hot springs. Accommodations can be pricey this time of year, especially on the ski mountains, but the National Park is much more quiet this time of year, and you’ll likely be alone out in nature.
Spring: March-May
Honestly, I wouldn’t recommend eloping in the Grand Tetons in spring. Skiing is closed, accessibility to trails and roads are still closed, businesses close for the season, and everything is dead and muddy. The weather is unpredictable, and it can still blizzard late into spring. This is the least crowded time to elope in the Tetons, but it’s because there’s very little to do and very little to see.
Elopement Activities in the Tetons
Hiking
The hiking in the Grand Tetons is difficult, but so worth it. You can hike to expansive views, tall peaks, or hidden alpine lakes with such beautiful views along the way.
Shop for Cowboy Getup
Jackson Hole is no longer the home to many real cowboys, but you can still find plenty of flannels, boots, and hats to fit the part. Stop by Encounter Hat Co if you want to make a custom Cowboy hat to commemorate your day.
Hot Springs
Jackson Hole is close to the volcanic hotspot of Yellowstone, which means there’s lots of hot springs around. Stop by Astoria Hot Springs if you want to soak in a developed spring, or hunt down some secret natural hot springs where you can soak completely alone!
Elopement Locations in the Tetons
The best wedding venues in the Tetons for a micro wedding or elopement:
Designated ceremony locations in Grand Teton National Park
Colter Bay Swim Beach- 40 people
Mormon Row (north)- 40 people
Mormon Row (south)- 25 people
Schwabacher Landing- 25 people
Mountain View Turnout- 25 people
Glacier View Turnout- 25 people
Snake River Overlook- 25 people
The Wedding Tree- 12 people
Private Dining for your Grand Teton elopement
How to Elope in Grand Teton National Park
For more detailed information and the application fee, check out the NPS site here.
Step 1: Look over ceremony site options
You can either apply for a site specific permit (25-40 people, including any vendors) or a dispersed ceremony permit (12 people or less, including vendors). Permits for specific designated sites sell out fast, so apply as soon as you can for those. For dispersed sites, you’ll have to send a detailed description of the site along with coordinates and a satellite image of the area.
Step 2: Apply for a permit
You must apply for an application at least 30 days before your wedding date. Applications open in December for the following year. You can download the application here. Be sure to include your names, the date, location, start time, whether you’re applying for a designated site or a dispersed site, how many people will be attending (including vendors) and how many vehicles. Lastly, Indicate where you’d like to get married if your preferred site isn’t available. You can submit your application to grte_spu_permits@nps.gov
Step 3: Pay the fee
You must submit a nonrefundable retainer of $200 with your application. You can pay the fee here.
Step 4: Sign permit draft
You will receive a preliminary permit for you to review
Step 5: Print permit
You will need a printed version of the permit to keep with you on your wedding day.
Step 6: Elope
Bring your permit with you and enjoy your day! Remember you can only reserve your permit location for 1 hour, and your site is not exclusively reserved for you and your party- anyone can walk up and around your ceremony.
Elopement Accommodations In the Tetons
Need a Grand Teton National Park Elopement Photographer?
I’ve been camping, backpacking, and hiking all over the Grand Tetons, and I know the area like the back of my hand at this point. I love showing my couples all my favorite spots where they can say their vows and explore without anyone else around. If you want someone to help you plan your day, reach out and we can schedule a time to chat!
