How to Elope in Grand Teton National Park

Elopements, Grand Teton National Park

April 25, 2025

Getting married in any national park requires jumping through a few hoops but it is so worth it! Grand Teton National Park has incredible views and can be the perfect place for your elopement. It’s important that you understand and follow the rules put in place by the National Park Service, not only to protect yourself and your guests, but also to protect the park and its land. If you are planning to elope in Grand Teton National park, you need to know what the rules and regulations are and what locations you can actually use for your ceremony.

How do I Elope in Grand Teton National Park?

First of all, you have to apply for a special use permit for your ceremony date and desired location. Application submissions open on a specific date and time each year. For 2025 elopements and weddings, application submissions opened on December 16th, 2024 at 8 am MST. The opening date for 2026 Grand Teton National Park Special Use Permits for Weddings and Commencement Ceremonies will be announced in November 2025.

There are 2 different types of special use permits for weddings and commencement ceremonies in Grand Teton National Park and each type has specific dates that they can be issued for. Make sure you are applying for the right type of special use permit.

“Reserved Site-Specific Ceremony Permits” – Issued May 16th, 2025 thru October 13th, 2025
“Small Dispersed Ceremony Permit” – Issued January 1st, 2025 thru December 31st, 2025.

Applications must be submitted a minimum of 30 days before the ceremony date with a non-refundable $200 application fee.

Things you need to know before applying for your special use permit to elope in Grand Teton National Park –

ALL locations are outdoors and do not provide protection from the weather.
The use of decorations, tables, chairs, signs, etc. is either prohibited or restricted depending on the location.
Most locations do not have restrooms near the ceremony site.
Locations remain open to the public during the ceremony/event.
Access to parking may be limited and parking spots cannot be reserved.
Group size is restricted based on the location and permit type.
The application cannot be submitted by a third-party. It must be submitted by one of the people getting married.
Photos and videos can be taken during the ceremony/event per the permit conditions.
Before submitting your application, check for marriage license rules and regulations at Marriage Licenses | Teton County, WY (tetoncountywy.gov)
The park limits permits issued to 1 ceremony per day per location.

What locations in Grand Teton National Park can I use for my ceremony?

For “Reserves Site-Specific Ceremony Permits” there are 6 locations you can apply for.

Colter Bay Swim Beach
- group size is limited to 40 people
Schwabacher Landing
- group size is limited to 24 people
North or South Mormon Row
- North – group size is limited to 40 people
- South – group size is limited to 25 people
Mountain View Turnout
- group size is limited to 25 people
Glacier View Turnout
- group size is limited to 25 people
Snake River Overlook
- group size is limited to 25 people

For “Small Dispersed Ceremony Permits” you can apply to any location in the park except:

During defined permit dates for Reserved Site-Specific Ceremony Locations
Reserved Site-Specific Locations during May 16th, 2025 – October 13th, 2025
Paved trails at/near Jenny Lake Visitor Plaza at South Jenny Lake, Jenny Lake Trail, and Jenny Lake Overlook
Hidden Falls
Inspiration Point
String Lake developed area and trail
Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve
Concessioner land assignments
Park partner facilities
Near places where weddings are being managed by a chapel or concessioner
Park cemeteries
If the location is behind a gate you may only have walking access
Areas where there’s high visitation during the requested period
Areas where there’s a potential for resource damage during the requested period