Grand Teton National Park Proposal

As a Jackson Hole wedding photographer I have made my way around the Tetons and know the area pretty well. So when I was asked to act the part of a tourist to capture a surprise proposal I was over the moon with excitement! Planning a Grand Teton National Park proposal is always an adventure, but Robin and Cori’s was one for the books!

blacka nd white engagement photo of cowboy and his bride in the Grand Tetons as they lean into one another to kiss

Robin & Cori

This past year has been a rollercoaster for everyone, but especially Cori who had been traveling outside of the country for her work at a financial firm. So when she and Robin decided that they wanted to take a trip together, Robin knew that this would be the perfect opportunity to have a surprise proposal!

Robin and Cori met in high school and have been through a lot of life together. For this trip they decided that they wanted to adventure outside of Florida, but stay inside of the States. A friend mentioned The Grand Tetons and raved about the beauty of the area, as well as all the activities in the area. So the couple decided that was where they would travel together. And Robin began planning their Grand Teton National Park proposal!

surprise proposal at Jackson Hole with man in a blue button down shirt is on one knee proposing with a lake and the mountains behind them

Planning Your Grand Teton National Park Proposal

When planning a surprise destination proposal you really have to think out the little details. And since Robin reached out to me a few months before their trip to the Tetons I was able to help him plan out all the little details! Neither Cori or Robin had been to the Grand Tetons before, so I helped with locations and how to make sure this would be a complete surprise for Cori!

moody engagement photos in Jackson Hol with man and woman holding hands as they walk together through a meadow in the Grand Tetons on a hazy day

Location

Location is everything! And when you are working with a National Park, you really want to choose a meeting spot that is easy to find and identify. For this reason we chose to meet at Schwabacher Landing! I was there when Robin and Cori arrived, acting like a tourist taking pictures of the landscape. And Cori was wandering around completely confused!

romantic western engagement photo outfits with man in a button down and cowboy hat and woman in a blue gown standing on a wood bridge in Jackson Hole kissing one another with the Grand Tetons behind them

How to Be Photo Ready When It’s A Surprise

Robin had told Cori that he was taking her to a really nice dinner in the Tetons. This prompted Cori dress up, do her makeup and be photo ready! Most people do not get all gussied up to hike in the Tetons, but nobody wants to look like they had been hiking when they have a photoshoot right after! For this Grand Teton National Park proposal Robin had to trick Cori into getting dressed up, and then bring her to our meeting spot.

When they arrive at Schwabacher Landing Cori told Robin that she didn’t think the restaurant was near. She was completely confused as to why Robin would try a lead her down to this river when there were no buildings in sight. She even suggested that they ask me for directions!

Jackson Hole engagement photos with man and woman sitting on a fallen tree with the water behind them looking into each others eyes romantically and smiling

Hiding The Ring & Props

One of the trickiest parts of having a Grand Teton National Park proposal be a surprise is hiding the ring! Robin did such a great job at hiding the ring and other props he brought. He hid the ring in their rental car, near the spare tire during their trip. As well as buying their letter board prop during the trip and saying that it would be a souvenir for his sisters.

man and woman dancing together for their Jackson Hole engagement photos as they holds hands in teh woods in the Grand Tetons and kiss romantically

detail shot of an engagement ring in Jackson Hole Wyoming

Grand Teton Engagement Photos

After capturing their proposal at Schwabaker Landing, I revealed that I was their Grand Teton engagement photographer! We took some more photos there, and moved on to a few different locations to get a variety of backdrops.

We went out to String Lake and then Mormon Row. These locations are close enough that they are easy to travel between, but each give a totally different atmosphere. When having Grand Teton National Park proposal that turns into an engagement session, it help to find locations that are close together, but are very different.

National Park engagement photos with man and woman looking out onto the lake as they hold each other and look at the Grand Tetons

National Park proposal in the Tetons with a woman in a blue dress holding hands with her fiance next to a stream and the Grand Tetons behind them

National Park proposal with mand nad woman holding hands and laughing at Mormon Row in the Tetons captured by best Jackson Hole wedding photographers

Capturing Cori and Robin Grand Teton National Park proposal was absolutely dreamy! I loved getting to know them and exploring around the Tetons. Are you thinking about having a destination proposal? Let’s chat and I will help you plan all the details, and capture the moment too!