Let’s be real. The entire reason you are wanting to elope is so that you can skip out on all the stress and planning. But unfortunately, eloping still requires some planning. Especially if you can traveling to an elopement destination. As your Jackson Hole photographer I don’t want your Grand Teton elopement planning to be stressful! You deserve the ease that is promised with an elopement. Even if you are traveling for it. This guide is design to take the stress out of planning. While outlining exactly what you need to do to get married in the Tetons!
Travel Plans
First thing first! Choose your travel dates and book your lodging. Keep in mind that you will both need to appear in person with ID to purchase your marriage license. This will be at the Teton County building which is opened during regualar 9-5 business hours and closed on holidays. I suggest planning to do this at least one day prior to your wedding date and contact their office to make an appointment so you are sure they will be open. Their number is 307-733-4430 and detailed marriage license information can be found on their website HERE. Ask about suggested lodging
Your Grand Teton Elopement
Next, you want to decide how you want your big day look. If you are unsure where to start, THESE questions will give you ideas to discuss and help you create the perfect celebration of your marriage. Sit down with you fiance and discuss them.
Grand Teton Elopement Planning
Now we get to start planning! I will reach out to get you on my scheduled for this. Together we will create a timeline of your day so all your events flow and we are able to take advantage of the best lighting for photos. This step is crucial as it will keep both parties aligned in the plans for the day, as well as make sure all of your wishes for your elopement are met.
Ceremony Location Permit
You will want to wait until after our planning session to apply for this permit since we will be deciding the best location and time for your ceremony during that meeting. You will be choosing a 2hr time slot for your ceremony which is a good amount of time for your ceremony and photos. In most cases you will only need one permit for the ceremony location and not for additional locations where we will just be taking photos. (Refer to my location guide for all your options). Based on where you want to hold your ceremony will determine who you contact to get your permit.
For Grand Teton National Park Permits Submit an application.
For the Wedding Tree contact Bridger-Teton National Forest Submit an application.
Find An Officiant & Witnesses
Let’s make this thing official! You can’t get married without an officiant, so you will need to find one! I suggest contacting a few and finding the best fit. You can also have one of your friends or family members officiate, this can be a really special thing to add to your ceremony! Just contact Teton County to make sure you get all the correct paperwork and info needed. Here are a few that I love working with:
(*Spanish Ceremonies Available)
*Brian Bultema
(Minister – Christian Themed Weddings)
bbultema55@gmail.com
307-699-4281
Melissa Croswhite
(Minister – Native Influence)
timberlineweddings@gmail.com
303-514-6565
T. Hamish Tear
(Officiant – Secular Weddings)
officiantjh@gmail.com
307-413-2789
*Cindy Dahlin
(Civil or Christian Ceremonies)
cindydahlin2000@gmail.com
307-690-5018
Eleanor Schoenhals
(Minister)
jha@silverstar.com
307-690-1284
Anna Franceschi
(Minister Universal Life – Pagan/Same Sex)
driftingbutterfly@gmail.com
307-880-0773
Joann McGregor
(Minister Non-Denominational)
jmcgregor83422@gmail.com
315-532-0017
Colleen M. Crook
(Universal Ministries – Non-Denominational)
colleen.crook@gmail.com
307-231-4636
In addition to your officiant, you will need two witnesses. This is something that your officiant will make sure you have as it is mandatory for the state of Wyoming. If you don’t have anyone traveling with you (no worries, this is common), I can be one of your witnesses and your officiant can bring someone along for another witness.
Vendors
Every elopement is different depending on the couples vision. SO I can’t tell you what additional vendors you will need. But, as a Jackson Hole photographer I can give you my recommendations based on experience. Here are a few of my favorites:
HAIR & MAKEUP
Athena, Tanya Crocker , Autym
FLORISTS
Historia Florals, Chloe,
JH Flower Boutique, Briar Rose
CAKES & DESSERTS
Lady In The Wild West, Buttercream,
Persephone Bakery, Albertson’s Bakery – (307) 733-5950
CHURCHES
Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church
307-733-2516
Saint John’s Episcopal
307-733-2603
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
307-733-6337
Church in the Tetons
208-270-7507
First Baptist Church
307-733-3706
United Methodist Church
307-413-9224
Presbyterian Church
307-733-6337
You deserve to plan with ease! And as a local to the area, i am more than happy to help with your Grand Teton elopement planning! Reach out if you need any help! Happy Planning!
