Choosing an elopement location is quite the task. After all, the world is at your fingertips! But if you are looking for a place that is just for you two and your elopement, consider choosing somewhere you have never been before. This is what brought Leah and David to the Grand Tetons for their Mountain View Turnout Elopement! Check out how their big day turned into a guided tour of landscapes and historic sites.
Leah & David
The Grand Tetons is perfect for outdoorsy and adventurous couples, which is exactly what Leah and David have going for them! From hiking and fishing to farming and horseback riding. Leah and David’s interests align perfectly with Wyoming’s culture. So they packed up for a get away to the mountains from Florida for their intimate elopement!
Mountain View Turnout Elopement
Before their elopement, David and Leah had never been to the Tetons or Jackson Hole. Which is actually one of the reasons they chose this destination. They wanted a very special place just for them with no other memories tied to it. Just the natural beauty of the area and their love for each other.
The Lodge At Jackson Hole
We started the day at The Lodge at Jackson Hole. This is a nice Western hotel with cozy, warm vibes. Leah and David chose to get ready in separate rooms and to have a proper first look in the Tetons before their elopement ceremony. Each room was filled with a few friends and family members to help the couple get ready.
One of my favorite features of Leah’s room was the large floor-to-ceiling window. It brought in the morning light and offered a beautiful display of pine trees. This was the perfect contrast to the warm hues and Western touches within the room while staying true to the essence of Wyoming.
Meaningful Momentos
It is typical for couples not to have everyone they love at their elopement; ultimately, it is a more intimate occasion. However, Leah wasn’t able to have her mom there, not by choice, but by circumstance. Leah’s mom had passed away when she was young, and as a way to include her in her wedding day she wore her veil. In addition, she had a picture frame charm on her bouquet in honor of her mom. She also had a special tag sewn into her dress by her grandmother. Each of these meaningful touches added more character to her wedding and personalized her experience. Special touches like these are small details that create timeless memories.
Mountain View Turnout Ceremony
Grand Teton is a gem of a National Park! With so many locations to choose from it can be hard to decide where to have your ceremony. But Leah and David wanted a clear view of the Tetons, an easy-to-access location, and, of course, an intimate spot for their ceremony. So we went with Mountain View Turnout.
When we got to the National Park for the ceremony, everyone gathered at Mountain View Turnout while Leah hung back and her dad waited to have a first look with his daughter. Planning a first look with a parent or other special guest is such a sweet moment to add to your timeline, and I am so glad Leah did! After a tender first look with her dad Leah walked through the Wyoming sagebrush to her ceremony.
The last thing David and Leah wanted was to be the center of attention. The thought of reading vows in front of everyone was the furthest thing they wanted to do! Luckily, they had their friend Nick perform the ceremony, who broke the ice easily, had fun, and made this moment so special. There were lots of laughs and tears. It was beautiful!
Mountain View Turnout Elopement
After the ceremony, we celebrated with a toast and deli sandwiches. It was perfectly informal and very much the couple’s style! Once the mini-celebration died down, I got a very special opportunity. Actually, it’s one of my favorite things to do for my couples.
I have been a Jackson Hole wedding photographer for over a decade, and have been working in the area for even longer. I know the Tetons like the back of my hand! So when I got to give Leah, David, and their group a tour of the different landscapes, historic sites and one of my favorite lakes. I was thrilled! I love touring my couples through the Tetons and sharing everything I know, especially to first time visitors.
Cowboy Bar After Party
After the sunset photo session, the whole crew made their way to the iconic Cowboy Bar for drinks and first dances. The live music is always the best here, so when the band played special requested songs for Leah and David, it was amazing. There was a fun dance with her dad, some celebrating with her friends on the dancefloor, and a sweet moment with the couple as they danced for the first time as husband and wife. The perfect day!
When David proposed to Leah, he said, “I don’t want to leave you,” right before getting on one knee. It was such an honor to see them become one in marriage, being united forever.
Ready to plan your Grand Teton elopement? Let’s get started!
