Grand Teton Wedding Permits: Locations, Guest Limits & How to Apply
Planning a wedding or elopement in Grand Teton National Park? Before choosing your ceremony location, there are a few important things to know about permits, guest limits, application fees, and the rules that apply to each site.
The park offers several designated ceremony locations, each with its own group-size limits and seasonal considerations. Smaller ceremonies may also qualify for a dispersed ceremony permit, which allows couples to request other eligible areas of the park.
The application process can be a little confusing, and popular locations have limited availability. This guide breaks down the options so you can compare locations, understand the restrictions, and find the official application information you need.
And remember: your wedding doesn't have to look a certain way to be beautiful. Whether you're planning an intimate winter elopement or a summer ceremony with your favorite people, there are different ways to make your vision work.
Schwabacher Landing
Maximum group size: 25 people
A quiet riverside setting known for its beautiful reflections of the Teton Range. One of your favorite locations for an intimate elopement.
Mormon Row
North & South
North: 40 people · South: 25 people
Historic barns, wide-open fields, and an unmistakably Wyoming backdrop. The two sites have different guest limits, and seasonal access and construction closures can affect availability.
Official NPS Mormon Row Ceremony Information
Snake River Overlook
Maximum group size: 25 people
An iconic panoramic view of the Snake River winding through the landscape beneath the Tetons, made famous by photographer Ansel Adams.
Glacier View Turnout
Maximum group size: 25 people
A scenic turnout with expansive views of the Teton peaks and surrounding landscape. A convenient option for couples who want dramatic mountain scenery without a backcountry hike.
Colter Bay Swim Beach
Maximum group size: 40 people
A lakeside setting with expansive views across Jackson Lake toward Mount Moran. A beautiful option for couples drawn to the water and dramatic mountain scenery.
Official NPS Colter Bay Ceremony Information
Mountain View Turnout
Maximum group size: 25 people
Sweeping views of the Teton Range make this a striking option without requiring a long hike during the regular access season. Seasonal road closures and sensitive vegetation are important considerations.
Other popular wedding venues in the Jackson Hole area
Not every beautiful wedding location requires a Grand Teton National Park site-specific permit. Some venues operate under their own arrangements.
Chapel of the Sacred Heart
A chapel near Jackson Lake for couples who prefer a traditional ceremony in a scenic setting.
Jackson Lake Lodge
A lodge venue with panoramic mountain views and potential terrace or lawn ceremony settings. Contact the lodge directly about availability, pricing, and venue requirements.
Chapel of Transfiguration
A historic chapel inside the park, offering a traditional ceremony setting with mountain views.
The Wedding Tree
A popular outdoor location in Bridger-Teton National Forest, outside Grand Teton National Park. Contact the managing forest agency about applicable authorization and restrictions.
Wedding Tree Reservations
Small Dispersed Ceremony Permits
Planning a ceremony with 12 people or fewer? You may have another option.
A small dispersed ceremony permit allows eligible groups to request ceremony locations throughout much of the park, outside prohibited areas. This can offer more flexibility than choosing one of the designated site-specific locations.
The group limit includes everyone attending, not just the couple and their guests. Be sure to account for your officiant, photographer, videographer, and other participants.
Restrictions include
Important restrictions include:
Only one ceremony permit may be issued per location per day.
Certain developed areas, designated ceremony locations, busy areas, and environmentally sensitive sites are prohibited.
Some popular locations, including Hidden Falls, Inspiration Point, and specified areas around Jenny Lake, cannot be used under this permit.
Seasonal road closures, snow, and parking restrictions may affect access.
Applicants must describe the proposed location clearly, using the information required by the park.
Important verification note: the park's current published information for 2026 lists Mormon Row as subject to construction closure, and the current main permit page does not list it among the large site-specific locations available that year. Confirm the applicable year's approved locations before publishing this list as currently available
The NPS notes that ceremonies arranged directly through park chapels and lodges do not require the same NPS wedding special-use permit. Venue-specific rules and fees still apply.
How to Apply for a Grand Teton Wedding Permit
The application process is important to understand before choosing a date or making nonrefundable travel arrangements.
Step 1
Review the official rules and location options
Start with the
NPS Weddings and Commitment Ceremonies page
. Confirm the correct permit type, current location list, group-size limit, and seasonal availability
Step 2
Download and complete the application.
Use the current wedding and commitment ceremony special-use application linked on the NPS page. Enter your preferred date, time, location, participant count, vehicles, equipment, and any other requested details.
Step 3
Include alternatives
List alternate dates and locations in order of preference. The park does not provide a public live availability calendar, so having alternatives is especially useful when your first choice is unavailable.
Step 4
Pay the application fee
The published application fee is $200 and is nonrefundable. Follow the payment instructions on the official NPS page and keep your payment confirmation.
Step 5
Submit your completed application
Follow the current submission instructions, including emailing the completed form to the park's special-use permit office. Allow at least 30 days for processing; applying earlier is strongly recommended.
Step 6
Review and finalize your permit
If your request can be accommodated, follow the park's instructions for reviewing, signing, and returning the draft permit. Carry the fully executed permit with you on your wedding day
A note about timing: Applications can be submitted before the minimum processing window, but that does not guarantee your preferred date or location. Popular locations have limited permits, and the park's availability changes as applications are processed.
National Park Service
5. Before you apply: restrictions to remember
A few rules can significantly affect your plans, so review the current permit conditions before you commit to decorations, vendors, or a detailed timeline.
The permitted time is limited to one hour, including setup, the ceremony, photography, and departure.
The permit does not give you exclusive use of a public location.
Structures and furnishings such as arches, altars, rugs, tables, and tents are prohibited under the standard ceremony permit.
Confetti, flower petals, rice, balloons, and other scattered or released items are prohibited.
Drones are not permitted.
Receptions and catered food services are not allowed under the standard ceremony permit.
Park entrance fees may apply separately to the wedding party and guests.
Weather, wildfire smoke, and seasonal conditions can affect the experience and access; a permit does not guarantee favorable conditions or a refund.
Always refer to the conditions attached to your actual permit and the latest NPS guidance.
6. Your wedding doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful
The Tetons look different every day, and that's part of what makes them so special. Sunshine, falling snow, summer greenery, autumn color, and dramatic skies all create different possibilities.
The key is choosing a plan that works with your guest count, location restrictions, accessibility needs, and the conditions you may encounter. If one option isn't right for your vision, there may be another way to approach your day.
That's where having a photographer who understands the area and the logistics can make a difference.
Your biggest adventure begins here. If you're planning a Grand Teton elopement or wedding, I'd love to help you build a photography experience around your vision
Moments framed in time
Let's document your story