Megan and Stephen

Megan and Stephen’s adventurous Grand Teton National Park Wedding

Megan and Stephen’s September Grand Teton National Park wedding at Grand Targhee Resort was one of those days that felt easy in the best way possible. Nothing felt forced. Nothing felt rushed. It was calm, meaningful, and relaxed. Truly a breath of fresh air! Megan and Stephen met in Wyoming (and still live there), so getting married near the Tetons felt deeply personal. This beautiful backdrop helped tell their story in the most beautiful way!

Their Grand Teton National Park wedding weekend was especially special for me personally. I photographed Megan’s brother’s wedding back in 2019 in Charleston. So getting to be there on their wedding day felt like a full-circle moment! Walking into the weekend already knowing their family and feeling that trust made everything feel even more relaxed. It’s such an honor when family members of past clients trust me to photograph their day!

From the beginning, Megan and Stephen knew they wanted their photos to feel documentary and laid back, which is where I thrive! they wanted to be present, spend time with their people, and let the day unfold as it naturally did. And any beautiful portraits that we got along the way were just a bonus!

That kind of trust is where the best photos come from. The quiet moments, the in-between interactions, the laughter that isn’t prompted…those are the things that tell the real story of a wedding day. And their day was full of them.

When I landed in Jackson Hole the day before the wedding, the Tetons were completely hidden by smoke. You couldn’t see the mountains at all, and I’ll be honest, I was a little nervous! We had plans to go to the top of Targhee for photos, but I knew if it was smokey, we would have zero visibility of the Tetons. Anyone planning a Grand Teton National Park wedding knows how unpredictable things can be!

But overnight, rain moved in and completely cleared the smoke! The only downside was that now the forecast was calling for rain all afternoon… right during the time we were supposed to head up the ski lift at Grand Targhee.

Somehow, the rain held off. Not only that, but we ended up with clear views of the Tetons and the most beautiful cloud cover. The soft light at the top of the resort made for the most beautiful portraits!

One of my favorite parts of the day was watching everyone load onto the ski lift together and ride up to the top of Grand Targhee. We allowed plenty of time in the timeline so that no one felt rushed. It was such a fun experience! Everyone dressed to the nines riding a ski lift!

It was such an honor being a part of Megan and Stephen’s Grand Teton wedding! The entire weekend was filled with laughter and warmth and I felt so loved and welcomed from the start! Their generosity, kindness, and trust in my vision made me feel so relaxed and at ease. 

Why Choose Grand Teton National Park for Your Wedding

There’s a reason so many couples are drawn to a Grand Teton National Park wedding. The Tetons are undeniably stunning, but they also have a way of making everything feel calm and grounded. Jackson Hole is the perfect place to plan your wedding weekend with friends and family. It is the cutest town, full go charm, good food, and fun shops! There is plenty to do in the area for you and your guests. From hiking, to rafting, to exploring downtown, it’s the perfect place for your destination wedding. Whether you’re planning a larger wedding at a mountain resort like Grand Targhee or something more intimate, the area offers so much flexibility and beauty! 

If you are planning your Grand Teton National Park wedding and are looking for a photographer, I would love to chat with you! You can contact me here, or check out more of my work on the blog here!

Vendors:

Venue: Grand Targhee Resort

Dress: Truvelle

Florals: MD Nursery

DJ: The Idahoan

Bridal Shop: a & be bridal

Hair and makeup: Teton Valley Beauty

If you’re dreaming about getting married here, there are a few things to know when planning your Grand Teton National Park wedding!

Tips for Planning a Grand Teton National Park Elopement

Here are a few tips for you while you are planning your Grand Teton wedding!

Be prepared for changing weather. Mountain weather can shift quickly in the Tetons, even during the summer months. It’s always a good idea to bring layers and have a flexible mindset. Sometimes clouds or storms roll through, but they can also create some of the most beautiful light and dramatic skies for photos! Pack a jacket or two and some extra socks and shoes!

Plan ahead for permits. If you’re planning to hold your ceremony inside Grand Teton National Park, you’ll need a special use permit from the National Park Service. The application process is usually simple, but popular ceremony locations can book up quickly during peak wedding season, so apply sooner rather than later!

Choose a ceremony location. There are several beautiful spots throughout the park that are approved for ceremonies. Locations like Schwabacher Landing or Mormon Row Historic District offer iconic views of the Tetons and make incredible backdrops for exchanging vows.

Consider the time of day for photos. Sunrise and sunset tend to provide the most beautiful light in the park. Evening ceremonies often allow couples to enjoy golden light across the mountains and quieter locations once daytime crowds begin to thin out!

Popular Ceremony Locations in the Tetons

There are several incredible ceremony locations throughout the park that offer stunning views of the Tetons! Some of the most popular spots include:

• Schwabacher Landing
• Mormon Row Historic District
• Snake River Overlook
• Colter Bay

Best Time of Year for a Grand Teton Wedding

Summer and early fall are the most popular times for weddings in the park! From July through September, the weather is usually mild and the mountain views are incredible.

September weddings are especially beautiful in the Tetons, with cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and golden light in the evenings. It’s a perfect time of year for couples who want that classic mountain backdrop without the peak summer crowds!

A Grand Teton National Park wedding is such a special way to celebrate surrounded by some of the most breathtaking scenery in the country. With a little planning and flexibility, couples can create a day that feels relaxed, meaningful, and completely unforgettable!

Enjoy a peek into Megan and Stephen’s wedding at Grand Targhee, just outside of the Tetons below!