Love on the Edge: An Intimate, Adventure-Fueled Grand Teton Wedding Ceremony

Having a Grand Teton National Park Wedding? Robert and Anna’s non-traditional wedding in the Tetons blew me away. These two embraced adventure and their love for the mountains when planning their wedding in the Tetons. Anna told me during our first phone call that they were not afraid of bad weather, a long hike, or taking risks- and wow, were they rewarded for it! Planning any National Park elopement or wedding presents challenges. From picking a scenic location for vows to obtaining the correct permits, it can be a challenge. However, the reward feels like THIS. There were so many moments during Anna and Robert’s day that felt like, YES, this is why people ELOPE! On a Wednesday in September, these two threw an unforgettable Grand Teton National Park Wedding on a perfectly sunny fall day.

Part 1: A Sunrise First Look at Schwabacher Landing with a View of the Tetons

To start their incredible non-traditional wedding day, we began with private vows along the river at Schwabacher Landing. This location is iconic for good reason. The winding river, sweeping willows, and meadows create a magical feeling that’s hard to describe. After picking up Anna and Robert, we drove in the dark to Schwabacher Landing. Within just a few minutes of entering the National Park, we were lucky enough to spot a GRIZZLY BEAR. I’m not kidding, it felt like fate. A wedding day miracle grizzly bear sighting. I had a feeling deep in my heart that this grizzly bear sighting was a sign for an INCREDIBLE day.

Part 2: A Personal Wedding Ceremony at Mormon Row with a 360 Degree View of the Grand Tetons

Getting married in a National Park takes a bit of effort and some luck. Anna and Robert struck gold with a last minute opening at the famous viewpoint overlooking the Grand Tetons, Mormon Row. After a morning of adventure, we met up with their group of 20 closer friends & family members. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect. White fluffy clouds over the Teton Mountain Range looked like a painting.

Anna and Robert walked “down the aisle” over the bridge to their chosen ceremony spot. Their best friends played their favorite Gregory Alan Isakov song on guitar as they walked into their ceremony. And they chose another close friend to marry them. Every detail felt so personal to who they are and their relationship- exactly as they wanted. Non-traditional weddings are so magical that way- they are usually infused with personality and meaning. It felt like a perfect depiction of who they are as a couple- nothing fancy, just a lot of love. It was truly the perfect wedding ceremony and perfect Grand Teton wedding.

Part 3: Getting a Drink at The Famous Million Dollar Cowboy Bar in downtown Jackson

There are NO rules to planning your wedding- remember that. And when you get married on a Wednesday in a National Park with just twenty people, all rules go out the window. Shortly after being pronounced husband and wife, everyone circle around to decide what to do next. The bride turned to me and asked if it would be weird to go to a bar at 11am. I told her absolutely not and everyone cheered.

The whole group piled into their cars and drove into downtown Jackson to experience the uniquely special Million Dollar Cowboy Bar. We surprised the tourists by arriving with a bride and groom in tow. Honestly, it was a blast. Everyone loves seeing a bride and groom in the wild! Strangers began taking photos of them and asking to buy them drinks. We partied for a few hours with live music and shots before moving onto the next part of their Grand Teton Wedding.

Part 4: Dinner & S’Mores & Music Around the Campfire at the Campground in the Tetons

After a short afternoon nap, I met up with their group at their campsite on Jackson Lake. Everyone changed back into cozy camp clothes and spent the rest of the evening playing games, relaxing, and making dinner. I love the concept of spending your wedding night at a campground with everyone you love. All they had to do was book a group reservation site to sleep all 18 of them! I joined their small group for dinner and we sang more songs around the fire.

Part 5: Sunset Photos in the Grand Tetons Along Jackson Lake

Anna chose a different dress to wear for the second half of the day. We wandered down to the edge of Jackson Lake to take a few sunset photos & capture her cute outfit change. I realized as we were walking along the beach that I spent sunrise to sunset with these two. Literally every minute of their wedding day. We took a few photos, but mostly we chatted and reminisced on all the best moments of the day. Robert teared up and told me he felt nostalgic already and the day wasn’t over yet. I hope every couple feels that way at the end of their wedding day. Of all the Grand Teton wedding photoshoots I’ve done, this moment felt so special. It felt like we had created a real connection through a once in a lifetime shared experience.

Part 6: A Surprise Dance Party in the Woods in Grand Teton National Park

Once we returned from the lake, Robert’s sister surprised everyone with a checkerboard dance floor, tea lights, and an impromptu dance party. She came prepared with an epic playlist and bluetooth speakers. Everyone rallied to dance in the middle of the woods for over an hour. Anna and Robert shared a sweet first dance. And it felt so fitting to end the day on such a high note.