If you’re considering a Jackson Hole destination wedding, you’re in the right place!!! I might be biased, but I think it’s super cool that you’re getting married in one of the most beautiful places in America. Planning a wedding when you’ve never been to the area can be tricky (I get it!), which is why I’ve created this super helpful guide to your Jackson Hole destination wedding. I also HIGHLY recommend working with a wedding planner for your Jackson Hole destination wedding. With so many variables (including inclement weather), you’re going to want as many local vendors as possible on your team. Throughout this guide, we will cover locations, permits, vendors and more! If you have absolutely any questions along the way, don’t be afraid to reach out.
Why Jackson Hole?
Jackson Hole is a super unique place. With tons of yummy food, four elk antler arches in Town Square, loads of outdoor adventure and fun shopping, you can’t go wrong. Not to mention the beautiful Tetons and wildlife just a few minutes outside of town. As you’re planning your wedding or elopement in the Tetons or Jackson Hole, it’s always important to consider the technical aspects such as the seasons, weather and permits! I’ll guide you through all of this as we go.
Engagement Photos
If you’re a local (or not!) and want gorgeous engagement photos in Jackson Hole or around the Tetons, I’d love to take those for you! I know of some beautiful “off the beaten path” locations for us to adventure and take some portraits for your save-the-dates. Let’s get that date on the calendar well in advance so that those planning to join you for your big day have plenty of time to plan!
The Weather For Your Jackson Hole Destination Wedding
Weather plays a super important role in determining when you want to have your ceremony in the Tetons or in Jackson Hole. By the way, there are some awesome places right in Jackson Hole to elope or have a small ceremony. Later in this post, I’ll talk more about venues and locations!
Winter (November – April)
If you’re a lover of the snow, you’ll most likely be getting married during the winter months. However, there can be a few downsides to doing this. Most attractions in the park are closed and prices are usually higher in Jackson due to the increase in ski traffic. But sometimes there’s nothing more magical than a snowy elopement, so I’m ready to put on my snow boots and puffy jacket for your big day, even if it’s in winter! Also keep in mind that November and April is considered the “shoulder season” in Jackson, so many businesses/local restaurants are closed for the whole month.
Spring (May)
Getting married in the spring usually means some snow still on the trails and fewer crowds. Some attractions still won’t be opened until late May, early June, but late May also means wildflowers in certain spots which are always so beautiful. There are usually quite a few rainy/snowy days in spring, with clouds covering the Tetons, so be prepared for that possibility.
Summer (June – August)
Everyone knows that summer is a great time to visit Jackson Hole and the national park. Open trails, wildlife and open attractions also means a lot of visitors to the park. The weather is absolutely beautiful during this time of year, but be prepared for crowds and people. If you plan ahead, you can still have a dreamy wedding/elopement during summer. If you plan on eloping during these months in the national park, I would stick to weekdays at sunrise.
Fall (September – October)
Last but not least is my favorite time of year in the Tetons. Fall is the best time to elope in Grand Teton National Park in my opinion!!! The crowds have decreased and there are a lot of wildlife and beautiful fall colors. There is still a chance of snow in September and October, however, September is going to be your best chance of making things official when the weather is still great if you prefer to avoid snow.
Permits For Your Wedding Day
Regardless of where you decide to get married, you’ll need a marriage license. You must call 307-733-4430 to make an appointment before going to their office in the basement of the County Administration Building. Only the couple needs to be present for obtaining the marriage license. They are open Monday through Friday, 8AM-5PM (excluding legal holidays). To obtain your marriage license in Wyoming, couples must appear in person, be 18 years of age or older and present a picture ID. The ID can include your driver’s license, passport, military ID or school ID. Couples should complete a Marriage License Questionnaire (PDF) and bring it, along with their photo ID, to the County Clerk’s Office to obtain your Marriage License. You and your fiance will both be asked to give your:
- Full legal name
- Current Residential Address
- State or Foreign Country of Birth
- Date of Birth
- Race/Ethnicity
- Social security number
- Father’s first, middle, and last name, and the state or foreign country he was born
- Mother’s first, middle, and maiden last name, and the state or foreign country she was born
- Divorce Date and State if applicable, they do not require documentation
License Fee
The License fee is $30 payable by cash, check, debit or credit card ($1.50 service fee will apply if using a card). Visa, MasterCard and Discover cards are accepted.
Waiting Period
There is no waiting period in Wyoming. Blood tests are not required in Wyoming. A Wyoming marriage license can only be used in the State of Wyoming. The application expires one year from the date of issuance.
Wedding Permit Application Form
In order to have a wedding in the national park, you’ll need to purchase a $200 permit. First, you need to complete the required Wedding Permit Application Form (PDF) and email the completed form to grte_visitor_services@nps.gov. Next, you’ll pay for the permit over the phone when they give you a call.
The Best Vendors For Your Jackson Hole Destination Wedding
I’ve seen many brides try to juggle all the details for their wedding. It can be super stressful for obvious reasons. If hiring a wedding planner is in your budget, let this be one of the first things you do after you’re engaged. They are worth their weight in gold. In this blog post, I’ll guide you towards finding amazing vendors that service Jackson Hole weddings. First up is wedding planners!
Jackson Hole Destination Wedding Planners
I wrote a blog post all about my favorite local wedding planners in Jackson. Check it out here!
Wedding Venues For Your Destination Wedding
Choosing a wedding venue for your Jackson Hole destination wedding depends completely upon your budget, as well as the aesthetic you’re looking for. Would you rather have a stunning view of the Tetons? Or would you like to have an intimate wedding at a luxurious boutique hotel? Maybe you want to have a small wedding at a ranch venue outside of Jackson. Either way, you have lots of amazing options to choose from.
I have tons of resources on my blog when it comes to Jackson Hole wedding venues. Most venues allow you to elope or have an intimate ceremony. There are many venues in the list that allow you to have weddings with 500 guests. I’ll list some venues here and will provide links to them if I have blog posts that cover them more in-depth. Don’t forget to reach out with any questions that you have!
- Amangani
- Moose Head Ranch
- Four Seasons Jackson Hole
- The National Museum of Wildlife Art
- Jenny Lake Lodge
- Spring Creek Ranch
- The Grand Targhee Resort
- Blacktail Ponds Overlook
- Schwabacher Landing
- Diamond Cross Ranch
- Bentwood Inn
- Moose Creek Ranch
- Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
- Snake River Ranch
- The Jackson Hole Golf And Tennis Club
There are lots more venues throughout Jackson Hole and Grand Teton National Park. For even more recommendations, don’t be afraid to reach out.
Officiants
Marriage ceremonies are not performed in the County Clerk’s office, or at the courthouse. You must make your own arrangements to have an Officiant perform your ceremony. View a list of local officiants (PDF). If you would like recommendations on officiants that I’ve worked with and love, fill out this form! If you are bringing someone with you to perform your ceremony, that’s okay! The County Clerk’s office does not require documentation regarding their credentials, however, they must qualify by statute:
Who may solemnize marriage; form of ceremony per Wyoming State Statute 20-1-106:
- (a) Every district or circuit court judge, district court commissioner, supreme court justice, magistrate and every licensed or ordained minister of the gospel, bishop, priest or rabbi, or other qualified person acting in accordance with the traditions or rites for the solemnization of marriage of any religion, denomination or religious society, may perform the ceremony of marriage in this state.
- (b) In the solemnization of marriage, no particular form is required, except that the parties shall solemnly declare in the presence of the person performing the ceremony and at least two (2) attending witnesses that they take each other as husband and wife.
Ceremonies are not performed at their office. You must have a ceremony elsewhere after receiving your license.
Florists For Your Jackson Hole Destination Wedding
Considering the gorgeous surroundings of Jackson Hole, Lily & Co is inspired by nature. Emily pays great attention to detail and has the ability to connect with the most visionary and design savvy clients. From styling flowers for a large wedding celebration to designing tablescapes for an intimate dinner party, Emily has the knowledge, skills and style to craft any vision and creatively direct it into a beautiful, memorable experience. Her work for both micro weddings and large celebrations can be found here!
Joni at Plush Floral has been providing gorgeous florals for weddings for almost 10 years now. She has done weddings all over the Rocky Mountain States and relocated back to East Idaho, but still serves weddings in Jackson Hole. She graduated with her bachelors in Integrated Studio Art with a minor in floral design. Her art background gives her a fresh perspective on the designs that she brings to each event and her portfolio and work reflects that!
Another great option for florals is JH Flower Boutique. They have been locally owned and operating for over 50 years. You can schedule a wedding consult with them and ask questions and bring swatches and inspo to them.
Catering
I’m just here for the food. You are too, right? Who doesn’t love good food?! The awesome news is that there are tons of amazing caterers that serve Jackson Hole destination weddings.
If you’re looking for incredible food and incredible people, Francesca and Blaine at In Season offer Earth centered and locally sourced dining experiences to weddings, elopements and intimate gatherings in the Tetons. In Season is a shared creative culinary venture that provides high quality, organic and locally sourced nourishment to gatherings under the Tetons in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. In Season, a sourdough bread & pizza business that goes beyond the traditional understanding of catering. With ethos centered around nourishment, community and the earth, they’ve transformed what started as a small sourdough bread company, stationed out of their garage, into a transformative dining experience.
Bistro Catering is another great option and has very innovative and unique menus. From the initial meeting to the day of your wedding, their staff is there to serve as knowledgeable guides, responsible for bringing to life the mood and style of your wedding. Their menus are fully personalized to your desires, tastes and budget, all presented with an impeccable eye for detail and commitment to service.
Genevieve Catering strives to utilize local and sustainable ingredients whenever possible. Their relationships with local ranchers and farmers allow them to provide your guests with a truly western culinary experience. Their food is influenced by a sense of simplicity. With a focus on the best possible products treated with the utmost respect for the ingredient, they are able to present cuisine that is straightforward. Most importantly, their food is delicious!!
Hair and Makeup
Hair & Makeup by Tanya is an award winning-collection of hair and makeup artists catering to brides in/near Jackson. Tanya and her team specialize in large wedding parties, intimate elopements and editorial production. With over fifteen years of experience in the bridal industry, she’s able to transform the way women see themselves from the inside out. She has worked with over 5,000 brides and works with big or small wedding parties!
Hair by Kelly Rene has over 20 years of experience in the beauty industry and has very creative, technical and constantly evolving techniques. She has collaborated with some of the greatest artists and hairdressers of our time and has experiences and talents that make the bride and her party look and feel their absolute best. She can create your everyday look or give you a complete make-over that you’ll fall in love with!
The stylists at Champu Salon in Jackson have extensive experience creating the perfect hair and makeup look for you and your bridal party on your wedding day. A personal consultation and hair trial can be added to your package so you can be at ease on the big day, knowing you’ll be styled just the way you want. They offer both on-site and in salon services to meet your needs.
DJ’s
Steady Jake DJ knows what it takes to transition the evening smoothly; from cocktails to dinner to dancing, all while building excitement. He has expert MCing skills and an uncanny ability to play the right song at the right time. Stuff you love, stuff you forgot you loved, and some music maybe you’ve never heard but, apparently, your feet find most agreeable. He knows how to keep the night moving along smoothly and how to keep people dancing!
Liam at Beats By Capella specializes in music entertainment and lighting for events! He has mastered an array of material in a wide spectrum of musical styles. Whether you want him to provide a suggested package, or you have your own requests, Liam is flexible and accommodating for virtually every music type and event. Take a look at the packages he offers on his website and see if one fits you! All of his packages are customizable
Your Jackson Hole Destination Wedding
Obviously YOU get to choose your own vendors, but I hope this guide has been a helpful starting point for you. I can recommend other venues or vendors that may not be in this guide, so as I’ve mentioned before, don’t be afraid to contact me and ask questions. I would love to be your Jackson Hole destination wedding photographer!
