Grand Tetons Elopement • Jackson Hole Elopement Photographer

The Grand Tetons

As a Grand Tetons photographer, I am endlessly captivated by the raw beauty and these majestic mountains that surrounds me. The towering peaks of the Teton Range create a breathtaking backdrop against the waters of the Snake River. Sunset is my favorite in Jackson Hole, when the mountains glow in golden light and every moment in this iconic park is a visual feast. From the abundant wildlife that roams freely to the vibrant wildflowers that blanket the meadows, there is boundless inspiration at every turn. Being a photographer in Grand Teton National Park is not just a job; it is a profound privilege to be able to capture and share the awe-inspiring wonders of this remarkable place with the world.

Why Elopements

Eloping offers couples a multitude of benefits that make it an enticing option for those seeking an intimate wedding experience. Firstly, eloping allows couples to focus solely on their love and commitment, free from the stress and financial burden that often accompanies a traditional wedding. It provides the opportunity to create a truly personal and unique experience, allowing couples to tailor every aspect of their special day to reflect their individual personalities and preferences. Additionally, eloping fosters a sense of adventure, making it possible to exchange vows in breathtaking natural settings or even in far-off destinations. Lastly, eloping provides couples with the freedom to allocate their resources towards experiences and memories rather than material aspects, encouraging meaningful connections and a deeper bond between partners. Overall, eloping provides couples with the freedom, intimacy, and flexibility to create a wedding experience that is truly unforgettable.

Eloping in the Grand Tetons

The Grand Tetons offers a one-of-a-kind view. While there are many gorgeous mountains all over the US, there’s nothing quite like these beauties. It’s a privilege to witness these amazing moments in my favorite mountains.

Grand Tetons Surprise Proposal

Planning the Proposal

I normally don’t travel to Grand Teton National Park. November thru April. The Teton pass gets nasty during those winter months but when I got Jud’s email about coming to Jackson Hole in April to propose to Abbey, I had to make it happen!

I chatted with Jud on the phone a few times before meeting up and warned him that our winter was intense with over 400 inches of snow at Jackson Hole Mountain. Since he and Abbey had hiked in Bryce Canyon a few weeks prior in 5º weather, he was confident the weather would be just fine. We planned to meet on the outside of the park at Glacier View.

At the Grand Tetons

I was extremely grateful we were blessed with clear skies when just the day before clouds covered the peaks of the Grand Tetons. Jud and Abbey arrived looking astounding! Jud had told Abbey he booked a little mini tour guide before a fancy dinner in Jackson Hole after. I gave a few cool facts about the park while showing off the beautiful view. Then I asked if I could take a few photos since i’d been dabbling in photography, (dabbling for 10 years that is 😉). And that’s the moment Jud proposed to Abbey with the beautiful Grand Tetons as a backdrop! It was a perfect night!

I got to know Abbey and Jud and their 11 year relationship that started in the 8th grade! I thought that was so cute! Jud is a pilot and Abbey is a traveling nurse. I found out they did long distance for 5 months and hated it so now they try to stick together as much as possible. They travel to National Parks when Abbey isn’t on a contract. It was a fantastic night in Jackson with these two! I feel like best friends with them now! Congrats to the newly engaged couple!

Grand Tetons Elopement

Elopement and Vow Exchange in the Grand Tetons

I will not forget this amazing elopement! I loved EVERYTHING about it. Seth and Emme have been together for over 6 years and met in an untraditional way. Seth is a videographer, and yes, I was extremely nervous shooting for another creative. Anyways, he’s a videographer and he needed a model for a commercial he was shooting for school and he and his friends asked random girls on campus to be a part of the commercial. Emme said yes and Seth asked her on a date after shooting the commercial and the rest is history!

One of my favorite things about Emme and Seth was how relaxed and truly happy they were. I felt like I was hanging out with two friends honestly! When Seth and Emme met me in Grand Teton National Park they still had to get dressed. It was kind of fun being able to get a few getting ready shots. Because elopements and vow exchanges are short, getting ready photos don’t usually make it to the must haves. So I loved getting photos of Emme fixing Seth’s hair and Seth commenting how pretty Emme looked after she put her wedding dress on.

Seth and Emme told me their vision for their elopement and vow exchanges so we decided to do a few bridal photos first so we could end with their vows at Schwabacher’s Landing. We started near Cascade Canyon which is such a gorgeous view! I love the mix of sun and cloud coverage we had during the evening. Cloudy weather happens to be my jam!

Vow Exchange

We decided to head to Schwabacher’s Landing after getting a variety of formal shots. Once we got to Schwabacher’s Landing it was so busy! We quickly changed the plan (since the sun was going down), to doing vows right off the side of the road. Even though their vows weren’t happening exactly how they envisioned, Seth and Emme still rolled with the punches and were giddy to be together in the Grand Tetons. They even celebrated with a little picnic with cake and champagne and it was truly the best ending to the night. I am still so happy for these two and grateful I was able to be a part of their celebration.