Bright and Airy Summer Elopement in Grand Teton National Park

Erika + Katlyn

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Erika and Katlyn had a summer elopement in Grand Teton National Park. Those familiar with the area know there is no shortage of stunning scenery, making it a fantastic spot to get married. Instead of having an elaborate wedding and reception, Erika and Katlyn splurged on a trip to Wyoming and their wedding photography. Their elopement was a celebration of marriage equality, the progress happening to abolish discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community, and the love that they share. Take a moment to browse their collection of gorgeous wedding photos and decide if an intimate elopement in Grand Teton National Park is right for you.

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Erika and Katlyn choose to get married in June to honor Pride Month and commemorate the anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising. They traveled from Upstate New York with their moms, who affectionately offered moral support on this special day. Wyoming weather in June is at its best, having an average high of 75° with low humidity. As you can see in these bright, airy photos, it was a glorious sunny day.

Many people travel to Wyoming from out of state to get married because of the awe-inspiring scenery. If you're one of those people, here's what you need to know to get legally married there. There is no waiting period once your marriage license is issued, and it is valid for one year from the date of issuance. Getting your marriage license is easy. An in-person visit to the County Clerk's office is required, but you'll need to make an appointment first. You and your partner need to provide a valid picture ID and fill out an application. You'll need to know your social security numbers, your parents' full names, including your mother's maiden names, and their places of birth. If either of you has been previously married, you'll need to know the official date of the divorce decree or the date of a former spouse's death. To perform the wedding ceremony, you will need a district judge, county judge, federal judge, court commissioner, Justice of the Peace, or any licensed or ordained minister or bishop.

Erika and Katlyn's wedding ceremony took place at Schwabacher's Landing. It's a lovely spot along the Snake River with a spectacular view of the Teton Mountains. It's located roughly 15 miles from Jackson Hole, and the parking lot is close to the landing. Performing the ceremony was Wyoming wedding officiant Tom Jordan, a favorite among many local and out-of-town couples.

I loved everything about this wedding. For starters, I'm always happy to find out Tom is officiating at weddings I shoot. He is personable and makes everyone feel like they've known him for years. The still water of the Snake River cast a perfect reflection of the snow-covered Teton Mountains upon it, and the weather was splendid. Erika and Katlyn embodied grace and elegance in the humble moments of their ceremony. The simplicity of their soft, flowing wedding dresses perfectly complemented the nature all around us. They each held a delightful bouquet of pink peonies, which added the perfect pop of color to their wedding photos. Standing a stone's throw away from us, a moose peacefully watched from the river's edge.

After the ceremony, we hung out around the river for a while, and I captured these keepsake photos. I noticed Erika and Katlyn had embellished their wedding bouquets with their grandmother's rings. These precious heirlooms made both brides and their moms feel the presence of two significant ladies on this joyous day. Though their ceremony was simplistic, it was perfect, proving that sometimes less is more.

If you're looking for a romantic destination in Wyoming for your elopement, I recommend Schwabacher's Landing. You will need to purchase a Special Use Permit from Grand Teton National Park and pay the standard entrance fee. If you'd like more information about eloping at Schwabacher's Landing, or recommendations for other elopement sites in Grand Teton National Park, I'm happy to help. You can also visit the National Park Service Wedding & Commitment Ceremonies Page for details about permits and park rules.

Erika and Katlyn wanted to explore the area near Schwabacher's Landing for scenic photo opportunities. Being a Wyoming photographer, I knew just where to go. We headed over to the Mormon Row Historic District for pictures at the Moulton Barns. A few clouds rolled in, and the warm sunshine disappeared. Erika and Katlyn put on adorable denim jackets, which matched the rustic atmosphere on the rolling grassy plains surrounding Mormon Row.

In Wyoming, same-sex marriage became legal in 2014. It was liberating to witness the wedding of Erika and Katlyn. Seven short years ago, this wedding would not have been possible. While I know this country is advancing toward equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community, I understand we have a long way to go before discrimination against them is a thing of the past, and everyone can feel safe and live freely. For those who don't know, all 50 states in the U.S. and 31 countries worldwide recognize and allow same-sex marriage.

Next stop – Mount Moran. Standing at the northern edge of the Teton Range, Mount Moran rises an impressive 12,605 feet in elevation. I know this area well. The prairie below this majestic mountain is full of shrub-steppe and sagebrush. It's a glorious setting for wedding photos. Standing there surrounded by the rugged Wyoming wilderness, I felt tiny underneath the towering mountain and the vast Wyoming sky, but Erika and Katlyn were floating on cloud nine. The sparkles in their eyes filled my heart with happiness.

As a wedding photographer and an ally to the LGBTQ+ community, I welcome and celebrate same-sex couples. I believe people from all walks of life deserve dignity, and I'd be honored to capture the blissful moments of your wedding day. If you are looking for an adventure elopement photographer, or a wedding photographer who knows about and travels to various places in Wyoming, Montana, Colorado, and the Pacific Northwest, click the button below to get in touch. Happy Pride Month to Erika and Katlyn and everyone in the LGBTQ+ community. 🏳️‍🌈