Most Photographic Locations in Grand Teton National Park Map

I must admit the first time I went to visit The Grand Teton National Park I was confused and lost. The Park is HUGE. And I didn’t realize I needed to turn off the main highway to get to the fee area of the park. And with so many trails and roads, it seem overwhelming and impossible to look at everything on your trip to the Grand Tetons. Thus, I linked a map that has some of my favorite locations to take in the majestic Teton mountains and get the most out of your photographic experience. Plus, the 6 Reserved Site-Specific Ceremony Permit locations are also pinned so that you can get a better layout of the park and distance between sites. You can click on each location to see a photo example and more information. You’ll be sure to come away with amazing images using these recommendations, especially if we go together! Wink, wink! Wildlife can be seen virtually anywhere in the park (even along the highway.)

Grand Teton Wedding Ceremony Sites Details

Are you planning on having more than 12 individuals at your wedding in the Grand Tetons and want to reserve a site? There are 6 Reserved Site-Specific Ceremony Permit locations that are specified for ceremony use. These have a max of 25-40 people, dependent on the location. Reserved Site Specific Ceremony Permits are limited to 2 hours and have their own set of rules that I talk about on the How to Elope in Grand Teton National Park post. I am going to give an overview of each of the locations that you can choose from here. And like I always say: you can’t go wrong with the Grand Tetons as your backdrop to your wedding photos.

Schwabacher’s Landing

This is one of my favorite locations in the summer when it’s open. It isn’t accessible for winter months. Down a small dirt road, you will find this locations nestled a bend of the Snake River. Ceremonies here are limited to 25 total persons, with only 60 permits being issued. Even if you don’t have your ceremony here, you can still use this location for photos. This location does have two small benches, but they can’t be moved. It is also a popular location to watch the sunset and busy at that time. There is a small walk from the parking lot. There is one outhouse for public use.

Mormon Row

Located right in front of the Grand Tetons, Mormon Row has a historic barn and fields. This location allows for up to 40 people and 60 ceremonies in a year. No seating is available and there is another short walk on a dirt trail. There is small aspen tree area, with a historic pink house. The south end of the historic district has an outhouse. Mormon Row South has the T.A. Moulton Barn.

Snake River Outlook

While this location allows for up to 25 persons, it is much better suited to small elopement ceremonies. There is a stone wall that is somewhat unavoidable in photos. However, this is a great location in the winter or to get the Snake River in the background. The trees are starting to get really tall in this area, so it a bit tricky to find a location. The autumn colors can be magnificent. There are no restrooms at this location.

Glacier View Turnout

Located close to the main road, it can be impacted by traffic noise and other visitors. It is up and even with the mountain views though, so a stunning place to take photos. There isn’t a very large or specified spot in which to have a ceremony but there are paved walkways and easy access to the parking lot. There are no restrooms at this location. There is a limit of 25 people and 60 permits per year at Glacier View.

Aptly named, this turnout is all about glaciers. Here you can look straight on to three of them: Middle Glacier, Teepee Glacier, and Teton Glacier. And there is a clear and unobstructed view of Tetons.

Mountain View Turnout

 It is one of the ceremony sites within the park fee area. I love this location for the proximity of the mountains. It’s further into the park and has less people visiting it, making it one of the more private options. The view and sage brush foreground are gorgeous! This location has a paved section of sidewalk. The group limit for Mountain View Turnout is 25 people, and 60 ceremonies a year. There are no restrooms at this location.

Colter Bay Beach

The most private and furthest away from Jackson Hole. It’s great for paddle boarding and playing along the shore. Since Jackson Lake gets low towards the end of the season due to irrigation. There are 40 people allowed for your events, but only 30 GTNP ceremony permit available per year. There are restrooms at the visitor center, which is about a 5-10 minute walk from the beach. It has a sweeping view of the lake with the peaks in the distance. 

When to Hire Your Photographer

The application for ceremony sites includes some questions that I can help with. I can help pick a location and time that fits your vision and wants best, as well as give you a list of my equipment to put on your application. We can discuss timelines and when the best time to get married prior to applying so that you are ready for your application.

Ready to Get Started? Application Process for Wedding Permits

You have your heart set on a spot; now let’s get the application under way for your Grand Teton Park wedding and elopement. The wedding permits have a $200 application fee and form required. Find the form on their website, and downloaded it. If you are having a wedding planner fill out the form, you will still need to include your information and sign it. Then, email your application and pay the fee (steps 3+4 on their site).

• Application Information (Names, address, phone number and other information of the bride/groom not the wedding planner)
• Which GTNP ceremony permit type you are applying for (Reserved Site-Specific or Small Dispersed Ceremony).
• Date, Location, and Time (pro tip: have an alternate)
• Participants and Vehicles
• List of Equipment and whether allowable vendors will be present (photographer, videographer, officiant, wedding planner)
• Individual in Charge. This is usually the applicant, but can be the wedding planner
• Activity Questions
• Sign & Date
• Party!

Weather in Grand Teton National Park

Summer (June – August)

Summer is a great time to visit Grand Teton National Park for the best weather. While the weather is nice and alI hiking trails are accessible, it’s is also the most extremely crowded time. Summer in Grand Teton comes with traffic, crowds, no parking, and very high prices. Early June, you can usually catch the wildflowers and the green is more fresh and pretty. Personally, I recommend having your elopement a bit later if you’re hoping for a more private, stress-free experience, though.

Fall (September – October)

Fall is hands-down the best time to elope or get married in Grand Teton National Park! There aren’t as many crowds, it isn’t as expensive, and you might encounter some gorgeous fall colors. I recommend having your wedding in September, as October can be a bit unpredictable when it comes to the snow. The fall is also a bit chillier, so be sure to have a jacket or coat handy.

Winter (November – April)

If you love the snow, Grand Teton in the winter is the place for you. While you’re extremely limited when it comes to locations (many of them are blocked off by the snow and the park is closed past Taggert Lake Trailhead), it’s extremely beautiful and peaceful. However, the winter comes with some elevated prices and a bit more people in the Jackson Hole area, as everyone wants to take advantage of the ski resorts.

Spring (May)

Spring is more of a transitional time in Grand Teton. This is a great time to visit to avoid the crowds, but keep in mind that most things still aren’t open, trails will still have snow on them until late May, and there can be mud. The weather is a bit unpredictable in this area, so if you don’t mind some last minute snow, May is a great time to visit.

Kendra Sue Photography Helping with Your Experience

I love the Grand Tetons! And I love the intimacy they offer for people wanting to experience their own kind of wedding ceremony. The Grand Teton ceremony sites all offer amazing views of the mountains that bring people from all over the world to visit. The Grand Teton wedding experience isn’t for everyone. Couples are usually okay with a much smaller wedding than a traditional wedding. They are adventurous and willing to go with the flow. They are flexible as weather conditions can’t be controlled. Sometimes having a venue outside the park is ideal, but if your heart is wild and the mountains are calling, be sure to send me a message as well. I’d love to be by your side and help you experience the park to the fullest.

What to see more GTNP sessions? Check out this cute family session there.