If you’ve spent any amount of time looking up Grand Teton elopements, you’ve probably come across the Wedding Tree.
And honestly… it’s easy to see why.
Perched on a bluff overlooking the Teton Range, this simple ceremony site offers one of the most iconic mountain views in Wyoming. It feels tucked away, peaceful, and incredibly intimate while still being easily accessible for couples and guests alike.
The best part?
Despite being known as one of the most beautiful places to get married near Grand Teton National Park, it’s actually located in Bridger-Teton National Forest, not inside the national park itself. That distinction gives couples a few different planning considerations, and in some ways, a little more flexibility.
If you’re considering saying your vows here, here’s everything you should know.
Where Is the Wedding Tree?
The Wedding Tree is located in Bridger-Teton National Forest, just outside the southeastern boundary of Grand Teton National Park. It’s about a 20 to 30-minute drive from the town of Jackson and only a short drive from many of the park’s most popular overlooks and hiking areas.
Although it’s often associated with Grand Teton National Park because of its incredible views of the Teton Range, the ceremony site is actually managed by the U.S. Forest Service in partnership with the Friends of Bridger-Teton.
This distinction is important because it means the Wedding Tree follows a different permitting process and set of regulations than ceremony locations inside Grand Teton National Park. For many couples, that’s actually a benefit. You can exchange your vows at the Wedding Tree, then head into the national park afterward for portraits at iconic locations like Schwabacher Landing, Mormon Row, String Lake, or Snake River Overlook. It gives you the best of both worlds: an unforgettable ceremony with sweeping mountain views and endless opportunities to explore Grand Teton National Park for the rest of your wedding day.
Why Couples Love the Wedding Tree
There are plenty of incredible ceremony locations around Jackson Hole, but the Wedding Tree remains one of the most popular for good reason.
Some of my favorite things about it include:
- Unobstructed views of the entire Teton Range
- Easy access for guests
- Gorgeous light throughout the day
- A naturally beautiful ceremony space that doesn’t need decorations
- Close proximity to many of Grand Teton’s best portrait locations
One thing I especially love is that couples can exchange vows here and then spend the rest of the day exploring Grand Teton National Park for portraits at places like Schwabacher Landing, Mormon Row, String Lake, Snake River Overlook, or Jenny Lake.
Can You Bring Your Dog to Your Wedding Tree Elopement?
One of the best parts about eloping is being able to include the people (and pups!) you love most.
Since the Wedding Tree is located in Bridger-Teton National Forest, dogs are generally allowed, provided they are under control and you follow Forest Service regulations. That makes it a great option for couples who want their four-legged family member to be part of their ceremony.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Keep your dog leashed or under reliable control, especially if other visitors or wildlife are nearby.
- Always clean up after your pet and pack out all waste.
- Bring plenty of water, especially during the warmer summer months.
- Be mindful of wildlife. Moose, bears, elk, and other animals are common throughout the Jackson area, so it’s important to keep your dog close.
One of my favorite ways to include dogs is to have them join the ceremony and a few portraits afterward before a family member or pet sitter takes them back to your lodging. That way, your pup gets to be part of your wedding without having to spend the entire day on your adventure.
If you’re planning to continue exploring Grand Teton National Park after your ceremony, it’s worth knowing that pets are much more restricted inside the park. They are generally only allowed in developed areas, campgrounds, parking lots, and on roads, and aren’t permitted on most hiking trails or in the backcountry. If you want portraits at locations like String Lake, Jenny Lake, or Schwabacher Landing, you’ll likely want someone available to take your dog afterward so you can freely explore the park.
Is the Wedding Tree Inside Grand Teton National Park?
This is probably the biggest misconception. Despite its incredible views of the Teton Range, the Wedding Tree is actually located in Bridger-Teton National Forest, not inside Grand Teton National Park.
That distinction is important because the ceremony site has a different permitting process and regulations than locations inside the national park. For many couples, that’s actually a benefit, as you can enjoy a beautiful ceremony at the Wedding Tree and then head into Grand Teton National Park afterward for portraits and more adventures.
Do You Need a Permit?
Yes. If you’re planning to have your ceremony at the Wedding Tree, you’ll need to obtain an Operating Plan through Friends of Bridger-Teton before your wedding day. This helps protect the site while allowing couples to continue using this beautiful location for ceremonies.
As of 2026:
- Reservations are first-come, first-served.
- Applications should be submitted at least 30 days before your ceremony.
- The current non-refundable processing fee is $300.
- While the permit allows up to 75 guests, I personally recommend keeping your celebration a bit smaller. Parking is limited. A smaller guest count also makes it easier for everyone to enjoy the ceremony and take in the incredible views.
- The Wedding Tree is not an exclusive venue. While your ceremony is reserved, the surrounding area remains open to the public, so it’s possible that hikers or other visitors may be nearby.
What Should You Do After Your Wedding Tree Ceremony?
One of the biggest perks of eloping at the Wedding Tree is that your ceremony doesn’t have to be the end of your wedding day. In fact, it’s often just the beginning.
Because the Wedding Tree is so close to Grand Teton National Park, you can spend the rest of the day exploring some of the most breathtaking scenery in Wyoming. Whether you’re dreaming of a laid-back afternoon or a full day of adventure, your elopement can be whatever feels most meaningful to you.
Some of my favorite ways to celebrate after your ceremony include:
- Popping champagne with the Tetons as your backdrop
- Sharing a picnic by Jackson Lake
- Renting a canoe or paddleboard for a quiet afternoon on the water
- Exploring iconic locations like Schwabacher Landing, Mormon Row, or String Lake
- Driving the Gros Ventre Road in search of moose, bison, bears, and other wildlife
- Enjoying a celebratory dinner at one of Jackson’s incredible restaurants
- Watching the sunset from Snake River Overlook
- Ending the evening with stargazing beneath Wyoming’s dark skies
The beauty of an elopement is that there are no rules or strict timelines to follow. Instead of rushing from one event to the next, you can slow down, soak in every moment, and spend your wedding day doing the things you genuinely love together. That’s often what couples remember most years later.
Continue planning your Grand Teton Elopement
You might also find these Grand Teton planning resources helpful as you start planning your day. I’ve put together in-depth guides covering everything from permits and timelines to choosing the perfect ceremony location and bringing your dog along for the adventure. Whether you’re just beginning to plan or narrowing down the details, these articles will help you feel confident every step of the way.
- How to Elope in Grand Teton National Park – Your complete step-by-step planning guide, including permits, timelines, marriage licenses, and my favorite ceremony locations.
- Sunrise vs. Sunset: The Best Time of Day to Elope in Grand Teton National Park – Seasonal weather, road openings, crowds, and what to expect throughout the year.
- Glacier National Park vs. Grand Teton National Park: Which Is Better for Your Elopement? – Compare scenery, accessibility, seasons, permits, crowds, and overall experience to help you decide which park is the perfect fit for your wedding day.
Planning Your Wedding Tree Elopement
The Wedding Tree is one of my favorite ceremony locations near Grand Teton because it offers the perfect balance of accessibility and breathtaking scenery. Whether you’re planning an intimate “just us” ceremony or inviting your closest family and friends, it’s hard to beat standing beneath the famous tree with the entire Teton Range stretching across the horizon.
As a Grand Teton elopement photographer, I help couples with far more than just taking photos. From choosing the best ceremony time and planning a stress-free timeline to navigating permits and finding incredible portrait locations throughout the park, I’m here to help you create a wedding day that feels relaxed, intentional, and completely your own.
If you’re ready to start planning your Wedding Tree elopement, get in touch here. I’d love to hear about your vision and help you create an intentional, stress-free wedding day that’s centered around the experience, not just the photos. From location recommendations and permits to timeline planning and documenting every meaningful moment, I’ll be with you every step of the way.
