how to get
married at the
wedding tree
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
An easy guide to weddings at The Wedding Tree, with practical and seasonal notes from a local Jackson Hole wedding photographer.
Your Wedding Tree Guide
I’m Danielle, a photojournalistic wedding photographer based in Grand Teton National Park.
I first came to Jackson Hole while hiking the Continental Divide Trail in 2017 and found myself drawn to this valley ever since. Between work and life in Jackson Hole, I’ve witnessed these mountains and valleys at every time of day. I know the way our weather builds and breaks and how to anticipate the unexpected. Whether your day involves a gathering of loved ones atop Rendezvous Peak or just the two of you beneath the rising sun, I’m here to guide you with the ease and skill that only a local can.
The Wedding Tree 101
The Wedding Tree is a stunning wedding venue outside of Jackson Hole, Wyoming. If you’re wondering if The Wedding Tree is in Grand Teton National Park, it’s actually a small wedding venue in the Gros Ventre (“Grow-Vont”) Mountains, just outside the park.
The Wedding Tree is basically composed of two gigantic trees on the edge of a hill with a dramatic backdrop of the Teton range. The class-IV Gros Ventre river churns below and the entire area smells like sagebrush.
It’s simple, quiet, and incredibly meaningful for the right kind of elopement. But it’s also more exposed, more weather-dependent, and less private than most couples expect going in.
If you’re considering getting married here, this is what it actually feels like on a wedding day, from a photographer based in Grand Teton National Park.
location
The Wedding Tree isn’t actually in Grand Teton. It’s an outdoor wedding venue near Jackson Hole and Kelly, Wyoming in the Bridger Teton National Forest and Gros Ventre Mountains.
The trail recently received some work and is very easy and doesn’t have much vertical gain. It is not the most accessible wedding venue in the Tetons, though. Fortunately, there are plenty of wedding sites in Grand Teton that fit the bill for easy-access.
Basic logistics
Guest capacity - 75
Dogs - yes
Accessibility - low-medium
Sunrise or sunset - I prefer earlier morning personally
Do You Need a Permit for The Wedding Tree?
The Wedding Tree is managed by the Bridger Teton National Forest, which oversees a lot of the wilderness outside of the park around Jackson Hole. They do require a permit, which book up far in advance for popular weekends dates. Popular dates book over a year in advance so I recommend not waiting.
season
Summer through fall are the best times for ceremonies at the Wedding Tree and other venues in the Tetons. It can stay chilly in the mornings all summer, but it’s much more bearable in July and August. The Wedding Tree is an option for winter weddings as well.
This location tends to work best for couples who:
are bringing a few guests but don’t want something formal
care more about meaning and setting than variety of backdrops
you want to avoid the competitive Teton permit system
you want something a little more private than the sites in the park
It’s usually not a good fit if:
you’re hoping for total privacy (this is a known location)
you want a variety of images without moving locations
you feel stressed by unpredictability in weather or wind
you want a complete natural feeling scene–the area was very developed recently with stone fixtures and a gravel path to prevent wear
pets at the
wedding tree
Looking to bring your dog to your elopement in Grand Teton? The Wedding Tree is outside of the park on National Forest land, so it’s a pet friendly venue! It’s actually the only wedding venue in the area that is, since pets aren’t allowed in Grand Teton National Park.
You’ll want to arrange for a friend or someone to watch your dog if we’ll be taking photos elsewhere in the park, though. They can come to the overlooks, but it’s best not to leave them in your car in the summer.
Wedding Tree FAQ - Jackson Hole
Where is the Wedding Tree located?
The Wedding Tree sits on Bridger-Teton National Forest land, just south of Grand Teton National Park. It’s approximately a 20–25 minute drive from Jackson and requires a short, easy walk from the parking area to reach the overlook.
Do we need a permit to get married at the Wedding Tree?
Yes. Because the site is on Forest Service land, you need a Bridger-Teton National Forest Special Use Permit for any wedding or elopement. Availability is limited and the process can take time, so it’s best to apply early.
How many people can we bring?
The Wedding Tree is best suited for intimate gatherings, typically under 20 people. The pathway is narrow, the space is rustic, and there are no facilities, so small groups work best.
Is the Wedding Tree accessible?
The Wedding Tree is moderately accessible but not as accessible as certain sites in Grand Teton.
Can we bring chairs, arches, or large décor pieces?
Generally, no large setups are allowed. The Forest Service prohibits structures, arches, and anything that could damage the landscape. Small handheld florals are fine. The space is naturally stunning and doesn’t need additional décor.
What’s the best time of year to get married here?
Late June through early October offers the best access and weather. Snow can linger into early summer, and the access road may be impassable in winter or mud season.
When is the best time of day for photos?
Golden hour (one hour after sunrise or before sunset) provides the most beautiful light and views of the Tetons.
Can we have dogs at our ceremony?
Yes! Leashed dogs are allowed because the site is on National Forest land—one of the perks compared to Grand Teton National Park.
What should we expect for parking?
Parking is limited and located along a narrow dirt road. Carpooling is strongly recommended, especially for groups.
Is the Wedding Tree private?
It’s a public space, so you may encounter hikers or other visitors. Sunrise ceremonies offer the highest chance of solitude.
Do you help with planning or vendor recommendations?
Absolutely. I guide couples through permits, logistics, timelines, and local vendor recommendations, ensuring the day is smooth and stress-free.
Have a great wedding day
More Wedding Venues in Jackson Hole
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Rustic barns, wide open sky, fields of grass.
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Calm water from the Snake River, morning fog, ample shade. Maybe a moose.
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Rocky beach, endless water, Mt. Moran.
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Sagebrush and intimate mountain views.
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Ansel Adams and the Snake River. Enough said.
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Bright sun and wide sagebrush vistas.
More Planning Resources
I’ve put a lot of thought and time into these free resources and put even more consideration into my clients’ weddings and galleries. All of my clients will receive:
My unlimited attention, local expertise, and assistance while designing your wedding or elopement timeline.
A plan b for the day in case the weather does not cooperate - this is so important in Grand Teton and only a local photographer is going to have the knowledge to basically create two itineraries.
My client planning guide packed with Jackson Hole and Grand Teton-specific details and vendor recommendations to make planning your day as seamless as possible.
An easy-access, beautifully-designed digital gallery with full print and sharing rights.
If you’re considering getting married at The Wedding Tree, I highly encourage you to reach to a photographer with a serious connection and expertise on Grand Teton National Park. It will show in the photos!
Recommended Reading:
Contact
vilaplanaphoto@gmail.com