A Two-Day Grand Teton National Park Elopement: Gabriel + Scott’s Sunrise Wedding & Private Vows
Gabriel + Scott
When Gabriel + Scott first reached out, their plan looked very different. They had originally booked me for a big wedding in St. Louis, but halfway through the planning process, everything shifted. They had recently moved west, fallen completely in love with the Tetons, and realized they wanted something quieter, more intentional, and rooted in nature. So they pivoted. Instead of a traditional wedding day, they chose a two-day elopement experience in Grand Teton National Park that allowed space for both celebration and intimacy—and it ended up being nothing short of magical.
Day One: A Sunrise Ceremony with Loved Ones
Their first day was all about community. With around 20 of their closest people—parents, siblings, and their wedding party—we started early. Really early. At 4 a.m., we bounced between Airbnbs while everyone got ready, sipping coffee and layering up for the cold morning ahead.
They had planned a sunrise ceremony with sweeping views of the Tetons, but Mother Nature had her own timeline. Clouds rolled in, rain followed, and we made the call to wait it out from the cars. About an hour later, the weather softened, the light turned moody and cinematic, and the mountains revealed themselves in the most stunning way. It sprinkled throughout the ceremony, but no one cared. Gabriel + Scott stood in the field with the Tetons behind them, completely present, letting the moment unfold exactly as it was meant to.
After a champagne toast and group photos, we headed to the lakeshore to explore and take portraits. That’s when the rain really came down—and with it, more than twenty rainbows. At one point, a full double rainbow arched across the sky, perfectly framing the mountains with Gabriel + Scott standing right in the center. It was one of those moments you can’t plan, only witness.
The celebration continued back in Jackson with a relaxed brunch, heartfelt speeches, and the sweetest generational detail: a cake topper from Gabriel’s grandmother’s wedding, with his grandma helping cut the cake. That evening wrapped with pizza, ice cream, and casual conversation—proof that elopement days can still feel full, meaningful, and communal.
Elopement Tip: Build flexibility into your timeline. Weather delays are common in the Tetons, and some of the most beautiful moments happen when you give yourself permission to wait.
Day Two: Just the Two of Them
The second day was reserved entirely for Gabriel + Scott. Overnight, the park transformed into a winter wonderland, with fresh snow blanketing the landscape and making the fall colors pop even more. We met in the afternoon at Schwabacher Landing, where snow fell steadily as they wandered along the water. It was quiet, serene, and incredibly intimate.
As the weather shifted, we chased clearing skies, pulling over along the road to capture portraits in open fields before heading to the Wedding Tree area for sunset. This was where they shared their private vows—just the two of them, mountains behind, snow still scattered across the ground. There were tears, laughter, and the kind of emotion that feels even deeper when it’s shared without an audience.
They toasted with sparkling apple cider, enjoyed a small picnic, and took their time soaking it all in. No rushing. No pressure. Just space to be together.
We ended the night at their dome Airbnb, where they played chess, stargazed, and fully settled into the quiet joy of being married.
Elopement Tip: A two-day elopement allows you to separate celebration from intimacy. One day for loved ones, one day just for you—and both can feel equally meaningful.
Tips for Eloping in Grand Teton National Park
1. Build flexibility into your timeline.
Weather in the Tetons can change by the minute—sun, rain, snow, and wind can all happen in the same day. Give yourself buffer time around your ceremony, portraits, and travel between locations. Some of the most breathtaking moments happen right after a storm clears.
2. Sunrise and sunset are worth it.
Early mornings and evenings offer softer light, fewer crowds, and a more peaceful experience overall. Sunrise ceremonies are especially popular for privacy, while sunset brings that golden glow along the mountain range. Choosing off-peak times makes even popular locations feel intimate.
3. Dress for layers, not just looks.
Even in summer, mornings can be chilly, and fall or spring elopements can feel downright cold. Plan layers, cozy outerwear, and comfortable footwear you can walk in. Neutral, earth-toned layers also photograph beautifully against the Tetons.
4. Consider a two-day elopement experience.
Splitting your elopement into two days allows you to celebrate with loved ones one day and keep another day just for the two of you. It creates space for private vows, intentional moments, and exploring multiple areas of the park without rushing.
5. Embrace whatever the mountains give you.
Fog, clouds, rain, or snow don’t ruin an elopement in the Tetons—they often elevate it. Trust the experience, stay present, and let the landscape tell its story. Some of the most unforgettable elopements happen when plans shift and expectations loosen.
Gabriel + Scott’s elopement was a reminder of why the Tetons are so special. In just two days, they experienced rain, snow, sunrise, sunset, and everything in between. More importantly, they created a wedding experience that truly reflected who they are—grounded, intentional, and deeply connected.
Vendors
Photography | Sally G Photography
Videography | Sally G Photography
Dress | Maggie Sottero
Suit | Men’s Wearhouse / Calvin Klein
Brunch Reception | The Bistro
Pizza Dinner | Hand Fire Pizza
READY TO START PLANNING YOUR ELOPEMENT? REACH OUT NOW!
Hey, I’m Sally! I’m a destination adventure elopement photographer based in Washington, but traveling worldwide!
