I was so excited when talking with Traci and Kevin about an outdoor winter wedding at Grand Teton National Park. While this would be my own first time capturing the park, photographing a winter mountain wedding was a long-time dream! I couldn’t wait to help this couple plan their Grand Teton elopement!
Knowing Exactly What You Want For Your Winter Wedding
These two knew from the start that they wanted to elope somewhere adventurous. A western-themed wedding was the aim of their chosen destination with Grand Teton National Park at the top of the groom’s bucket list.
Traci and Kevin wanted a wild west feel while also being in the snow which is quite the unusual combination for a wedding in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. While most would go for a spring or summer destination wedding there, this adventure couple found themselves in a winter wonderland.
Following many planning discussions, we figured out the logistics of a simple plan for their day. My elopement planning partner, Sarah Kay, did the wedding florals, while also playing an instrumental role in making the day flow. Despite the cold, she did not miss a beat and I don’t think I could have ever done a Grand Teton elopement like this without her!
A Grand Teton Elopement Day in Action
I arrived a few days early to investigate the planned winter elopement locations. The only spot that was set in stone was a place called The Wedding Tree. Located within the Bridger-Teton National Forest, it is a reservable site on a first-come, first-serve basis.
I was ecstatic to find that The Wedding Tree is a magical sacred tree. It can be found in a beautiful location with incredible views of the Grand Teton Mountain Range. There we discovered the perfect vantage point to photograph the elopement ceremony.
We were able to include other picturesque locations along the way adding to these mountain wedding photos:
- Mormon Row–includes the picturesque Moulton Barns
- Jackson Hole’s Elk Antler Arch
To get us more easily to these locations, Sarah Kay brought along snowshoes for the couple. She helped Traci and Kevin put them on with a quick and basic lesson in snowshoeing. We then walked further and stopped at a few more spots on the way to The Wedding Tree which included a river view.
Arriving at The Wedding Tree, we met up with Judd Grossman, the officiant and musician for the day. He greeted us with a smile all while still playing guitar softly looking just like a cowboy. Traci walked down the “aisle” towards the tree and I smiled as I watched Sarah Kay weep during the ceremony.
Following their Grand Teton elopement ceremony, we wrangled Kevin and Traci back into the truck tucking a basket of snacks between them. This was just another one of Sarah Kay’s magical tricks for keeping our wedding couples fed and happy. The rest of our time was spent driving and visiting various points to witness amazing wildlife: bison, moose, and lastly, a couple of foxes.
Two People Who Knew a Snow Wedding Was For Them
At a glance, this couple’s love is so easy to spot. It’s beautiful and their mutual trust in each other is completely apparent. Kevin’s willingness to take on any adventure stemmed from knowing that Traci would be a part of it! Traci’s joy overflowed at the chance to take Kevin to his bucket list destination. The day embodied two people possessing matching hearts of adventure at their best!
Traci and Kevin braved the cold landscape trusting in the plan for a dream day that would mark the start of a life created together. Walking two lovers through the process of a Grand Teton elopement as it unfolds is such a joy. It is humbling seeing people experience the national parks that I hold so dear with the same reverence and awe.
Celebrating with cake and champagne into the overcast sunset with the Grand Teton landscape views surrounding us was the perfect ending to a love-filled day.
Vendors
Destination | Grand Teton National Park
Photographer | Terri Attridge Photography
Florals | Sarah Kay
Musician/Officiant | Judd Grossman
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The Wedding Tree; what a perfect name! There’s no place like the beauty of The Grand Tetons!
Such great color coordination for this winter wonderland. Snowshoeing–how cool!
I would say they brave for getting married in the snow (or even just being in the cold for so long without being bundled up)! The photos are beautiful though so definitely worth it!
All that snow, OMG that makes it such a perfect place to elope!! let your emotions warm you up and enjoy the beautiful scenery!!
These photos are so lovely, this looks like the perfect day!
Yaaaaaaas to all winter adventures….they are absolutely magical! Wyoming has so much to offer and Tetons are dream!