How could I put together this list without including one of the most stunning national parks in the country, Grand Teton National Park?
The Grand Tetons are seriously some of the most beautiful mountains you could ever visit, with over 200 miles of trails available, just over 300,000 acres of land to explore, crystal clear alpine lakes, and luscious greenery everywhere you look. They’re an absolutely awesome location for couples who are eloping or are keeping their ceremony intimate, as the Grand Teton National Park Special Use Permit (required for weddings) only allows for 12-40 guests depending on the ceremony site you choose.
You’ll want to apply for this permit as far in advance as you’re able to, because the national park is only allowing 60 wedding ceremonies per year, per location now – meaning there will be a lot of couples competing for the use of ceremony sites.
Check out the National Park Service’s website here for further details on how to get your Special Use Permit & to learn about the rules and restrictions of having your wedding in the Grand Tetons!
Top features of the venue:
Variety of ceremony site options depending on the size of your group
Incredible views of glacial lakes, vibrant wilderness, jagged mountain peaks, & winding rivers
Tons of hiking trails
Plenty of cozy cabins, resorts, & lodges to stay at nearby
And on that note, let’s talk about Wyoming’s other national park – Yellowstone, of course!
Yellowstone National Park is yet another incredible national park that’s a must-visit if you’re visiting WY. It covers nearly 2.2 million acres of land that boast unbelievable views, geologic wonders, and almost half of the world’s active geysers. Crazy, right?
Just like any other national park, you’ll need a Special Use Permit to tie the knot inside of Yellowstone NP. This permit has a $250 non-refundable application fee, and allows you to get married at many designated location in the park, depending on the size of your group and the complexity of your ceremony setup. Yellowstone actually doesn’t give out these permits until a few weeks in advance of your wedding date, but you can apply as far ahead as 12 months in advance up until 2-4 weeks before your requested ceremony date.
Head here to learn more about the Special Use Permit application & permitting process for Yellowstone NP!
Top features of the venue:
Next up we’ve got another private ranch in Jackson Hole, Diamond Cross Ranch. This breathtaking Western ranch offers stunning views right at the base of the Grand Tetons and leaves you truly surrounded by the natural beauty of Wyoming! Diamond Cross Ranch was actually awarded the #1 wedding venue in Wyoming by Cosmopolitan Magazine recently, so you know couples absolutely love getting married there. I love their slogan – “When Western beauty meets modern elegance” – sounds pretty great to me!
Average cost of to rent Diamond Cross Ranch for your wedding: $10,000+ (according to Wedding Spot)
Top features of the venue:
Fully customizable wedding spaces
Signature horse release during your ceremony
Stunning backdrop of the Grand Tetons
Lodging available
Family-owned
