There is something magical about eloping in the mountains, especially in the Grand Tetons in winter. The jagged peaks, the quiet snowfall, the stillness of the valleys, it is a landscape that feels timeless and untouched. For Lara and Alan, it was the perfect place to say their vows and begin a new chapter of their story.

In November, their 11th anniversary, these high school sweethearts chose to celebrate their love with an intimate and adventurous winter elopement. It was a date that already carried so much meaning, and now it will forever mark both their anniversary as a couple and as husband and wife.

Why the Grand Tetons

Lara and Alan are huge outdoor enthusiasts. Their happiest days are spent hiking, camping, and exploring wild places together. When they thought about how they wanted to get married, it didn’t feel right to book a traditional venue or plan a big wedding. Instead, they wanted to be surrounded by the quiet beauty of nature.

The Grand Teton National Park has always been a favorite destination for them, so when they started dreaming about eloping, it felt like the natural choice. They loaded up their car in Colorado, packed their cats for the trip, and drove north to Wyoming. To make the day even more meaningful, Lara’s parents flew in from Florida to be part of the celebration. It was a perfect blend of intimacy, just the two of them for most of the day, with family there to support them during such an important milestone.

A Frosty Morning Start

The morning of their elopement dawned crisp and cold, only 4 degrees. While most couples might shy away from such weather, Lara and Alan leaned into the adventure. Lara even had her wedding dress custom made with extra lining and thicker fabric so she could stay warm while still looking stunning.

Because many of the park’s roads close in the winter, we rented e-bikes to explore. Bundled in layers with frost hanging in the air, we rode along quiet paths with the Tetons towering above us. The stillness of the park in November made the day feel private and sacred, like the entire mountain range was just theirs.

First Look at Schwabacher’s Landing

Our first stop was near Schwabacher’s Landing, one of the most iconic viewpoints in the Tetons. Lara and Alan got ready side by side near their car, helping each other with jackets and details as the cold morning sun began to creep over the horizon.

Then came their first look. As the sky turned pink and gold over the frozen landscape, Alan turned to see Lara in her wedding dress for the first time. The moment was raw and emotional, with frost crunching underfoot and clouds of breath hanging in the air. It was just the two of them and the rising sun casting its first light over the mountains.

Thinking about doing your own first look but feeling unsure? I wrote a full guide on what a first look is and why so many couples love it — you can check it out here: Elopement First Look: What It Is and Why You’ll Love It.

Family and Furry Friends

After their emotional first look at Schwabacher’s Landing, Lara’s parents joined them for part of the morning. They had traveled all the way from Florida to witness this milestone, which made the day feel even more special. What made it even sweeter was that Lara and Alan also brought their cats along for a few photos.

At a beautiful pullout viewpoint overlooking the Tetons, we captured some family portraits that included not only Lara and Alan but also her parents and their beloved pets. It was such a unique and personal touch — a reminder that elopements can be whatever you want them to be. Whether it is parents, pets, or both, you can weave the people and companions who matter most into your day in meaningful ways. Having her parents there to share in the joy and including their cats in the photos added a layer of warmth and love that made this already incredible day even more unforgettable.

Wedding in the Grand Teton National Park

Going Through the Park

After that emotional start, we drove over to Oxbow Bend, where the water lay still and reflected the snowy peaks in the distance and a herd of elk was grazing nearby. The air was crisp and the light was soft, wrapping the morning in a quiet beauty. Lara and Alan walked hand in hand with each other through the snow as we explored around the incredible landscape the sky lit up in a brilliant blue.

Later, we returned to Schwabacher’s Landing for a second stop. This time, instead of staying at the top like we had for the first look, Lara and Alan hopped on their e-bikes and rode all the way down to the river bottom. The path wound through frosty grasses and quiet trees until we reached the water’s edge with the Tetons towering in the background. From there, we continued riding through the park toward Jenny Lake, soaking in the winter landscape as we went.

Sandwiches, Letters, and Cake

At Jenny Lake, the two of them took a break from biking and found a quiet spot to enjoy a simple picnic of sandwiches. What made it especially meaningful was what came next. They opened a book of letters from their closest friends and family, filled with words of love and encouragement. Reading those letters out loud, wrapped in the quiet of the mountains, was such an emotional moment. It was like their community was there with them, even though it was just the two of them in the park.

After the letters, it was time for something sweet, cutting the cutest little cake they had brought along. Even with frozen fingers, they laughed as they shared those first bites, cheeks flushed from both the cold and the happiness of the day.

Vows by a Frozen Lake

From there, we made our way through the trees to the edge of Jenny Lake where Lara and Alan exchanged their vows. The sun dipped lower, turning the snow a soft pink and gold, and the entire world around us grew silent. The snow muffled every sound except their voices as they spoke promises to each other, words that had been building since their high school days.

There wasn’t another person in sight. Just the two of them, the mountains, and the stillness of winter. It was exactly what they had envisioned when they dreamed up their elopement, intimate, peaceful, and focused only on what really mattered.

An Unexpected Guest

Just as we were packing up, a little fox appeared and trotted toward us, clearly curious about the cake. While we didn’t share (don’t feed wildlife!) it felt like nature’s way of blessing the day with a touch of magic.

The Perfect Ending

We hopped back on the e-bikes and rode through the chilly evening air, the peaks glowing faintly in the distance. Cheeks red from the cold, smiles wide, and hearts so full, it was the perfect ending to a day that had been adventurous, emotional, and uniquely theirs from start to finish.

Why the Tetons Are Perfect for a Winter (Or Summer!) Elopement

Eloping in Grand Teton National Park in the winter is not for everyone. The temperatures are freezing, many roads are closed, and the logistics take some extra planning. But if you are adventurous like Lara and Alan, the reward is absolutely worth it. Quiet trails, dramatic snowy landscapes, and the kind of peace that lets you be fully present with your partner.

Their day is a reminder that elopements don’t have to follow any rules. They can be cozy and simple, full of adventure, or a mix of both. What matters most is creating a day that reflects who you are as a couple.

Planning Your Own Grand Teton Elopement?
If you are dreaming of a wedding day filled with adventure, intimacy, and epic mountain views, I would love to help you plan it. From logistics and location scouting to creating a relaxed, fun experience, I will be there to make sure your day is as unforgettable as your love story.

📷 Contact me here to start planning your Grand Teton elopement.

Want to bring your pets along for your own elopement? Lara and Alan did, and it made their day even more personal. I put together a guide with tips and ideas for including your furry friends — you can read it here: How to Include Your Pet in Your Elopement.