Some couples are just meant to find each other. No matter how far apart they start. Josie was in the Salt Lake City from England on a worktrip. Kenny was in Salt Lake City for a Snoop Dogg concert (iconic honestly.) They both opened Hinge at the right moment. They matched, didn’t meet, and ended up spending the next six months talking on FaceTime while waiting for her visa.
When Josie finally moved to the U.S., they met for the first time in person. From then on, everything just clicked.
They built their life between Salt Lake and Bozeman before settling in Eastern Idaho with their French Bulldog, Nigel, who might I add, literally came over on a cruise ship from England, I’d argue that’s patriotic in a way.
They both work remotely, love the slow pace of small-town life, and knew they didn’t want a big, traditional wedding. They wanted an intentional, emotional, and simple elopement day surrounded by mountains and meaning.
Planning Their Teton Elopement in just FOUR Weeks
They first reached out with an idea for a full-day Sun Valley elopement. But when Josie’s parents were able to fly in from England and Kenny’s dad said yes to officiating , the vision shifted.
We pivoted everything and kept it close to home. Choosing a quiet, scenic ceremony spot in Alta, Wyoming, just over the state line from Driggs, Idaho and right behind the mountain range of Grand Teton National Park.
It gave them the freedom to include their people while still keeping it personal and peaceful.
Getting Ready for Their Ceremony
The morning of their elopement was slow and intentional.
Kenny spent the morning writing his vows and helping both sets of parents get ready, making sure ties were tied, flowers were packed, and the cake made it to the car (it didn’t survive the heat, but that didn’t stop them from enjoying it later).
Meanwhile, Josie was tucked away in their bathroom, getting her hair done by Kenny’s sister. A quiet, sweet moment that grounded the whole morning. As she sat in the chair, she FaceTimed her brother back in England, catching up and laughing as she prepared to walk into a new chapter.
A Private Ceremony with Mountain Views
They chose a tucked-away mountainside location in Alta, WY. A hidden gem with quiet trails, big trees, and a view of the Tetons in the distance.
Both sets of parents gathered close as Kenny’s dad led the ceremony, officiating in front of the mountains with hand-written vows and full hearts. It was simple, peaceful, and deeply emotional.
There were no rows of chairs, no microphone, no timeline stress. Just two people making promises in a place that felt like home and florals that were created by Kenny’s aunt, who came all the way from Arizona to design pieces just for them.
After the ceremony, they had a mountain picnic with their families — snacks, drinks, and conversation under the trees. It was quiet, sweet, and exactly what they needed before the next stop. Josies parents were headed back to England the next day, and Kennys parents were headed back home, though much closer, they all shared heartfelt goodbyes.
Tattoos in Driggs to Seal the Deal
They drove to Driggs, Idaho, where they got their initials tattooed on the inside of their ring fingers — still in their wedding outfits. It was bold, meaningful, and the most “them” way to seal the day. They Both said it didn’t hurt much, but I know they have good poker faces because that definitely hurt so damn bad.
Wedding Cake Meltdown (Literally)
When they got to their hotel, they realized the cake that had been left in the car all day had melted completely. They wanted a break from the heat and a melted cake was not something they intending on sharing the day they said “I Do.” Instead of stressing about it, they changed into robes, ready to demolish the cake that now has a lot of character and they tore into it with their hands, laughing and sharing bites as they sat at the cute corner table in their hotel room.
Not planned. Not perfect. But one hundred percent unforgettable.
Evening at Schwabacher Landing + Mormon Row
We ended the day with a sunset adventure in Grand Teton National Park, starting at Schwabacher Landing and wrapping up at Mormon Row.
When we showed up to Schwabacher Landing, we were greeted by a moose, and about 30 other people (Though the photos will never reflect the abundance of visitors.) We were all admiring the moose as it blew bubbles into the water. It was truly so beautiful to stop and admire the wildlife that calls this incredible piece of the world ‘home.’ The light was golden. The mountains were hazy and soft. I couldn’t have made it a more perfect evening if I tried.
Then we went and explored Mormon Row. It’s so fascinating that such an antique barn is still standing. As old and weathered as it is, I want it in my own backyard. We hopped around this site, taking more stunning portraits of them. I had them running through tall grass and doing leprechaun hops. As the minutes passed, the lighting got better and better. In the end, the sun fell behind the mountains and casted the most impressive backlight on them that just gave us the opportunity to see every ridge and peak that they had to share.
After we were done admiring the mountains, we raced back into Jackson Hole to get the most iconic shots in front of the Cowboy Bar. No boots or cowboys to be seen. There was however two lovers that just said “I Do” running towards me across the street as the neon lights of the bar shined brightly behind them.
We said goodbye, and they went off to dinner and danced the rest of the night away at cowboy bar, in their dress and suit mind you, where they shared a few too many drinks, that were paid for by other patrons that were excited to see a bride and groom sharing the final hours of their “I Do” day with them on the dance floor!
What You Should Know if You Want to Elope in The Tetons
Alta, WY is perfect for a private ceremony
It’s quiet, scenic, and just over the state line from Jackson Hole. You get Teton views without the crowds or strict permit rules.
Grand Teton national park is iconic for a reason
Schwabacher Landing, Mormon Row, Snake River Overlook — the photo spots are endless, but timing matters. I’ll help you plan around light, weather, and traffic.
Keep your guest list small
Fewer people means more freedom and fewer logistics to manage. Josie and Kenny invited just their parents and it made every moment feel deeper.
Permits, timing, and location logistics MATTER
Some spots in the park require permits. Some don’t. Some are best at sunrise. Some are sunset-only. I’ll help guide every piece of the puzzle.
Don’t be afraid to break tradition
Get tattoos, share a picnic, write your vows the morning of, eat cake with your hands, or end the day at a bar. You don’t have to do any of this the “right” way. You just have to do it your way.
What Made this Teton Elopement so Special
- Ceremony officiated by Kenny’s dad in a private forest in Alta
- Josie’s hair done by her future sister-in-law in a canvas tent
- Custom wildflower florals made by Kenny’s aunt
- Getting ready moments with FaceTime calls to family in England
- A post-ceremony picnic under the trees with both sets of parents
- Matching ring finger tattoos in Driggs, Idaho
- Eating melted cake with their hands at their hotel
- Golden hour portraits in Grand Teton National Park
- A surprise moose guest
- Ending the night at the Cowboy Bar in Jackson Hole
Ready to plan your Grand Teton elopement?
Whether you’re planning a destination elopement in Grand Teton National Park, a small mountaintop wedding in Alta, or something tucked away in Driggs or Jackson Hole, our day deserves to feel like you.
I’m an elopement photographer based in the Pacific Northwest who specializes in documenting intimate wedding days in the Tetons, the Idaho backcountry, and really anywhere your love story wanders.
From helping you pick a ceremony location with killer views to navigating permits, lighting, weather, and backup plans, I’ve got you & I am so passionate about it all.
Reach out today to start planning your Grand Teton elopement or small wedding in Alta, Wyoming. Let’s build a day full of soul, not stress.
