The Best Season to Get Married in the Tetons

The Tetons draw couples from all over with their towering peaks, pristine alpine lakes, and awe-inspiring beauty that sets the stage for a truly unforgettable wedding. But with the four distinct seasons, and most couples getting married here from out of state, choosing the perfect season to get married in the Tetons can be a dilemma! Every season is beautiful in its own way and comes with its own set of pros and cons.

After three years of photographing elopements in Jackson Hole, and having grown up in this beautiful place with a front row seat to the changing seasons of the Tetons, I’ve compiled all my notes from the past few years.

So, what IS the best season to get married in the Tetons?

Spring: Wildflowers and Showers

Dreaming of fields filled with lush greens and wildflowers? As the snow begins to melt and the wildflowers start popping across the valley, spring paints GTNP with hues of green and bursts of vibrant colors. Blooming meadows and snow-capped peaks create a breathtaking backdrop for a spring wedding in Tetons. The air is crisp, the wildlife is active, and the fabric of the landscape is the prettiest it is all year in my opinion! Because of the altitude, spring starts later in Wyoming than many states. Mid-June to July would be your months if you want wildflowers and for minimal snow. It can be rainy in the afternoons, but generally clears up by the evening.

Pros:

Blooming wildflowers all across the valley
Milder temperatures create a comfortable atmosphere
Waterfalls fill with the melting snow
Less tourists as busy season starts

Cons:

Unpredictable weather; occasional late snowfall and evening showers
Can be chilly

Summer: Warm Days and Starlit Nights

Summer in the Tetons is a celebration of life. Lush greenery, warm temperatures, and extended daylight hours create a magical setting for weddings! Late July and August will be your dream months. Whether exchanging vows in a meadow, by a lake, or beneath a canopy of trees, summer allows you to embrace the full spectrum of outdoor options, and you can end your wedding night under the stars.

The days are much warmer and usually completely clear. The big thing to be aware of is that these months do come with more tourists and potential wildfire smoke hazing out the Tetons. For sunrise elopements, these are the main two months you won’t freeze in those early hours!

Pros:

Warm temperatures perfect for outdoor ceremonies and receptions
Abundant outdoor activities for pre or post wedding adventures
Long, golden hours for stunning sunset ceremonies
Prime Milky Way season for astro photos with couples

Cons:

Busier tourist season; popular sites will be crowded
Wildfire smoke can block the Tetons
Mosquitoes

Fall: Fiery Colors and Wildlife

As autumn sets in, the Tetons turn into a painting of warm tones and golden hues. The crisp mountain air is so refreshing after the heat of summer, and the stunning contrast between the changing leaves and the pines on the lower mountains makes for a romantic atmosphere for a wedding. There are areas that just look like they’re on fire because of the brightness of the foliage in the aspens! Fall in the Tetons will typically start the second to last week of September and go into the first week of October, and fall colors will vary depending on the area of the park you are in. This can be the DREAMIEST time to get married if you time those colors right, and you will have nearly no tourists in the park compared to summer.

Pros:

Stunning fall foliage provides a naturally beautiful backdrop
Cooler temperatures are ideal for comfortable celebrations
Fewer tourists than other seasons
Most wildfire smoke cleared up compared to summer

Cons:

Potential for early snowfall, particularly in late fall
Fall colors don’t last long in many areas of the park
Sunsets to the side, making for photos slightly more harshly lit

Winter: Snowy and Intimate

For those seeking a winter wedding, the Tetons offer an idyllic snow-draped landscape. From mid November to the last week of April, sparkling snowflakes, frozen lakes, and the quiet majesty of snow-covered peaks create a magical ambiance that is perfect for couples who dream of a cozy, intimate celebration! Depending on the winter month you choose, you may have temperatures in the single digits (or negatives), but there are plenty of cozy and elegant venues to have your ceremony in so your honeymoon can be a ski trip. Winter road closures in the Tetons last from November until the first week of May.

Pros:

Snow-covered landscapes that are dreamy
Cozy indoor venues with fireplaces add to the intimate feel
Unique winter activities for adventurous couples
Very minimal Tourists

Cons:

Cold temperatures limit outdoor options
Many roads and locations in the park closed until the first of May
Low hanging snow clouds could threaten the view of the Teton peaks