Early October is the perfect time for a Grand Tetons hiking elopement. The weather is a bit cooler and it’s now the shoulder season, meaning far fewer crowds and peaking fall foliage. The colors are golden, the weather is mostly dry, and there is usually just a dusting of snow on the highest peaks.
Since J&J are super active, we chose a longer, steeper hike to tackle. We had the trails virtually to ourselves (seriously, we saw 3 other people the entire day).
All that exploring made the 6 course meal awaiting us back at the Airbnb that night even better!
After a long and exciting hiking elopement, there is nothing more comforting than coming back to your Airbnb to a chef and hot food waiting. I am absolutely convinced there is no better way to cap the day than that.
J&J’s Grand Tetons hiking elopement timeline and activities:
Full day starting at 10am and ending around 10pm.
Slow morning getting ready
Afternoon hike and ceremony
Sunset portraits around the park
Private chef and 6 course meal at the Airbnb. Oh, and first dance!
Getting ready - Idaho’s side of the Tetons
The morning started very relaxed with getting ready just outside the Grand Teton National Park in Driggs, Idaho. They rented a cabin with lots of space for everyone, including the chef who would arrive later that day. J&J had two guests with them, her best friend and his brother.
J & his brother decided to start the morning by crushing a massive hike together while the girls got ready. He’s an Iron Man athlete, so I was definitely wondering how we’d all keep up with him later on in the day!
As I gathered detail shots and flatlays, they read letters and opened gifts from family.
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Hiking through the Tetons and intimate ceremony
Once everyone was ready to go, we drove over to the trailhead. The entire hike, we saw one other person - the entire trail was ours that day. The hike we chose was a pretty long and steep one. In order to slow down J and his Iron Man strength, we let him carry the heaviest pack. He gladly accepted the challenge and honestly I don’t think it affected him much.
As soon as we were above the treeline in a nice open clearing, we stopped. We had vast, sweeping views of the Tetons, Idaho and Wyoming. It was the perfect spot for a ceremony, we were completely alone and the sun was shining.
Throughout the whole process of planning their Grand Tetons hiking elopement, J was so excited, but by this point she could hardly contain herself. It was contagious and the entire group was having a blast together.
The ceremony was led by J’s best friend, who is a life coach and energy worker. She brought an intentional and emotional atmosphere to an already stunning mountain ceremony. They all hung out there a while, soaking in the moment and the views together with champagne.
Sunset Elopement Portraits - Wyoming side of the Tetons
Once we were back at the trailhead, we signed their paperwork and they were officially married! The three of us broke off to chase sunset in another area of the park. J’s energy was still through the roof, and she was so pumped to be dressed up and exploring such a beautiful location.
For sunset, we stopped at Schwabacher Landing. This is a popular hiking area and scenic spot with a famous view of the Teton range along the Snake River. The sun was low and setting by this time, and we were hoping to see some animals moving about near dusk.
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Grand Teton’s Hiking Elopement End of Day
After the sunset, we drove toward the Airbnb, making one last spontaneous spot at the Black Tail Pond Overlook. It was here we finally got lucky and had a moose sighting!
With that, the day felt complete and we began the drive back to Driggs.
When we opened the door to the Airbnb, the smell of warm food greeted us. The chef had already finished preparing the first course, and we sat down right away to eat. It was such an amazing luxury having that there waiting after a long day of hiking. Coming back so hungry and tired, the food gave them a second wind, and they took a break to share a first dance by a fire outside.
6 courses later, everyone went their separate ways, full and happy. It was a successful wrap on this sun up to sun down, Grand Tetons hiking elopement.
My name is Nicole
I shoot adventurous elopements and want to help make yours perfect! .
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This blog was written, curated and researched by Mariah Arianna, copywriter for photographers and creatives.