Unlike Colorado or Hawaii, Wyoming isn’t one of the typical locations people think about for a destination elopement in the US, which makes it one of the best places to elope in our opinion!
For an experience that is more unique but equally stunning, Wyoming is hard to beat. If you’re considering eloping in Wyoming, we’ve got you covered with this guide to make it a little easier to choose, where, when, and how to elope in this gorgeous state.
Can You Elope in Wyoming?
Yes, you can absolutely elope in Wyoming! While it may not be the most popular state for destination elopements, we certainly think it has the potential to rank towards the top of the list. We even included it in our list of the most underrated places to elope in the US.
Reasons to Elope in Wyoming
Eloping keeps things simple and less stressful, because the focus is truly on you two and your experience as a couple. In Wyoming, you can create amazing memories of this special day with incredible views of mountains and lakes, adventurous hikes, hot springs, as well as bison and horse sightings. The best part? Fewer crowds than a lot of other places.
Wyoming is also the perfect place to stay for your honeymoon after your elopement — plenty of options for winter sports, outdoor exploring, or any activities you and your partner are interested in.
Best Places to Elope in Wyoming
You really can’t go wrong with any elopement location in Wyoming. Whether you choose a National Park, a well-known scenic viewpoint, or even just a random mountain, you’ll be rewarded with some of the best scenery in the country.
If you need a bit of inspiration, here are some of our picks for Wyoming elopement destinations. Always remember to check with any parks, recreation areas, national forests, or municipalities for the most up-to-date information on permits and fees.
Grand Teton National Park
Dramatic mountain ranges, lakes, and rivers make up Grand Teton National Park. One of the most popular spots for an elopement is Schwabacher Landing, where you can see the reflection of the mountains in the sparkling water of the Snake River.
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone is an iconic National Park that would make a great backdrop for your Wyoming elopement. Amazing geothermal features and a variety of wildlife contribute to its unique beauty.
Bighorn National Forest
In the northern part of the state, Bighorn National Forest offers meadows, lakes, valleys, and grasslands. The Cloud Peak Wilderness is a stretch of especially scenic alpine views.
Thunder Basin National Grassland
The rolling, golden plains of Thunder Basin National Grassland, located in the eastern part of Wyoming, are ideal for couples who want an elopement destination with both simplicity and majesty.
Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest
Venturing to southern Wyoming will bring you to Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, with ceremony locations like the lovely St. Alban’s Open Air Chapel, Lake Marie, and the Vedauwoo Recreation Area with its remarkable rock formations.
There’s no shortage of other places to elope in the Snowy Range Mountains and along the Snowy Range Scenic Byway!
Wedding Tree
Located in the Bridger-Teton National Forest just outside Grand Teton National Park, this charming spot perfectly frames the mountains on the horizon. Did we mention it is also easily accessible (a quick five-minute walk from the parking lot)?
Curtis Canyon Overlook
If idyllic wildflowers and grassy meadows overlooking the Teton Valley sound heavenly, Curtis Canyon Overlook could be the perfect elopement location in Wyoming for you!
Curt Gowdy State Park
The picturesque Curt Gowdy State Park has an elopement amphitheater surrounded by granite outcroppings. The Hynds Lodge is a quick two-minute walk away, making it the perfect getting-ready space.
Tip: For hidden gem elopement locations in Wyoming, reach out to our team. We can help you find a spot that is less popular but just as scenic!
Best Campgrounds in Wyoming
For the adventurous couples out there, there is a wide variety of great camping choices in Wyoming. Choose your own adventure — lakeside, deep in a forest, amid towering rocks, or on the shores of a lake. Just be sure to check the campground website in advance to ensure it’s open when you want to elope in Wyoming.
- Norris Campground — Yellowstone National Park
- Jenny Lake Campground — Grand Tetons National Park
- Gros Ventre Campground — Grand Tetons National Park
- Firehole Canyon Campground — Flaming Gorge Recreation Area
- Tough Creek Campground — Boysen State Park
- Circle Park Campground — Bighorn National Forest
- Brooklyn Lake Campground — Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest
- Big Sandy Campground — Bridger-Teton National Forest
- Vedauwoo Campground — Vedauwoo Recreation Area
Other Great Places to Stay IN WYOMING
For those who would prefer a hotel or Airbnb, there are plenty of great options for you too! Here are some of our suggestions for those who want the comfort of a real bed and heating/AC:
How to Elope in Wyoming
It’s not hard to elope in Wyoming as long as you stay organized and proactive when planning. Follow the simple steps below to make sure you have everything you need. For more elopement advice, check out our ultimate guide to eloping in the US.
1 – Select a date.
Wyoming is beautiful any time of year, but there are some factors that you may want to consider when choosing your elopement date (we’ve outlined these in the next section, “When to Elope in Wyoming”).
2 – Find your vendors.
You’ll need an officiant for your Wyoming elopement at the very least, but you’ll probably also want to consider dress and/or suit boutiques, a hair and makeup artist, florist, and a photography/videography team. We can help you with location scouting to find the perfect place to say “I do.”
3 – Reserve your accommodations.
Wyoming has plenty of comfy lodges, cozy cabins, and beautiful campgrounds. You can find some of our recommendations for where to stay before and after your elopement throughout this blog.
4 – Obtain any permits you’ll need.
Depending on where you elope and how many people you involve in your big day, you may need to apply for a permit to ensure the space is reserved. It’s always a good idea to call an official office for more information about permits and fees.
5 – Pick up your marriage license in person.
Call in advance to schedule an appointment to pick up your marriage license in person. Bring your photo ID, your marriage license questionnaire (if required), and expect to answer some questions about your personal information.
You can use cash, debit, or credit card to pay the $30 for your license. Once obtained, it’s valid immediately and doesn’t expire for a year.
Please note: Some offices require a marriage questionnaire to be completed before picking up your marriage license. Make sure to call or check online to determine what you’ll need to prepare in advance.
When to Elope in Wyoming
While Wyoming is beautiful at any time of year, there are some things you may want to consider when it comes to choosing when to elope in Wyoming.
Wyoming in the Winter
Expect stunning snowscapes and white-capped peaks. Be aware that many areas at higher elevations will not be accessible during the winter months.
Wyoming in the Spring
You’re more likely to experience rainy weather in the spring, but it shouldn’t stop you from eloping in Wyoming (especially if you take a few precautions). This is when the wildflowers and greenery really shine.
Wyoming in the Summer
With warmer temperatures and sunny days, summer is the most popular time to elope in Wyoming. Be aware that you may be dealing with more crowds at this time.
Wyoming in the Fall
Fall is one of the best times for a Wyoming elopement. Fewer chances of crowds and rain combined with the incredible fall foliage make for a fantastic outdoor elopement experience.
Wedding Venues in Wyoming
There are a lot of reasons why we think destination weddings are an excellent choice for couples, one of them being the memorable venues that allow for more quality time with your guests.
We’ve rounded up some of the best wedding venues in Wyoming if you want something a little more formal (or for a larger group of people).
Diamond Cross Ranch
Diamond Cross Ranch near Moran, WY is one of the most popular Jackson Hole elopement locations for its private ranch setting and breathtaking views of the Grand Tetons.
Jackson Hole Golf + Tennis Club
The Jackson Hole Golf + Tennis Club provides peaceful mountain views and delicious food for weddings with 65-200 guests.
Ucross Chapel
For couples who want a more intimate experience, the Ucross Chapel in Clearmont, WY— built with historic materials dating back to the 1800s — provides a charming haven for your Wyoming wedding.
Grand Targhee Resort
Alta, WY’s Grand Targhee Resort is a classic alpine destination with sweeping views of the Snake River, Teton, and Big Hole Mountains
Brush Creek Ranch
The luxury ranch setting of Brush Creek Ranch offers a classic Western vibe and multiple indoor and outdoor venues for your Wyoming elopement.
Little America Hotel + Resort
In Cheyenne, WY, the Little America Hotel + Resort is an elegant option for wedding events of all sizes with ceremony and reception spaces and accommodations all in one place.
Snow King Resort
The Snow King Resort in the heart of Jackson, WY has the best of both worlds with iconic mountain vistas and close proximity to great food, shopping, and winter activities like skiing and tubing.
Bentwood Inn
Bentwood Inn’s rustic-chic ambiance is the perfect venue in Jackson Hole for a slice of Wyoming wilderness with cozy amenities, including a huge fireplace, spacious back deck, and lots of green space.
Looking for an elopement photo + video team for your Wyoming elopement?
Skyewater Photo + Film is a photo and video team that specializes in adventure elopements and destination weddings in the US. We believe Wyoming is a truly underrated elopement location and would love to capture your big day in this incredible state!
Beyond just photography and videography, we offer planning assistance, help with finding and booking locations, vendor references, and more. Reach out to our team today to get more info!
