The Best Locations in Grand Teton National Park to Take Engagement Photos

Feb 18

Let’s cut to the chase, the Tetons are incredible, and you want engagement photos there or even elope?!. This is my Grand Teton National Park location guide for helping you decide where the best photo spots are that will work for you and your lover!

My top 3 locations for epic photos:

#1 Schwabacher Landing

#2 Jenny Lake

#3 Oxbow Bend

Schwabacher Landing

A personal favorite of mine, and great for couples due to its convenient parking lot and easy access. The hardest part about this location is deciding if you want a sunrise session or a sunset. Both are equally incredible, but produce slightly different results. Sunrise at the landing shows off a pink alpine glow along the mountains, it’s so picturesque some might say it’s AI….haha! On the flip side, if you go at sunset the sun sets behind the mountains and creates this heavenly glow on the entire landscape. You really can’t go wrong with either option.

This spot is also great if you are eloping as it won’t require you to hike long distances in your dress or shoes, it’s literally park, get out of your car and you are there! This spot is also very easy to find on maps. The one downside of Schwabacher Landing is there tend to be a fair amount of people enjoying its beauty at any given time, so if privacy and seclusion are your top priority this may not be the spot you want to propose or exchange vows at.

Long story short, if you want an epic view of the Tetons that you can covertly drive to, and you don’t mind a few people around this spot is amazing!

Jenny Lake

Think massive mountains surrounding one of the most glassy, blue/green lakes you’ve ever seen. Jenny Lake is nothing short of stunning, which makes it an amazing option for portraits, engagements, and weddings. Not only is the lake beautiful, but the large surrounding areas allow for a lot of variety in your photographs as well as privacy.

The best time of year to visit Jenny Lake is May-October, with the summer of course being the most busy. This spot is also really convent for couples as there is a visitor center, and campground in the vicinity. For all the outdoorsy/adventurous couples this spot would be amazing for a camping elopement, van life session, etc.

Overall I would say this spot is tied with Schwabacher Landing as my #1 pick for pictures in Grand Teton National Park!

Mormon Row

An incredible view of the tetons paired with a historic rustic barn! This spot is great because it is right off the highway and provides a lot of different photography opportunities. Speaking from a photographer’s perspective there is so many fun shots that can be taken with the barn, the rustic fence, etc. I feel like if you are going for the cowboy/western look this spot nails it!

With this location being right off the highway it mask it very accessible. This would be a great spot to go to after doing photos at Jenny Lake or Schwabacher Landing just to add some fun variety to the mix. An elopement ceremony here would also be epic, you really can’t go wrong with visiting Mormon Row.

What your Engagement Photos Could Look Like!

FAQ

Do I need a permit to take photos at any of these locations?

Permits are required when you are eloping in a National Park. Meaning that you are going to exchange vows and possibly have an officiant marry you right then and there. You don’t typically need permits to take couples photos, portraits, engagement photos, etc.

Are these locations open all year round?

To my knowledge yes. However the prime time to visit the Tetons is May -October.

How do I get to these locations?

All of these locations are easily accessible by car. If you are flying into the area you will want to fly into the Jackson Hole Airport.

What is the closest town to Grand Teton National Park?

The closest town is Jackson Hole. A charming little mountain town with lots of great restaurants and sites!