This wedding is also published on Plans and Presents Wedding Blog.

Bri & Matt planned a destination elopement to Jackson Hole because of how special of a place it is to them. They visit several times a year, both for winter skiing and for summer hiking, so it just made sense to them to say their vows in this breathtaking place. They picked an early summer date so that the meadows would still be filled with wildflowers and their favorite range would still be outlined in snow. 

Although Grand Teton National Park doesn’t allow pets on trails, the surrounding National Forest does. So The Wedding Tree site just outside the park was the perfect spot to bring their flower girl pup, Alta, for the nuptials. We followed a trail up a hillside and there at the top stood two majestic trees perfectly framing the Teton Range. It’s so incredible how places like this exist naturally—like it was made this way specifically for these moments—we could definitely see how it got its name.  

Bri changed into her Rish dress while Matt waited at the spot. To begin the ceremony, Matt started playing “Truly, Madly, Deeply” by Yoke Lore from his phone, and their precious first look happened exactly at the crescendo of the song. The timing was unplanned, yet flawless. 

They exchanged vows and rings, and then Joshua signed as the officiant (he’s ordained for weddings in Wyoming); Eastlyn signed as a witness, but in Wyoming you need two. Just as the ceremony ended, an older man walked up to visit the spot and take in the mountains. While speaking with him, he revealed that he, too, was married at this very spot 45 years ago (his wife had since passed). No one else came before or after. It was serendipity—Matt asked him to be the second witness for their marriage certificate. 

Since the ceremony was in the morning, and we still wanted to get sunset photos, we took an intermission for the afternoon. Matt and Bri boarded Alta at a local kennel called DogJax in Jackson. And that evening we met at Taggart Lake trail for a hike; we took photos along the way, at the lake, and on the way back. Just before we reached the parking lot again, we stopped at the first meadow just in time for the sun to paint everything gold. It was a beautiful ending to the most beautiful day.

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Matt and Bri are amazing people. The night before their wedding, they invited us to their lodging at Fireside Resort for a campfire and charcuterie. Having the opportunity to get to know them before their elopement was so amazing. Bri is a nurse, and Matt works with a company that develops technology/products that protect backcountry skiers and snowboarders from avalanches. We loved hearing their stories and talking about our mutual love for travel and adventures. We’re so grateful they reached out to us and trusted us enough to book us for their day.

As you enjoy these photos, make sure to scroll all the way to end so you don’t miss photos of the most beautiful sunset we’ve witnessed in the Grand Tetons.

Discover our various package options, recommended vendors, and other useful details by browsing through our Jackson Hole wedding information guide:

Resources:

Photographers: Contact us

Getting ready/couple’s lodging: Fireside Resort

Ceremony: Bridger Teton National Forest

Sunset portraits: Grand Teton National Park

Dog Kennel: Dog Jax by Wiggles N Woofs

Bride’s Dress: Rish Bridal via Alta Moda Bridal, Salt Lake City

Information on eloping in Wyoming & Teton County

Application for GTNP wedding permits | Permit information for The Wedding Tree

Information on pets within GTNP