Grand Teton Engagement Session | Claire + Fermin | Jackson Hole Couples Photographer

Claire + Fermin | Grand Teton Couples Session

Claire and Fermin’s couples session in Grand Teton National Park was the perfect mix of playful energy, quiet connection, and epic mountain scenery. It was over 2 years since I shot their proposal at Glacier View, and since they visit every year in May, it was the perfect time for an Anniversary Session! Their session was effortless, joyful, and they were completely themselves.

The Grand Tetons provided a stunning backdrop for their session, with towering peaks, open spaces, and soft natural light that made every moment feel cinematic. Sessions like this are exactly why I love photographing couples in the Tetons. And May is one of my all time favorite times to shoot in the Tetons! With snow capped mountains, slower tourism season, and beautiful clouds and overcasts throughout the month, it’s a dream to photograph in!

Why May and June are some of the Best Months for Couples Photos in the Grand Tetons

May and June are hands down some of my favorite months to photograph couples in the Tetons. You get a unique combination of dramatic scenery and a quieter, more intimate experience in the park.

Here’s why May & June are so special:

• Snow-capped mountain peaks with lower-elevation access

• Fewer crowds compared to peak summer months

• Moody skies, soft overcast light, and dramatic clouds

• Cooler temperatures that make sessions more comfortable

For couples who want iconic Grand Teton scenery without the summer rush, May or June are incredible choices.

For couples sessions in Grand Teton National Park, I focus on movement, connection, and letting moments unfold naturally rather than stiff posing. Claire and Fermin leaned fully into that approach, which allowed their personalities and relationship to truly shine through in their photos.

If you’re nervous about being in front of the camera, don’t worry. Most couples tell me that within the first few minutes, it feels more like a fun date than a photo shoot. I heard many times from the men how much better the session was than what they thought it’d be! Often couples will say “We’re awkward, we don’t know what to do or how to pose”. I sometimes chuckle a little because most people don’t take photos everyday, while I do! So that’s 100% my job to take care of! And I’m happy to do it!

Why the Grand Tetons Are Perfect for Couples & Engagement Photos

The Grand Tetons are one of the most iconic locations for couples photography, and for good reason.

Some of what makes the Tetons such an incredible place for engagement and couples sessions:

• Dramatic mountain peaks visible from almost every angle

• Open meadows, lakes, and scenic pull-offs for variety

• Beautiful light coming behind the mountains in the evenings

• A natural, timeless look that never feels trendy or dated

Claire and Fermin’s session captured all of that. Epic scenery paired with moments that feel personal and meaningful.

Planning Your Own Grand Teton Couples or Engagement Session

If you’re considering a Grand Teton engagement session, couples shoot, or even an elopement, sessions like Claire and Fermin’s are a great example of what’s possible. You don’t need a big production, just a beautiful location, intentional time together, and a photographer who knows how to work with both light and emotion.

I help all of my couples with:

• Location suggestions inside and outside the park

• Best time of day for lighting and crowds

• Outfit guidance that photographs beautifully in the Tetons

• Creating a relaxed, stress-free experience

Claire and Fermin’s Grand Teton couples session was a beautiful reminder of why documenting your relationship, no matter the season, is so meaningful. These photos aren’t just about how things looked, but about preserving how this chapter of life felt.

If you’re dreaming of authentic couples photos in the Grand Tetons, whether for an engagement, anniversary, or just because, I’d love to help you plan a session that feels natural, relaxed, and true to you.

Reach out here to book your Grand Teton couples or engagement session.

Do You Need a Permit to Get Married or Take Photos in Grand Teton National Park? A Complete 2025 Guide

Do You Need a Permit for Your Grand Teton Session?

One of the biggest questions couples ask me is, “Do we need a permit for photos in Grand Teton?” And the truth is… it depends on what you’re planning. Grand Teton National Park has very specific rules about when a permit is required, and I totally get why people get confused. Even the tiniest detail, like reading vows vs reading love letters, can change things.

So I put together this guide to make everything super clear and stress free. Whether you’re planning a weekend wedding with guests, an elopement with just the two of you, or a romantic formal session in your wedding attire, this will help you know exactly what you need.

When a Permit Is Required

A permit is required any time you’re holding an actual ceremony in the park. The National Park Service states:

“A Special Park Use Permit is required for holding a Wedding and Commitment Ceremony in Grand Teton National Park…”

So what actually counts as a “commitment ceremony”? Here are the clearest indicators:

• You’re exchanging vows

• There’s an officiant

• You’re having a ring exchange in a ceremonial way

• You’re signing or treating something like a marriage license

• You have friends or family present as witnesses

• You’re doing a vow renewal (the park specifically says vow renewals are also commitment ceremonies)

If any of these apply, you’ll need to apply for a permit.

The Two Permit Types (and Which One You Need)

Grand Teton offers two kinds of permits, and which one you choose depends mostly on the size of your group.

1. Small Dispersed Ceremony Permit
For groups of 12 people or fewer, and this number includes absolutely everyone: you two, your photographer (me!), your officiant, your videographer, kids, family, etc.
This permit gives you the most flexibility because you can use many public areas throughout the park and are more likely to get your first choice on location and date. (Less competition and more permits issued than the site specific permits.)

2. Reserved Site-Specific Ceremony Permit
For groups over 13 people.
These ceremonies must take place at designated ceremony locations, and each location has its own guest limit and specific areas at the locations for the ceremony to take place.

• A few locations allow up to 40 people (Example: Colter Bay and Mormon Row)

• Most locations have a 25-person limit

These sites, as of 2025, only allow one ceremony per location per day, so they book quickly, especially for prime dates.

Cost: There is a $200 non-refundable application fee for either permit.

When You Don’t Need a Permit

This is where things get easier. If you’re planning a non-ceremony session, you do not need a permit. This includes:

• Couple or engagement photos

• A formal session in your wedding attire

• Post wedding portraits

• Reading love letters to each other (as long as they aren’t vows)

• Anything that is strictly photography and not a commitment or ceremony

Basically, if we’re just taking photos and there is no officiant, no vows, no ring exchange, no license signing, and no family present as witnesses, then you’re good to go without a permit.

This is great for couples who want stunning photos in the park without the structure or restrictions of a permitted ceremony.

Guest Count: Why It Matters So Much

Guest count is a huge part of the permit process.

The park adds up every single person physically present, including vendors and kids present at the ceremony, which surprises many couples.

Here’s the quick overview:

• 12 or fewer people:
  You can apply for a Small Dispersed Ceremony Permit. This gives you the most freedom with locations and generally increases your chances of getting your first choice spot and date.

• More than 12 people:
  You must choose one of the designated locations and apply for a Site-Specific Ceremony Permit. Most locations allow up to 25 people, and a couple allow up to 40.

If you’re dreaming of a specific viewpoint or want the most location flexibility, keeping your group small has huge advantages.

How This Applies to You and Your Plans

If you're planning an elopement or wedding ceremony, you’ll need to go through the permit process. I help all my couples figure out which type of permit they need and which locations make the most sense for their vision (and their group size).

If you’re planning a formal session, engagement photos, or post wedding portraits, no permit needed. We can simply choose the best locations for lighting and views and have full flexibility with timing.

A Simple Checklist to Make This Easy

• Are you exchanging vows? → You need a permit.

• Do you have an officiant? → You need a permit.

• Are you inviting family or friends to witness? → You need a permit.

• Are you reading love letters? → No permit needed.

• Are you just taking portraits in your wedding attire? → No permit needed.

• Do you have 12 or fewer people? → Small Dispersed Ceremony Permit.

• Do you have more than 12? → Reserved Site-Specific Ceremony Permit.

• Permit cost: $200

• Remember to apply early, especially for summer and fall dates. I recommend applying the day permits open if you plan on having over 12 people total. the Site Specific Ceremony Permits go quickly on weekends.

Final Thoughts

Grand Teton National Park is one of the most iconic places in the world for elopements, weddings, and couples sessions. Understanding the permit rules not only keeps everything legal and stress free, but it also helps you plan the perfect experience.

If you’re unsure whether your specific plans need a permit or not, I’m always happy to help couples walk through it. I photograph in the Tetons constantly and can guide you through the process, help you pick the best locations, and make sure your experience is smooth from start to finish.

Why Sunset is better over Sunrise in the Tetons

Why Golden Hour is the Secret Sauce for Jaw Dropping Grand Teton Elopement Photos

If you're dreaming of an elopement or couples session in Grand Teton National Park or Jackson Hole, there's one thing that can take your photos from beautiful to breathtaking: golden hour.

As a Grand Teton elopement photographer who has documented over 200+ weddings and sessions, I can confidently say that sunset sessions are hands down the most magical and flattering time to shoot in the Tetons. In fact, every photo on my website was taken during golden hour. Those last 2 to 3 hours before the sun dips behind the mountains. Let me break down why this timing makes all the difference (and why I always recommend it to my couples).

1. The Sun Rises in Front of the Tetons And That Creates Some Challenges

Here’s something most people don’t realize until they’re out in the early morning light in the Tetons: the sun rises in the east, which means it comes up in front of the Tetons. So if you want those iconic views with the mountains behind you, you're now facing directly into the sun.

That means instead of soft, glowy light behind you, you’re often squinting into bright, harsh rays. Cue watery eyes, blinking, uneven shadows, and a lot of post-session eye rubbing. Sunrise photos in front of the Tetons just aren’t as flattering or comfortable.

By contrast, during golden hour (the two to three hours before sunset), the sun moves behind the Tetons, which gives us a gorgeous, even wash of light across your face, your partner, and the landscape around you. It’s soft, natural, and absolutely stunning.

2. Warmer Weather = Happier Photos

Even in the middle of summer, sunrise in the Tetons can be freezing. Think 30s or 40s, especially in high elevations. If you’re wearing a wedding dress or light clothing, that early morning chill is no joke.

Golden hour, on the other hand, takes place in the warmest part of the day. That means you’ll be more comfortable, more relaxed, and more present—and it shows in your photos. No goosebumps. No red noses. Just cozy, connected moments with the sun setting softly behind the peaks.

3. Golden Hour is What Glowy Photo Dreams Are Made Of

There’s a reason photographers are obsessed with golden hour. The warm, rich tones and soft light create the most flattering natural glow you can ask for. Your skin looks sun-kissed, your dress glows, and the Tetons take on a deep, cinematic tone.

Because I exclusively shoot during this time, all the photos you see on my site feature that signature golden hour light and it’s exactly what I aim to recreate for each of my couples.

4. Sunset Gives Us a Relaxed Timeline

Sunset sessions also give you a more relaxed and flexible timeline. Instead of waking up at 4 AM to get ready in the dark, you get to enjoy a slow morning, a leisurely afternoon, and then meet me for your session when the light is just starting to turn magical. We can take our time, explore, and create without the pressure of racing the sun early in the morning.

5. More Control Over the Weather (Yep, Really!)

Okay, so we can’t control the weather, but we can work with it better when we’re shooting at sunset. One of the biggest challenges in the Tetons is the unpredictability of clouds. Sometimes a thick blanket of clouds will roll in and completely cover the mountain peaks, and if you're planning a sunrise session, you won’t know that’s happening until the moment the sun comes up, and by then, it's too late to pivot. Everyone’s already arrived, hair and makeup is done, and you're left hoping the clouds lift.

With a golden hour or sunset session, you have the entire day to monitor the forecast and cloud movement. This gives us a better chance to adjust or shift plans slightly for the best possible views and lighting, making your session far more flexible and reliable than the early morning alternative.

Want That Glowy Tetons Magic?

If you're loving the look of warm, dreamy images with the mountains behind you and golden light all around, sunset is your best friend. That’s when the Tetons really shine, and so will you!

Every photo on my website was taken during golden hour, and I’d love to help you create your own stunning experience in Grand Teton National Park or Jackson Hole.

Reach out to start planning your golden hour elopement—I can’t wait to help you tell your story.