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.
