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.

Top Reasons to Choose a Small Dispersed Ceremony in Grand Teton National Park

Why a Small Ceremony in Grand Teton National Park Could Be Your Best Decision

Planning a wedding or elopement in Grand Teton National Park is a dream come true for many couples. The jagged peaks, serene lakes, and breathtaking landscapes offer an unparalleled backdrop for saying “I do.” However, securing your perfect location in such a popular park requires some strategy. If you’re considering a wedding here, opting for a small ceremony—12 people or fewer, including your photographer—can make all the difference. Here’s why:

The Benefits of a Small Dispersed Ceremony Permit

Grand Teton National Park offers two types of wedding permits:

1. Small Dispersed Ceremony Permits: For groups of 12 or fewer, these permits allow couples to hold their ceremony in a wide variety of locations, including those not accessible to larger groups.

2. Reserved Site-Specific Ceremony Permits: For groups of 13–40, these permits are limited to a select number of pre-approved ceremony locations.

If you’re dreaming of tying the knot at an iconic spot like Mormon Row or Schwabacher’s Landing, you’ll need a reserved permit for larger groups. Unfortunately, these permits can sell out months in advance. By limiting your guest list to 12 or fewer, you gain access to a small dispersed ceremony permit, which allows you to book stunning, less crowded locations, some of which are unavailable to larger groups.

Locations like Cascade Canyon, Cathedral Group, or even backcountry settings become possible with this permit. These unique spots provide a more intimate and adventurous experience, perfect for couples who want a wedding as extraordinary as their love story. As long as public is allowed, it’s usually something you can reserve for Small Dispersed Ceremonies. More details are available on GTNP permit site about allowed locations.

Weekday Elopements: Unlock Better Availability and Rates

Weekday weddings offer another significant advantage for couples planning a Grand Teton elopement. Most visitors flock to the park on weekends, making weekdays far less crowded. Here’s why a weekday elopement is worth considering:

• Higher Chances of Securing Your Dream Location: Popular spots like Blacktail Pond Overlook or Mormon Row are less crowded on weekdays, giving you more flexibility with your ceremony timing and location.

• Vendor Availability and Discounts: Photographers, florists, officiants, and other vendors often have more availability on weekdays, and may even offer discounted rates.

• Lower Lodging Costs: Jackson Hole and the surrounding areas are known for their luxury lodging, but prices tend to drop midweek. You’ll not only save money but may also find it easier to book accommodations closer to the park.

Other Tips for Your Grand Teton Wedding or Elopement

• Plan Ahead: Whether you’re booking a dispersed permit or a reserved site-specific permit, start the application process as early as possible. Permits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis, so don’t wait until the last minute. You can find more details on permit requirements HERE.

• Respect Park Regulations: Grand Teton National Park has strict rules to protect its natural beauty. For small dispersed ceremonies, ensure your chosen location adheres to Leave No Trace principles and follows park guidelines.

• Consider an Adventure Session: If you’re drawn to unique locations like Cascade Canyon or Cathedral Group but want a simpler ceremony spot, consider doing an adventure photography session in these breathtaking areas after your vows. This is great for anyone who decided to do a ceremony locally, but still wants epic photos during their vacation or Honeymoon.

• Hire a Photographer Familiar With the Park: Grand Tetons weather, lighting, and terrain can be unpredictable. Working with a local photographer (like me!) who knows the best locations and timing ensures your day runs smoothly and you get stunning photos.

Crafting an Intimate and Memorable Experience

Choosing a small, intimate ceremony allows you to focus on what truly matters: celebrating your love with the most important people in your life. With fewer logistics to manage, you can immerse yourself in the experience of your wedding day, surrounded by the awe-inspiring beauty of Grand Teton National Park.

By limiting your guest list, you gain access to incredible ceremony locations, avoid crowds, and create a day that’s truly unique. Pair this with the perks of a weekday elopement, and you have the recipe for an unforgettable celebration.

If you’re ready to start planning your Grand Teton or Jackson Hole elopement, I’d love to help! As a local photographer specializing in intimate weddings and elopements, I’ll guide you every step of the way to ensure your day is stress-free and absolutely magical.

Let’s make your dream wedding in the Tetons a reality—contact me today to get started!

Grand Tetons Engagements with Dog • Blacktail Pond Overlook

Nikki and Sam met while they were both attending University of Utah while they were studying Chemistry and made their own chemistry. (Get it? ;) ) They’ve been together for over 6 years now and decided engagements in the Tetons made the best sense with their outdoor and adventurous personalities.

Nikki mentioned how much Aggie meant to her and Sam and that they wanted to include her in their session. Bringing your dog to the Grand Tetons is a great idea! Especially if you’re taking family photos or engagement photos! It can be overwhelming trying to figure out where dogs are and are not allowed in Grand Teton National Park. A good rule of thumb is dogs can go anywhere cars can go. That’s exactly why we decided to shoot at Blacktail Pond Overlook which is on the outside of the park so you don’t even need a park pass to go to! We ended at Mormon Row to get some wind coverage. I love that tall, green grass and open area to really show off how great the Grand Tetons are.

June is one of my favorite times to shoot in Jackson. The grass and sagebrush have greened up, the snow is melted on the ground, but there’s still snow on the mountain which just looks stunning in photos! I love that I get to enjoy this view every week! Shoutout to Nikki and Sam for dealing with some cold wind we weren’t really expecting.