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.
