Grand Tetons Summer Proposal

This summer proposal is what dreams are made of! I have shot over 30 proposals now in the Grand Tetons and I feel like I’ve gotten it down to the perfect system. So when Henry reached out looking for ideas and how to make sure it was documented and stress-free, (as stress free as proposing to the love of your life can be), I had his back!

Henry and Kira were coming from Australia to the US to travel for a month to visit National Parks. I loved Henry’s idea of proposing near Jackson Hole in the Grand Tetons so we FaceTimed about a week before they headed to the US to line out all the details. Henry mentioned how he and Kira were adventurous and truly loved having fun together. He was pretty certain that Kira would have no idea what was coming, and boy was he right! Kira was in complete shock and so excited that a “stranger” was taking photos of the beautiful moment. The weather ended up being just the right amount of cloudy after another hectic week of weather.

One of my favorite moments to capture as a Grand Tetons proposal photographer is the hug after the moment. There’s pure joy on both faces from such an exciting moment. Honestly I get a bit of a rush from it myself because I’m genuinely so excited for my couples! I’m so grateful Henry trusted me with documenting his epic proposal to Kira. It was a beautiful day with a mix of sunshine and overcast, which just so happens to be my favorite to shoot in.

If you’d like to see more proposals in the Grand Tetons check out this Winter Proposal.

Grand Tetons Surprise Proposal

Planning the Proposal

I normally don’t travel to Grand Teton National Park. November thru April. The Teton pass gets nasty during those winter months but when I got Jud’s email about coming to Jackson Hole in April to propose to Abbey, I had to make it happen!

I chatted with Jud on the phone a few times before meeting up and warned him that our winter was intense with over 400 inches of snow at Jackson Hole Mountain. Since he and Abbey had hiked in Bryce Canyon a few weeks prior in 5º weather, he was confident the weather would be just fine. We planned to meet on the outside of the park at Glacier View.

At the Grand Tetons

I was extremely grateful we were blessed with clear skies when just the day before clouds covered the peaks of the Grand Tetons. Jud and Abbey arrived looking astounding! Jud had told Abbey he booked a little mini tour guide before a fancy dinner in Jackson Hole after. I gave a few cool facts about the park while showing off the beautiful view. Then I asked if I could take a few photos since i’d been dabbling in photography, (dabbling for 10 years that is 😉). And that’s the moment Jud proposed to Abbey with the beautiful Grand Tetons as a backdrop! It was a perfect night!

I got to know Abbey and Jud and their 11 year relationship that started in the 8th grade! I thought that was so cute! Jud is a pilot and Abbey is a traveling nurse. I found out they did long distance for 5 months and hated it so now they try to stick together as much as possible. They travel to National Parks when Abbey isn’t on a contract. It was a fantastic night in Jackson with these two! I feel like best friends with them now! Congrats to the newly engaged couple!

Best Locations in Grand Tetons for Photos

I’ve spent my fair share of time within Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The Grand Tetons are my FAVORITE place to photograph and I’ve found some of the best spot for sessions or just to enjoy views! I have a few spots I love for different reasons. Here’s my top 3!

Blacktail Pond Overlook (Outside of park)

Blacktail Pond Overlook is a great spot if you don’t have a Grand Teton National Park pass. This pull off is just about 2 miles after the Moose entrance to Grand Teton National Park so you’re still close to the Park and Jackson Hole! This is also one of my favorite places to see Moose and other amazing wildlife in the Snake River. If you’re willing to walk the trail down where fishermen go, you’ll see tall grass with sagebrush and be right next to the Snake River.

Schwabacher Landing (Outside of park)

Another amazing spot on the outside of Grand Teton National Park! This is about 5 miles from the Moose entrance of the park. This location can get busy during peak season (May-August), but is definitely worth putting on your list to visit! Another hot spot for wildlife in the Snake River, especially Moose! I love this location for the variety it offers. The Trail has so many amazing view with the river, leave foliage during the fall, and a beautiful, classic view of the Tetons which you can’t go wrong with! This location is closed off November-April.

Cascade Canyon Turnout (Park pass needed)

Cascade Canyon Turnout is absolutely stunning!! This spot is probably my favorite of all these locations because it’s a unique view in the park. I love being up close to the mountains and seeing snow on the tips of the mountains, (very common in Fall and Spring months). This spot is usually pretty quiet and not quite as touristy as other areas in the park. This view is about 8 miles from the Park entrance on the Moose side.

There are so many amazing views near Jackson Hole and in the Grand Tetons. I’ve made it a goal to go explore more. Jenny Lake is on my list because I know how stunning it is but I want to find some more unique and cool views there. I hope you enjoy your time in Wyoming! And reach out if you’re wanting some epic family or couple photos while you’re in town!