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.

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.

Grand Tetons Summer Proposal • Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Lauren and Austin's love story took a breathtaking turn in September. With this stunning Cascade location inside Grand Teton National Park, Austin dropped to one knee, sparking a whirlwind of joy, laughter, and tears. I remember how excited Austin was for this moment as we chatted on the phone weeks before. He even pulled up Lauren's Pinterest and inspiration boards to find a photographer who matched her desired style of documenting and editing! He really went the extra mile for this moment to also make sure Lauren would love the photos!

Jackson Hole, Wyoming holds a special place for Lauren since she visited every summer with her family and would explore and hike in Grand Teton National Park. I loved that we were able to incorporate this very sentimental area into their proposal and engagement photos.

From the moment the session began both Lauren and Austin’s energy was contagious. I wish these two were locals so I could be best friends with them! Their love was effortless to photograph. It wasn’t just a proposal; it was a celebration of their connection, surrounded by the most majestic mountains.

Lauren and Austin’s engagement is a reminder that the best moments in life are the ones we embrace with open hearts and unfiltered joy. Here’s to a lifetime of love, adventure, and laughter for Lauren and Austin! Enjoy reliving their proposal through these images!