Lesbian Elopement at Grand Teton

Sydney & Tian’s lesbian elopement at Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming was an epic, mountain filled adventure! Together we planned a fun filled day from sunrise to sunset, including a pizza party lunch on a rooftop with all their friends. And they bought out a boat tour on Jenny lake, treating their handful of guests to a relaxing and scenic AF tour of the mountains. Their day was peppered with laugh out loud moments and obvious expressions of the deep love and care that they share for one another.

Grand Teton National Park Elopement Photographer

I suggested Grand Teton national park to T&S while they were planning, after I heard their desire for ‘mountains in every photo’. The Grand Tetons is one of the best locations for a mountain elopement in the USA. You can see the available ceremony sites and read my comprehensive guide on how to elope in Grand Teton national park for more inspiration.

Grand Teton National Park Sunrise First Look

As the first light of dawn crept over the dramatic peaks, Tian and Sydney only had eyes for each other. Their first look was at Schwabacher’s Landing, one of the most popular and busy places in the park. Luckily for us, a bull moose was browsing just 100 yards upriver. This caused all the photographers and tourists to focus on the wildlife. And that left us with this gorgeous view all to ourselves, and the privacy the women craved. A coyote soon came out of the bushes near us and hunted – successfully, I might add- for a breakfast of voles. The experience was like being in a wildlife documentary!

Glacier View Turnout Elopement Ceremony

The couple chose Glacier View Turnout as their ceremony location for their lesbian elopement at Grand Teton National Park. I love this ceremony site because it’s oh so easy to access, so Sydney’s grandparents could easily join us. Paired with the huge views of the mountains, Glacier view turnout is a great ceremony location. Sydney’s grandfather officiated their short and sweet ceremony, like he has done for all of his grandchildren. During the group photo time, which was smattered with playful butt-slaps, I made a joke about one friend’s goofy walk. “I’m literally disabled!” she replied. Oh, my god. “I’m SO SORRY I’m just going to go wish for a swift death over here in this sagebrush if anyone needs me!” I replied. I have not yet recovered from this epic faux pas. I will be thinking about this on my deathbed.

Lesbian Elopement private vow reading

After their ceremony and some group photos, Sydney & Tian chose to share their vows privately with one another. We traveled to a little hidden gem spot where they could be totally alone with each other. Tian barely got two words out before she got choked up, which Sydney mercilessly teased her for. And Sydney tried to hide her emotions behind her vow book- very unsuccessfully. By the end, both shed tears and embraced each other as many times as they could. It was so incredibly adorable.

Lesbian friendly vendors at Grand Teton National Park

To preface this, let me say that I hope you never have to ask if your love will be accepted by the vendors that serve you. But I know that isn’t always the case. I’ve worked extensively with many lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer couples over my nearly 15 years as a photographer – you can see more real LGBTQ couples here. Tian & Sydney also worked with:

Sydney’s Hair and Makeup: Courtney Hilton at Skye Artistry, @skyeartistry_co
Pizza: Dornan’s Pizza & Pasta Co, @dornans_in_moose
Boat Trip: Jenny Lake Boat Tour, @jennylakeboating
Custom Vow Books: Jillian Jensen Creative, @jillianjensencreative