When most couples think of a Grand Teton elopement, they immediately picture hiking boots on the dirt trails, wildlife encounters, and sweating (lol sameee). And while the Tetons offer some of the most insanely gorgeous hiking trails on earth, there are other elopement activities besides hiking that let you experience the surreal views the Tetons have to offer!

Whether you’re not an avid hiker, or you want to full-send your elopement day for those once-in-a-lifetime experiences, Jackson Hole is an absolute playground and offers endless elopement activities in the Tetons besides hiking and sweating.

This is why I take the time to get to know what makes you two tick, your interests, and what would make the ultimate elopement day! Then, I design an intentional, adventurous, and unique day tailored to you that can be completely off the hiking trail. Here’s some elopement activities in the Tetons BESIDES hiking to get you inspired!

1. Take a Helicopter Tour for 360-Degree Mountain Views

If you want the feeling of standing on top of the world without the sweat-inducing 8-hour climb, a private helicopter tour is the ultimate elopement upgrade.

Fly high to experience breathtaking views of the Tetons. You’ll see the valley floor, surrounding foothills, wildlife (from the safest distance) and more! You’ll have a perspective less than 1% of visitors ever see.

• Soooo how do we do this? Start with an intimate sunrise ceremony at a roadside overlook. Then cut and eat some cake (because yum). From there, head straight to the hangar for your excursion. Companies like Teton Helicopters offer custom flights with a private mountain picnic and champagne toast landing!

2. Ride the Aerial Tram to 10,450 Feet for Waffles and Coffee

You don’t have to hike for hours to get the top of the mountain summit experience. Instead, head to Teton Village and step onto the iconic Jackson Hole Aerial Tram.

The tram glides 4,139 feet in 12 minutes to the top of Rendezvous Mountain. Right at the top is Corbet’s Cabin, a legendary mountain shack that serves up world-famous gourmet waffles made fresh to order. Talk about breakfast (or lunch) with a VIEW!

• Soooo how do we do this? Start your elopement day with a cozy, fun, and an intimate breakfast on top of the mountain. Order a “Gateway (peanut butter and smoked bacon) or a classic Belgian (cookie butter and whipped cream), grab two hot coffees, and step out onto the massive sun deck to look down at the entire valley below.

3. Rent a Vintage Car for a Scenic Drive

There is something sooooo romantic about a classic car with the top down driving past fields of sagebrush with the Teton range towering in the background.

Rent a timeless vintage at Grand Teton Classics or a beautifully restored 1975 Jeep Wagoneer from Classic Jeep Rentals and turn your travel around the park after your ceremony and then to dinner into an adventure all its own.

• Soooo how do we do this? Start by choosing your car vibes and then travel in style! You can cruise down Inner Park Road, stop at historic Mormon Row, head up to Signal Mountain for a panoramic view of the valley, and more while you feel like the most iconic guests in the park.

4. Soar Above the Valley in a Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride

If you want a perspective of the Tetons that feels completely otherworldly, then catch the sunrise on a hot air balloon ride among the clouds.

Floating completely silently above the valley floor while the first pink rays of the sun hit the Teton peaks is an unparalleled experience. It is peaceful, grandiose, and offers completely unobstructed 360-degree views of the Snake River Valley and surrounding mountain ranges.

• Soooo how do we do this?: Start your elopement with a sunrise flight with Wyoming Balloon Company, or if you are staying on the Idaho side of the Tetons, Elevated Ballooning. You’ll experience a serene private flight, drifting along the majestic Teton range.

5. Ride into the Sunset on Horseback

Nothing says Wyoming adventure like exploring the valley from horseback. If you want an authentic taste of the American West without a long hike, a guided trail ride timed perfectly for sunset is pure magic.

As the sun begins to drop, the jagged peaks of the Teton range undergo a phenomenon called alpenglow, turning shades of vibrant pink, deep orange, and soft violet. Riding through fields of wild sagebrush on horseback while the mountains glow feels surreal.

• Soooo how do we do this?: End your perfect day with a private excursion with Jackson Hole Outfitting Company or Castagno Outfitters up at Spring Creek Ranch for a 360-degree vantage point looking down over the town of Jackson and the entire mountain valley. You could even exchange vows at peak sunset!

Example Timeline for the Ultimate Elopement

• 5:00 AM – Meet your pilot for a Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Flight with Wyoming Balloon Company.
• 7:00 AM – Touch down for a traditional celebratory champagne toast in the meadows.
• 9:00 AM – Head back to your cabin for breakfast, a nap, and then start getting ready.
• 1:00 PM – Head to Teton Village and catch the Jackson Hole Aerial Tram up to 10,450 feet.
• 1:00 PM – Enjoy gourmet waffles and coffee for lunch at Corbet’s Cabin.
• 3:30 PM – Head back down the valley for your intimate elopement ceremony.
• 7:30 PM – Meet your wranglers for a Private Sunset Horseback Ride with Jackson Hole Outfitting Company to watch the alpenglow spread across the Tetons.
• 9:30 PM – Head back to your cabin for a cozy, private dinner to end your perfect elopement day.

Ready to start dreaming?

These are only a FEW of the adventurous activity ideas I share with you! The list ranges from exhilarating and heart racing to calm and relaxed. I am a hard and fast believer that your elopement day should be anything but ordinary. And that’s why I’m here! To help you dream up your own unique and perfect day and bring it to life.

So what are you waiting for? You deserve the most incredibly day to celebrate your love and there are endless elopement activities in the Tetons BESIDES hiking. Let’s chat about your perfect elopement day!

Cheers,

Jess