Haley & John’s Small Outdoor Wedding in the Tetons

Swell & Stone / Adventure Elopement Photographer / Wyoming & Beyond

Haley and John’s small outdoor wedding in Grand Teton National Park ended up being everything the two love birds from Illinois envisioned for their day. When they first reached out to me they were set on Yosemite. But after the pandemic remained serious for longer than expected, and wildfires threatened the area they were ultimately super happy they ended up choosing beautiful, mountainous, Grand Teton National Park. And they happened to choose the absolute best time of year to be there. They got married on October 20, so after the fall color leaf-peeping tourists had cleared out, though there were still some leaves to be peeped, and before ski season and heavy snowfall, so all the roads were still open. It couldn’t have been more perfect.

We started the day early. They had two beautiful condos next to each other and Haley was getting ready in one with her friends and family, and John was getting ready in the other with his friends and family. John’s friends were getting rowdy already and the sun had just risen :P. They shared their first look on the patio and then we rounded everyone up to head to the ceremony site. Haley’s dad had kindly scouted out a gorgeous spot that was totally secluded. Their good friend served as the officiant, and everyone was laughing and having fun through the ceremony. They exchanged rings and were pronounced married. We took advantage of the gorgeous site for formal photos, and then we hiked out. By this time everyone was getting chilly, so most of the friends and family went and changed for the hike we planned for around noon. Haley, John, and I stayed and took a few more photos and saw a beaver hard at work on his dam!

Then we headed over to the Taggert Lake trailhead where everyone geared up for the hike. We were still waiting on one set of the crew, but they were running late, so other members of the group decided to leave a note in the dirt for them at the trail split. We made it to the lake, which was surrounded by an epic cirque of mountains. We explored, the other group caught up to us, and Haley and John snuck off alone to share their vows privately. This is one of those times that I feel so freaking honored to get to be the person to photograph these moments. Haley read her vows first, and John only moderately held it together. Their love for each other is seriously the cutest. Haley managed to hold it together while saying her vows, but when John read his vows, it was all over. In the end, they were both wiping their tears, hugging, and they seemed deeply and truly happy. It was such a great moment, and again I’m so honored that couples let me into these moments in their lives. We were in the most beautiful location, and I know it’s a memory and a place they will be able to go back to and feel all those same feels years down the road.

We started the hike out, and to our surprise and amazement, we saw TWO MOOSE on the way out! It was the perfect way to end this incredible day. They were deep in the thick woods, but it was so cool to see them on the side of the trail.