Jackson Hole Wedding in October
There is a two-week stretch every October when Jackson Hole simply glows. The Tetons get their first dusting of snow as the elk bugle while in rut. It’s pure magic and is my favorite time of year. Larkin and Renard’s wedding thankfully fell upon this golden time under the Tetons and it couldn’t have been more stunning! A bit chilly but pure autumn romance.
Why October Is the Best-Kept Secret for a Jackson Hole Wedding
Most couples plan a Jackson Hole wedding for June or July. Which is beautiful in a vibrantly colorful and energetic way. Wildflowers, lots of green, and cute little baby moose being born and running around. It’s warmer too and lots to do! I understand that desire but there is something about the slowness of fall in October. Less crowds, a softness in nature, and that cozy, crisp air that makes you want to snuggle by the fire at sunset. I will always make the case for October and it’s when I would love to get married here!
The light softens. Golden hour stretches long and low, and there is still some epic hikes and horseback rides to go on. The aspen and cottonwood along the Snake River hit peak color, usually somewhere between the last week of September and the second week of October. Venues are more open for dates and lodging rates come down.
The tradeoff is that fall color in Wyoming does not negotiate. It arrives when it arrives. If you are planning an October wedding here, just be open to the seasons changes and plan for layers because it can be warm, cold, or both!
Alt Vista Villa at Spring Creek Ranch
Spring Creek Ranch sits on top of East Gros Ventre Butte, a thousand feet above the valley floor, which means the Teton view is not a backdrop you drive to. It is simply there, out every window, all day. I personally do NOT recommend booking with Spring Creek Ranch unless you have an experienced planner. And even then Alt Vista is the ONLY location I would recommend out there outside of the horse barn area.
Larkin and Renard rented out this beautiful villa for a long weekend and then has it transformed for their wedding ceremony and al fresco dinner. No shuttle schedules. No ballroom turnover. They woke up, made coffee, got ready in the same house, and walked out to the ceremony with their loved ones. Getting-ready photos happened in real rooms with natural light instead of a hotel suite with the curtains drawn.
Renard got ready upstairs while Larkin had their suite downstairs.
An Intimate Ceremony Under The Tetons
This small wedding of family only was intentional both in the guest list and the design. Everyone walked out together to then be seated for the ceremony. It’s wasn’t a performance and Renard’s brother officiated the ceremony which made it fun and light while also being personal.
Larkin wanted a simple and slightly modern design for everything. Keeping a very simple design with whites and greens to compliment the sage and golden grasses.
Golden Hour Portraits
After the ceremony, we hit family portraits and then headed up the hill for some iconic Teton shots and made a quick stop down by the horse stables where the trees were at their prime!
A Sunset Dinner
After portraits, we headed back to meet everyone for a sunset dinner and cake cutting!
I photograph a small number of weddings and elopements in Jackson Hole and around the world each year, on 35mm film and digital. If you are interested in having me photograph your wedding, get in touch — I would love to hear about you two and photographing your wedding!
