Carlee + Austin | Elopement in the Tetons
There is something unforgettable about a wedding day that unfolds in the middle of a storm. Carlee and Austin were married at Schwabacher’s Landing in the fall, surrounded by the people who matter most and the moody beauty of the Tetons settling in around them. The rain came in waves all morning, and the wind kept us guessing, but they never wavered. They leaned into the day with so much grace, ready to embrace whatever the mountains handed them. And in true Wyoming fashion, the storms circled just long enough for us to catch a perfect break in the weather for their ceremony.
Their vows were exchanged beside the river with about ten of their closest family and friends, all bundled up and smiling through the cold. The Tetons played hide and seek behind the clouds, which only made the atmosphere feel more intimate and dramatic. Their officiant, a close friend, kept the ceremony heartfelt and simple. You could feel the steadiness of their love in the quiet moments the kind that photograph beautifully because they are lived beautifully.
One important note for couples planning a Grand Teton wedding: dogs are not allowed at Schwabacher’s Landing or most ceremony locations inside the park. Carlee and Austin respected these rules, and their pups stayed cozy elsewhere during the main events. Later on, we made sure to capture a few sweet photos with them in dog friendly spots where we weren’t breaking any rules. It was the perfect way to include their whole family in a way that honored the park and their vision.
Because rain was part of the forecast (and very much the reality), we activated something I build into most of my wedding collections: in case it rains coverage. This allows us to plan an additional portrait day when the weather doesn’t cooperate or when a couple wants fuller, more scenic portraits that might not be realistic on the wedding day itself. For Carlee and Austin, this meant we got to return the next afternoon under sunshine, blue skies, and the most stunning stretch of fall color.
Day two felt like we had stepped into a completely different season. The Tetons were glowing, the air was calm, and the trees around the Moulton Barn were lit up in golden yellows and soft warm tones. It was the perfect contrast to the cozy, stormy ceremony the day before, and the combination of both days gave them a wedding gallery rich with variety, emotion, and real Wyoming beauty.
What I loved most about Carlee and Austin’s celebration was not just how beautiful the images turned out, but how present they stayed through every change, every gust of wind, and every shift in the plan. Rain or shine, they made space to enjoy the people around them, honor the landscape, and celebrate the commitment they came here to make.
Their fall wedding in Grand Teton National Park was tender, calm, a little wild, and so full of heart. Proof that sometimes the best wedding days are the ones you simply trust and walk through together.
Wedding Attire:
Venue: Schwabachers Landing
H/MU:
