There are many, many reasons to get married in Wyoming, for both locals and visitors. For starters, there are the rugged mountain landscapes, wide-open skies, alpine lakes, wildlife galore, blankets of wildflowers, and historic landmarks.
And while Wyoming has two stunning national parks and numerous fantastic traditional wedding venues to choose from, some couples prefer a more intimate wedding experience.
From rustic hilltop chapels to completely unexpected hidden gems, here are some of the best Wyoming elopement spots.
1. The Wedding Tree
The Grand Tetons are among the most iconic landscapes in Wyoming. However, the best views aren’t necessarily inside the national park. The “Wedding Tree,” a natural arch perfectly framing the Tetons, is proof of that.
The Wedding Tree is in the Bridger-Teton National Forest and amazingly, costs nothing to use. That’s right — this stunning Wyoming wedding spot is free! Even better, it’s also dog-friendly. Contact the Jackson District Resource Clerk for details on adding your wedding to the events calendar.
2. Curtis Canyon Overlook
If you’re looking for a classic Wyoming backdrop for your intimate wedding, Curtis Canyon Overlook is an excellent choice. This spot is just outside of Jackson but relatively little-known, meaning you’re likely to have it to yourself.
Curtis Canyon looks out over the National Elk Refuge and offers big, sweeping vistas with a magical mix of plains and mountains. The road is rough but manageable, and it’s generally accessible most of the year.
3. St. Alban’s Chapel, Medicine Bow National Forest
Perched atop Medicine Bow Peak in the Snowy Range, St. Alban’s Chapel is a one-of-a-kind Wyoming wedding venue. The historic open-air chapel has unparalleled views of the Snowies and Centennial Valley and in the summer, the grounds are covered with wildflowers.
St. Alban’s Chapel sits at over 10,000 feet in elevation and Highway 130 (Snowy Range Scenic Byway) is inaccessible from November through May. There are no services, including restrooms or running water, but it’s well worth the effort for an unforgettable Wyoming wedding.
To reserve St. Alban’s, contact St. Matthew’s Episcopal Cathedral in Laramie.
4. Lake Marie, Medicine Bow National Forest
10 minutes down the mountain from St. Alban’s Chapel sits pristine Lake Marie. The glistening lake is surrounded by tall granite peaks and, during the summer, blankets of wildflowers.
Something unique about Lake Marie is that it feels (and looks!) incredibly remote, yet the most scenic spots are actually very accessible. There’s a parking lot and paved walking path, making this an excellent choice for a Wyoming elopement with friends and family in attendance. Lake Marie is popular in the summer, but it’s easy to stroll around and find secluded coves.
5. Vedauwoo/Curt Gowdy State Park
We listed these two unique Wyoming elopement venues together because of their proximity to one another. Less than 15 minutes from each other and equidistant to both Cheyenne and Laramie, each area offers endless options for intimate weddings.
Both offer stunning, dramatic red rock formations tucked amongst high alpine forests and year-round accessibility. Our favorite wedding sites include Hynds Lodge and the adjacent amphitheater in Curt Gowdy State Park, as well as the Vedauwoo Gazebo. You can also simply find a remote hilltop or open meadow — the options are truly endless!
If you have difficulty choosing, consider having your ceremony at one and reception at the other. An open-air ceremony at the gazebo followed by a Hynds Lodge reception sounds dreamy!
6. Cloud Peak Wilderness, Bighorn National Forest
Anyone in the know will tell you that the Bighorns encompass some of the most jaw-dropping scenery in the country. That’s especially true of Cloud Peak Wilderness, a 27-mile-long area with hundreds of lakes, valleys, and rugged 13,000-foot peaks.
For adventurous couples, there is no more perfect Wyoming elopement venue. Explore the lakes and trails by hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, or taking an ATV. Bonus: No permits or fees are required for events with fewer than 75 people.
7. Ucross Chapel
Located off a country road in what feels like the middle of nowhere in Sheridan County, the Ucross Chapel is a unique, intimate Wyoming elopement venue. This is an excellent option for couples who want a traditional church wedding in a very non-traditional setting.
The chapel is a replica of The Church of the Good Shepherd in New Zealand, said to be one of the country’s most photographed landmarks. While the chapel was built in 2011, it was constructed entirely of repurposed old materials, including exterior stones from 1800s-era homesteads.
8. Devils Tower Gulch Restaurant
If you’ve ever dreamt of getting married with the wondrous, dramatic Devils Tower as your wedding backdrop, great news: you can! What may surprise you, though, is that the best views of this iconic rock formation aren’t in the national monument, but rather, from a small roadside restaurant.
Devils Tower Gulch sits a few miles away from the tower itself, but the unobstructed views from its lawn are astounding. The wide-open space can accommodate Wyoming wedding ceremonies and receptions of all sizes, and the restaurant can also cater or provide live music.
Best Time for a Wyoming Elopement
The summer and early fall months are by far the most popular for Wyoming weddings. The weather is perfect, the hillsides are covered in wildflowers, there are many opportunities for spotting wildlife, and outdoor adventures are limitless.
If you’re hoping for fewer crowds, consider eloping in mid-fall or late spring. Winter is certainly not off-limits and in fact, there’s something magical about the unique beauty and stillness of snow-covered mountains. Be aware, however, that many high-elevation Wyoming elopement spots aren’t fully accessible in the winter due to extreme weather. With planning and preparation, a winter wedding can be truly unforgettable!
