Adventurous 3 Day Winter Wedding in Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Say, “western winter wedding in Wyoming” five times fast and you’ll have almost as much fun as we did for this couple’s winter wedding in Jackson Hole. Over three days, this group did a lot. That’s why they’re the perfect example of everything that’s possible out here!
Their 3 day wedding weekend was equal parts adventure elopement, intimate family ceremony and wild west party. They toured hot springs, went dog sledding, had a waterfall ceremony, full family ski day, a sunrise snowshoe trek and a saloon style party at the Cowboy Bar downtown. Whew, they did it all!
So, if you and your partner are planning a winter wedding in Jackson Hole or the Teton area, here’s what’s possible…
Winter Wedding in Jackson Hole: Dog Sled Intimate Ceremony at Glacier Falls and dip in Granite Hot Springs
The first day of this couple’s Wyoming wedding weekend was focused on the wedding itself. They chose to have a small ceremony in the Bridger-Teton National Forest with about 10 guests. This not only kept things very intimate, but made transport very easy.
That point is important, because instead of a limo, this group rode a caravan of Iditarod dog sleds to the ceremony location. I have never seen anything like it before. The way the mushers hyped up the dogs before the tour was incredible to see. The crew adored and pampered the dogs, and the excitement in their tails and howls was contagious. It was a wild way to start the morning!
I followed the sleds with the ski patrol on a snowmobile. The group sliced across the frozen landscape to Glacier Falls on an absolutely frigid February morning. The temperatures were in the single digits, but no one seemed to notice.
Dressed and layered for the weather, the group arrived at the icy but sunny ceremony spot. The groom’s mother led an emotional 15 minute ceremony. Afterwards, they poured shots of whisky to fight the cold before the couple and I broke away for portraits. She changed into a stunning silk Bhldn skirt by Anthropologie, which moved like fog against the snow and icicles.
To truly thaw out from the deep chill that morning, the group headed to some thermal hot springs nearby for a dip. Between the clear thermal waters and hot soup, everyone stayed toasty despite the cold. It was their last stop of the dog sled tour before making their way back to Jackson Hole.
Winter Wedding in Jackson Hole: Wild West Reception at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar in Jackson Hole
Back in Jackson Hole, a large group of friends and family awaited them at the Cowboy Bar. The Cowboy Bar truly felt like the heart of downtown Jackson Hole. It’s a popular spot for live music and drinks, and a great venue for a saloon style party that captures the spirit of the American west.
For their reception, they invited a band all the way from New Orleans to perform. The group danced and partied together in the warm saloon. It was the perfect warm and cozy pivot from the snowy start of this winter wedding in Jackson Hole.
Dressed up in cowboy hats, decked out in turquoise and sporting fringe EVERYTHING, the group partied and stomped their boots on the dance floor.
Winter Wedding Ski Day & Snowshoeing in the Tetons
After the wedding day, they took the party onto the slopes. Day 2 was another sunny and frigid day, and the conditions were perfect. At 10,450 ft., the group spent the day on runs up and down the mountains under a clear blue sky.
A full day of skiing wasn’t enough, however. The next morning, the group woke up and headed out on a mix of snowshoes and cross country skis for day 3. With a group of friends, the groom headed out early from Colter Bay Village. The plan was to set up an epic ice bar on the other side of the lake, complete with shots, snacks and views.
The setup did not disappoint and the entire group celebrated right there in the snow! Honestly, the way they split up the entire weekend was ideal. Splitting the activities over multiple days gave them enough time for everything without being rushed. It was the perfect winter wedding in Jackson Hole.
SHOUTOUT TO THE VENDORS FOR THIS JACKSON HOLE WEDDING:
Number one, a huge thanks to Lisa at Lisa Mack events for coordinating the entire wedding day. With her help, everyone managed to stay warm and prepared despite the extreme temps. The entire day went off without a single snag, and her planning and preparation is to thank!
Finally, the team at the Jackson Hole Iditarod Sled Dog Tours were inspirational. They took such good care of everyone, including the dogs.
LISA MACK EVENTS deserves a massive shoutout for the effortless feel of the wedding day.
Jackson Hole Iditarod Sled Dog Tours (full day tour)
