Our Dream Engagement Trip to Jackson Hole, Wyoming
If you've been following along on Instagram, you've probably already seen a few glimpses of our (second round) of engagement photos, but I realized I never shared the full story behind the trip. So here's everything we did during our few days in Jackson Hole, Wyoming... and why it ended up being one of my favorite trips we've ever taken.
With our wedding getting closer, we wanted engagement photos that felt like us. We knew we wanted incredible scenery, a little adventure, and somewhere we'd never forget. Jackson Hole checked every box.
The Most Beautiful Backdrop
I've seen photos of Grand Teton National Park a million times, but nothing prepares you for seeing it in person. Everywhere you look there's another mountain view, open fields, winding rivers, and somehow it all looks even prettier than the pictures.
We were lucky enough to have our engagement photos taken by Moments with Mae, and I honestly couldn't imagine a more perfect setting. Between the Tetons in the background and the golden evening light, every location looked like something straight out of a movie.
Wildlife Everywhere
One thing I wasn't expecting was just how much wildlife we'd see.
During our stay we spotted moose, elk, coyotes, and even bald eagles. It almost felt like every drive through the park came with another surprise around the corner. If you're planning a trip, definitely bring binoculars or a zoom lens because you'll want to stop constantly.
Everything We Did
Even though our engagement photos were the main reason for the trip, we packed a lot into a few days.
We spent time exploring Grand Teton National Park, drove through some of the most scenic roads I've ever been on, wandered around downtown Jackson, and of course had to stop at the famous antler arches in Town Square.
One evening we went to the Jackson Hole Rodeo, which ended up being one of our favorite nights. It was such a fun way to experience the local western culture, and it made the trip feel even more authentic.
Where We Stayed
We stayed at Anvil Hotel, which was the perfect home base for exploring Jackson. It had a cozy mountain feel while still being right near all of the restaurants and shops downtown, so we could easily walk everywhere after a day of exploring.
Where We Ate
Of course I have to include the food because we found some really good spots.
Some of our favorites were:
Glorietta Trattoria — Easily one of the best dinners of the trip. Everything we ordered was amazing, and the atmosphere was perfect for a date night.
Pinky G's Pizzeria — Casual, fun, and definitely worth the stop after a long day exploring.
Liberty Burger — Great burgers and shakes if you're looking for something laid back.
The Million Dollar Cowboy Steakhouse — Such a cool western experience and a great place for a celebratory dinner.
Why Jackson Hole Was Perfect for Engagement Photos
If you're trying to decide where to take engagement photos and don't mind traveling a little, I honestly can't recommend Jackson Hole enough.
The scenery is unreal, every location feels unique, and you get so much variety without having to drive hours between spots. Whether you want mountains, rivers, wildflowers, horses, or dramatic sunsets, it's all there.
It also made the entire experience feel like more than just a photo session. We weren't just checking engagement pictures off our wedding to-do list—we got an unforgettable vacation together before all the wedding craziness really begins.
Looking Back
Now that we're only a couple months away from our wedding, I'm so glad we decided to make a trip out of our engagement photos instead of staying close to home.
These photos will always remind us of one of the most exciting seasons of our lives, and every time I look at them I'm transported right back to those mountain views, the cool Wyoming air, and all the excitement leading up to saying "I do."
If Jackson Hole has been on your travel list, consider this your sign to book the trip. I promise it's every bit as beautiful as everyone says it is.
