How to Get Married in Wyoming
If you want your wedding to look like a postcard from the Wild West, make your way to Wyoming. The state's endless prairies and high mountain peaks create an idyllic image of untouched America. If you're now wondering how to get married in Wyoming, good news: We called in the experts to help.
"Wyoming offers unmatched natural beauty, making it a dream location for couples seeking a stunning outdoor backdrop," says Laura McCutchen of Forever West Weddings and Events in Sheridan, Wyoming. "Plus, the state and its famed national parks—Grand Teton and Yellowstone—are bucket list destinations for many people, making it a perfect location for a destination wedding."
As beautiful as the state's remote lands are, they can also make planning a wedding there a little difficult—but we promise it's very well worth it. Here's what is needed to get married in Wyoming.
In this article:
- How to Get a Marriage License in Wyoming
- Notable Wedding Locations in Wyoming
- How to Plan a Wedding in Wyoming Step-by-Step
How to Get a Marriage License in Wyoming
Getting a Wyoming marriage license will cost you $30 and requires a trip to the county clerk's office. Bring a photo ID and be prepared to share personal information like your date of birth, residential address and Social Security number—plus your parents' full names (this includes your mother's maiden name) and place of birth. If you've been married before, you'll also need to provide the date of the former spouse's death and/or the date of the divorce decree. There is no waiting period, and your Wyoming wedding license is valid for a year after it's issued. You can find more details on Wyoming marriage laws on its county websites, like Teton County and Fremont County.
Notable Wedding Locations in Wyoming
With vast mountain ranges, open skies and numerous national parks, Wyoming is a western dream. Its natural, rugged beauty is the ultimate backdrop for Wyoming wedding venues, many of which you can find in these popular regions.
The Tetons
The majestic Teton Range is iconic in Wyoming for a reason. Grand Teton National Park is filled with pristine lakes for an intimate wedding, while the famous Jackson Hole is a world-class skiing spot with many luxury resorts and small wedding venues.
"Jackson Hole is a magical place for a Wyoming wedding with majestic views of the Tetons," says Elizabeth Kelleher of In Any Event in Jackson. "The area offers activities and an experience for all ages. Many people attending a destination wedding make it a vacation." It's even a great spot for a bachelorette party and a honeymoon.
Yellowstone
Adventurous couples who love nature can tie the knot among the pines and firs of Yellowstone National Park (you'll just need to apply for a permit first). With Yellowstone Lake and numerous waterfalls, it's a dreamy spot to say "I do" for a more intimate gathering. You'll love it so much you'll want to stay for your honeymoon.
The Bighorns
The Bighorn region in north-central Wyoming offers true Western charm. Sheridan, the gateway to the Bighorn Mountains, is known for its cowboy culture and has a number of historic and rustic places like barn wedding venues. Then, there's Bighorn National Forest, a favorite for Wyoming elopements.
How to Plan a Wedding in Wyoming Step-by-Step
There are a few things you should know before you start planning a wedding in the Cowboy State. "Wyoming is an amazing place to get married," McCutchen says. "It's just uniquely challenging logistically."
1. Set a Budget
You can't start planning your Wyoming wedding without a budget, which you can create with the help of The Knot Budget Advisor—it provides wedding costs from real couples in your area.
"Jackson Hole is going to be the most expensive location in Wyoming for a wedding, so if you're set on Wyoming but have a smaller budget, consider smaller towns like Cody or Sheridan," McCutchen advises. "However, if the iconic Teton views are a must, you may have to reconsider your budget or decrease your guest list."
2. Use a Wedding Planner to Venue Hunt
Since a lot of Wyoming venues are in more rural locations, McCutchen highly recommends hiring a wedding planner. "Many venues have little to no infrastructure, so having a planner to help you choose your venue will be important," she explains. "It may not be immediately apparent that you need to bring in a tent, furniture, a catering tent, portable water and ice, restroom trailers, generators, floral teams, staff and catering who can haul trash at the end of the night."
If you do choose a venue without a planner, she advises reading your contract and asking questions. Don't assume that common amenities like water, restrooms or power are available.
3. Book Local Vendors
You'll want to book local vendors since they understand the rural region's logistical hurdles—but McCutchen says many local vendors don't have a strong online presence. Again, a planner can help you here by connecting you with the best vendors. You can also find pros on The Knot Vendor Marketplace.
Keep in mind that Wyoming is a large state with a fairly small population. "Unless clients have a very large budget, options for local vendors—especially event rental companies—can be very limited," McCutchen says. For example, there may only be one or two companies renting tents, tables and chairs within several hours of their event.
"It's important to work within your budget and select vendors with the local intel to make it a fun planning experience," Kelleher adds.
4. Plan for Unpredictable Weather
Wyoming weather can be very unpredictable, even in the summer. Because of this, McCutchen says couples should plan for contingencies like heaters and even have a backup plan for an outdoor wedding. Wind is also a major consideration—make sure to rent a tent with sidewalls or select an indoor location for your reception to prevent linens and decor from blowing away, she says. Wyoming also often experiences wildfires in mid-to late-summer and into the fall, so if you're worried about smoke, McCutchen says the best time to get married in Wyoming is in June or early July.
5. Figure Out Transportation
You may not be surprised to learn that Wyoming's remote areas mean transportation can be tricky. "Many venues are quite remote and Uber and Lyft are nonexistent, so for many venues, renting buses is an absolute must," McCutchen says. "Couples should keep this in mind when budgeting."
6. Get a Permit
If you're getting married in a public park or on federal lands, you may need to secure a permit in advance. The Jackson Hole area has a hard 10 p.m. amplified noise ordinance, McCutchen says, so many venues have 10 p.m. as their event end time. But once you work through Wyoming's limited resources, you're set for a wedding that's unrivaled in beauty.