Other than the human beings who are either my children and other relatives, my best friends and my husband, the inanimate thing I love the most is Jackson Hole. It had me at “hello” in 1994, and in my heart of hearts then, I just knew that one day I would move here, to this love of my life.
I met my “forever husband” in Jackson Hole in 2013, almost a year before I planned to move here finally. We initially met virtually on Match.com, but actually eyeballed each other 6 weeks later under the elk antler arches on the iconic Town Square; think the romantic notion of meeting at the top of the Empire State Building in New York City or at the Eiffel Tower. We took a slow stroll around the square, dipped into the Silver Dollar Showroom to hear a bit of music, and, at sunset, drove out along the National Elk Refuge Road, where we watched the sun dip behind the magnificent Teton Range and marveled as the sky in turns changed from blue to peach to a rich golden hue. Be still, my heart! Such a romantic evening.
Choosing to get married in Jackson Hole (or getting engaged here) is perhaps the most romantic thing you can do in the Teton area. Kenley Adams Orozco from Pensacola, Florida, and her husband, Felix, told us she got married in Jackson in January of 2023. They came back with family and friends to celebrate their anniversary in 2025 and are planning yet another trip for 2027.
There are many romantic things to do in Jackson Hole. Here are just a few suggestions for activities that are full of romance to bring you and your sweetie closer together during your Teton adventure.
Photo credit: Boo-Creative
TAKE A SUNSET FLOAT OR A VINTAGE SLEIGH RIDE
If you’re looking to immerse yourself in a bygone era, I recommend enjoying a locally sourced gourmet meal with gorgeous views and the perk of spotting wildlife far from the crowds. Jackson Hole Vintage Adventures offers a luxurious experience by pairing its scenic boat tours with an open-air, fine-dining repast amid spectacular views of the Tetons.
In the summer months, float either in the morning or later in the evening for a pristine adventure piloted by guides with decades of experience on the water who will share their passion for the ecology of the Snake River. The beautiful wooden vessel you’ll venture in was born on the banks of the McKenzie River in Oregon in the 1940s.
During winter, Jackson Hole Vintage Sleigh Rides provides several private tours, including dinner and lunch rides, for a truly unique Jackson Hole winter experience. A team of Draft horses draws vintage sleighs, providing a serene, nostalgic way to enjoy a ride through Cottonwood forests to the banks of the Snake River, which affords many opportunities for wildlife viewing and the magnificent mountain scenery.
Call 307-732-2628 to book your tour or visit jhvintageadventures.com.
Mill Iron Ranch also offers horse-driven evening sleigh rides. You will be treated to views of more than 1,800 head of elk and picturesque mountains. After the excitement of the ride, you will head into the ranch's lodge for a delicious t-bone steak dinner. To reserve and for more details, visit millironranch.net, or call 307-733-6390.
TAKE A STARGAZING/WILDLIFE TOUR
The night sky in Jackson Hole is truly beyond spectacular, especially now that in 2025, Teton County was named the world's first county to be Dark Sky-certified. Stargazing is one of our favorite things to do year-round.
Wyoming Stargazing offers wildlife safaris with its partner organization, Earth and Sky Safaris. Using its premier guides and thorough knowledge of the region, this nonprofit gives tours of the landscapes both during the day and at night in winter and summer. A favorite option is a sunset safari into a night sky tour, with dinner included.
Visit wyomingstargazing.org, or call at 1-844-WYO-STAR (1-844-996-7827) to book your program.
BOOK A PHOTO SHOOT
Sure, you can use your cellphone or your “real” camera to take selfies of the two of you hither and yon out here, or you can hire a professional photographer to take really amazing photos of you. Whether you are getting married or engaged — and many a groom-to-be chooses to conduct a surprise engagement with the photographer in range, yet undetected by his lovely intended — having the moment captured is a wonderfully romantic decision. Of course, just having terrific photos in general of you and your soulmate with the Tetons as a backdrop is a special idea, if we do say so ourselves (see photo).
“I love my work and I am a constant and front-seat witness to the romance here!” - Cat Campbell, professional photographer
Some photographers to consider are Madison Webb, Boo-Creative, Catherine "Cat" Campbell, David Stubbs Photography, and JCM Photography – Jackson Hole, among others.
Photo credit: Madison Webb Photography
SHARE A DOG SLED RIDE
Silently gliding through the snow on a sled powered only by an experienced team of Alaskan Huskies is downright blissful. Dog sledding in Jackson Hole isn't far behind the Iditarod itself; OK, maybe it's more of a relaxing and romantic version.
There are a couple of outfitters that offer a wide range of options and itineraries for day or even overnight expeditions into our glorious backcountry wonderland. Go via this historic method of winter travel to Granite Hot Springs for a day trip, or experience overland travel the way they do it in the Iditarod by heading out to a well-stocked yurt for a night or more.
RELATED STORY: Dog Sledding in Jackson Hole
TAKE A HIKE WITH YOUR HONEY
This may sound obvious: Choosing to go hiking when you are out in Jackson Hole is sort of a given, yet taking one off the well-beaten track can be more romantic in general, if you plan accordingly. Plus, packing a picnic — and not just an energy bar — adds to the ambiance, so to speak.
Most of the hiking trails in Grand Teton National Park see a lot of foot traffic in summer (read our story on hiking here), but less so in the off-seasons of spring and autumn. However, even if there are perhaps more folks hiking above or below or even beside you, there are still spots to take a small detour into, call your own, and find a gorgeous, shady area, preferably with a view to take a lunch break. Picnicking by a lake is a plus.
Hiking trails in the Bridger-Teton National Forest are generally less well-traveled and can be perfect for finding a quiet picnic sanctuary and a place to snuggle, unseen. Just make sure you are carrying bear spray, as you don’t want Yogi Bear disrupting your romantic time!
Here are suggestions on where to secure your to-go lunch: Creekside Deli, Pearl Street Market, Persephone, Picnic, Snake River Roasting Cafe, or Dornans’ Deli (Dornans is located in Moose, next to the entrance to Grand Teton National Park).
THE LAST WORD
As you can see, there are numerous things to do and places to go in Jackson Hole that can turn up the romance during your visit to this magnificent corner of northwest Wyoming.
Julie Butler is the editor of Jackson Hole Traveler. She has been making a living for many moons as a journalist, newspaper and magazine editor, and national magazine copywriter. The mother of four adult children, she relocated from Connecticut to Jackson Hole in 2014, ago after being a loyal visitor for 20 years.
RELATED STORIES: Romantic Dining in Jackson Hole, Getting Hitched in the Hole, Things To Do in Summer in Jackson Hole, Things To Do in Winter in Jackson Hole,