Animal Sightings

Animal Sightings

Words by Lacey McNeff

Pets often star in Teton-based wedding ceremonies, as their unconditional love and devotion make them a cherished part of the family. But if your beloved dog can’t make the trek (or is just too much of a distraction), you can still incorporate animal ambience into your event. Be it mingling around paintings in our local wildlife art museum, planning a pre-or post-wedding excursion into the national park, or hiring four-legged cocktail servers for your reception, creating animal-centric experiences captures both a source of joy and the specialness of place.

Immersive Art

The National Museum of Wildlife Art houses thousands of pieces of artwork, representing animals from around the world. It’s a special spot to host your bridal lunch, welcome cocktail hour, rehearsal dinner, or reception. The mesmerizing wildlife art sparks interesting conversation as you and your guests mingle in the galleries. Larger-than-life wildlife sculptures line the outside walking paths that lend breathtaking views of the National Elk Refuge and Gros Ventre Mountains. This makes for incredible photo opportunities for you and your nature-loving guests. 

“Spotting scopes are located on the property,” says Gabrille Kupiec, events coordinator for the museum. “Guests often see elk, bighorn sheep, coyote, and moose on the refuge.” 

Located in downtown Jackson, Dusk at Ringholz Studios offers all of the amenities needed — like a full prep kitchen, two rolling bars, and five farmhouse tables — to create a memorable event, from a welcome mixer to a micro wedding. This intimate space, backdropped by Amy Ringholz’s soulful renditions of the region’s wildlife, provides an elevated twist on a typical affair. Ringholz is available for artist meet-and-greets, as well as artist demonstrations, adding a creative experience to your wedding event.

Up Close and Personal

If you’re planning a wedding weekend full of activities, consider adding a wildlife excursion with Jackson Hole Ecotour Adventures. The company’s trained guides — equipped with state-of-the-art Swarovski spotting scopes — curate each Grand Teton National Park adventure to make sure guests have a stellar experience that connects them to the region. This outfitter offers year-round tours with pro conservationists who know the best spots to sight wildlife throughout the seasons. 

“We are lucky to live in this place,” says Eric Carr, Jackson Hole Ecotours’ lead guide. “And with a really great support staff and real-time communication, our guides have everything they need to succeed. The contrasting landscapes — full of dips, valleys, and peaks — along with the wildlife, provide the backdrop for us to step back and let the awe of the moment happen.” 

Those moments may include witnessing the moose rut (an aggressive mating ritual performed by the bulls each fall), spotting bison or bears, or watching a bald eagle soar through a perfectly placed rainbow in Cascade Canyon, with the Cathedral Group in the background. An Ecotours experience can be included in a wedding weekend, bachelor or bachelorette event, or even an adventurous proposal.

Down on the Ranch

Incorporating livestock into events is at the core of Diamond Cross Ranch’s offerings. This 100-year-old working ranch offers a historical venue that adds a Western spin to your union. 

“We want the space to be truly authentic, honoring and continuing the legacy of the ranch,” says Lauren Long, chief executive officer. 

From welcome parties and rehearsal dinners to the main event, Diamond Cross Ranch’s animals make their presence known, but the signature “horse release” is by far the grandest showing. The rumble of hooves as the horses gather speed alerts guests that something special is about to happen. Then, completely coordinated and timed perfectly, the horses — which include Palomino mustangs, paint crosses, and chestnut geldings — race across the field just moments after you share your “I dos.” 

“Guests often stand and audibly gasp when they hear [the horses] coming,” says Long. 

You can also share sunset photos with the well-trained thoroughbred crosses that love to pose, or schedule a ” horse whispering” demonstration where a handler explains the principles used to build confidence and connection. The grandeur of this event space, complete with ponds, mountain views, star-filled nights, and ranching extras, creates the unrivaled backdrop for tangible memories to flourish.

Hops on Hooves

Guests are bound to fall “head over hooves” in love with the Black Tie Burros. They bring fun and an unexpected conversation starter to the celebration. Owner Jasmine Scholes and her team of mini donkeys are eager to join your rehearsal dinner, cocktail hour, or wedding reception. They’ll even make a cameo appearance at pre- and post-wedding photoshoots. 

“Hops on Hooves” is the company’s most popular request, where the mini donkeys carry drinks of your choosing in panniers filled with ice. Donkeys can also distribute other items — such as packaged snacks or ceremony programs — in baskets strapped to their sides. 

Scholes says the donkeys absolutely love the attention and are pros at posing for selfies. She customizes the donkey outfits to suit your wedding, with different attire to choose from, including top hats, bow ties, and flower crowns. They can even be decorated to match the décor and the wedding party’s colors, too.

For animal lovers who must leave their pets at home, particularly when hosting a destination wedding, these additions infuse your celebration with personality and delight guests in fresh, nontraditional ways.