How to Elope in Glacier National Park

Are you dreaming of eloping in the epic mountains of Glacier National Park and don’t know where to start? Well this guide has all the information on how to elope in Glacier National Park from planning your ceremony, getting permits, places to stay, and much more.

Deemed the Swiss Alps of the US, Glacier National Park is hands down one of the most beautiful places in America. It’s my personal favorite national park. The mountains are so grand here that pictures don’t ever do them justice. You have to see them in person. The park is so diverse with alpine lakes, waterfalls, wildlife, incredible hikes, and the famous Apgar Village. You’ll never regret choosing to elope here.

Table of Contents for How to Elope in Glacier National Park

• The best time of the year to elope in Glacier
• The best ceremony sites in Glacier
• How to legally get married in Glacier (permits)
• Activities to do for your elopement
• Places to stay
• What to pack for your elopement
• Glacier National Park elopement packages

Meet Your Adventure Elopement Photographer

Hey, I’m Marcus! I’ll be your go to resource for all your Glacier National Park elopement planning. The first time I explored Glacier I was in awe. I spent seven days hiking around the park covering everywhere from the west side through the south and the east side. You will instantly fall in love with the dramatic landscapes and diversity this park offers.

I learned so many tips and tricks on how to make an unforgettable experience here. There’s so many incredible locations including ones that are hidden from all the crowds. I’ll help you plan an adventure of a lifetime and come prepared with back up plans as well just in case that crazy weather happens. If you’re ready to plan your dream elopement contact me here.

The Best Time of the Year to Elope in Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park can honestly be beautiful in any season. You need to decide what you want your day to look like. Let me break it down for you.

1. Spring: This time of the year the grasses are turning green and snow is slowly beginning to melt but very much still present. The Going-to-the-Sun-Road is most likely closed. However Lake McDonald area and St. Mary’s area will still be open.
2. Summer: The-Going-to-the-Sun-Road is open (usually sometime towards the end of June/early July) and the park is free to explore. The wildflowers are blooming and wildlife is abundantly present. This personally is my favorite time of the year.
3. Fall: The weather starts to cool down and the park still holds all its beauty. The park is still fully accessible until snow begins to shutdown the Going-to-the-Sun-Road in mid to late October. Early fall September to early October is a great time to elope as well.
4. Winter: The Going-to-the-Sun-Road is completely shutdown. Lake McDonald area and St. Mary’s are the two main locations you’ll be able to explore. The park turns into a winter wonderland if you’re looking for that fairytale winter wedding.

Each season brings its own beauty so you have to decide what your dreaming for your day and the activities you want to include. I personally prefer late July through September for the wildflowers, epic hikes, wildlife viewing, alpine lakes, and access to the Going-to-the-Sun-Road. Eloping during the week and avoiding holidays is the best practice to help avoid the large crowds as Glacier is one of the most visited parks in the States.

The Best Ceremony Site Locations in Glacier National Park

These are the best ceremony site locations within Glacier National Park:

Before we talk about wedding ceremony locations available in the park, I want to make you aware that construction happens within the park at times and can shut down locations for extended periods of times. You can check out updates on if your ceremony site will be available here. Look under the closures box to see if any construction will be happening.

There are 4 main areas of the park and I’ll break down each section of the park with the best ceremony locations. The total count includes the bride and groom and all your vendors (photographer, videographer, officiant, etc…)

West Glacier

1. Sprague Picnic Area Shoreline

This is a stunning beach location along Lake McDonald with beautiful mountain views. It can accommodate up to 15 people. Pets are allowed, no tables/decor, up to 4 chairs permitted on durable surface, and snacks are ok. Vehicle accessible mid-May through mid-September.

2. Ryan’s Beach

Ryan’s Beach sits on Lake McDonald with gorgeous mountain views in a wooded setting. It allows for up to 15 people. There’s no facilities, no tables/decor, up to 4 chairs permitted on beach, and snacks are ok.

3. Jackson Bay

Jackson Bay sits on Lake McDonald and has beautiful views of the lake and mountains. There’s no tables/decor, up to 4 chairs permitted on durable surface, and snacks are ok. Jackson Bay accommodates up to 15 people.

Other Options

There’s more options in West Glacier but these are my favorite. Some of the other locations can accommodate over 100 people if you really want a bigger wedding.

St. Mary (East Glacier)

This is my favorite side of the park where you are right in the mountains. You’ll find the best views in the park here and I highly recommend taking time to explore this area after your ceremony. I know some incredible hikes here if you’re up for an adventure.

1. Sun Point

Sun Point has beautiful mountain views that surround St. Mary Lake and can accommodate up to 20 people. There’s no tables, chairs, or decor. It’s also a small hike to the ceremony spot. Vehicle accessible from end of May to mid October.

This area has some of the most spectacular views in the park especially near Logan Pass. I highly recommend adventuring around this area after your ceremony. I know some incredible locations to bring you here.

Two Medicine

1. Running Eagle Falls

This is a stunning waterfall location right off the road. This location allows for 15 people. It’s vehicle accessible from end of May to mid October. The site is wheelchair accessible and there’s no chairs, tables, or decor.

2. Two Medicine Picnic Area

Sitting on Two Medicine Lake with stunning mountain views, this site accommodates up to 15 people. Pets are allowed but there’s no tables, chairs, or decor.

3. Pray Lake Shoreline

This ceremony site sits on the water’s edge with a spacious grass area offering a gorgeous mountain view backdrop. It can accommodate up to 30 people

Many Glacier

Many Glacier is a must visit spot. It’s more isolated from the rest of the park and a little drive to get there from West or East Glacier. Many Glacier Hotel sits on the shoreline and is a great place to stay.

1. SW Beach

Sitting on the shoreline with stunning mountain views, you can have up to 15 people at your ceremony.

2. Lake Josephine

A 1 mile hike is required to access the beach ceremony site location at Lake Josephine. You’ll be surrounded by stunning mountain views. It accommodates up to 15 people.

3. Many Glacier Hotel Beach

The beach at the hotel offers breathtaking mountain views that’s easy to access. It can accommodate up to 15 people.

How to Elope in Glacier National Park Legally

If you decide to elope in Glacier National Park, you’ll need an elopement permit. The process for obtaining a permit is very straightforward. See all the steps below.

Before you fill out your permit application, please note that permits can be applied for up to one year in advance, but no less than one month before your elopement date. No exceptions.

1. Go to this website and follow all the instructions. You can download your special use permit application on the website to obtain your permit.
2. Be extremely thorough while filling out the application with location of your ceremony and the time. Make sure to include a secondary location if you’re first location isn’t available.
3.  Email your completed application (word or pdf format preferred) to glac_sup@nps.gov.
4. Pay the $125 non-refundable application fee electronically by visiting Pay.gov. Credit card is preferred. Do not submit payment via check or cash. Complete the “Glacier NP Special Park Uses Fees” form. It is preferred if the name used on Pay.gov matches the name on the SUP application. You will receive a confirmation email from Pay.gov; retain this for your records.
5. Once the park has received your application and permit, they will send you a permit that you will then need to sign and send back.
6. You will get your completed permit that you will need to carry around with you on your elopement day.

Glacier National Parks Vehicle Reservation System for the Going-to-the-Sun-Road

Glacier implemented a vehicle reservation system to help control the traffic through the park. The window to require a vehicle reservation is from 7am-3pm. However if you enter the park before or after this time window, you don’t need a reservation. Just know if you leave the park and try to return from 7-am-3pm, you now will need a reservation.

If you’re trying to access the Going-to-the-Sun-Road from West Glacier (Apgar Village/Lake McDonald area) you’ll be required to have a reservation. You also need one for the North Fork. The reservations are required from June 13-September 28. They cost $2 and must be purchased on recreation.gov. Your special use permit for your elopement passes for your vehicle reservation however your guests will need one and it doesn’t hurt to get the reservation just in case. You can find more info on the reservation system here.

You will also need a national park pass that you can purchase when entering the park for $35 for a week or $80 for a full year.

Montana’s Marriage License and Rules

In order to make your marriage legal when eloping in Glacier National Park, you’ll have to apply for a Montana marriage license. The easiest place to get one is Kalispell. It’s the closest large town and you can apply online. Follow these steps:

1. Apply for your marriage license through Flathead county by filling out this online application.
2. Prior to your ceremony, couples must appear together at the Clerk of Court to sign the application, which will be printed upon your arrival.
3. After signing the application before the Clerk of Court, payment of $53 will be required. Payment of the fee will be required in person and can be cash, check, money order, or credit card. There’s no waiting time and the license is valid for 180 days.

Who do we have officiate our wedding?

You can literally have anyone officiate it as long as they are older than 18 and legally ordained in Montana. Whether you want a pastor, best friend, relative, or a judge it’s all legal. You can find out more about Montana’s officiant requirements here.

You’ll also need at least two witnesses to sign your license. You can ask your photographer and videographer or a couple of hikers if you’re eloping with just the two of you.

Activities to Include on Your Elopement

Here’s a full list of activities that you can include to personalize your full day elopement in Glacier:

• Go on an adventurous hike
• Rent a paddle board, kayak, or canoe for the lake
• White water rafting
• Horseback riding
• Have a picnic in a meadow
• Search for wildlife
• Take a boat cruise
• Have a campfire
• Stargazing
• Chase waterfalls
• Backcountry camping
• Go fishing
• Rent bikes
• Guided tours
• Golfing
• Explore Apgar Village
• Share some ice cream

Best Places to Stay in Glacier National Park

There’s a few different areas around the park where you can stay. Each have their own perks. I’ll list some of my favorite lodges and Airbnbs. I’ll start with my personal favorite side.

East Glacier (St. Mary) and Many Glacier

This side of the park offers the most epic mountain views. The hikes on this side of the park are breathtaking. I highly suggest you spend a majority of your time exploring this side of the park.

• St. Mary Village: this lodge is located directly outside the East entrance. It’s the perfect spot to stay for quick access to the park.
• Glacier Ridge Chalet: this 2 story chalet in Babb offers panoramic views of Glacier National Park and can all be viewed from a hot tub.
• Shooting Star Lodge: this cabin rental fits 8 guests and is 15 minutes from East Glacier’s entrance and Many Glacier’s entrance. It’s the perfect spot to relax after a day of exploring. With a 6 night minimum stay it’s the perfect honeymoon cabin.
• Glacier Quarry: a two story villa located on private acreage between East and Many Glacier. It’s a great private spot to enjoy peace and quiet at the end of the day with a fire.
• Many Glacier Hotel: located in the “Switzerland of North America” this hotel located on Swiftcurrent Lake offers the most breathtaking views and plenty of activities to keep you busy.
• There’s also many campgrounds around the area to choose from if you wish to camp or RV. My favorite spot is Johnson’s of St. Mary.

West Glacier

This is perhaps the most popular side of the park. With Lake McDonald being the most popular attraction there’s tons of hikes and lake activities. Apgar Village is very famous and located here.

• Apgar Village Lodge and Cabins: stay conveniently in Apgar Village and have easy access to lake rentals and amenities like ice cream shops and more.
• Glacier Hideaway: enjoy this private cabin with close access to West Glacier. With a hot tub, pool table, fire pit, fireplace, and a large deck with views of the mountains, you’ll enjoy every minute of your stay.
• Glacier Treehouse Retreat: come stay in this unique treehouse for two with 40 acres of privacy in a pine tree forest and meadows.
• Chalet in West Glacier: enjoy this lovely chalet just minutes from Glacier National Park. It boasts stunning views, vaulted ceilings, and a bbq grill.
• Mountain Chic in West Glacier: nestled on 10 private acres this open concept home has some incredible mountaintop views, open yard, fire pit, and outside seating.

Kalispell

If you’re looking to stay in a larger town with access to more amenities, Kalispell is the perfect spot. Kalispell is located only 40 minutes from Glacier National Park and has tons of family friendly activities.

• Charming Lake House: this 4k square foot lake home on Lake Blaine has panoramic views of mountains from the grand living room. Located conveniently only 40 minutes from Glacier National Park its a great place to explore from.
• Glacier Getaway: perfectly located in the heart of Kalispell this home has access to everything. You and your friends will have plenty of space in this home.

What To Pack For Your Glacier National Park Elopement

The weather can vary a lot in Glacier so you want to be prepared for everything. Here’s a full list of what you should consider packing for your elopement.

• Light gloves
• Light puffy jacket, rain jacket, and hat
• Hand warmers
• Swimsuit
• Hiking boots or shoes
• Warm leggings for under your dress
• Suit jacket, pants, belt, and tie
• Wedding rings
• Vow books
• Water bottle
• Snacks for hiking
• Headlamp
• Dress, earrings, necklace, shoes
• Marriage license
• Sentimental items for your elopement

Glacier National Park Elopement Packages

Let’s make your Glacier National Park elopement process easy so you can have an epic adventure!

Having been to Glacier before and explored all over the beautiful park, I know how to create a day that is full of epic adventures and photos. I’ll create a full timeline for you so you don’t have to worry about planning any logistics. I’ll be your go to resource for everything. Just tell me what your dream day looks like and we’ll collaborate on creating an unforgettable elopement. I also include back up plans just incase the weather decides to get crazy.

My all-inclusive Glacier National Park elopement packages are created with all this in mind! The packages include – all day photo coverage, timeline and location planning, vendor recommendations, optional videography add on, and all of my travel fees.

Packages start at $5,000.

Fill out my inquiry form below to get started or contact me here.

If you’re looking for other places to elope checkout these guides: How to elope in Iceland, How to Elope on Minnesota’s North Shore, and the Top 10 Places to Elope in the World.