Glacier National Park is truly one of the most beautiful places in the US. Located in Montana, this epic National park is known for its turquoise glacier lakes, jagged peaks, and of course the beautiful Going-to-the-Sun-Road. This is seriously an adventure seekers’ paradise and is the perfect elopement location who wants to elope with some of the most picturesque views. In this elopement guide, I share tons of information on how to elope in Glacier National Park: best elopement locations, when to elope, best places to stay, permits, and so much more! 

Table of Contents

• Glacier National Park Elopement Planning Checklist
• Where is Glacier National Park?
• Best Elopement Locations in Glacier National Park
• When is the Best Time of the Year to Elope in Glacier National Park?
• What to Pack for Your Glacier National Park Elopement
• Where to Stay for Your Glacier National Park Elopement?
• Best Activities to Do at Your Glacier National Park Elopement
• Glacier National Park Elopement Permits
• Montana Marriage Laws & Legalities
• Glacier National Park Elopement Photographer
• Glacier National Park Elopement Packages

Glacier National Park Elopement Planning Checklist

1. Hire your photographer!! Click here to inquire with me and let’s see if we are a good fit!!
2. Discuss what you are looking for in terms of terrains, views, and weather. 
3. Pick a few dates that are ideal for you and coordinate with your photographer. 
4. Decide what you want to do on your elopement day! Maybe you want to go on an adventurous hike or rent a boat on a lake. 
5. Submit your special use permit application for your ceremony (more info on how to do this later).
6. Find and hire your other vendors!
7. Book your travel and accommodations. 
8. Apply for your Montana Marriage License. 
9. Keep in touch with your vendors especially your photographer throughout the planning process! 
10. Enjoy the best day of your life! 

Where is Glacier National Park?

Glacier National Park is located in NW Montana in the Rocky Mountains. The Park is approximately 40 miles northeast of Kalispell on U.S. Highways 2 and 89 and near U.S. Highways 91 and 93. And it is a MASSIVE park as it covers over 1500 sq. miles of land. 

Closest Major Cities:

• Kalispell: 43 minutes away
• Whitefish: 32 minutes away
• Bigfork: 49 minutes away
• Columbia Falls: 21 minutes away

How to Get to Glacier National Park?

If you are coming from out of state and are wanting to fly, these are the best airports to fly into:

• Glacier Park International Airport to West Glacier
• Missoula Airport to West Glacier
• Spokane International Airport to West Glacier 

Best Elopement Locations in Glacier National Park

Lake McDonald

Lake McDonald is the most well-known and largest lake in Glacier National Park. Because of this, it can get quite busy so that is something to consider. The water is so beautiful and clear and the snow-capped mountains that surround it make it that much more beautiful. There is even a dock that is perfect for pictures. It is also a super accessible elopement location as it is right by the West entrance of the park. 

Two Medicine Lake

Two Medicine Lake is another beautiful elopement location in Glacier National Park. The shoreline is the perfect place to have your ceremony and when the mountains surrounding the lake have fresh snowfall, it is the most picturesque view. 

Sun Point Nature Trail

If you want to experience all of the different views that Glacier National Park has to offer, then a hike down Sun Point Nature Trail is the perfect place for your elopement. On this short hike, you will see a lake, waterfall, miles of forest, mountains, and even the possibility of wildlife. This has become one of the most popular areas in Glacier National Park for good reason is definitely worth a visit even if you choose not to elope here. 

Logan’s Pass

Logan’s Pass is by far the most visited place in the park because of how absolutely beautiful it is here. But due to its popularity, you are not allowed to have your actual ceremony here. So I recommend just stopping here for some photos.  It is the highest point on the Going-to-the-Sun Road so you can only imagine how epic the views are. 

Pray Lake

If hiking isn’t your thing but you want to view that seems like you hiked miles, then Pray Lake is perfect. It’s a gorgeous lake surrounded by mountains that is an idyllic spot for your elopement ceremony surrounded by nature. 

When is the Best Time of the Year to Elope in Glacier National Park?

The summer months in Glacier National Park definitely have the best weather BUT this means that there are a LOT of visitors. During the months of July and August, it is very difficult to have a more private and intimate ceremony. 

If you’re hoping to avoid the crowds I recommend eloping in Glacier in late September or early October.

The winter and spring months in Glacier are pretty similar as it gets a LOT of snow. Because of the amount of snow gets, most businesses and main attractions are closed during this time of the year. A lot of road closures also happen so if you’re still wanting to elope during the winter months make sure to check to see where you will have access. Going to the Sun Road is usually closed until July. 

So, ultimately I recommend the fall (late September – early October) for your Glacier National Park elopement as you can ditch the crowds and still have nicer weather.

What to Pack for Your Glacier National Park Elopement

• Your ceremony permit
• Montana marriage license
• Park pass
• Food & water
• Bear spray
• Bug spray
• Your bouquet
• Hiking boots
• Jacket
• Umbrella
• Backpack to hold all of your stuff! 

Where to Stay for Your Glacier National Park Elopement?

Hotels, Lodges, & Resorts

• Many Glacier 
• The Lodge at Whitefish Lake
• Lake McDonald Lodge (West Glacier)
• Belton Chalet
• Grouse Mountain Lodge
• Glacier Park Lodge (East Glacier)
• Apgar Village Lodge & Cabins
• Great Bear Lodge in St. Mary Village (East Glacier)
• Apres Whitefish

Airbnbs/ Unique Rentals

• Going to the Sun Chalet
• Lakefront Cedar Cabin
• Classic A-frame w/ a Sleek Modern Interior
• Clark Farm Silos #4 
• Glacier Retreat
• Shooting Star Lodge at Duck Lake
• Under Canvas Glamping
• Montana Treehouse Retreat

Campgrounds

• Apgar Campgrounds
• Fish Creek Campgrounds 
• North Fork Campgrounds
• Many Glacier Campground
• Rising Sun Campground

Best Activities to Do at Your Glacier National Park Elopement

If you’re visiting Glacier for your elopement, I highly recommend taking advantage of some of the fun and adventurous things to do there. Whether you decide to incorporate any of these into your elopement day or just on your trip in general, they will make your time there more special and memorable!

• Hiking
• White water rafting
• Boating on one of the lakes
• Enjoy a sunset picnic with a view
• Romantic night in at your Airbnb (jacuzzi with wine or a cozy night by the fireplace)
• Head to Whitefish for some bar-hopping
• Hire a private chef for an amazing meal back at your lodging
• Skiing in the winter months
• Drive Going-to-the-Sun-Road

Glacier National Park Elopement Permits

Once you decide you want to elope in Glacier National Park, one of the most important steps is getting your special use permit. The process is pretty simple, but here is a breakdown for you:

Because permits for Glacier National Park can be applied for up to 1 year in advance, I would recommend doing it as early as you can. You also must apply for it at least 1 month before your elopement date. 

1. Fill out the special use permit application and include as much information as you can. 
2. Email your completed application to glac_sup@nps.gov. They will reach out to you when they are ready to process your permit. A credit card payment will be taken at that time.
3. Once your permit has been processed, they will email it to you to be signed. Then you must email your signed permit back to glac_sup@nps.gov. Your permit is not valid until it has been signed by you and an NPS official.

Montana Marriage Laws & Legalities

Another important step when planning your Glacier National Park elopement is obtaining your Montana marriage license. Here is what you will need to do:

1. Fill out the online marriage license application.
2. After your application has been submitted, show up in person where you will sign the license and pay the $53 fee.
3. You’ll receive your license and can get married!

Waiting period? No.

How long is the license valid? 180 days

Officiant needed? Yes

Witnesses needed? Yes, 2. 

Glacier National Park Elopement Photographer