How to Elope in Glacier National Park in 2026
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How To Get To Glacier National Park
The Best Time Of Year To Elope In Glacier National Park
The Best Places to Elope in Glacier National Park
How To Get An Elopement Permit For Your Glacier National Park Elopement
How To Get A Montana Marriage License
Where To Stay For Your Glacier National Park Elopement
Glacier National Park Elopement Activity Ideas
Spanning a vast swath of some of North America’s most breathtaking natural landscapes, Glacier National Park in northwestern Montana is hands-down one of the best possible spots for an adventure elopement. From epic glaciers to stunning lakes and vast alpine valleys, a Glacier National Park elopement! is nothing short of a nature-filled celebration!
Glacier National Park boasts over 700 miles of hiking trails, towering mountain peaks, and tons of gorgeous lakes perfect for kayaking. No matter what kind of adventure you’re looking for, you’re guaranteed to find it in Glacier National Park.
There are so many amazing things to see and do here, that it can be difficult to figure out where to begin. I’ve got you covered with all the Glacier National Park elopement tips you could ever need!
How To Get To Glacier National Park
By Plane:
The easiest and best way to get to Glacier National Park is to fly into the Glacier Park International Airport (FCA). The airport is located in Kalispell, MT which is only about 30-40 minutes from the West Glacier entrance of the park. However, this airport is very small and since it is so convenient, prices are often higher to fly in here. You can also fly into the Missoula International Airport (MSO) which is about a 2.5-3 hour drive from the park and often has cheaper rates.
By Car:
No matter which airport you choose to fly into, the best way to get around Glacier National Park is by renting a car. Most of the time, a standard sedan is all you will need!
Pro Tip: Download offline Google Maps directions on your phone so that even when you lose service as you get closer to the park, you can still receive navigation. As beautiful as the scenery is, getting lost probably isn’t on your to-do list!
The Best Time Of Year To Elope In Glacier National Park
An important aspect to consider when figuring out how to plan a Glacier National Park elopement is to choose the time of year that best matches the type of atmosphere you’re hoping to achieve with your elopement and accommodates the kinds of activities you’d like to do.
Spring
Spring in Glacier National Park is a beautiful time to visit. The park’s natural beauty really comes alive, and the great weather means that you can enjoy all the outdoor adventures Glacier National Park has to offer, from hiking to boating.
Just note that spring brings a LOT of snow in Glacier National Park and the main road, Going-to-the-Sun Road, is often closed until late June/early July.
Summer
Eloping in Glacier National Park in the summer is gorgeous, and it’s also one of the park’s peak seasons for crowds. The weather and the views are amazing, but you’ll just need to do a bit of planning if you’re hoping for a secluded spot to exchange your vows.
Fall
For my money, fall is the best season for a Glacier National Park adventure elopement. The weather is still incredible, but the peak seasons of spring and summer have passed, so you do not need to worry about crowds.
You get the best of both worlds: All the natural beauty that Glacier National Park has to offer combined with the peaceful, romantic seclusion that marks a perfect adventure elopement in the heart of the wilderness. Heads up – you may even get snowfall as early as October, with the Going-to-the-Sun Road often closing!
Winter
Winter in Glacier National Park is, as you can probably guess, quite cold! However, if you have your heart set on getting married in a vast winter wonderland, it’s definitely an option for the couple who’s willing to prepare for the inclement weather.
On the upside, there are almost no crowds, so you’ll be able to enjoy a perfectly secluded elopement ceremony. There are also tons of opportunities for winter adventures like snowshoeing and skiing.
The Best Places to Elope in Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park is so vast, with so many different stunning locations, that it can be difficult to narrow things down as you search for the absolutely perfect elopement location. However, there are a few real highlights in the park that you should definitely consider.
Lake McDonald
Traveling through this stunning valley truly feels like you’ve entered another world!
The crystal clear water of the lake reflects the towering mountain peaks, creating a truly epic atmosphere that makes for some absolutely unbelievable Glacier Valley National Park elopement photos.
In addition to the breathtaking landscape, Lake McDonald also boasts a huge variety of gorgeous plants and animals, and some of the most popular hiking trails in Glacier National Park.
Sun Point
Sun Point towers high above St. Mary Lake, and the view it provides of the water and the surrounding mountains makes it hands-down one of the most iconic elopement spots in Glacier National Park. It also provides the perfect surroundings for a truly romantic exchange of vows.
Two Medicine Lake
Two Medicine Lake is a real hidden gem. It doesn’t get as much foot traffic as some of the more famous spots in Glacier National Park, but that just means you can look forward to having this undiscovered paradise all to yourself as your perfectly secluded elopement location.
From its unforgettable view of the mountains to its array of rushing waterfalls, Two Medicine Lake is one of the best places to elope in Glacier National Park, and the fact that it lies off the beaten path just makes the adventure even more worthwhile.
Many Glacier
Many Glacier is the perfect elopement location for the couple that’s seeking a truly epic adventure. It’s one of the best hiking spots in Glacier National Park, and there are endless trails to explore and incredible views to discover.
If you want your Glacier National Park adventure elopement to really focus on the “adventure” aspect, Many Glacier is the perfect elopement location.
Big Bend / Paradise Meadow
Big Bend is one of the most iconic and well-known spots in Glacier National Park, and it’s easy to understand why.
This stunning junction located between two mountain passes offers some unforgettable vistas overlooking Lake McDonald Valley, along with some unrivaled views of some of Glacier’s tallest mountains, including Mount Cannon, Oberlin, and Heaven’s Peak.
Logan Pass
Logan Pass doesn’t allow wedding ceremonies, but you should still consider stopping by at some point during your elopement because it’s really a part of Glacier National Park you should not miss.
This legendary mountain pass is flanked by the gorgeous Reynolds Mountain and Clement Mountains. In the summer months, you can also expect to be treated to wildflowers and glacier lilies in full bloom. It’s not unheard of for a mountain goat or even a grizzly bear to make a brief cameo appearance!
If you’re interested in exploring the elopement locations in Glacier National Park in more depth, you should definitely check out this full list of permitted wedding spots!
How To Get An Elopement Permit For Your Glacier National Park Elopement
A “special use permit” is required for all wedding ceremonies and vow exchanges held within Glacier National Park. Failure to get the permit will result in a ranger stopping the ceremony and even banning you from the park (yes this really happens), so it is extremely important to get the permit for your elopement in the Grand Tetons.
The process of getting a special use permit is extremely easy. All you need to do is fill out the application found on the park’s website and email it to glac_sup@nps.gov at least 20 business days before your wedding date. At the time of application, you will also need to pay a $125 application fee at Pay.gov and send the payment confirmation number to the permit officer. Once your permit has been received, you will be contacted via email or phone and a draft permit will be created. When you receive your draft, just review and sign then send back to the park. They will then give you a finalized permit to carry on you the day of.
If you need more information, check out the official park’s website permit page.
Pro Tip: All of my photography packages include permit assistance! If any of this information is confusing, reach out!
How To Get A Montana Marriage License
To get a marriage license in Montana, you’ll need to visit a County Clerk’s office within the state with your photo ID. The closest County Clerk’s office to Glacier National Park will be the Flathead County Clerk of Court in Kalispell. It’ll cost you $53. Simply fill out the application, pick up the license, and you’re good to go! There is no waiting period, so you can pick up the marriage license day of if you really wanted. However, for an stress-free experience, I would suggest picking it up at least the day before. If you do not live in Montana, you can start the marriage license application online, but you still must appear in person together to complete and pick it up.
You will need an officiant and no witnesses are required in order to elope in Wyoming.
Just So You Know: I am an ordained officiant and can legally sign on your marriage certificate in most U.S. states. Certain states may require additional paperwork and/or processing fees but I’m happy to help! However, if you would like an actual celebrant to verbally walk you through a ceremony, I know some great people who can do that for you.
Where To Stay For Your Glacier National Park Elopement
West Glacier
Whitefish
East Glacier
Pro Tip: If you are planning to be having guests at any point of the day for either a ceremony, intimate dinner, or reception, be sure to get an event-friendly rental! Not all vacation rentals are event friendly and nothing would be worse than getting kicked out by your host mid elopement experience! For all my tips on finding an event-friendly rental, view my blog on how to plan your Airbnb elopement.
Glacier National Park Elopement Activity Ideas
One of the most special parts about eloping in Glacier National Park is how effortlessly you can turn your wedding day into a true experience—not just a ceremony. Glacier is wildly diverse, cinematic, and perfect for couples who want their elopement to feel intentional, adventurous, and deeply personal. Here are some unique activity ideas to help you create an unforgettable Glacier elopement day (or multi-day experience).
Drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road
Canoe on Lake McDonald
Share a picnic at Paradise Meadows
Hike Hidden Lake Overlook in Logan Pass
Spot some wildlife
See the park from above in a private helicopter tour
Go horseback riding
Take a boat tour on St Mary Lake
Have a private dinner in Whitefish
Hit up Colter Coffee on the way into the park
Glacier National Park Elopement Timeline Examples
Not sure exactly how much time you need for your dream Glacier National Park elopement? Here are a few timeline examples to help you get a feel for what might be the best fit!
8 Hour No Hiking Elopement
12:00pm Sally Arrives at Airbnb for Getting Ready Photos
1:45pm First Look at Bnb
2:00pm Drive to Paradise Meadows for Ceremony
3:30pm Ceremony with Friends/Family
4:30pm Couples Portraits + Share Private First Dance
5:15pm Drive to Downtown Whitefish
6:30 pm Private Dinner With Family / Cake Cutting / Toasts
8:00pm Photography Coverage Ends
12 Hour Hiking Elopement
8:00am Sally Arrives at Airbnb for Getting Ready Photos
9:45am First Look at Bnb
10:00am Head to Sun Point for Ceremony
12:30pm Ceremony with Family/Friends
2:00pm Drive to Avalanche Lake
3:00pm Start Hike — Stopping For Photos Along Way
5:00pm Arrive at Lake — Share Picnic + Portraits at Lake
6:30pm Hike Back to Parking
8:00pm Photography Coverage Ends
Glacier National Park Elopement Packages
I’m much more than a photographer, I’m someone who is super passionate about supporting couples on their big day, from scouting hidden gems for the ideal location, stress-free planning, and of course capturing raw, authentic moments. As a photographer specializing in adventure elopements, you’ll be in safe hands. So, are you ready to say yes to Glacier National Park?! More information on my packages below:
Packages
4 hours, 8 hours, 12 hours, or 2 Day elopement photography
Photography on digital, film, and drone (where permitted)
A personalized elopement planning experience with unlimited assistance
Personalized elopement location recommendation list
Vendor, lodging, and activity recommendations
Custom-built-for-you elopement timeline
Assistance to help you with permits and licenses
90+ page elopement planning guide with my best tips & tricks
Optional complimentary officiant services
Online gallery with full resolution images and printing rights
5-7 day sneak peeks
Travel fees to anywhere in the United States are already included
Starting at $5,000
Video Add-Ons
For an extra special, immersive reminder of your special day, I now offer the following options for video add ons to your elopement packages:
Documentary style highlight reel
Super 8 film
Ceremony recording
Hey, I’m Sally! I’m a destination adventure elopement photographer based in Washington, but traveling worldwide!
CHECK OUT MY FREE ELOPEMENT PLANNING GUIDE & CHECKLIST!
This freebie gives you a step-by-step guide on exactly how to plan your dream adventure elopement.
