How Elope in Glacier National Park
Dreaming of an unforgettable Glacier National Park elopement? This guide shows you how to elope in Glacier National Park. Picture breathtaking mountain views, turquoise lakes, and serene wilderness as the backdrop for your special day. Glacier National Park offers endless elopement possibilities for nature-loving couples.
We had the most amazing time in Glacier National Park for Konnor and Kristen’s elopement. So, enjoy their photos, and I hope this guide provides all the tips for planning your own elopement. Check it out, then reach out to your dream Glacier National Park Elopement Photographer and let’s start planning your perfect elopement adventure today!
How to Legally Elope in Glacier National Park
Permits and Regulations
A SUP (Special Use Permit) is required to have your wedding or elopement in Glacier National Park. Due to increased demand and strain on park resources, the park has limited the areas for which it issues wedding permits. Each site has limits on the number of people permitted and the equipment that can be brought in. The number of vehicles permitted depends on the number of participants. You can find detailed information on approved wedding locations and their specific restrictions on the park’s Wedding Locations page.
The SUP permit fee is $100. You can find more info and apply HERE.
Hiring an Officiant
Montana law requires that a marriage be solemnized by an authorized officiant. This can include judges, justices of the peace, ordained ministers, or other officials authorized to perform marriages. Ensure your chosen officiant is legally recognized in Montana for your Glacier National Park Wedding.
You can consider having a family or friend come along to officiate. You can also hire an officiant! We recommend Brittanie with Marry Me in the Mountains. You can contact her via her website or Instagram Page – @marry-me-in-the-mt
Here’s a link to get someone ordained in Montana.
Marriage License
You must obtain a marriage license from a Clerk of District Court in Montana. Both parties must appear in person and provide valid identification. There is no waiting period, and the license is valid immediately upon issuance. You can start the application process online through the Flathead County Clerk of Court’s website.
You will pick up your marriage license at the Flathead County Courthouse, in Kalispell Mt. (Located on the third floor)
920 South Main, Suite 300
Kalispell, MT 59901
Hours are Monday- Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm
After you sign the marriage license, you will need to drop it off or mail it in along with this form.
Leave No Trace
All participants must comply with park regulations, including restrictions on group size, equipment, and the prohibition of items like rice, birdseed, or flower petals. It’s essential to follow Leave No Trace principles to preserve the park’s natural beauty.
By completing all of these steps, you can ensure a legally recognized and environmentally responsible elopement in Glacier National Park.
Best Time to Elope at Glacier National Park
Choosing the right time of year to elope in Glacier National Park ensures a memorable experience. Each season offers unique beauty and challenges. Here’s what you need to know:
Spring (April to June)
Spring brings melting snow, blooming wildflowers, and rushing waterfalls. Lower elevations start to open up, making it a great time for smaller, intimate ceremonies. Be prepared for unpredictable weather, as snow often lingers in higher areas.
Summer (July to September)
Summer is the most popular time to elope in Glacier National Park. The weather is warm, the trails are clear, and iconic spots like Big Bend, Logan Pass and Hidden Lake are accessible. However, expect crowds and limited availability for permits. I recommend a weekday elopement if possible. Plan ahead to secure your preferred date and location.
Fall (September to November)
Fall offers crisp air, fewer visitors, and stunning foliage. Vibrant autumn colors enhance the park’s beauty, especially around Lake McDonald. Snow may start to return in higher elevations by October, so pack accordingly.
Winter (December to March)
Winter transforms Glacier National Park into a snowy wonderland, perfect for adventurous couples. Elopements during this season are quiet and magical, with opportunities for cozy photos and snow-covered landscapes. Some roads and facilities close, so plan for limited access.
Time of Day
Best lighting is either sunrise or sunset. A sunrise ceremony guarantees that the park won’t be super busy yet, and it’s also the best time to see wildlife! If you choose sunset, I recommend your ceremony be about 3 hours before sunset. This is not only for traffic, but for amazing golden sunset lighting, and to allow plenty of time if you want to explore more than one location! (Check sunset times here)
Travel Plans for your Glacier National Park Wedding
The closest airport is Glacier International Airport. It’s located in Kalispell, MT which is about 40 minutes from the West Entrance of GNP. You’ll want to stay around Whitefish, Kalispell, and Columbia Falls area to have easy access to the park, as well as shopping and entertainment.
East Glacier vs West Glacier
The West Entrance is the most popular, however, you can easily access East Glacier via GTSR (Going to the Sun Road). This is a scenic road that stretches the entire park from West Glacier to St. Mary’s. I definitely recommend driving the full length to experience the full beauty of the park while you’re in the area. GTSR is typically open from the 3rd weekend in June to the end of September. However, road closures can and do happen any time during the year due to snow, fires, and road construction. Be sure to check road construction status here)
Road Closures: https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/weddings.htm
What to Pack
1. Hiking shoes and extra socks.
2. Warm clothes and lots of layers. Because it gets cold and windy, and snows almost all year long at higher altitudes.
3. Insect repellant and sunscreen.
4. An umbrella! Especially at higher altitudes. It rains and snows a lot.
5. Bear Spray! It’s always better safe than sorry.
6. Plenty of water and snacks. The drive is long and so are many of the hikes.
7. Flashlight and/or head lamp. If we are doing photos at sunrise, you might want a light to get to the correct spot before the sun comes up.
8. Binoculars. This is awesome for seeing wildlife!
9. A Glacier Park Map. There is basically no cell service in the park. I recommend a glacier park map and/or downloading the map offline.
10. Your permit and marriage license.
Ceremony Spots at Glacier National Park
Lake McDonald
Many Glacier
Swiftcurrent Lake
Two Medicine Lake
Pray Lake
Running Eagle Falls
Polebridge
Bowman Lake
Sun Point
Logan’s Pass
Big Bend
You can also consider places outside of the park! Kristen and Konnor said their vows in GNP, but they had their official ceremony at Belton Stage Park just outside of the west entrance of GNP.
Booking Vendors for Your Glacier National Park Elopement
Planning from afar? Start by searching for vendors who specialize in Glacier National Park elopements. Use Google to search words like “Montana elopement photographer” or “Glacier National Park florist.”
Check Instagram, Google, and wedding directories like The Knot or Wandering Weddings. Look for vendors with experience in the park—they’ll understand the permits, weather, and lighting.
Reach out early to book your dream team. Many local vendors book up fast during peak season!
Another great resource is the My Montana Wedding Website.
And, of course, if you’re looking for a Glacier National Park Elopement Photographer – you’ve already found me. So visit my contact page now to get started planning your Glacier National Park Wedding or Elopement!
Ready to Elope in Glacier National Park?
Eloping in Glacier National Park means choosing adventure, intention, and breathtaking beauty. Whether you’re dreaming of a quiet lakeside ceremony or a mountaintop vow exchange, this park has it all.
If you’re ready to plan your Glacier National Park elopement, I’d love to help document every meaningful moment. Reach out today to start crafting a day that’s true to you—wild, romantic, and unforgettable.
Let’s create something beautiful together. [Contact me here] to get started!
