Best Glacier National Park Wedding Locations

Glacier National Park

If you’re thinking about getting married in Glacier National Park, honestly… you couldn’t pick a more stunning place! Every time I photograph a wedding or elopement here, I catch myself thinking the same thing, this might be the most beautiful place to get married in the country!
The mountains, lakes, and glaciers never get old, and it’s such a perfect backdrop for an intimate elopement or small wedding out west.

If you’re planning your day here, yay!! I’m so excited for you! Here are some of the best wedding locations around Glacier National Park. Take a look!

Things to know before choosing a wedding location in Glacier national park

Glacier Wedding Permits

Before picking your ceremony spot in Glacier, it’s helpful to know a few key things about how weddings work in the park. Unlike some other national parks, Glacier only has one type of wedding permit, the Special Use Permit. This covers all ceremony locations. This makes the process pretty straightforward, but you’ll still want to apply as early as possible since dates can fill up quickly.

You can choose your ceremony site from designated ceremony spots around the park, each with stunning scenery and easy access for small groups. All spots have limits on guest count typically up to 12, 15 or 20 guest total. Which makes it perfect for an intimate “just us” elopement.

Even though the rules are simple, there are still a few things to keep in mind, like following Leave No Trace principles, parking regulations, and keeping ceremonies small and low impact. I always guide my couples through the permit and planning process so you can focus on enjoying your day instead of stressing over logistics!

Check on my Top Wedding Spots in Glacier

for your Glacier wedding!

Glacier National Park Wedding Locations

wedding ceremony spots

Big Bend is all about those classic Glacier views that you see on Going to the Sun Road! It’s easy to get to and is truly the prettiest for photos! Ceremonies do have to take place next to the road and not on the meadow trails.

Max Group Size: 10
Permit Fee: $125
Dates of Vehicle Access: Early July – Mid September

Big Bend

Right along the water, this shoreline spot is simple and super accessible. Is a main location of Lake McDonald so I highly recommend this spot at sunrise for a more intimate ceremony!

Max Group Size: 20
Permit Fee: $125
Dates of Vehicle Access: Year Round

Apgar Picnic Area Shoreline

Apgar Amphitheater gives you a gorgeous lake backdrop without having to walk much It feels open and peaceful, perfect for a small ceremony. Also great that there is seating provided for guest that might need them and you are allowed to have a higher guest count here!

Max Group Size: 250
Permit Fee: $125
Dates of Vehicle Access: Year Round

Apgar Amphitheater

This shoreline spot feels relaxed and low key, with open lake views and mountains in the distance. It’s easy to reach and perfect for couples who want a simple ceremony with minimal hiking.

Max Group Size: 30
Permit Fee: $125
Dates of Vehicle Access: Late April – Late December

Fish Creek Picnic Area Shoreline

Avalanche Shoreline is peaceful, wide open, and has a true “Glacier wilderness” feel. The lake and peaks make for beautiful photos without any extra setup. Parking can be pretty limited here and hard to get, just something to keep in mind!

Max Group Size: 15
Permit Fee: $125
Dates of Vehicle Access: Early May - Mid October

Avalanche Picnic Area Shoreline

This shoreline has crystal clear water and mountains in the distance. Easy to get to, and the reflections in the morning light are incredible. Very relaxed and simple for a ceremony spot.

Max Group Size: 20
Permit Fee: $125
Dates of Vehicle Access: Early May - Late October

Rising Sun Picnic Area Shoreline

Another easy access spot with panoramic mountain views. It’s simple, quiet, and makes you feel like you’re tucked away in the park even though you’re right off the road. Sunrise or sunset here is hard to beat. Highly recommend it!

Max Group Size: 20
Permit Fee: $125
Dates of Vehicle Access: Year Round

10 Mile Pullout

Open meadows with huge mountain views all around. True hidden gem! Feels private and peaceful! Does require you to drive on a dirt road to access the ceremony spot, so 4 wheel drive is recommended.

Max Group Size: 15
Permit Fee: $125
Dates of Vehicle Access: Late May - Mid October

Cutbank Field

A dramatic waterfall backdrop with minimal effort and a brief hike! Perfect for adventurous couples who want water and forest in their photos. The earlier the better at this spot to avoid crowds!

Max Group Size: 15
Permit Fee: $125
Dates of Vehicle Access: Last week of May - Mid October

Running Eagle Falls

Pray Lake is quiet, reflective, and surrounded by peaks. The shoreline is easy to get to and makes for gorgeous sunrise or sunset photos. It’s ideal for a calm, intimate ceremony with your people!

Max Group Size: 30
Permit Fee: $125
Dates of Vehicle Access: Last week of May - Mid October

Pray Lake Shoreline

This amphitheater gives you mountains rising up around you in a real “nestled in nature” kind of way. Feels private and tucked away in the trees. Also, great photo spots are nearby!

Max Group Size: 75
Permit Fee: $125
Dates of Vehicle Access: Last week of May - Mid October

Two Medicine Amphitheater

This shoreline spot is calm and scenic along Lake McDonald, with the lake stretching out in front of you and mountains behind. Super easy to access and perfect for your elopement or small wedding.

Max Group Size: 20
Permit Fee: $125
Dates of Vehicle Access: Year Round

Sprague Picnic Area Shoreline

Right on the lake, with peaceful water views and peaks behind you. Easy to access and low key perfect if you want a simple, small ceremony or elopement. Lots of area to spread out along the shoreline here for a more private ceremony!

Max Group Size: 20
Permit Fee: $125
Dates of Vehicle Access: Last week of May - Mid October

Two Medicine Shoreline

Like St. Mary Amphitheater, this spot also has seating which is great for guests that need it! It is located in a campground area so just something to consider when picking spots!

Max Group Size: 100
Permit Fee: $125
Dates of Vehicle Access: Early May - Late October

Rising Sun Amphitheater

A quick stop off the road with sweeping views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. It feels more private than it looks on a map, and the light in the morning is gorgeous. Perfect for a very quiet ceremony spot!

Max Group Size: 20
Permit Fee: $125
Dates of Vehicle Access: Year Round

7 Mile Pullout

This spot has seating which is great for guests that need it! Located next to Sun Point, which is a great photo spot! It is located in a campground so just something to consider!

Max Group Size: 75
Permit Fee: $125
Dates of Vehicle Access: Year Round

St. Mary Amphitheater

Right next to the lodge, this beach has those classic Glacier lake and mountain views. It’s beautiful for a sunrise ceremony, and you can grab coffee or breakfast nearby afterward. Very relaxed and easygoing. Can get busier as the day goes on.

Max Group Size: 30
Permit Fee: $200
Dates of Vehicle Access: Year Round

Lake McDonald Lodge Beach

Sun Point is iconic!! Wide lake views with mountains behind, and it’s easy to access. Early morning or late afternoon gives you a dreamy light. It is always windy here, so also another factor to consider.

Max Group Size: 20
Permit Fee: $125
Dates of Vehicle Access: Last week of May - Mid October

Sun Point

A more tucked away option in the park! Mountain views in a field at this spot! Also it’s close to a lot of great photo spots nearby!

Max Group Size: 15
Permit Fee: $125
Dates of Vehicle Access: Year Round

Red Eagle Trailhead

A historic little backdrop that gives your day a touch of Glacier history. Surrounded by forest and is generally really quiet here. Perfect for a ceremony with a hint of rustic charm.

Max Group Size: 30
Permit Fee: $125
Dates of Vehicle Access: Year Round

1913 Ranger Station

Nature Filled

Documentary

Storytelling

uniquely You

Intimate

Artistic Photos

artful

Permit, Planning, & Logistics for your Glacier Wedding

Planning a wedding or elopement in Glacier National Park takes a little coordination, but trust me, it’s 100% worth it. The views are unreal, and your photos are going to be everything!

The first step is getting your wedding permit. Glacier only has one type of permit a Special Use Permit which is required for any ceremony, no matter how small, even if you’re already legally married. You apply directly through the National Park Service website, and it’s best to submit it as early as possible since popular dates fill up quickly. The permit fee is $125, and it lets you pick from any of the approved ceremony locations listed above.

When it comes to logistics, keep it simple and flexible. Weather can change fast, and crowds vary depending on the season and time of day. Sunrise or sunset ceremonies are usually best for light, privacy, and the best photos. Also plan for drive times between locations! The glacier is honestly huge and it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a couple hours to get from spot to spot. And don’t forget about parking limits, Leave No Trace principles, and keeping things low impact. These small rules help protect the park and keep it beautiful for everyone.

If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed, don’t worry! This is exactly where having an experienced Glacier elopement photographer (hi, that’s me!) makes a huge difference!
I guide couples through choosing the right location, applying for the permit, and building a timeline that matches with your vision for the day. My goal is to make your Glacier wedding or elopement feel stress free, intentional, and unique!! Plus you’ll get stunning, documentary style photos that capture real emotion and the mountains surrounding you.

Tips for Eloping in Glacier National Park

Helpful tips

Honestly this is the only way to go! Choosing a weekday makes it easier to get permits, have less crowds, book accommodations, and you’ll have a unique anniversary date!

Picking a date without doing research might be the biggest mistake couples make! The season is a lot shorter in the mountains! Which means that warmer weather comes a little later on! I highly recommend choosing a date from mid July through Mid September for the best weather in the park.

These sell out fast! I help all my couples with the permit process so if this seems overwhelming I got you!

Elope during the week

Apply for your permit ASAP

Don't Set Your Date Yet

90 percent of my couples go with my all day package! This allows us to fully explore the park and all the iconic spots while not feeling rushed!

I personally help all my clients in the planning process! Choosing someone who specializes in Glacier will help you so much! I share the hidden gems and just make the planning process easy and stress free.

Just like any national park lodging and other vendors will book up quick! Highly recommend getting all your plans in place as soon as possible to avoid any dissapointment!

Book a full day package

Experienced Photographer

Book Everything Early

Let’s Plan Your Glacier Elopement or Wedding

Planning an elopement or small wedding in Glacier can feel like a lot especially when you are trying to plan a destination wedding and don’t know the area! All the locations, permits, and logistics can be overwhelming. That’s exactly why I help couples like you every step of the way.

I’ll help you figure out the perfect ceremony spot, take care of the permit process, and build a timeline that actually works with your vision for the day. I’ll also recommend vendors if you need them and make sure the whole day flows smoothly so you can focus on each other instead of stressing.

My goal is to make your Glacier wedding or elopement feel natural, relaxed, and completely unique with photos that honestly capture the emotion and the mountains like they belong on Pinterest!