How to Elope in Glacier National Park (Wedding & Elopement Guide)  

How to Apply for a Glacier Wedding Permit

Group size limits:

Why It’s Important

First thing you should know is that you’ll need a Special Use Permit to get married or elope in Glacier National Park, no matter how small your ceremony is or if its just the two of you! 

Application Fee: $125
Ceremony Time: Your permit gives you up to 2 hours hour for your ceremony
Where to Apply: Through the National Park Service website
When to Apply: As soon as possible! Applications open 1 year before your date and Glacier dates go fast once the season fills up (especially the peak season!) 

Once you’ve submitted your application, the park will review and approve your request, then send you the official permit. Be sure to keep a copy with you during your ceremony. And if this part feels overwhelming, don’t stress! I help all my couples through the permit process and make it super easy to understand.

All ceremony locations in Glacier are completely outdoors and have that rugged, natural feel, so no structures, decorations, or setups are allowed. The park prohibits things like arches, tables, signs, balloons, confetti, and non-native plants. You can absolutely bring small, simple touches like a bouquet, blanket, or picnic setup for photos, just make sure everything you bring in leaves with you!
Keep in mind, exclusive use of any ceremony site isn’t allowed, so the area stays open to the public during your time slot. Restrooms, cell service, and parking can all be limited in the park, so definitely plan ahead and consider carpooling if you’ll have guests.

Group size limits depend on your location. Designated ceremony sites typically allow up to 12, 15, or 20 people total, including you two, your officiant, guests, and any vendors.

Applications must be submitted by one of the people getting married, not by a planner or photographer. Once it’s approved, you’ll sign the permit to confirm you understand all the park’s guidelines. You can absolutely take photos and video during your permitted ceremony! Just be sure to stay on designated trails and durable surfaces to help protect the fragile alpine environment.

These permits protect Glacier’s incredible landscapes and make sure everyone can enjoy the park responsibly. Plus, once you have your permit, your spot and time are officially reserved, so you can relax knowing everything is good to go!

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

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 Peak Season
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

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

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 Peak Season
Permit Fee: $125
Dates of Vehicle Access: Last week of May - Mid October

Sun Point

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

Glacier National Park has seriously one of the most dramatic seasonal shifts out there, snow covered peaks in spring, wildflower meadows in summer, and golden trees in the fall. But not every season is ideal for a wedding or elopement, so choosing the right time of year is key! 

The best time to get married in Glacier is mid July through Mid September, when the main park roads are open and you can actually access most of the scenic spots. I see so many couples pick a date before checking when certain areas open and Glacier is famous for late snow melt and road closures! So definitely do a little research (or just ask me!) before locking in your date.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what each season looks like:

June:
Cool temps, snowy peaks, and green grass is starting to bloom. The weather can be unpredictable and Going to the Sun Road often isn’t open till late in the month!

July & August:
Full summer mode! All the roads and trails are open generally after early to mid July! Lakes are thawed, and wildflowers are everywhere. This is the most popular time in the park, so expect more crowds, but the access and weather make it totally worth it. Best time to go if you are looking for summer weather! 

September:
Cooler air, golden trees, and fewer people around after Labor Day! Fall in Glacier is seriously underrated! The mountain views and warm tones make for some of the prettiest wedding photos of the year. Keep in mind a lot of local businesses close after the 15th of September. 

Winter (October–May):
Glacier turns into a total snow globe this time of year! But it’s not super practical for most weddings, lots of closures, very limited access, and freezing temps. If you’re dreaming of a snow filled elopement, it’s possible, just a little more planning and flexibility needed.

Stay in Whitefish, Columbia Falls, or Kalispell for easy access to the park! Lodging fills up quickly, especially in the peak season of summer, so book early!

The best lighting for photos and ceremonies is sunrise or sunset. Early mornings are super calm and golden, while evenings have the prettiest golden hour light that sinks behind the mountains! I love helping to make all my couples elopement timeline! Here are two recent timeline examples from my Glacier National Park elopement couples! 

1:30 pm - Photography Coverage Starts - Details & Getting Ready  
2:15 pm - First Look Outside of Airbnb 
5:15 pm - Ceremony & Photos at Two Medicine Lake
6:00 pm - Sunset Photos at Pray Lake  
6:45 pm - Head to Airbnb 
9:00 pm - Private Dinner at Airbnb: cutting cake + wine + candids
9:30 pm - Photography Coverage Done

11:00 am - Photography Coverage Starts - Details & Getting Ready 
12:30 pm - Photos with Horses 
3:00 pm - Ceremony at Two Medicine
5:00 pm - Sunset Photos/Hike at Logan Pass
7:00 pm - Photography Coverage Done

Accommodation Tips

Timing Your Wedding Day in Glacier

Full Day Two Medicine Elopement Timeline Example: 

Full Day Logan Pass Elopement Timeline Example: 

Good news, Getting legally married for your Glacier elopement is actually super easy! You’ll just need to grab your marriage license from a Montana county clerk’s office before your ceremony. The closest one to the park is Flathead County Clerk’s Office in Kalispell, which is usually the most convenient spot for couples flying or driving in.
Here’s a quick breakdown 

Where to Apply:
Flathead County Clerk of District Court
920 S Main St, Suite 300, Kalispell, MT
Phone: (406) 758-5659

When to Apply:
You can apply online ahead of time, but both of you will still need to go in person together to sign the application. The office is open Monday – Friday, 8 AM to 4:30 PM.

What to Bring:
Valid driver’s license or birth certificate (for proof of age)
$53 for the marriage license fee (they take cash or card)

Who Needs to Be There:
Both of you! You’ll each need to appear in person to sign.

Officiant + Witnesses:
Montana requires an officiant and two witnesses to sign your marriage license before it’s mailed back to the county. If you don’t want to hire an officiant, one of your guests (or even a friend/family member) can easily get ordained online through the Universal Life Church, it’s free and takes about five minutes!

Pro Tip:
If getting legally married in Montana feels like a headache or doesn’t fit your travel plans, don’t stress about it. You can always make it legal back home and treat your Glacier ceremony as your real wedding day, the one that actually feels like you. It doesn’t make it any less special, I promise! If you have any questions about the legal side of things, I always recommend giving the Flathead County Clerk’s Office a quick call! They’re super helpful and can walk you through exactly what you need!

If you’re dreaming about getting married in Glacier National Park, I’d love to help you make it happen as your Glacier elopement and small wedding photographer! I’m here to help you plan a day that feels like you! Intentional, nature filled, and completely stress free.

When we start planning, I’ll help you figure out the perfect ceremony spot based on what kind of vibe you’re going for, turquoise lakes, mountain views, wildflower meadows, or something more private tucked away from the crowds. I’ll also guide you through the permit process so it’s super easy and doesn’t feel overwhelming! 

Step two is one of my favorites! I’ll send you a custom list of vendor recommendations that fit your style and needs. Whether that’s an officiant, a florist, or a hair and makeup artist who’s great for outdoor elopements, I’ve got you covered! 

A few months before your day, we’ll build out your timeline so your wedding flows naturally, no rushing, no stress, just time to soak in the views, be in the moment, and celebrate with your person (and any guests you bring).Basically, I’m here for more than just taking gorgeous photos. I help make the whole experience easy, fun, and exactly the Glacier wedding you’ve been dreaming about.

Glacier  national park Elopement Photographer