Glacier National Park Elopement Guide
How to elope in Glacier.
A professional guide to planning your Glacier Park elopement - permits, locations, seasons, drive times, guest limits, sunset timing, marriage license details, and the real logistics that make the day work.
Glacier National Park Elopement Guide.
A professional guide to planning your Glacier Park Elopement!
Hello, I'm Aundrea, the face behind Aundrea Marie Photography. I'm here to offer you firsthand, professional guidance on how to get married in Glacier National Park. As a local photographer, I provide insights you won't find in the generic guides scattered across the internet. With my expertise, you can trust that the information is accurate, current, and tailored to create your perfect day!
ARE YOU READY? LET’S GET STARTED!
Local Expertise
Not Generic
Firsthand Glacier guidance from someone who actually works here.
Permit Strategy
Details Matter
Your location, timing, guest count, and photographer info affect your permit.
Real Planning
No Guessing
Glacier is seasonal, regulated, busy, wild, and weather-dependent.
Self Solemnizing in Glacier National Park
This guide is built to help you plan your Glacier Park elopement with the real information that affects the day: photographer choice, season, location, road access, drive times, guest count, vehicle limits, sunset timing, weekday planning, permits, and your Montana marriage license.
Glacier is not a normal wedding venue. It is massive, seasonal, regulated, busy, wild, and weather-dependent. A good plan matters.
The Most Important Step
Book an experienced Glacier National Park elopement photographer.
Securing a photographer is more than just checking a box; it’s a pivotal decision in the planning of your elopement. For your Glacier wedding permit, essential details such as the exact location, ceremony time, and your photographer’s contact information are required.
Choosing a local photographer offers significant advantages. A local expert brings a depth of knowledge about Glacier National Park that only comes from spending extensive time in the area. They are familiar with the nuances of the park’s lighting, weather patterns, and less-known locations, ensuring your photos are as breathtaking as the landscapes.
Be cautious—while many photographers may advertise elopements in Glacier National Park, not all have actual experience in the park. It’s popular for photographers to target these areas due to their scenic appeal, but some have never set foot in the park before your event. Ensure you hire someone who truly knows the area, backed by a portfolio of local sessions, to guarantee that your day is captured with genuine skill and local insight.
A seasoned local photographer does more than document your day; they navigate logistics, manage timing with expertise, and uncover hidden treasures within Glacier National Park, all while capturing the stunning backdrops and intimate moments of your elopement.
This is where my work matters
- Your permit requires details: exact location, ceremony time, and photographer contact information.
- Local experience matters: Glacier lighting, weather patterns, access, timing, traffic, road closures, and hidden locations all affect your day.
- Not every photographer advertising Glacier work has actual Glacier experience: verify their portfolio and local knowledge before hiring.
Seasons In Glacier National Park
Choosing which season you’d like to get married.
Choose between four beautiful seasons to say your vows in the park. Each one comes with its own beauty and adventure.
April, May & June
Spring In Glacier Park
Greens, Blues, and Pinks are the colors of Springtime in Glacier National Park. This time of year is a serene period with its perfect lighting and mild temperatures. It’s one of my favorite times of the year. The best time to explore spring in Glacier Park is mid-May and June.
During this time, wildflowers are in full bloom, and the days start to get longer, with daylight lasting as late as 9:30 pm. Everything is re-energized, and the water is at its highest; cascades are flowing, there is minimal traffic, and temps are around the 60s–70s during the day and 40–50s in the evenings. It’s a very tranquil time of the year in the park.
May in Glacier National Park is a unique chance to witness the beauty of snowcapped mountains without the need to voyage through the snow. Despite the Going To The Sun Road being closed, you can still access 3/4 of the park, including favored spots like Lake McDonald, Trail of The Cedars, Avalanche, St. Marys Lake, Swift Current Lake, and Two Medicine. This increased accessibility makes the end of May a superior time to plan your visit.
July & August
Summer In Glacier Park
Glacier National Park is a sight to behold during its peak tourist season in July and August. This is a time when you can marvel at the park's beauty, with the possibility of clear views or a touch of mystery with the hot and hazy atmosphere from yearly wildfires.
It's a time of opportunity, with the entire park open for exploration, including the historical Going to The Sun Road. These months are the busiest for Glacier, creating a bustling atmosphere, and offer the warmest temperatures of the year.
The snow has melted, and all roads inside and outside of the park are open, with daylight extending as late as 10:30 p.m.
September & October
Fall In Glacier Park
Mid-September through the end of October is the best time for a fall wedding in Glacier National Park. Everything becomes quiet this time of year as tourist season slows down. The weather begins to cool down, similar temps to spring, and the colors are stunning! Copper, Browns, Orange, & Yellow are the colors of Fall in Glacier.
It’s not uncommon to get snow above 5,000ft elevation at this time of year, and the Going To The Sun Road will typically be closed by mid-October. Like May, most Glacier National Park roads will still be accessible until late October.
For couples planning a fall wedding in Glacier National Park, mid-September is the ideal time to visit. This period not only offers the best weather conditions but also ensures access to the full Going to the Sun Road, a key feature of the park.
November Through March
Winter In Glacier Park
Suppose you want a winter wedding with more locations and snow-capped mountains with purple and pink sunsets. If you don’t mind the cold and want privacy, November through March are the perfect months to visit Glacier National Park.
Typically, you can drive to the Trail of Cedars for the first two weeks of November.
Yes, it can get quite chilly in Glacier during the peak of winter, with daytime lows averaging 10 degrees and the occasional cold snap as low as -25 in January. But suppose you’re dreaming of a truly exquisite winter wedding, with frozen lakes and a blanket of snow covering every inch of the ground. In that case, Glacier Park in January & February is the perfect time to make your dream a reality.
Pro Tip
- If you want to see everything Glacier offers, including the entire Going to the Sun Road, plan for July - September.
Glacier National Park Wedding Locations
Decide on your ceremony location within one of the five main locations.
Jeep Adventure Elopement
Before selecting the location where you’d like to say your vows, you must choose a primary area where your day will take place.
There are 5 Main Districts within Glacier National Park. Within each district there are multiple areas to explore!
The five main districts are: 1) Lake McDonald District, 2) North Fork District, 3) Two Medicine District, 4) St Mary District, 5) Many Glacier District.
Peak season is the 2nd Friday in May - 2nd Sunday in October. Non-peak season is the 2nd Monday in October - 2nd Thursday in May.
Many of the epic photo locations, such as Big Bend, are located along Going to the Sun Road. For a list of the historical opening dates for GTTSR up to Logan Pass, click here.
View Glacier Park’s permitted ceremony location information.
Lake McDonald District
West Glacier
Ryans Beach
Lake McDonald Lodge Beach
Sprague Picnic Area Shoreline
10-Mile Pullout (Jackson Bay)
7-Mile Pullout (Sandy Point)
Avalanche Picnic Area Shoreline
Fish Creek Picnic Area Shoreline
Apgar Picnic Area Shoreline
Big Bend (Near Logan Pass)
St Mary District
St Mary
Rising Sun Picnic Area Shoreline
Sun Point
Red Eagle Trailhead
Cutbank Field
1913 Ranger Station
Many Glacier District
Many Glacier
Lake Josephine Shoreline
Many Glacier Hotel Green (behind main Lodge)
Many Glacier Hotel–SW Beach
Many Glacier Hotel Beach
North Fork District
Bowman Lake
Juniper River Access
Bowman Lake Day Use Area
Two Medicine District
Two Medicine
Running Eagle Falls
Pray Lake Shoreline
Two Medicine Picnic Area Shoreline
Permitted Ceremony Location Details From The Guide
- Lake McDonald Lodge: Lake McDonald Lodge Beach is a permitted wedding location for your ceremony. It is located in West Glacier. This location is available year-round. Permitted guest count is 15 during Peak Season and 30 during Non-Peak Season. Pets Allowed.
- Jackson Bay (10 Mile Pullout): Jackson Bay is a permitted wedding location for your ceremony. Jackson Bay is located in West Glacier. This location is available year-round. Permitted guest count is 15 during Peak Season and 20 during Non-Peak Season.
- Sandy Point (7 Mile Pullout): Sandy Beach is a permitted wedding location for your ceremony. Sandy Beach is located in West Glacier. This location is available year-round. Permitted guest count is 15 during Peak Season and 20 during Non-Peak Season.
- Fish Creek Shoreline: Fish Creek Picnic Area Shoreline is a permitted wedding location for your ceremony and is located in West Glacier. This location is available late April - December. Permitted guest count is 20 during Peak Season and 25 during Non-Peak Season. Pets Allowed.
- Apgar Shoreline: Apgar Picnic Area Shoreline is a permitted wedding location for your ceremony and is located in West Glacier. This location is available year-round. Permitted guest count is 15 during Peak Season and 20 during Non-Peak Season. Pets Allowed.
- Big Bend: Big Bend (Paradise Meadow) is a permitted wedding location for your ceremony and is located 15 min from Logan Pass on the West side. This location is available early July - September. Permitted guest count is 10 during Peak Season and 10 during Non-Peak Season.
- Bowman Lake: Bowman Lake is a permitted wedding location for your ceremony and is located in the Polebridge, up the North Fork. This location is available mid-May – mid-October. Permitted guest count is 15 during Peak Season and 24 during Non-Peak Season.
- Pray Lake Shoreline: Pray Lake Shoreline is a permitted wedding location for your ceremony and located in the Two Medicine. This location is available last week of May – mid October. Permitted guest count is 30 during Peak Season and 30 during Non-Peak Season.
- Sun Point: Sun Point is a permitted wedding location for your ceremony located in St Mary’s. This location is available last week of May – mid October. Permitted guest count is 20 during Peak Season and 20 during Non-Peak Season.
- Lake Josephine: Lake Josephine Shoreline is a permitted wedding location for your ceremony located in Many Glacier. This location is available last week of May – mid October. Permitted guest count is 15 during Peak Season and 15 during Non-Peak Season. Hiking Location.
- Many Glacier Beach: Many Glacier Beach is a permitted wedding location for your ceremony located in Many Glacier. This location is available last week of May – mid October. Permitted guest count is 15 during Peak Season and 15 during Non-Peak Season.
Getting Married In Glacier Park And Having Guests Attend?
Glacier National Park’s vehicle and guest information.
7-Mile Pull Out, Lake McDonald 10 Guests
Glacier Park has a set number of vehicles and guests for each location. It's crucial to plan your ceremony location based on the number of guests and vehicles you have.
In most locations, the maximum number of guests, including yourselves and vendors, is 15. If you decide to have family and friends accompany you, it's best to have a limited number when getting married in the park.
More Than 30 Guests
Rent A Wedding Venue
If you have more than 30 guests, I recommend skipping a Glacier Park ceremony and renting a venue just outside the Glacier entrance.
Venue Perk
No Park Restrictions
Attendees and vehicles will not be restricted.
Venue Perk
Better Scenic Views
The venues have better scenic views than Glacier Park amphitheaters.
Venue Perk
Skip The Permit
You can skip the Glacier Park wedding permit.
Venue Perk
Photos In Glacier
You can go to Glacier after your ceremony for the photographs.
Guest count is a planning decision
- Up to 20 participants: 4 vehicles.
- 21–60 participants: 6 vehicles.
- 61–100 participants: 10 vehicles.
- 100–250 participants: 15 vehicles.
- If you have more than 30 people, you will be limited to the park's less scenic amphitheaters.
- Pro Tip 1: Keeping your guest count of 15 people or fewer for flexibility and variety will provide you with the most authentic Glacier Park wedding.
- Pro Tip 2: Check the guest counts for each location during off season. Several places offer additional guests when the park slows down.
Sunset Elopements In Glacier National Park
Sunset changes the entire timeline.
June and July sunsets are between 9:15- 9:30 pm, and daylight lasts until 10:30 pm. If you’re interested in sunset for your wedding, expect to be in the park until 11:00 pm. The sunset plays a significant part in your day, along with planning, driving times, and celebrating with guests.
To capture a stunning sunset in Glacier National Park, plan to stay in the park until around 11:00 pm during the summer. It's best to schedule your dinner and celebration with guests for a different evening.
Best Days
Monday-Thursday
Due to the high number of tourists, I recommend picking a weekday for an evening wedding ceremony in Glacier National Park.
Saturdays can be incredibly hectic in the park, and even with a permit, you may be unable to access certain parts of the park during the day.
For example, Many Glacier is a popular destination during the busy season. If you don’t get there early enough, the parking lot gets full, and you must turn around. Doing this will only problematize your day. You’ll be a lot happier, and your ceremony will be more intimate with minimal chance of disruption.
Weekday Reason
Vendor Availability
Availability is better! Most vendors in the area reserve weekends for bigger events or avoid working on weekends altogether.
Another factor to consider when scheduling elopements is the convenience of business hours. It can be quite challenging to arrange the necessary items from vendors when most are closed on weekends. You can avoid this by considering weekday scheduling, which offers more flexibility regarding vendor accessibility.
Weekday Reason
Courthouse Hours
Having your wedding on the weekend will also cause you to work around the courthouse's hours of operation.
If you have your wedding on the weekend, you must pick up the license two days before the ceremony and/or return it to the courthouse two days later. This has been shown to cause itinerary complications.
Getting married on a weekday, you can pick up and drop off anytime.
Holidays
Avoid Major Holidays
In addition to a Monday - Thursday, I would stay away from significant vacation holidays, including Labor Day, Memorial Day, and 4th of July, in Glacier National Park.
These dates are busy times of the year. If you'll be traveling to the area around those dates, I recommend having your ceremony at least three days before or a few days after. This advice may not apply if you are okay with crowds and waiting.
Unsure Of Date?
Send Top Three Dates
If you do not know your date and want to check availability before making things official, please contact me with your top three date choices, and I'll let you know which ones are available.
Glacier National Park Wedding Permit
Step-by-step instructions for filling out and submitting your permit application.
A question before we get started… do you even need a permit?
You'll want answers to two frequently asked questions regarding permits before continuing.
Permit Question
Just The Two Of Us?
Do we need a permit if it's just the two of us?
Yes. As of October 2023, all vow exchanges, elopements, ceremonies, weddings, or special events require a Special Use Permit through Glacier National Park. Individuals must acquire a permit, regardless of the size of the group, whether it is “officiated,” or if papers are signed.
Permit Question
Photos Only?
Do we need a permit to take photographs?
No. As of October 2023, current regulations are such that you do not need a permit to take pictures in the park. If you have a permit to hold your wedding inside the park, you may take as much time as you want for pictures before and after your permitted time, and you may go anywhere in the park open to the public.
Sun Point, St Marys, Glacier National Park Permit Planning
If you still need a permit, I’ve provided the information below.
Before you apply for your Glacier Park wedding permit, you’ll need to discuss things with your photographer before applying for your permit. You’ll want to plan your day, narrow down the location and choose the best time for the ceremony with your plans and the lighting in mind. This will be the first thing we do after booking your date!
You cannot make any changes to your wedding plans once you submit the application.
Confirm First
Exact Ceremony Location
Know your exact ceremony location.
Make sure the location you’ve chosen is from the list of pre approved spots.
Confirm First
Date And Exact Time
Know the date and exact time you want to conduct your ceremony.
Confirm First
Access And Vendors
Some locations are not accessible during certain times of the year. Make sure the date and time you’ve picked aligns with your location and your other vendors.
Permit Application Steps
- Step 1: Download the Special Use Permit application and fill it out.
- Step 2: Email your completed application, Word or PDF format preferred, to glac_sup@nps.gov.
- Step 3: Pay the $125 non-refundable application fee online by visiting the GNP Permit Payment Site.
- Step 4: Please review the next steps on the Glacier National Park website regarding what to expect after you’ve turned in the application and made your payment.
Important Information For Filling Out The Application
- Ensure you provide GNP with the exact ceremony location and time you want.
- Responses like “various” or “West Glacier” will not be approved.
- Responses like “morning” or “afternoon” will not be approved.
- Include contact information for your photographer.
- Under “Equipment,” list anything that is not on your person and that you want to bring with you.
- Be sure to include the full guest and vehicle counts.
Things To Keep In Mind
- To avoid having your permit request denied, send your permit application and non-refundable application fee to the park at least 20 business days before the requested permit date.
- You can submit applications up to one year before your event.
You’ve sent in your permit application and paid the application fee — what next?
- Step 5: Your active participation is crucial. Once you've submitted your application and your payment has been received, a Glacier employee will contact you by phone or email. They'll then send you a preliminary permit to review and sign. Remember, your permit is only valid once you and an NPS official sign it.
- Step 6: You will have fourteen (14) calendar days to review, sign, and return your preliminary permit, PDF preferred, via email to GLAC_SUP@nps.gov for final processing. Please note that failure to return your permit within that timeframe may result in a cancellation of your application. Once the permit is finalized, changes are only permissible for those necessary due to an unexpected park closure.
- Step 7: You will receive an email with a copy of the fully executed permit, which means a permit that has been reviewed, signed, and authorized by the appropriate NPS official.
- Step 8: It's essential to be prepared. You must have a printed copy of the permit on-site during the event. This is a requirement and you are expected to provide the permit to any service provider, including your photographer, videographer, officiant, or event planner.
- You can confirm these steps on the Glacier National Park Website here.
Montana Marriage License
Apply for your Montana marriage license.
Aundrea Marie Photography | Montana Marriage License
Now that you've sent in your permit for your ceremony in Glacier, you can submit the application and apply for your marriage license in Flathead County.
The courthouse in Kalispell, Flathead County, is the nearest county to Glacier for getting a marriage license. If you want to pre-plan, visit the link below to complete the application before your arrival.
Click Here To Access The Montana Marriage License Application.
Things You’ll Need To Pick Up Your License
- Birth certificate or driver’s license for proof of age.
- The fee for the license is $53.00.
- Both of you are present.
- Make sure you’ve completed the application before going into the courthouse to retrieve the license.
- You can pick up your license anytime after you’ve filled out the application.
- You’ll have to pick it up together, and can pick it up on the 3rd floor of the courthouse.
After You’re Married
- Once you’re married, you will have to return your signed marriage license to the courthouse.
- You cannot mail it. You will need to deliver it in person.
- Flathead County Courthouse: 920 S Main, Kalispell, MT 59901.
- Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm.
- Phone: (406) 758-5660.
Wondering if you’re actually ready to book a photographer?
Most couples reach out before they have it all figured out. That’s normal.
You do not need the full plan, the exact location, or every detail nailed down before reaching out. If you have a date, a rough idea, or just know Glacier is part of the conversation, that is enough to start.
HERE ARE THE NEXT STEPS!
Interested in working together?
Fill this out and I’ll reply with availability + a coverage recommendation so you’re not guessing.
I personally respond within 24–48 business hours.
Featured In
5-Star Rated | 200+ Reviews
“We found Aundrea through Google after a lot of searching, and it ended up being the best and easiest choice we could have made. Her work is incredible, but what mattered just as much was how seen and comfortable we felt. As a lesbian couple, that meant everything. She made us feel loved, beautiful, and completely at ease. When people see our photos, they always comment on the detail and color and say they look like they belong in a magazine.”
— Ella & Anna, 6 Hours of Coverage
“From our first FaceTime call, Aundrea made us feel at ease and assured us she would help every step of the way. She exceeded every expectation, reassured every worry, and truly helped us plan our intimate elopement. By the time we met her in person, it felt like we had known her forever. She captured every part of the day without making it feel like a camera was in our faces, and the photos felt like us.”
— Lisa & Mikey, 10+ Hours of Coverage
“If you are eloping in Glacier, Aundrea is hands down the best photographer you could pick. She knows the park like the back of her hand and helped us create the perfect day, from location scouting and driving us to and from spots to showing up prepared for everything. She captured every little part of the day, and outside of being wildly talented, she is one of the best people you will ever meet.”
— Riley & Ashton, 10+ Hours of Coverage
“You captured a truly magical day in the most beautiful way.”
Aundrea, hi. My name is Hugh Givens. I am Taylor's dad. You just finished up her wedding, and I just wanted to call. I really don't have the words to say, but you captured a truly magical day in the most beautiful way. And our whole family is like almost kind of aside themselves with not having the words to describe how great of a job you did. And it was fantastic. I don't think I've ever seen a photographer work harder than you from the time you got there until the very end. So I just want to say thank you. It was probably the greatest day of my life, even better than my own wedding, which was a hard one to beat. And you captured it, and you do a magnificent job, and thank you very much. Taylor and Alex have an amazing photo album that they'll always be able to look back on and remember that day. And you captured it all. So thank you very much. I hope you have a great rest of your day. Bye-bye.