Why Glacier National Park?
I have traveled to many states and countries around the world, and Glacier NP is by far my FAVORITE place ever! The crystal clear water, beautiful snow covered mountains, cool crisp temperatures, incredible wildlife, Glacier has it all! If you’re looking for an adventure style elopement that will give you the most incredible views, memories, and photos for the rest of your life, then Glacier is the place to be.
Best time to elope in Glacier NP
Depending on the time of year and season you want to get eloped, Glacier can offer many different terrains. I would not suggest eloping during the winter months. Many of the parks roads shut down during winter due to mass amounts of snow. If you really want to get the best views and the most out of the park, summer and fall would be my recommendation.
Even when I was there in the spring (mid May to be exact) much of the park was still covered in feet of snow. Hiking in 8 feet of snow in a wedding dress, having no trail to follow, and no cell service does not sound like a good time.
During the Summer and fall you can experience Glacier at its peak, get to the trails easily, and you would be able to drive the Going to the Sun Road (only open form July-September).
Keep in mind, summer months are CRAZY busy. The park tends to die down after school is back in session toward the end of August. The summer months would be idea for views, lack of snow, and open roads, just plan for crowds to potentially be around your ceremony site. This can be avoided by finding a more remote location off the major trails, or a trail that might not be utilized as much.
The fall months would definitely have lesser crowds. But if you want to see more snow in your photos without worrying about there still being massive mounds of snow all over, Glaciers snow season starts mid October. So September-Mid October could potentially be the best time to get the views and avoid the crows depending on what vibes you’re going for!
How to get eloped in Glacier NP
Glacier NP requires a “Special Use Permit” in order to get married inside the park. If your event is located on the Going to the Sun road, you do not need another permit to drive the road. If you wish to drive the GTTSR and are not eloping on the road, you must register your vehicle in order to use the road. You can find the permit and vehicle registration on the Glacier National Park Service website.
If you are entering the park with a photographer, no vows are exchanged, no papers are signed, or no union is being witnessed, then no permit is required. This would be the option for those who officially get married in a courthouse and wish to have a destination elopement photographed without actually having the official ceremony.
The park website offers a list of approved ceremony sites on their website that you are allowed to utilize for official ceremonies. So make sure you check that out before making your decision on where to elope.
How to get wedding permit
Step 1. go to the Glacier national park website and download a special use permit application
Step 2. use the information to fill out the application as detailed as possible. Be sure to include exact locations, and times (be very specific). Include your photographers info if you’re using one. List any equipment you plan to bring (cameras, chairs, music speakers, ect.). Only a certain number of vehicles are allowed based on the number of participants listed on application (exact amount listed on park website)
Step 3. email your completed application (pdf preferred) to glac_sup@nps.gov
Step 4. pay $125 non-refundable application fee by visiting Pay.gov and complete the Glacier NP Special Park Uses Fee form.
Step 5. Once the application and payment were received, a Glacier employee will review it and reach out via phone or email before sending you the preliminary permit. Permits are not valid until it has been signed by both you and an NPS official.
Step 6. you have 14 days to review and sign and return your preliminary permit through email to GLAC_SUP@NPS.GOV. Permits will be cancelled if not returned within 14 days.
Step 7. A copy of the permit will be authorized and returned to you sent by email.
You will need a printed copy of the official permit with you during the event. You must share a copy of the permit with with any vendors, including photographer, videographer, officiant, or event planner.
No changes are permitted once the permit is final.
About some of the approved wedding locations
Avalanche Picnic Area
Getting to avalanche lake is a bit of a hike. If you’re looking for more of a challenging elopement with gorgeous views along the way, and plenty of photo opportunities, then this might be the location for you.
The hike is 2.9 miles out and back (2 hours 30 min round trip with no stopping). This location is VERY popular. I recommend going very early or later in the evening to avoid some of the crowds if you elope during the summer months. Though this hike it the ceremony may be a bit more challenging, the lake is just beautiful and would make for the most amazing photos. Tall snow covered mountain peaks jetting out from behind the crustal clear lake. You can see just about everything inside the water no matter how deep it gets. This is the type of location you could spend hours at enjoying (plus the chipmunks are very friendly! So if you have any food be weary they may try to steal it).
For me, this hike was a bit more challenging since it was more of an uphill trek, but it held so many amazing views and we saw some wildlife along the way! Thankfully no bears, but make sure you always carry bear spray while hiking in grizzly country.
Lake McDonald
This location would not require any hiking. The beach is right next to the parking lot, so easy for you adn any guests to arrive at. Lake McDonald is famous for its colored rocks (pictured on this blog post) and crystal clear waters. Two sets of mountains surround the lake, one large peaked mountain, and many low mountains in the distance. No matter which way you look, the view will be spectacular.
If youre looking for more of an adventure after the ceremony to hike and potentially get couples photos taken, there are PLENTY of hikes around this area! Some short, some very long. Avalanche lake trail is also accessed by lake McDonald if you wished to do that one as well after your ceremony. It is also connected to the Going to the Sun Road, with access to plenty more trails depending on what level and length of trail you were wanting to do!
Many Glacier Hotel Beach
Many Glacier hotel sits deep within the park in a very remote area. The lake is crystal clear, the hotel is large enough for many guests to stay in, and the night sky is unmatched in this remote area. The hotel beach is right off the parking lot, so this location does not require any hiking or over exertion.
If you’re looking for fun adventure photos after the ceremony (or even just a fun hike afterwards) I recommend Grinnell Glacier lake hike. This trial is incredible, having an upper and lower trail. Both trails offer incredible views of the teal blue glacier water. The lake is famous for having glaciers in it year round and it is one I highly recommend (I have done it twice so far!).
The trail to Grinnell lake is 6.9 miles out and back (2 hr 27 min with no stops round trip) so make sure you have plenty of time for this one, especially if you want to do upper and lower! The trail is considered easy and fairly flat, so not too crazy to finish.
Take me with you!
As a destination wedding photographer, Montana is by far my favorite destination. Want to get eloped and have a knowledgeable wedding photographer who can help you plan your entire elopement in a stress free way? I plan all my own trips in depth, getting my travel agent license, and LOVE planning and helping my clients to take some stress off their plate. If that all sounds amazing to you, then I’m your girl! Im ready to go wherever you want me to!
