How to Elope in Glacier National Park
Glacier Elopement Guide
Awesome! But now what?
Thinking about eloping in glacier national park?
Eloping in Glacier is such an exciting idea, but can also feel a little overwhelming with permits, locations, and travel details to figure out.
That's where I come in! I created this guide to give you all the resources, tips and insider knowledge to help plan your dream Glacier elopement with confidence!
Table of Contents
8. Ready to Plan your Glacier Elopement?
7. What to Wear for your Glacier Elopement
6. How Much Does it Cost to Elope in Glacier
5. Glacier Elopement Timelines
4. Glacier Elopement Laws & Permits
- Choose your Elopement Photographer
- Choose your Location
- Book Lodging and other vendors
- Secure Necessary Permits
3. How to Elope in Glacier National Park
- Summer Elopements
- Fall Elopements
- Winter Elopements
- Spring Elopements
2. Best Time of Year to Elope in Glacier National Park
1. Best Places to Elope in Glacier National Park
Best Places to Elope in Glacier
Glacier is a huge park with so many different locations. The park is split into a few major locations. The most popular locations being West Glacier and the Going-to-the-sun-road.
Lake Mcdonald Lodge Beach
Apgar Beach
Big Bend
Sun Point
Logan Pass (A must visit, but does not allow ceremoines)
Right outside the historic lodge, this beach gives you easy access to one of the most iconic views on lake McDonald. With the lake stretching out in front of you and mountains rising in the distance, this location does not require any hiking and is directly off the main road, with ample parking for your guests.
Apgar beach is another favorite along Lake McDonald, especially for sunrise or sunset. The sky sometimes lights up with pink and oranges over the water during these times of day! It's easy to reach, has plenty of space for parking and guests, and gives you the perfect mix of beauty and accessibility with a small town being directly behind it.
Known for its sweeping mountain views and winding stretch of road, Big Bend is an incredible elopement location for couples who want dramatic scenery. At sunset, the whole valley glows, making it one of the most magical. This location is another great spot that is accessible, and directly off the main road. No hiking required.
Perched on the edge of St. Mary's Lake, Sun Point offers expansive views of the lake with rugged peaks on all angles. It's an intimate spot with stunning backgrounds in every direction. Perfect for couples who want their ceremony surrounded by rocky cliffs and towering peaks. There is ample parking at this location, and just takes a few minutes down a path to access it.
Logan Pass is one of the most breathtaking spots in Glacier. While it is not a ceremony location, and does require a hike, this is a spot that should be on your portrait list! Between the wildflowers in summer, mountain goats, and stunning overlook views, it's a must do location for portraits.
Here are some of my other favorite ceremony locations around the park!
Best time of year to elope in Glacier
Spring Elopements
Summer Elopements
Fall Elopements
Winter Elopements
Every season has its pros and cons. My personal favorite season in Glacier is during the summer! The park fully opens in late June, giving snow capped mountains while the entire park is accessible. End of June also brings the start of wildflower season. August is another amazing month to elope in Glacier. There are still hints of snow in the higher elevation, the weather is pleasant, and the wildflowers are in full bloom.
Spring brings fresh greenery, rushing waterfalls, and snow covered mountains. Some higher elevation areas in the park are still closed, but it's a peaceful and underrated season if you love the contrast of snow covered mountains and lesser crowds.
Summer is the most popular time to elope in Glacier. Most roads and trails are open, the wildflowers are in full bloom, the weather is warm and comfortable. It's the perfect season if you want easy access to the park's most iconic views.
Crisp air, golden aspens, and fewer crowds make fall a dreamy time for Glacier. The colors add so much warmth to the mountain landscapes, and it feels like you have more of the park to yourself. Just keep in mind the weather can shift quickly!
If you're up for a true adventure winter in Glacier is absolutely magical. Picture snowy peaks, frozen lakes, and the quiet stillness of the park with almost no one around. Just keep in mind, most of the park is not accessible during the winter months.
My personal favorite time to elope in glacier!
Check out my blog post about the pros & cons of each season!
How to Elope in Glacier National Park
1. Choose your elopement photographer and planner
2. pick your perfect ceremony location
3. book lodging and other vedors
4. secure permmits and park passes
5. have the best day of your life!
Your photographer is more than just someone to take pictures, they'll guide you through the process, help with timelines, and scout the best locations for your day. Finding a photographer who knows the park and understands your vision is key to making your day stress free and unforgettable!
From mountaintop overlooks to quiet lake shores, Glacier offers endless options for your elopement backdrop. Think about what kind of scenery feels most like you and we'll find the perfect spot for your vision. And remember, your ceremony spot is just one of the many epic locations we can explore on your day!
Where you stay can make your elopement experience even more special. From cozy cabins to historic lodges, Glacier has plenty of unique places to stay. Thus us also the time to book other vendors like florists, hair and makeup artists, or an officiant if you need one.
Glacier requires a Special Use Permit for all ceremonies and vow exchanges no matter how many guests are present. Your photographer can help you walk through the process so you have everything covered. You'll want to keep in mind entrance fees year round, and vehicle reservations during peak season.
Once the details are taken care of, it's time to soak it all in! You get to exchange your vows surrounded by some of the most breathtaking views in the world, explore the park, and create memories that feel like an adventure made just for you.
Glacier Elopement Laws & Permits
Do you need a permit to elope in glacier national park?
The short answer, it depends!
If you are doing any kind of ceremony in Glacier National Park a permit is required. Any type of "vow exchange" requires a Special Use Permit whether guests are present or not.
Even " mock" ceremonies may need a permit depending on location and what is involved.
If you are only taking portraits (with no formal ceremony, vows, guests, or signing) then you do NOT need a Special Use Permit.
If you're still unsure, feel free to reach out to me! Not only am I here to help with your photos, but I'm also here to help you plan all the other logistics and guide you through the process.
Here's a resource that goes more in depth about Glacier permits!
Glacier Elopement Timeline
What happens during your glacier elopement?
The beauty of eloping is that you get to throw out the rule book and design a day that feels entirely your own. The possibilities are endless, which can feel overwhelming at first, but that's what makes it so exciting!
Every couple does things a little differently, but at it's core, most elopements share many of the same factors. Glacier is such a huge park to explore, I suggest having a full day elopement to truly embrace the park and explore as much of it as you can. Here's an example of how your day could look!
6 am - We meet for a sunrise first look and portraits
7am - We head to your ceremony with just the two of you, or close friends and family. We spend the morning taking family photos celebrating your new marriage
9am - We head off for morning adventure portraits around the lake and cedars
10am-5pm - We break for lunch and relaxation time
5 pm - Meet back up in the evening for a longer hike and adventure portraits
7pm - We head out to a pull off spot to get portraits of the two of you
8pm - Sunset portraits overlooking the towering mountains with the golden sunlight hitting the peaks just perfectly
9pm - End the night with a celebratory champagne pop to end the perfect elopement day
The sky is the limit. Some couples add in adventurous hiking, while some keep it simple with a cozy picnic. Your elopement is all about creating a day that feels true to you.
How much does it cost to elope in glacier
The cost of eloping in Glacier can vary drastically depending on what you want for your day! An elopement that is just a simple ceremony followed by a photoshoot will be much less expensive than a full or multi-day elopement.
Most couples I work with care about eloping to have a stress free day while getting portraits in an epic location, not necessarily because they want to save money. It's all about deciding what is best for you on your elopement day and prioritizing that on your day!
Below are a few sample breakdowns of what your adventure elopement could look like! Depending if you want to explore most of the park in one day with an awesome hiking adventure, or do it all with added elements like boating or horse back riding over the span of a two day epic adventure. It's your elopement to plan so it fits your vision perfectly.
full day adventure elopement costs
mult-day adventure eloementcosts
Photographer (8 hours) - $5,200
Marriage license - $125
3 nights at Air B&B - $700
Flowers (DIY from store) - $20
Car Rental - $350
Hair and Makeup - $300
Dress - $1,000
Suit - $200
Photographer (multi-day) - $7,200
Marriage license - $125
4 nights at Air B&B - $1,000
Flowers from Florist - $100
Car Rental - $450
Hair and Makeup - $300
Dress - $ 2,000
Suit - $400
Canoe Rental for adventure photos - $50
Total: $7,895
Total: $11,625
Ready to plan?
What to wear for your glacier national park elopement
1. Layer up for the mountains
2. Adventure ready footwear
3. choose movement friendly attire
5. add personal touches
4. don't stress about dirt
Weather in Glacier can change quickly, so bring layers like a cozy shawl. jacket, or wrap. They'll keep you warm and look beautiful in photos.
Flowy dresses and breathable suits not only photograph beautifully, but they also let you hike, twirl, and adventure without restriction.
Your dress will pick up a little dirt, grass, or snow, but that's part of the story! If you're hiking in your gown, consider bustling it, bringing a garment bag, or changing on location. Think of those stains as memories from your epic day.
Incorporate pieces that feel like you. A hat, colorful bouquet, patterned tie, or even a backpack for your vows and snacks. These details make your photos unique and true to your style.
Sturdy boots or trail shoes are your best friend for exploring. You can always switch into dress shoes for portraits, but comfort and safety come first.
Ready to Plan your Glacier Elopement?
Hi! I'm Holly! An adventure loving, matcha drinking, cat mom who is down for anything you can dream of for your elopement! I'm a photographer who's all about making your elopement day unforgettable.
My love for adventure fuels the way I help couples dream up incredible experiences, while my eye for detail ensures your story is captured authentically and beautifully. I'll make sure you get to slow down, soak in every moment, and walk away with memories that feel like you.
- Expert level elopement planning - I'm also a travel agent and can book all your travel reservations!
- Location Scouting to help find those hidden gems
- Custom timeline catered to your day specifically
- Destination Elopement Guide and detailed packing list
- Assistance with all permits so we wont have to worry about anything the day of!
What you get when you have me along as your glacier elopement photographer
Let's plan your elopement!
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i look forward to hearing all about the two of you and your story!
I cant wait to help make your vision become a reality on your special day
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