How to Elope in Glacier National Park **2024 UPDATE**
Looking for the perfect elopement locations in Glacier National Park? We got you.
Glacier National Park is one of those special places that take your breath away. You do not need to go to the Arctic to be surrounded by breathtaking views of glaciers. If an enchanting mountain elopement is your dream, you simply must consider Glacier National Park for stunning pictures with your love among snow-capped mountains, alpine meadows, and spectacular lakes. We created this Guide on How to Elope in Glacier to help couples who live far away with planning their dream elopement.
As adventurous elopement photography and videography team, native to Montana we enjoy accompanying couples as they have a blast committing to each other for life. Love is one heck of an adventure; why not show it off by creating visual poetry together in the mountains of Montana? Keep reading this guide to how to elope in Glacier to learn more.
Why Elope in Glacier National Park?
Traditionally, people used to run away to get married due to a lack of support from family members. Sometimes that’s still the case, but the top reasons we hear as to why people choose to tie the knot far from friends and family are:
- Authenticity: a wedding is about two people coming together and making a vast, exciting commitment. That can get lost in planning a big wedding.
- Intimacy: just the two of you plus your small elopement team who will have a blast with you and blend into the background when they need to.
- Finances: many couples would prefer to love life adventurously and splurge on photo & video and fun activities for their once in a lifetime elopement, rather than an open bar and dinner for 200 guests.
Psst, friends and family, don’t feel left out because you’re not invited to the intimate, remote ceremony. It does not mean you’re not important to the couple.
We promise, they still love you!
Trying to decide if Glacier National Park is the elopement location of your dreams?
SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION CALL
Wedding Permit Needed for you to Elope in Glacier National Park
Let’s be honest; you probably landed on our blog because you want your elopement to be a legendary adventure, far from phones, responsibilities, and the dreaded paperwork.
Elopement or not, some of this process takes some preparation… and, of course, paperwork. We promise, we promise it’ll be worth it for your dreamy glacier elopement.
If you want to get married at Glacier National Park, you first must apply for a special use permit. Get this started as soon as you know that mission glacier elopement is a go, go, go! The application pack can be downloaded and filled in here.
If you’re the type of person, who’s now thinking, “I can do an elopement without signing any paperwork, and that way I won’t need a permit,” you may be disappointed. Glacier National Park considers all exchanging of vows to need a special use permit.
The cost of the special use permit comes with a $125 fee, which includes your ticket entry for your wedding day. However, this does not include your entry fee into the park, which runs another $35.
Locations to visit when you choose to Elope in Glacier National Park
This How To Guide to Help you Elope in Glacier has many different locations it covers, but they each come with their own regulations to protect their majestic beauty. Check out this list for the available dates, permit time limits, and other specific restrictions.
Big Bend
Big Bend, in the heart of Glacier National Park, presents a breathtaking and intimate setting for a wedding ceremony, ideal for those desiring a small, personal gathering, as the park restricts ceremonies at this location to a total of 10 people. This stunning location, set against the backdrop of the majestic Rocky Mountains, offers sweeping panoramic views that encapsulate the essence of Montana’s rugged beauty. The area provides a natural amphitheater-like setting, where the grandeur of towering peaks and the pristine beauty of alpine landscapes create an awe-inspiring atmosphere. Accessible via the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road, Big Bend adds an element of adventure to the journey. The spot is particularly enchanting during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset, offering a dramatic and colorful backdrop. Its relative seclusion ensures privacy and exclusivity, perfect for couples seeking an intimate ceremony surrounded by nature. The natural acoustics, with the subtle sounds of the wilderness, enhance the solemnity of the occasion. For those looking to embrace the spirit of an outdoor elopement in a location that combines accessibility with breathtaking natural beauty, while adhering to a smaller, more intimate gathering, Big Bend in Glacier National Park is an unparalleled choice.
Avalanche Lake
Avalanche Lake, nestled in the heart of Glacier National Park, Montana, is an idyllic destination for an adventure elopement. This enchanting location offers a breathtaking backdrop with its crystal-clear waters reflecting the surrounding majestic peaks and lush forests. The hike to the lake, approximately 5.9 miles round trip, is an exhilarating experience in itself, weaving through the famous Trail of the Cedars and along the roaring Avalanche Creek. This moderately easy trek, which typically takes around 3 to 4 hours to complete, is accessible for most fitness levels and adds a sense of adventure to your special day.
Avalanche Lake allows for a more sizable gathering, accommodating up to 15 people during the peak season and 20 during the non-peak season, making it suitable for those who wish to have a slightly larger group present. Additionally, pets are allowed, which is ideal for couples wanting to include their furry companions in their special moment.
The natural beauty and relative seclusion of Avalanche Lake provide a serene and intimate setting for couples looking to exchange vows amidst the grandeur of nature. The picturesque scenery, ranging from cascading waterfalls to the dramatic mountain vistas, ensures a magical and unforgettable experience. Whether basking in the golden hues of a Montana sunrise or enjoying the tranquil reflection of the twilight sky, Avalanche Lake is a destination that truly embodies the spirit of adventure elopement, combining the thrill of the hike with the romance of a secluded natural paradise.
Lake McDonald
Lake McDonald, the largest lake in Glacier National Park, offers an exceptionally versatile and accessible location for an elopement, with its year-round availability making it a perfect choice for couples dreaming of a winter ceremony. The lake boasts nine distinct ceremony locations, each with its unique charm and beauty, catering to a range of preferences and styles. Several of these spots are pet-friendly, allowing you to include your beloved animals in your special day. Additionally, some locations around Lake McDonald can accommodate gatherings of up to 200 people, offering flexibility for larger celebrations.
The beauty of Lake McDonald lies not just in its stunning natural scenery, but also in the variety of activities it offers. For those looking to explore the area without the exertion of a strenuous hike, motorized bike rentals provide a fun and effortless way to tour around the lake. These bikes are an excellent option for a leisurely adventure, especially before the Going-to-the-Sun Road opens to motorists, typically toward the end of June or beginning of July depending on snow conditions. Riding along this famous road on a motorized bike, with the lake’s tranquil waters on one side and the majestic mountains on the other, is an exhilarating and memorable experience. Whether you’re seeking a serene winter wonderland for your elopement or a vibrant summer setting, Lake McDonald offers a picturesque and versatile backdrop, ensuring your special day is as adventurous or as relaxed as you wish it to be.
Saint Mary’s Lake
St. Mary’s Lake in Glacier National Park stands as a breathtaking choice for an elopement, offering a majestic backdrop that encapsulates the essence of romance and natural beauty. This stunning glacial lake, known for its vivid turquoise waters, is framed by the dramatic peaks of the surrounding mountains, creating a picturesque setting that feels both intimate and grandiose. The lake’s serene and crystal-clear waters, reflecting the vast Montana sky and rugged landscape, provide a tranquil and deeply romantic atmosphere.
With four different ceremony locations along its shores, St. Mary’s Lake caters to a variety of preferences, ensuring that every couple can find a spot that resonates with their vision. Each location offers a unique vantage point of the lake and the surrounding scenery, allowing for a personalized experience. Whether you prefer a spot where the water gently laps against the pebbled shore or a location that offers panoramic views of the lake and its majestic mountain backdrop, St. Mary’s Lake delivers.
The lake’s natural beauty is enhanced by the changing light of the day, from the soft pastels of dawn to the fiery hues of sunset, offering a dynamic and ever-changing backdrop. The peaceful ambiance of St. Mary’s Lake, coupled with its stunning natural surroundings, makes it an ideal setting for those who seek a marriage ceremony that is both intimate and in harmony with the grandeur of nature. It’s a place where the magic of your special day is mirrored by the breathtaking beauty of Glacier National Park.
Many Glacier
Our absolute FAVORITE place in Glacier! Be prepared for any weather….it can change at a moment’s notice making for GORGEOUS imagery! The mountains around the lake are absolutely stunning.
The Many Glacier Hotel has all the OLD EUROPEAN VIBES OF SWITZERLAND!
A great adventure that you can have at Many Glacier is to take a boat tour around Swift Current lake and Lake Josephine with a short hike in between. Also, if you book a boat tour it will include a vehicle permit!! A great way to get in to see Many Glacier if you missed your chance to pick a permit up online.
If you brought your hiking boots one of the best hikes in the park can be accessed here. The Hike to Grinnell Glacier Viewpoint. The views are so epic you’ll forget you are even hiking!
CONTACT US TODAY – So that we can start planning your Wildly Adventurous Glacier Park Elopement!
What is the Best Time of Year for Your Elopement in Glacier National Park
The weather here in Montana is pretty unpredictable. Can you think of any other places that will get above 90 degrees and snow on the same day? You need to pack and prepared for all types of weather even in July and August. Those mountains get cold. There are after all… glaciers. See what we did there.
Oh, and don’t worry about changing lighting conditions from the dynamic cloud cover. as your Montana elopement storytellers, that’s for us to worry about (we’re kind of pros at this).
July/August: Never-ending Delights
July and August tend to experience the best weather in Glacier National Park, with minimal chances of rain and snow often unending daylight. But be prepared for crazy long days with sunrise at 5:30 and sunset at 9:30. Additionally, almost all of the park’s natural venues are open for weddings during this time. Depending on weather fluctuations and crowds of tourists, your dream location may become difficult or impossible to access.
May/June: Floral Escape
Another great option is a May or June elopement. You get a slightly more temperate climate and have the mountain come alive with flowers and greenery. It feels like something out of the Sound of Music. Singing and dancing are optional! But definitely bring some warmer clothes as it can be very chilly. We’ll bring some cocoa to warm those shivers away.
September/October: Golden Autumn Glow
Love the golden glow of the autumnal season? Then consider September or October for saying, “I do.” Again bear in mind this is when it is most likely to rain, snow, or sleet. Pack accordingly. But facing down the weather, In my humble opinion, is worth it. That Fall lighting is like nothing else, and I’d gladly freeze my tootsies off in exchange for making magical stories about snow on the mountain tops.
Trying to decide on the best time of year to elope in Glacier National Park? SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION CALL and we are happy to help. Any other burning questions about planning your Glacier Elopement?
Seven Tips for Planning Your Elopement in Glacier National Park:
1. Time of Day Tip: We recommend planning your elopement around sunrise or sunset. Don’t forget how early and late this is during peak season. The big bonus is that this allows for greater privacy and that special golden hour lighting. With that fairy tail lighting your experience, your pictures, and your video will knock you straight out of your bridal hiking boots – even before hitting the champagne bottle!
2. 2024 UPDATE: If you are having your ceremony in Glacier National Park and have a your Wedding Special Permit will cover only so many cars to enter the park. (Have everyone follow you and let the Park Ranger know how many vehicles behind you are included and you will all be let in. If you need more, your friends and family will need to get them through the Glacier Park Has A Ticket Entry System: A ticket is needed to enter the Glacier National Park for four areas of the park: Going to the Sun Road, the North Fork, Two Medicine and Many Glacier. between the hours of 6 am-3 pm starting sometime in late May 26nd and running until September 10th. The great news is that this is included in your wedding special use permit for all the participants, but ONLY for your wedding day. If you want to have adventures on other days around your wedding, you will need a ticket to enter the park during these times.
For more information check out the Glacier National Park website.
3. Shoes: remember the terrain may be a bit rougher than a few cobblestones. We recommend hiking boots to get to your location, and then you can change into those elegant heels.
4. Layer Up: Seriously, this is the 3rd time we’ve warned you. This is important with the weather changing in an instant, you will want to make sure you have a backup wrap, cardigan or pretty coat/jacket as part of your wedding ensemble. You may possibly need to find a way to add an additional layer. A big bonus tip, if it’s cold, wearing nude leggings under your dress will be a shiver-saver.
5. Marriage License: you will need a Montana marriage license which is $53 + a small fee to pay with a credit card in addition to the permit to elope at Glacier National Park. Do you need an officiant? Matthew can do that for you!
6. Book Your Vendors: Glacier has become a very popular place to get married and elope. So once you have made the decision to elope and you have booked your photographer and videographer then you need to make sure you get all of your other vendors booked as well, because everyone books up fast! If you work with Tami Renae Photo and Film you will get help with booking your vendors and have access to their preferred vendor list.
7. Follow the Rules: respect the park and leave no trace to keep the park and its wildlife safe and accessible for generations to come. Here is Glacier National Park’s website on proper park conduct. New to the great outdoors? Check out the “leave no trace” and “recreate responsibly” campaigns for more information on how to preserve our irreplaceable natural places.
Happy eloping, love birds! I hope you found this Guide How to Elope in Glacier helpful. If you are interested in learning more check out our other blog posts here.
About: Tami Renae Photo & Films
We are Tami and Matt, two adventurous souls who have found their calling as Montana elopement photographer and videographer team. We love being there for one of the most significant moments in people’s lives – tears, laughter, and tears of laughter included!
Glacier National Park is one of our favorite places to join eloping couples when they tie the knot. The park is enormous, so feel free to ask us for advice on the very best spots to get hitched! We know that it can be stressful to think about planning an elopement long distance. We pride ourselves in not only being there to document your day, but also doing most of the heavy lifting of planning your elopement so that you don’t have to stress.
Give us a call or shoot us an email so we can get to know you a little better. We want to know your favorite ice cream flavor, the weirdest thing you’ve done, and what you want to see in your elopement photos. Are you ready to have your love story captured in its most beautiful forms? We sure are!