A Magical Glacier National Park Elopement Under the Northern Lights

Samantha and Joey’s Glacier National Park elopement was a true adventure. Their day was filled with unexpected twists and breathtaking moments. After last-minute changes, they trusted their photographer to take them to hidden spots, embracing every change with excitement. Their night ended with a magical 1 AM stop, where they captured once-in-a-lifetime photos under the northern lights. Get all the details below.

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About This Elopement

Photography by KTay Photography

“Samantha and Joey got married during the semi-off season in Glacier and pretty much none of the places we had planned to go worked out even up to the end of their ceremony. After their ceremony, I was trying to make a plan with them and they said, ‘We trust you just take us wherever you want to go.’.

We traveled to East Glacier exploring different locations I had wanted to go to for months, and the way back I asked if they would be down to stop at one more spot to try and get the aurora (we had a huge storm the day before). They agreed! At 1 AM we pulled in and captured some once-in-a-lifetime photos under the aurora.”[Kimberly, the photographer]

Permits and Planning

“You need a special use permit for this location from Glacier National Park.

For leave no trace, it depends on the location what is allowed. As a rule of thumb, you keep it as minimal as possible.

No decorations, limited chairs, no carpets, arches, etc. You also want to stay off of any flowers/vegetation so the ceremony needs to take place on the beach. This protects the local flora/fauna from getting trampled. We have sensitive wildflowers up here that will not grow back if they get hurt.

A couple of these locations were on Blackfeet reservation land which a photographer needs a special permit to photograph on. That is important to help follow the tribes LNT values as well. You do not need a photography permit to take pictures in Glacier National Park though.

If you are looking to elope in Glacier National Park, I recommend hiring a local to help you. Most local photographers offer planning help to make sure your day runs smoothly and follows the ever-changing policies of the park. We are also very familiar with the weather and traffic patterns. In Glacier, it’s not a question of if plans will change but when so having someone local who has several backup plans is the best thing you can do.” [Kimberly, the photographer]

Learn more about eloping in Glacier National Park.

About The Couple

“This session was one where the original plan didn’t turn out, and neither did the backup plans, so the morning of I was texting the bride about other options we had due to last-minute changes, and she told me to just surprise her with what I thought was best.

We went to some new locations for me and they wanted me to just trust my instincts and let my creativity run the show. At the end of the session, we were driving back and saw a green comet light up the sky! It was amazing! Then we stopped and they agreed to try and get some photos with the northern lights/stars.

This couple was so happy just being together and experiencing the beauty of the park and the groom agreed to do anything that would make the bride happy. Embracing each moment to the fullest not worried about what might have changed or where they were going. It was a beautiful thing to witness.” [Kimberly, the photographer]

Memorable Moments During This Elopement

From the photographer:

“I love the photo of their first kiss with all of their family/friends behind them. When you do a micro wedding the people you invite are there for a reason. They are incredibly important to the couple, and I love seeing that support.

Another fun moment was when we got to the ceremony site there were a few people in lawn chairs enjoying the beach, so they actually joined in for the wedding and watched and applauded as the couple exchanged vows and celebrated getting married.

In Glacier, wedding couples are like little celebrities. You often will get people cheering you on, honking, offering advice, or sharing your cake.”

Final Words of Advice

“Find a photographer you trust.

I have only lived near Glacier National Park for 3 years. There are several photographer who have lived here their whole lives. However, this couple chose to work with me because they trusted my vision and instincts.

I truly believe there is a best photographer for every couple. Someone who fits your budget, vision, and personality. Keep looking for that person! Don’t get discouraged.

Getting married in Glacier is really quite simple. Most of my couples have it planned in under a month. You just need to be ready to make decisions without suffering FOMO which can lead to decision fatigue. Trust your gut and if something feels right lean into that and commit.” [Kimberly, the photographer]

Vendors 

Photographer | KTay Photography
Venue | Glacier National Park
Dress | Bridal & Formal
Suit | Calvin Klein
Rings | James Allen
HMUA | Majestic Mountain Beauty 
Florals | Made by the client and her sister

Photos From This Elopement

Photography by