Location Guides

Glacier National Park Elopement Guide

Jagged peaks, alpine lakes, glistening waterfalls, and wildlife at every turn, this is Glacier National Park. This huge national park has easily landed a spot on our best places to elope in Montana, and we love elopements here!

If you’re thinking about planning a Glacier National Park Elopement, then you have come to the right place.

We’ll break down everything you need to know about eloping in Glacier National Park while providing you with some inspiration from our Wandering Weddings Members and other couples who have eloped there.

How to Elope in Glacier National Park

When it comes to eloping in Glacier National Park, there are a few things you should consider as you plan your special day. Feel free to jump to the section you’re interested in or have questions about. 

Do you not see the answer to your questions? Feel free to leave us a comment on what questions you’re still having as you 

Vendors For Your Glacier National Park Elopement Package

Hiring a vendor who has experience planning Glacier Park elopements is essential when looking for a Glacier National Park Elopement package. Not only will these vendors be great resources for you to bounce ideas with, but they will also suggest remote ceremony locations and trails not many people know about.

Glacier National Park Elopement Photographers

Best Time of Year to Elope in Glacier Park

Like with most popular elopement destinations, we recommend eloping during a weekday or during a slower season. 

We personally love late spring and early fall for Glacier National Park elopements. There is something to appreciate about each season when visiting this national park. 

The peak season in the park is July and August. If you’re interested in planning your elopement during this time, then weekday elopements will ensure you have a more private ceremony. 

For the best photos, we recommend sunrise or sunset elopements. The lightning in Glacier National Park is nothing short of spectacular. You’ll experience amazing lighting over its peaks as you both exchange vows. 

Where to Elope in Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is huge. There are more than 700 miles of hiking trails to explore, including some accessible options if you and your partner are considering planning a micro wedding together here. 

The first piece of advice we can give couples to help them plan their Glacier National Park elopement is to decide what type of view you want during your ceremony. Do you prefer mountains, waterfalls, rivers, forests, or lakes as your backdrop?

Another important thing to consider when choosing your ceremony location is how many guests are joining you.

If you’re stuck between where to elope at this gorgeous park, then we suggest teaming up with one of our members who are pros at helping couples plan their elopement here.

Last but not least, consider when you’re eloping at Glacier Park.

“Each area of Glacier Park opens at different times of the year depending on snow pack and plowing progress. West Glacier is open year round and Winter weddings are truly magical in there. Two Medicine, Many Glacier, and Bowman/Kintla lake areas typically open 3rd or 4th week of May, and Logan Pass (the main pass through the center of the park) opens end of June typically.” [Carrie Ann Photography]

Here are some of our favorite places to elope in Glacier National Park:

Hidden Lake Lookout

While this spot doesn’t allow ceremonies, this is a great spot to visit during your elopement adventure. It’s an easy hike off of Going to the Sun Road, which is a gorgeous mountain pass to enjoy during your wedding day.

Lake McDonald

This is another great lake to plan your ceremony. This is also the largest lake in the park! Lake McDonald is especially popular for its colorful rocks, which can make for some pretty amazing wedding portraits.

Avalanche Lake

One of our personal favorite places to elope in Glacier National Park is Avalanche Lake. This is a fairly easy hike, perfect for micro weddings or couples looking for an accessible ceremony spot. We also recommend planning during sunrise and sunset to get those epic photos.

Early in the morning, you’ll typically see stunning reflections from the lake. 

Iceberg Trail

Maybe you’re looking for an all-day hiking adventure with some of the most epic glacier views you can find. Iceberg Trail will give you just that.

While this trail is long, close to 10 miles, it’s still easy for couples who aren’t expert hikers. At an elevation of 1275, you’ll have a stunning ceremony location with a lake surrounded by glaciers to appreciate.  

Trail of the Cedars

Trail of Cedars is a great accessible option since it’s completely flat. We love how couples have a wheelchair-accessible location option for their Glacier National Park elopement ceremony. 

One important thing to note about this location is the limited parking available, especially since this trail shares the same parking lot as the Avalanche lake trail. So we highly recommend sunrise elopements for this location.

Wedding Permits

Planning your elopement at Glacier National Park is exciting and full of possibilities, but it’s important couples follow the park’s rules and regulations.

Weddings and elopements at Glacier National Park require a special use permit, which includes a $100 fee.

A great tip to consider is contacting their special park use office before submitting your application to make sure your date is available, (406) 888-7832. 

Another important thing for your wedding ceremony at Glacier National park is the regulations. For example, all guests who join you have to purchase an entrance pass to enter the park.

There are some exceptions including children 15 years of age or younger and adults 62 years of age or older. 

“The rangers do have a copy of all ceremonies taking place for each day, location, and amount of people. They will periodically check, and it’s best to have that permit so you don’t have any issues on your special day. Plus those proceeds all go back to the park for conservation which is so important.” [Carrie Ann Photography]

Tips For Planning Your Glacier Elopement

  •  Follow the rules and stay in allowed areas only. With more and more couples realizing what it means to elope, comes more people planning their elopements at national parks. With that said, remember to respect the park and leave no trace (LNT) during your wedding ceremony. This also includes being careful around wildlife. Remember, you are in their home. 
  •  Wear proper footwear. While heels are beautiful, they may not be the best for elopement adventures. Our photographers recommend hiking boots or flats, or to bring both and change into your heels right before. 
  • Glacier National Park is HUGE! Discuss with your photographer and elopement vendors what type of areas you would like to explore, so they can help you narrow down your choices.
  • Pack in layers. It can get chilly in Montana’s gorgeous Glacier park, so it’s important to pack in layers. A great suggestion is for brides to pack a wrap, so they can use it as a bridal accessory during their portraits. 
  • You need to obtain a Montana marriage license to marry here. 
  • Ask if your photographer includes all-inclusive packages. An all-inclusive Glacier National park elopement package can include an officiant, photography, flowers, ceremony permit, and more to give you an idea. A more robust package also means less planning and stress for you.

Videography by Acts of Adventure 

Are you not sure you want to elope in Glacier National Park? Check out these other places to elope.