Glacier National Park Elopement Guide
HOW TO ELOPE IN Glacier National Park: UPDATED FOR 2024
Glacier National park is one of the best places to elope in the US, featuring majestic mountain ranges and rugged beauty. A Glacier National Park elopement is the perfect way to have an intimate wedding in one of America’s most beautiful national parks. With its rugged mountains, pristine lakes and abundant wildlife, Glacier is a spectacular setting for your elopement!
As Glacier National Park elopement photographers, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know while planning your wedding. Discover the best elopement locations, permit info, cost/pricing and more.
How To Plan A Glacier National Park Elopement
A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
Here’s a step by step guide on how to elope in Glacier National Park:
Decide Your Wedding Date
The first step will be to decide what time of year you’d like to get married. It’s important to look at the typical weather and temperatures in Glacier National Park during the timeframe you’re considering, to be sure it aligns with what you’re envisioning for your day.
Choose A Ceremony Location
Next, choose the location within the park where you want to hold your ceremony. This decision is crucial because the setting will create the atmosphere for your elopement and be the backdrop for your photos. Plus, you’ll need this information before applying for your permit.
Apply For Your Wedding Permit
Securing a Special Use Permit is essential. This permit ensures that your ceremony is legally recognized and compliant with park regulations, preventing any disruptions or issues on your wedding day.
Reasons To Elope In Glacier National Park
Beautiful Scenery
Glacier National Park is one of the most stunning places in the world, with turquoise lakes, towering mountains, lush forests, and incredible wildlife. Whether you choose a peaceful lakeside ceremony or exchange vows with sweeping mountain views, every corner of the park feels like it was made for a love story.
Adventure
Eloping in Glacier is about creating a day that’s both adventurous and deeply personal. Imagine hiking to a quiet alpine meadow, saying your vows as the sun rises, or finding a remote spot along Going-to-the-Sun Road for an intimate moment together.
Natural beauty
Glacier’s natural beauty takes care of all the “decor” you’ll need, so you can focus on what matters most—each other. It’s perfect for couples who want to skip the stress of a big wedding and embrace the simplicity of an elopement, while still making the day unforgettable.
When To Elope In Glacier National Park
Best Time Of Year To Elope In Glacier National Park
Glacier’s high season is July and August. This is when the weather is mildest and the Going-to-the-Sun Road is open. However, these months are also the busiest in the park. For a quieter elopement with fewer crowds, consider May-June or September-October. Just be prepared for potentially cold weather and snow at high elevations. Some facilities may be closed as well. No matter when you choose, always check the park’s website for current road and weather conditions.
Choose A Weekday At Sunrise
We always recommend having your wedding on a weekday (Monday-Thursday) to minimize the amount of tourists that will be in the area. Sunrise or sunset is the best time of day to elope for the most privacy and best lighting!
Best Places To Elope In Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park elopement locations
Glacier has over 1 million acres for you to explore, however there are designated locations that you can have your ceremony at. Glacier National Park offers various locations for wedding and elopement ceremonies with specific guidelines and restrictions.
Locations include Lake McDonald District, North Fork District, Two Medicine/Walton District, St. Mary District, and Many Glacier District. Each location has a maximum participant limit, seasonal closures, and specific site details. Permits are required, and certain restrictions such as no tables, chairs, or décor apply. Accessibility and additional regulations vary by site.
You can view the full list on the NPS website, but here are some of the most scenic spots!
Lake McDonald – The park’s most iconic lake, known for its colorful pebbles and mirror-like reflections. Perfect for sunrise ceremonies or a quiet lakeside moment.
Many Glacier – Surrounded by dramatic peaks and stunning lakes, this area feels like stepping into a fairytale. Great for adventurous couples looking for epic views.
Hidden Lake Overlook – A short hike leads to this breathtaking spot, offering panoramic views of the mountains and a serene alpine lake below.
Logan Pass – Located along Going-to-the-Sun Road, this high-elevation spot offers endless mountain views and vibrant wildflower meadows in the summer.
Avalanche Lake – A scenic trail takes you to this peaceful lake, surrounded by waterfalls and towering cliffs, for a truly magical setting.
Two Medicine – One of the quieter areas of the park, offering incredible lakeside views and a more intimate atmosphere away from the crowds.
Going-to-the-Sun Road – For couples who want variety, this road offers multiple scenic stops, from waterfalls to mountain overlooks, perfect for quick elopement ceremonies or photos.
We’ll show you the best locations
You won’t find the best locations online. You need a photographer who has spent time hiking around and scouting these locations in person to help you plan your Glacier National Park elopement.
We provide our couples with exclusive Glacier elopement location guide, custom timeline, vendor recommendations and even lodging ideas!
How Much Does It Cost To Elope In Glacier National Park?
The cost to get married in Glacier National Park starts at $125, which covers your wedding permit. You’ll also need a marriage license ($53) and the park entrance fee ($35/vehicle, unless you have a National Park Pass).
At a minimum, you’ll likely want to purchase wedding attire, hire a photographer, videographer, florist, hair and makeup artist. You may also need to account for travel, transportation and lodging. The average total for a Glacier elopement is $20k after all wedding expenses and vendors.
The total cost for your wedding will vary significantly depending on the style of wedding you choose to have. For example, a simple elopement with no guests will be much more affordable than a wedding with guests which you will then need a venue to host a reception, cater food, hire additional vendors, etc. It’s important to note that elopements can be as simple or as extravagant as you desire, there is no set cost for this type of wedding!
The couples that hire us value their photos and experience more than anything, which is why they typically spend majority of their budget on their photography package.
Glacier National Park Elopement Permit
Glacier National Park Elopement Permit
You will need a permit from the National Park Service to hold a ceremony in Glacier National Park. You can apply for your permit up to one year in advance, but no less than 20 days before your preferred date.
Here are the steps for how to get a permit:
- Download the application from the NPS website
- Fill it out with your details, proposed location and time
- Email the completed form to park and pay the $125 application fee
- The park will email you back a signed and approved permit
Hey, we’re Savannah & Greg!
Glacier National Park Elopement Photographers
We’re a husband and wife team specializing in elopement photography and videography in Aspen, Colorado. We believe eloping is the best way to get married, so much so that we did it ourselves! We know it can feel overwhelming not knowing where to start, which is why we help couples set a date, pick a location, make a timeline, etc!
Glacier National Park Elopement Videographers
In addition to photography, we also offer a variety of videography options! These include everything from a short, super 8 style music video (as seen here), to full professional videography with your full day, vows and other audio included.
Glacier National Park Elopement Packages
Photography Packages
It might seem counterintuitive to look for a photographer before you have an exact location and date set, but trust us on this one. If you’re looking for some help finding the perfect location, an elopement photographer who specializes in the area you’re considering will be a huge help to you.
Photography & Videography
Professional photography and optional videography services from an experienced husband/wife team who’ve photographed over 150 weddings together. Posing guidance and direction to make you feel and look great in front of the camera, no experience necessary.
Planning Guide
A 50+ page digital planning guide to help you through the whole elopement planning process. Including tips on booking travel and lodging, buying your attire, activity ideas, packing checklists, including family and more.
Custom Location Guide
A list of all the most beautiful locations in the area you choose based on scenery, accessibility, permits and logistics. We do the work so you don’t have to!
Timeline Creation
We’ll craft a timeline that fits all the locations, activities, and moments you have planned for your day as well as consider ideal lighting and making sure your whole experience is relaxed and stress free.
Vendor Recommendations
Looking for a florist, hair and makeup artist, or other vendors? We’ve got you covered with local recommendations.
Contact
Submit the form below and we’ll email you back within 2 business days!
planning Resources
Planning guide
The Best Places To Elope In The US
Planning guide
How To Plan An Elopement
Planning guide
What Is An Elopement?
