Glacier National Park Elopement Guide
How to Elope in Glacier National Park
Everything you need to know about planning your Elopement at Glacier National Park in Montana
Located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Glacier National Park is a beautiful outdoor oasis that is sure to awe anyone who visits. Established as a U.S. national park in 1910, Glacier National Park is the United State’s 8th national park and it has everything to offer to couples looking to elope outdoors. Its clear blue lakes, colorful wildflower fields, and glacier-carved peaks offer stunning backdrops perfect for an epic adventure elopement. If you’re looking to say “I do” in a gorgeous location and go on an adventure in the wilderness, a Glacier National Park elopement might be just what you’re looking for. Keep reading to learn all about this national park and how to plan your Glacier National Park elopement.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know to get married in Glacier National Park!
When to Elope in Glacier National Park
Top Places to Get Married in the Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park Permits + Marriage Laws
Glacier National Park Elopement Packages
Glacier National Park Elopement Planning Logistics
There’s so much to explore at Glacier National Park, but before you get into the nitty gritty of elopement planning, here are a few things you should know!
getting there:
For couples traveling from out of state, the closest airport is the Glacier Park International Airport, located in Kalispell, Montana. The airport is located just 40 minutes outside the park’s west entrance making it a convenient option for incoming travelers. I highly recommend getting a car before visiting Glacier National Park. You’ll experience beautiful scenery, especially along Highway 2, and the road is open year-round (weather permitting.)
Glacier National Park permits:
Permitting: For couples looking to get married at GNP, you will be required to obtain a special use permit regardless of how many visitors are in your group or whether your elopement is officiated or not.
Application and special use permit information can be found at NPS.GOV. After completing the application, you’ll need to submit a $125 application fee. Once your application and payment have been received, the park will mail you your final permit which you’ll need to sign and return in order for it to be official. It’s best to start the permit process at least four weeks before your ceremony, as it can take time. Doing this ahead of time will save you some stress, which is well worth it!
Montana Marriage Laws:
To make sure you’re legally married after your elopement day, you’ll need to fill out some paperwork.
MARRIAGE LICENSE:
You’ll need a Montana marriage license to elope at Glacier National Park. The park is located in Glacier County, though couples can apply at any Clerk of the Court office.
Both parties must appear in person to sign the application and pay the $53 application fee.
Montana marriage licenses are good for 180 days. While there is no waiting period, you will need to return your license within 30 days after the ceremony to the Clerk’s office that issued the license. This will make your marriage official and allow it to be registered with the state.
Officiant:
An ordained officiant will need to sign your marriage license. You can hire an elopement officiant, or have a friend or family member get ordained to perform your ceremony! If you opt for this route, have your selected person go to ULC.ORG, and in just a few minutes they’ll be able to officiate.
WITNESSES:
Two witnesses are required to sign your marriage license as well, but the only rule is that they need to be over 18. If you don’t have any guests present, oftentimes your vendors can sign as one or both of the witnesses! You can even find two people at the trailhead or at your ceremony spot - everyone is always excited to help out!
IF YOU’RE NOT 100% SURE WHERE YOU WANT TO GET MARRIED - HERE ARE A FEW OTHER AMAZING ELOPEMENT GUIDES AND LOCATIONS TO CHECK OUT!
Best Time of Year to Elope at Glacier National Park
WHens should you plan your Glacier National Park Elopement?
I always encourage couples to elope on a weekday if possible. This helps avoid the crowds and allows us to choose from more popular locations that we may not get to experience during the weekends!
SUMMER: Summer tends to be the busiest season in the park. Because there are more hours in the day and the weather is more predictable this brings out the crowds. It is definitely one of the park’s best seasons so if you want to plan an elopement during the summer months, it may take a little bit more planning.
FALL: The fall months bring a burst of color to Glacier National Park! While it is more likely to rain during this season (or even snow), it is an ideal time to visit as the crowds are much thinner but the weather is often still warm enough for hiking.
WINTER: If you enjoy winter activities like skiing or snowboarding, then a visit during the winter season is definitely for you! This is also the best season to avoid the crowds. If you’re feeling adventurous, the winter wonderland at Glacier National Park is stunning!
SPRING: Spring is a beautiful time to visit Glacier National Park and if you can plan your visit for the shoulder months before summer, you’ll get to experience beautiful wildflowers all throughout the park! During these months the waterfalls will be gushing and the mountains will still be snow-capped. You’ll also get lots of sunny days; the best of both worlds if you ask me!
Top Elopement Locations in Glacier National Park
There are tons of beautiful places around the park for your elopement. There are restrictions on where you can have your ceremony, which is determined by how big your group is. If you plan to elope at Glacier National Park, you will need to contact the park office for a list of the allowed locations before choosing a spot! Don’t worry, you can always explore anywhere in the park before or after your ceremony. Here are a few great places to visit on your elopement day.
Logan Pass
Logan Pass is one of the most well-known places in Glacier National Park and for good reason! It has everything from glacier-carved mountains to alpine lakes, wildflower fields, and gushing waterfalls! Anywhere you look you can see lush valleys and towering mountains. While this location isn’t available for elopement ceremonies, you can still get some magical sunrise portraits here!
Many Glacier
If you dream of an epic mountain surrounded by water then Many Glacier is the perfect spot! This location is filled with jaw-dropping mountain views and alpine lakes. You can even rent a canoe and go out onto the water for the ultimate adventure experience. This area also has incredible wildlife so you may even spot a bear…or five!
West Glacier
If you thought you couldn’t get a rainforest in Glacier National Park, then you may be surprised to learn that West Glacier is one of the lushest green areas in the park! The ground is covered in moss and isn’t too difficult to hike. It’s also located near other scenic areas like Lake McDonald and Avalanche Lake.
EAST GLACIER
This one is for couples eloping in Glacier National Park during the fall season! With its wide open spaces and grasslands, East Glacier is a great place for elopement ceremonies. While it can get quite windy in this area of the park, the beauty is unmatched!
Northfork + Polebridge
For a more private elopement experience, I definitely recommend the Polebridge and Northfork areas. These location are filled with rocky peaks along dirt roads, perfect for a quiet elopement. Polebridge also has one of the best bakeries in the area, Polebridge Mercantile. So if you’re looking for some yummy treats or a convenient wedding cake, definitely check out this area!
Glacier National Park Elopement Photographer
that’s me, Rylee
Not to toot my own horn, but an elopement photographer will be one of the most important things you can add to your Glacier National Park elopement. Not just because of the photos that will let you relive the best day of your life, but because they’ll be your guide throughout the planning process!
As an elopement photographer, my job is to help couples plan a day that’s perfect and unique to them. this includes location recommendations, permit info, vendor recommendations, and everything you’ll need to plan your day. if you’re ready to elope, contact me!
a few of my favorite glacier national park vendors
photographer + videographer: @THERYLEEANDCO - hey, thats us!
florals: flathead farmworks
cakes: black cat bake shop
hmua: ty nycole
Glacier National Park Elopement Packages
Planning and Resources:
From phone chats, happy hour, and brewery dates to multiple questionnaires. I want to get to know your love & values so I can create a timeless experience that reflects the most authentic you that will last forever through imagery
Complementary planning assistance from me
Locations ideas, checklists, timelines, & vendor recommendations
Fully edited, high-resolution photos
Custom online gallery with unlimited downloads
Personal printing rights
Sneak peek photos
Traveling included