10 Most Beautiful Places to Elope in Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park has become one of the most popular elopement destinations in the United States in recent years – and for good reason. It’s a national park filled with diverse landscapes, stunning lakes, breathtaking mountain ranges, and so much opportunity for outdoor exploration. I can’t recommend it enough to any couple looking for a beautiful place to elope in the western U.S., which is why I decided to put together this guide to the top 10 best places to elope in Glacier National Park.

In addition to introducing you to some of the absolute most amazing spots in the park you can hold your ceremony at, I’ll also go through some frequently asked questions, permit info, and some awesome places to stay in the area.

Enjoy!

Disclaimer: All of the photos in this blog post are from an elopement I photographed at Glacier National Park, and the ceremony photos are specifically at Bowman Lake. Simply type each location into Google to see specific photos of that exact location!

FAQ’s About Eloping in Glacier National Park

What’s the closest airport to Glacier National Park?

Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) is the closest airport to Glacier National Park, only about 40 minutes from the park. You can also fly into the Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) and drive the 6-ish hours to the park.

Can you get married in Glacier National Park?

Yep, you absolutely can – as long as you stick to the park’s list of permitted wedding locations.

How much does it cost to elope in Glacier National Park?

Glacier National Park’s Special Use Permit will cost you at least $125, with potential additional park monitor fees depending on the specifics of your elopement.

Can we bring our dog(s) to Glacier National Park?

You can bring your dogs into developed areas of Glacier National Park, but unfortunately not on trails or along lake shores. It would be a great idea to get a pet-friendly Airbnb that your pup(s) can hang out at while you’re out for your ceremony!

Top 10 Best Places to Elope in Glacier National Park

It can be hard to decide where to actually hold your ceremony in such a stunning park with so many location options. Luckily, the park has narrowed it down a little for you with its list of permitted ceremony spots, but in case you need more help, I’ve curated a list of 10 of the best places to elope in Glacier National Park, in my own opinion. I’ve also taken some of the most important info (max guest count, etc.) from their wedding location guide to make it easier for ya to navigate.

Note that there are multiple maximum guest counts included: May-Oct. and Oct.-May. These are Glacier NP’s “peak season” and “non-peak” seasons, respectively, for which the numbers differ slightly.

Happy location hunting!

1. Avalanche Creek Amphitheater

Avalanche Lake is one of the most breathtaking, picturesque locations in the entire park. Located at the end of the Trail of the Cedars, this clear blue lake is surrounded by incredible mountain peaks, lush forest-lined shores, and some of the best views you could ask for. Nearby on McDonald Creek is the Avalanche Creek Amphitheater, which is one of Glacier’s permitted ceremony locations and can hold up to 30 people during non-peak season.

It would be amazing to hold your ceremony under the beautiful trees of the amphitheater, surrounded by your loved ones, and then head to Avalanche Lake for some absolutely amazing couples portraits!

Maximum guest count May-Oct.: 20

Max vehicles allowed May-Oct.: 4

Maximum guest count Oct.-May.: 30

Maximum vehicles allowed Oct.-May.: 15

Restricted items: Tables, chairs, decor, food, beverages

Additional important info: Very limited parking; permit monitor required for groups of 20+

2. Lake McDonald Lodge Beach

Lake McDonald is one of the most iconic lakes in Glacier National Park, and on the shores of it lies the beautiful, historic Lake McDonald Lodge. It was built all the way back in 1913 and has over 80 guest rooms, a variety of delicious restaurants, and the best mix of rustic and comfortable vibes. The beach at the lodge is available for wedding ceremonies and offers such breathtaking views of the mountains behind the bright blue water, perfect for an intimate ceremony with your closest loved ones. Who wouldn’t want to get married on this gorgeous shore?

Maximum guest count May-Oct.: 15

Max vehicles allowed May-Oct.: 5

Maximum guest count Oct.-May.: 30

Maximum vehicles allowed Oct.-May.: 10

Restricted items: Tables, decor, more than 4 chairs, food, beverages

Additional important info: Limit of 2 permits here per day; permit monitor required for groups of 20+

3. 10 Mile Pullout (Jackson Bay)

“10 Mile Pullout” is – you guessed it – a pullout at about the 10th mile of the park’s iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road, a spot on the shores of Lake McDonald close to the lodge. Also called Jackson Bay, this pullout is another great spot for a small ceremony with the beautiful water behind you!

Maximum guest count May-Oct.: 15

Max vehicles allowed May-Oct.: 4

Maximum guest count Oct.-May.: 20

Maximum vehicles allowed Oct.-May.: 6

Restricted items: Tables, decor, more than 4 chairs, food, beverages

Additional important info: Limit of 2 permits here per day

4. Saint Mary Amphitheater/Campground

This amphitheater is a part of the Saint Mary Campground, the largest campground on the east side of Glacier National Park. The campground has a variety of awesome hiking trails if you’d like to hike on your elopement day, and the small amphitheater boasts absolutely gorgeous scenery in the backdrop. It’s a perfect place for an intimate wedding if your guests don’t want to have to hike to a location, but you still want to be surrounded by a stunning landscape as you exchange your vows!

Maximum guest count May-Oct.: 30

Max vehicles allowed May-Oct.: 6

Maximum guest count Oct.-May.: 30

Maximum vehicles allowed Oct.-May.: 10

Restricted items: Tables, chairs, decor, food, beverages

Additional important info: If the road is closed due to snow, you may park at the closure and either hike or ski in; permit monitor required for groups of 20+

5. Many Glacier Hotel

Many Glacier Hotel is a popular (and the biggest) hotel within Glacier National Park, located in the northeastern part of the park often known as the “Switzerland of North America.” You can imagine why it got that name, for its breathtaking views of the heart of the park, situated at the base of Mt. Grinnell right on the shores of Swiftcurrent Lake. Not only is it an amazing place to stay, with great amenities, old-world style accommodations, and plenty of options for fun tourist activities, you can also get married in front of the spectacular views the hotel provides. You have multiple options, including the hotel beach, the green, the southwest beach, the deck, and the amphitheater.

Maximum guest count May-Oct.: 10-20 (depending on specific location)

Max vehicles allowed May-Oct.: 4-10 (depending on specific location)

Maximum guest count Oct.-May.: Not available during these months

Maximum vehicles allowed Oct.-May.: Not available during these months

Restricted items: Tables, chairs, decor, food, beerages

Additional important info: Must notify Many Glacier Hotel before your elopement

6. Bowman Lake

Bowman Lake is the lake you see in all of the photos in this blog post, where Robyn + John chose to hold their elopement ceremony. It’s located in the North Fork area of the park, with a super peaceful atmosphere, views of the Livingstone Range, and many opportunities for water activities such as canoeing, fishing, and kayaking. There’s also a fantastic trail (the Bowman Lake Trail) starting at the northeast corner of the Bowman Lake Campground, if you’re looking for an adventure to go on the day before or after your elopement!

Maximum guest count May-Oct.: 12

Max vehicles allowed May-Oct.: 3

Maximum guest count Oct.-May.: 24

Maximum vehicles allowed Oct.-May.: 6

Restricted items: Tables, decor, more than 4 chairs

Additional important info: If road is closed due to snow, you can park at the ranger station and hike/ski; permit monitor required for groups of 20+

7. Two Medicine Lake Picnic Area

Two Medicine is a stunning valley in the southeast corner of Glacier National Park, and is totally underrated in my opinion. It’s not one of the more popular tourist spots, but the dramatic view of Sinopah Mountain reflecting onto the gorgeous water is not one you’ll want to miss!

You’re allowed to get married at the lake’s picnic area, which features a rocky beach, picnic tables, a fire pit, and wide views of the incredible landscape. It’s a great location for a super small ceremony, as long as you get there early enough to claim the picnic tables/picnic area if you’re wanting to eat there, because it’s first-come, first-serve.

Maximum guest count May-Oct.: 12

Max vehicles allowed May-Oct.: 6

Maximum guest count Oct.-May.: 20

Maximum vehicles allowed Oct.-May.: 8

Restricted items: Tables, chairs, decor, food, beverages

Additional important info: Limit of 2 permits per day; no roadside parking; picnic tables/areas are first-come, first-serve

8. Pray Lake

Pray Lake is a popular spot for wedding photos & ceremonies in Glacier National Park, located northeast of Two Medicine Lake and featuring, of course, jaw-dropping views. The giant mountains in the background and the shallow depth of the lake make it a really wonderful spot to exchange your vows, especially because it can hold up to 30 people in both peak & non-peak season.

Maximum guest count May-Oct.: 30

Max vehicles allowed May-Oct.: 6

Maximum guest count Oct.-May.: 30

Maximum vehicles allowed Oct.-May.: 8

Restricted items: Tables, decor, more than 4 chairs, food, beverages

Additional important info: Limit of 2 permits per day; no roadside parking; permit monitor required for groups of 20+

9. Ryan Beach

Ryan Beach (and Meadow) is an awesome spot on Lake McDonald, right near the west entrance of the park. It features gorgeous views of the mountains and a nice private feel away from the more popular locations where tourists often crowd.

It’s important to note that it’s the beach area that’s permitted for wedding ceremonies, not the meadow!

Maximum guest count May-Oct.: 15

Max vehicles allowed May-Oct.: 4

Maximum guest count Oct.-May.: 20

Maximum vehicles allowed Oct.-May.: 6

Restricted items: Tables, chairs, decor, food, beverages

Additional important info: Limit of 2 permits per day; permitted area is the beach & not the meadow

10. Sun Point

Finally, if you’re down for a short hike to get to your ceremony location (and if your guests are okay with it, too), Sun Point is an amazing spot near East Glacier Park Village. The trail is fairly easy and is 1.7 miles long, typically taking about 45 minutes to complete out & back. The unobstructed lake & mountain views are absolutely breathtaking and are so worth the hike!

Maximum guest count May-Oct.: 12

Max vehicles allowed May-Oct.: 5

Maximum guest count Oct.-May.: Not available during these months

Maximum vehicles allowed Oct.-May.: Not available during these months

Restricted items: Tables, chairs, decor, food, beverages

Additional important info: Limit of 2 permits per day; picnic tables/areas are first-come, first-serve

How to Get a Glacier National Park Elopement Permit

Glacier National Park Special Use Permit

Like any other national park, you’re going to need a park-specific Special Use Permit to have any sort of wedding/elopement ceremony inside of Glacier National Park.

Here’s what to know about Glacier’s Special Use Permit, and what it allows/doesn’t allow when it comes to weddings inside the park:

You have to adhere to the list of permitted ceremony locations – you can’t just get married anywhere
Each designated ceremony site has its own group size restrictions – find them here
You’ll need this permit regardless of the size or location of your elopement
Even if you’re just exchanging vows and not legally signing papers, you’ll still need to get this permit
The permit comes with a $125 non-refundable application fee, and you may have to pay for a permit monitor if required by the park
Permits are generally written for two hours
If you’re just coming into the park to take photos, and you’re having your ceremony somewhere else, you will not need a permit
Your permit doesn’t act as a park entrance pass, so you’ll still have to pay that (and so will your guests)

See an in-depth list of FAQ’s about the Special Use Permit here.

Once you’re ready to get your permit, here’s the process for getting a Special Use Permit for Glacier National Park. You can apply for a permit up to one year but no less than one month (20 business days) in advance.

Download the Special Use Permit application.
Fill out the application using information from the National Park Service website and the Glacier National Park wedding guide.
Send your completed application* either to the below address, or email a digital copy to glac_sup@nps.gov.

Glacier National Park

Attn: Special Park Uses

PO Box 128

West Glacier, MT 59936

*Be sure to include your payment of $125 via a check in the mail, or let the park know you’d like to pay via credit card and they'll email you with payment instructions.

If approved, your permit will be sent to you in the mail or via email.
Sign & return a copy of your permit to the park office.

Glacier National Park Entrance Pass

Unfortunately your Special Use Permit does not void you from having to get an entrance pass! You’ll need to pay the normal entrance fee of $35 per vehicle for a 7-day period, and can by your pass either in the park or online in advance. You can also opt for a $70 annual pass if you plan to visit the park more than a couple times in the year!

Glacier National Park Photography Permit

It’s likely I’ll need to get a permit as your photographer, as well, separate from your Special Use Permit. We can talk more about that once we get closer to your elopement date and once you officially decide on Glacier NP as your destination!

Where to Stay In/Near Glacier National Park

There are a TON of rad places to stay within Glacier National Park and in nearby towns such as Kalispell and Whitefish. You can find unique Airbnb’s (like a “dome home” or a silo cottage) to enjoy, relax in an upscale lodge directly inside of the park, or sleep under the stars at either a reservation or a first-come, first-serve campground. There are truly options for everybody, and below are some of the best ones to look into!

Airbnb’s

There are so many insanely cool & luxurious Airbnb’s in the area – find some more unique places to stay on the Airbnb website!

Hotels, Lodges, & Resorts

Reservation Campgrounds

See an additional list of first-come, first-serve (non-reservation) campgrounds/sites here!

Glacier National Park Elopement Photographer

As an elopement and wedding photographer in the Pacific Northwest, Montana is one of my favorite places to visit – and Glacier National Park is truly one of the most beautiful elopement locations I’ve ever gotten the privilege of photographing.

I’d absolutely love to chat with you about photographing your elopement once you start looking for a Glacier National Park elopement photographer! You can get to know me a bit better here, and then take a look at what I offer to see if it lines up with what you’re looking for. I’d be stoked to have the honor of capturing your elopement or intimate wedding in this phenomenal national park!