How to Elope in Glacier National Park

If you want to know how to Elope in Glacier National Park in the beautiful mountains of Montana, you’ve come to the right place! Montana is probably one of my absolute favorite places for elopements! In this guide, I will show you exactly how to elope in this gorgeous place!

Where Is The Best Spot to Elope in Glacier National Park?

There are SO many gorgeous spots to choose from on both the East & West side. Let me list the BEST ones!

• Logan’s Pass: This one is right at the top of the Going-to-the-sun-road and is definitely the easiest one to get to as you don’t have to hike very far to get to a beautiful spot. Be ware of cute mountain goats photobombing your photos! haha.
• Avalanche Lake: Now this one is an absolutely breath taking spot on the west side between the mountains by a crystal clear aqua blue lake! This one is quite a hike though. It’s about 6mi out and back. So definitely be prepared for that!
• Lake Macdonald: This spot is the easiest to get to and it’s an absolutely huge lake right at bottom of the west side entrance. There are many different spots to choose from on Lake MacDonald.
• Going to the Sun Point: This one is on the east side and is also a gorgeous overlook of mountains and blue lakes. It’s a super easy hike, not even half a mile.

How Do I Get Into Glacier National Park?

Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) in Kalispell, Montana, is the closest airport. Use Skyscanner to browse flights and find the best price. You need to apply for a vehicle permit to get into the park from 6am-3pm everyday. Vehicle permits are open 4months in advance for a limited amount of spots, after that, you can apply for a vehicle permit 24hours in advance HERE. If you visit the park before 6am or after 3pm you DO NOT need a permit. Parking will also be SO much easier if you go during these times! If you have made reservations for activities or lodging inside the park, you can use the confirmation code to get into the park and you would not need a vehicle permit.

How Does Parking Work at Glacier National Park?

Parking can be super tricky when visiting during the Summer. It’s a HUGE park but the parking spaces are limited. Even when you get a vehicle permit, you may end up having to take the shuttles as the parking spots fill up quick during the day! If you go early mornings or late afternoons though, you should be safe! If all else fails, you can always have an extra person handy to drop you and your group off and then have them drive around until they find a parking.

Do You Need a Permit to Get Married in Glacier National Park?

You need a permit if you’re getting legally married. You can find all information regarding wedding permits HERE. However, if you’re just going to get some elopement photos or bride and groom portraits, you don’t need a permit for just photos. Some couples get married at a wedding venue in Montana, and then they come to Glacier National Park to get Bride & Groom portraits during golden hour.

When is the Best Time to Elope in Glacier National Park?

Best Time of Year:

If you want to drive the Going-to-the-sun-road then Summer is your best time to go as it will be closed and unaccessible during the Winter. Late June to Mid September is the best time to get married in Glacier. This is the most comfortable temperature and the flowers are beautiful! This, however is also the absolute busiest time of the year! So keep that in mind when planning your amazing elopement! Your photographer should be able to help you plan for this as well.

Best Time in The Day:

Golden hour is the absolute best time for photos! Golden hour is that hour after sunrise or an hour before sunset when the sunlight is low and hazy. However, golden hour can be tricky in Glacier National Park, as there are Mountains! Make sure that you have more than enough time to capture those stunning golden hour photos! If you’re doing sunrise, remember that the sun truly won’t be up at the stated “sunrise” time because it will still be behind the mountains. As for sunset, don’t go too late as the sun will set “earlier” than the stated sun set time as it will be behind the mountains! Also keep in mind that getting to the top of the going-to-the-sun-road can take anywhere from 1.5 – 2 hours! Plan carefully!

Where to Stay in Glacier National Park

There are many great places to stay in and outside of Glacier National Park. I’ll list a few of my favorite spots:

• Apgar Village Lodge & Cabins – Apgar Village is amazing and located right by Lake MacDonald. There are cute little shops, restaurants and fun activity rentals located in the village. It’s also located right by the very first shuttle stop, making it super convenient if you flew in and don’t have a car.
• West Glacier Village – West Glacier Village sits at the doorstep of Glacier National Park and the Going-to-the-Sun Road, offering budget-friendly accommodations in an unbeatable location and some of Glacier National Park’s best restaurants and gift shops.
• Many Glacier Hotel – This Hotel is situated on the shores of Swift-current Lake inside Glacier National Park. There is a Swiss Lounge, a Snack Shop, a lakeside dining room as well as a Gift Shop. There are numerous activities available to do at this spectacular lakeside setting.
• Lake MacDonald Lodge – This classic Swiss chalet style lodge is located 10 miles inside Glacier National Park’s west entrance on the Going-to-the-Sun Road, nestled on the shores of the largest lake inside the park.
• Prince of Wales Hotel – This Hotel has a ozy seating near the windows overlooking Upper Waterton Lake.
• Grouse Mountain Lodge – This modern lodge is seconds away from downtown Whitefish and on the doorstep of Glacier National Park.

Activities to Do in Glacier National Park

There are so many fun activities to do in Glacier National park! From several amazing hikes, biking, boat tours, Red Bus Tours, kayaking & paddle boarding, whitewater rafting, fly-fishing, horseback riding and so much more! Going-to-the-sun-road is a must! You can either take the shuttles and see the stops along the way, or drive it by yourself. My favorite hikes along the going-to-the-sun-road was Avalanche Lake, Hidden Lake and Logan’s Pass at the very top!m

My go to recommendation for an epic eloping activity would be to take a Heli-hike! Heli-hiking is a recreational activity in which a helicopter is used to access remote areas of the back country for hiking. It’s absolutely stunning and will be the most amazing thing you experience!

I hope this helped answer most of your questions on How to Elope in Glacier National Park! If you’re still looking for a photographer for your elopement or wedding day, I’d be more than happy to chat! Please feel free to reach out to me HERE!!! I’m excited to hear from you!