How to elope in the winter in Montana & Glacier National Park
How to elope in the winter in Montana & Glacier National Park
Introduction
If you aren’t scared of the snow and are down for a winter adventure, eloping in the winter in Montana would be perfectttt for you. Montana has so many winter activities to offer like skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, hot springs, ice fishing, and soooo much more! This blog post will tell you anything and everything you need to know about how to elope in the winter in Montana & Glacier National Park.
Table of Contents
Montana Winter Elopement & Wedding Inspo
Why should you elope in the winter in Montana
Faqs about eloping in the winter in Montana
Montana + Glacier National Park wedding & elopement Permits
Top Montana winter wedding locations + activities
Best cozy winter lodging in Montana for your elopement or micro wedding
Montana Winter Elopement & Wedding Inspo
01. Matt + Candice’s gorgeous winter elopement at Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park
Matte and Candice had a GORGEOUS winter elopement at Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park. They exchanged vows at Lake McDonald in front of the frozen water before hiking to Sacred Dancing Cascade via the closed-for-the-winter Going to the Sun Road. After their hike, they went back to their cabin for wine in front of the fire and a private chef prepared dinner.
02. Sammy + Heidi’s gorgeous winter elopement at Lake McDonald and Blue Moon Bar
Sammy and Heidi got hitched on the shore of the frozen Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park after their first look at the iconic Belton Bridge. After, they went to the Blue Moon bar for drinks with their loved ones. It was a blast!!
03. Caleb + Titus’s romantic love letter reading at Flathead Lake
Caleb and Titus read love letters in front of Flathead Lake and it was the sweetest thing ever!! I loved incorporating their lifestyle cabin shoot into their film — they’re the coziest, sweetest, most romantic couple ever.
04. Ryan and Tomi’s iconic winter wedding at the Wilma in Missoula, Montana
Ryan and Tomiko had their winter wedding at the Wilma in downtown Missoula, Montana. I loved being able to use the roof for outdoor portraits while still having the most GORGEOUS inside options!! More Wilma weddings pleaseeee!
05. Steve + Tori’s snowy Whitefish, Montana + Glacier National Park wedding
Steve and Tori brought their families to Whitefish, Montana to celebrate their wedding. They had their ceremony in Glacier National Park before celebrating back at their lodging in Whitefish. We had every type of weather and the most amazing colors!!!
Why Should You Elope in the Winter in Montana?
Eloping in the Winter in Montana is so dreamy and there are so many activities to make your day feel like you. Whether you and your partner want to fit in all the winter activities there is to do, or just cuddle up by the fireplace with drinks in your a-frame cabin in the mountains, Montana winters have everything you could want.
Winter in Montana or Glacier National Park offers a quiet, stunning backdrop for elopements. The snow-covered landscape, frozen lakes, and fewer tourists mean you’ll have more privacy and fewer distractions. Plus, the soft winter light adds a unique touch to your photos and video. If you're looking for a peaceful, beautiful setting without the summer crowds, a winter elopement in Montana is a great choice.
When you elope in the winter, you can make the experience even more memorable by adding some seasonal activities. After your ceremony, you could go snowshoeing through the park’s quiet trails or take a scenic snowmobile tour for an adrenaline rush. If you’re looking for something more relaxed, cozy up by a fire with hot drinks or take a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snowy landscape. For adventure-seekers, skiing or snowboarding at nearby resorts can add to the excitement. These activities can make your winter elopement feel like a full-on winter adventure.
FAQs About Eloping in Montana in the Winter
What parts of Glacier National Park are open in the Winter?
Most roads in the park close during the winter, but the road from West Glacier to Lake McDonald is always open and plowed! Click here to learn more about the park in the winter.
Are winter weddings cheaper?
Winter weddings are typically less expensive, especially if you can do a weekday!! Inquire and let’s chat about your budget, and what vendors you want to be connected with. :)
Can you ski?
Yes!! I grew up skiing, so I can absolutely accommodate a skiing/snowboarding adventure session if that’s what you’re into!!
What should we wear for a winter elopement?
Layering is key. You’ll want to wear warm base layers under your wedding attire, especially if you’ll be outside for an extended period. Boots with good traction are a must, and hand warmers can be a lifesaver. It’s also a good idea to bring a stylish coat or shawl for photos between takes.
How do we prepare for winter weather conditions?
Winter weather in Montana can be unpredictable, so plan for delays and flexible timelines. Consider hiring a local guide or photographer who knows the area well. Make sure you have a reliable 4WD vehicle for navigating snow-covered roads.
Are there any permits required for a winter elopement in Glacier National Park?
Yes, you'll need a special use permit for elopements and ceremonies in Glacier National Park, no matter the season. It's best to contact the park ahead of time to get the necessary paperwork in place.
Do we need an officiant to elope?
No! Anyone can perform a wedding in Montana without being ordained. You can marry yourself, or have a friend or family member do it.
Do we need witnesses?
Nope! But we're always happy to sign your license if you want.
Montana + Glacier National Park Wedding & Elopement Permits
Glacier National Park Special Use Permit
To hold your ceremony in the park, you will need to get a special use permit. Click here to apply for a permit. Once your permit is granted, you won’t need a vehicle reservation.
Glacier National Park Entry Fees & Passes
Your permit will act as your vehicle pass, but you will still need to purchase an entrance pass for $35. For more information about Glacier National Park permits, click HERE.
Top Montana Winter Wedding Locations + Activities
Glacier National Park
Lake McDonald
Lake McDonald is a popular ceremony spot in Glacier National Park, anddd it's open and just as stunning in the winter. Lake McDonald is also close to the west entrance so it's close if you have dinner or reception plans outside the park!
Apgar Amphitheatre
The Apgar Amphitheatre is right on Lake McDonald with a mountain view. It’s a great spot for a Glacier ceremony, especially if you are having family and friends at your ceremony.
Apgar Picnic Area Shoreline
If you want a shoreline ceremony, this location is perfect and still accessible in the winter. The Apgar Picnic Area is right on Lake McDonald and only about 5 minutes from the entrance of West Glacier. There's a maximum of 20 people in the winter which works great if you're planning an elopement or micro wedding.
7 Mile Pullout
The 7 Mile Pullout (also known as Sandy Point) is another shoreline access on Lake McDonald with a stunning view of the mountains in the background.
Lake McDonald Lodge
Lake McDonald Lodge is a swiss style chalet on Lake McDonald. The lodge is open all year round and a great historic and cozy location for a winter elopement!
Montana Ski Resorts + Ski Towns for your Winter Elopement
Whitefish
Whitefish is a cute ski town and perfect for a winter elopement. Whitefish Mountain Resort is a popular place to ski and snowboard. Whitefish also has the Stumptown Ice Den to go ice skating at. Imagine renting a tree house or cabin right on the mountain where you can ski all day and then go bar hopping in downtown Whitefish at night.
Big Sky Resort
Big Sky is a ski resort about 50 miles from the city of Bozeman. There’s a lot of lodging options right on the mountain which is perfect for an elopement. Imagine Getting married at the top of the mountain with a stunning view, then skiing down to your dinner or reception.
Homestake Lodge
If you’re looking to cross country ski, Homestake Lodge would be the perfect place for your elopement. It’s located in Whitehall and has cabins all over the property to rent. There are also wedding venues on site!
Bozeman & Bridger Bowl Ski Area
Bridger Bowl is a huge Ski resort in Bozeman. Imagine staying in the cutest rental in bozeman then going up to Bridger Bowl for a ski day with your partner. Ending the night catching some live music downtown or relaxing by a fire would be perfect for your elopement.
Philipsburg & Discovery Ski Area
Philipsburg is a charming town in southwestern Montana and only about 30 minutes from Discovery Ski Area. Philipsburg is an old mining town with some really cool restored buildings throughout the town. Imagine spending your elopement skiing then coming back to town to warm up and grab some good food and drinks downtown. Sounds perfect to me!
Montana Natural Hot Springs Elopement/Wedding Venues
Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort
This resort is in Paradise, Montana has 5 natural hot springs pools and cabins on the river or in the trees. If you're more into relaxing and trying to warm up in the winter, this resort would be perfect for you.
Chico Hot Springs
Chico Hot Springs is located in Paradise Valley just 30 miles from Yellowstone National Park and has two natural hot spring pools. Chico has a historic lodge and many cabins on the property. It’s also known for its amazing food.
Best Cozy Winter Lodging in Montana for your Elopement or Micro Wedding
Choosing where to stay for your winter Montana elopement sets the vibe for your stay. We’ll help you find the coziest place to stay with a gorgeous view and activities you want to do nearby. There are so many possibilities of what you can do at your rental like roasting s'mores on a wood fire, stargazing from your hot tub, writing vows on the deck with your coffee and a mountain view, or even coming home from your elopement to a candlelit dinner.
Airbnbs/VRBOs
Whitefish Mountain Resort Luxe Treehouse | If you’re into skiing, this place is perfectttt. You can ski right from your door and come back to a cozy fire and hot tub with a mountain view.
Big Sky Mountain Retreat | This place has the prettiest mountain view and has plenty of space for friends and family! Imagine sipping drinks in the hot tub stargazing after your winter elopement.
Glacier Treehouse Retreat | If you’re looking for the perfect A-frame cabin in the woods vibe, this is it! It’s close to Glacier National Park and Whitefish while still being intimate and secluded. A candlelit dinner looking out on the snowy trees by the fire sounds like the dreamiest way to end your elopement day.
Treehouse Columbia Falls | This treehouse is remote and has the prettiest views of snowy trees. The deck has a firepit which would be perfect for having your morning coffee around or roasting s’mores late at night.
The Stalls At Whitefish | The stalls is a barn in Whitefish with a very country and rustic vibe if that's what you and your partner are looking for.
Riverside Train Car | This place is seriously sooo cool. An old Pacific Railroad train car was renovated into the cutest place to stay and its also right on the Missouri River in Cascade. You could incorporate fishing or floating the river into your elopement which would be so fun!
Elkhorn Mountains Hideaway | This place is super unique and cool as it's built into a hill with a stunning view. If you’re looking for a different type of place to get ready and stay for your elopement, definitely check this Airbnb out.
Home in Whitefish | If you want a place to stay with a lot of land and great views, this Airbnb is perfect. It’s on 10 acres with an outdoor fireplace and hot tub in Whitefish. Imagine eloping in Glacier then coming back to roast marshmallows then hop in the hot tub.
Montana + Glacier National Park Elopement Photographer
I'm Shay, your Montana + Glacier National Park elopement and wedding photographer and videographer for the adventurous and laid-back. If vlogs-mixed-with-indie-films are your vibe, let's make a winter Montana elopement or wedding happen! Click here to learn more about how to work with me for your Iceland wedding or elopement.
