How to elope in Whitefish, Montana
How to Elope in Whitefish, MT | Montana Elopement Photographer and Videographer
If you’re planning your Whitefish, Montana elopement then you’re in the right place. Check out my full Whitefish elopement guide here!
Right at the edge of Glacier National Park, you will find a beautiful small town known as Whitefish, Montana. What makes this town so special is the epic 360-degree views of the gorgeous nature. With mountains, lush forests, and lakes and rivers, considering Whitefish, Montana for your elopement is a must! As a Montana elopement photographer and videographer who loves this area so much, I wanted to share this Whitefish elopement guide with you to help you plan your dream elopement in this beautiful place!
Whitefish, Montana Elopement Ceremony
In this Guide, We Will Cover:
Why Elope in Whitefish, Montana?
Whitefish is one of my favorite elopement locations in Montana because it has such a cool small-town vibe with a cool downtown area with lots of shops, restaurants, and bars. And on top of being a super dope little town, it offers breathtaking scenery and is super close to Glacier National Park. You can enjoy your stay at the amazing Big Mountain or opt for a more unique Airbnb experience. Either way, you can’t go wrong!
Whitefish is truly the perfect town for a full-day elopement because you can do an adventurous hike during the day for your elopement ceremony and photos and then head back into town and grab some food/drinks. Then, you can end the night at your lodging sitting by the fireplace reading love letters to each other. I mean, that sounds like the most romantic day ever to me!
What Could an Elopement Day in Whitefish Look Like?
One of the main reasons that I love Whitefish, Montana for elopements is that it is a super cool town surrounded by nature. This is ideal for couples who want an adventurous elopement ceremony but then want to go back into town and celebrate with dinner and drinks and then head back to their cozy lodging for a romantic evening.
When planning your trip, I would recommend trying to find a place to stay that is super cozy and romantic. This way you can come back to wind down after this exciting day and really take it all in together. You can read each other love letters by the fireplace or enjoy a glass of wine in the bath or Jacuzzi.
Think about your IDEAL vacation or best date ever: are you home bodies!? Maybe cooking together, playing cards, and enjoying an evening at your cabin rental would be the most true to you. Do you love the outdoors? Maybe skiing or hiking would be a good fit. Do you love charming small towns? Let’s check out the local coffee shops, restaurants, breweries, bars, and shops. There are NO RULES!
Example Timeline for an Elopement in Whitefish
10:00 AM Coffee and breakfast together while writing love letters
12:00 PM Help each other get dressed
1:00 PM Love letter reading outside your rented cabin
2:00 PM Adventure session at Glacier National Park
7:00 PM A catered dinner back at your cabin rental
9:00 PM Bar hopping/dancing/karaoke at local dive bars
How to Travel To/Around Whitefish, MT
If you’re a local to Montana or live in one of the bordering states, then driving to Whitefish Montana is a great option. Driving through Montana is absolutely beautiful so it’s definitely worth making a fun road trip out of it. But, if you’re coming from a bit further away, then flying is the most ideal.
Best Airport to fly into:
Other Airports:
Missoula Montana Airport: 2 hours 20-minute drive
Great Falls International Airport: 3 hours 50-minute drive
I would definitely recommend renting a car for your Whitefish, MT elopement. There are so many different things to explore in the area and having the freedom to go to all these places on your own time will make your experience that much more enjoyable. And there are some locations that you can only go to if you have a car.
Best Time of the Year to Elope in Whitefish
Whitefish, Montana is a beautiful place year-round and it just depends on the type of weather you prefer for your elopement
If you are wanting to have your elopement in Glacier National Park then the best time to go is from late June to mid-September.
Spring Weather
Springtime in Whitefish is absolutely beautiful because you still have snow in the mountains. In the early spring months, it is still quite cold but as you move into May the temperature range from 40 to 70 degrees. The contrast of the green trees on the snowy mountains makes for a beautiful backdrop for elopement photos.
Summer Weather
Summertime is one of my favorite times of the year for elopements in Whitefish because the weather is warm but not too hot and there are so many outdoor activities to enjoy. And if you are wanting to elope in Glacier National Park, summer is the time to do so. The best time to visit Glacier National Park is from late June to mid-September.
Fall Weather
If you’re dreaming of a stunning and colorful elopement, then the fall months are the best. The foliage turns the most beautiful orange, red, and yellow colors which make for the most magical backdrop for your photos. And the weather is cooling off but it‘s not quite unbearably cold yet. The temperature ranges from the 70s in the daytime to the 40s at night.
Winter Weather
Winter in Whitefish is definitely cold but it’s actually the perfect temperature for snow sports like skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. The average is around 24 degrees which isn’t too bad. If you and your partner are wanting to celebrate your elopement with some days on the slopes, then you need to stay at Big Mountain which is the best ski resort in the area.
Best Locations For Your Whitefish Elopement
Whitefish Lake Overlook
Whitefish Lake Overlook is the perfect location for a laid-back elopement in one of the most stunning locations. The turquoise lake surrounded by trees with mountains all around doesn’t look real. It truly feels like a painting so you can only imagine how stunning it would be for your elopement ceremony.
Whitefish Lake State Park
If having a secluded and intimate ceremony is super important to you, then Whitefish Lake State Park is a great location. There are tons of beautiful spots on the lake surrounded by mature woodland trees that would make the perfect spot for your ceremony.
Les Mason State Park
Les Mason is less busy than the other Whitefish Lake access points — it is a lovely park with a ton of background options and trees!
Glacier National Park Elopement
If you’re wanting to elope in/near Whitefish, Montana then of course you have to consider Glacier National Park. If you and your partner love a good hiking adventure, then you’re in luck. Glacier National Park is a breathtakingly beautiful place with soooo many different hikes surrounded by turquoise water, jagged peaks, and snow-capped mountains. Some of the best locations in Glacier for an elopement are:
West Glacier – Lake McDonald
Logan Pass
West Glacier – Avalanche Lake
Sun Point Nature Trail
When planning your Glacier National Park elopement, one of the most important things is obtaining your special use permit. For more information on how to elope in Glacier National Park, check out my guide.
Lion Mountain Trail
Lion Mountain Trail is a moderate 3-mile hike that leads to a beautiful scenic overlook of Skyles Lake. This is the perfect place if you’re wanting a simple and easy hike on your elopement day that leads to idyllic views perfect for your ceremony. And in the late spring, the wildflowers here are STUNNING!!
Whitefish Mountain Resort (Big Mountain)
Whitefish Mountain Resort (aka Big Mountain) is a super well-known ski resort that offers 360-degree views into Glacier National Park, the Whitefish Mountain range, the Columbia Mountain range, and the Blacktail ski resort across the valley! Big Mountain does not allow winter elopements so this is an ideal location for a summer elopement.
Where to Stay in Whitefish?
Airbnbs/VRBOs
Modern A-Frame Cabin: This is the perfect place to stay if you are wanting an intimate and romantic evening in. You can have a beautiful dinner catered here with a styled table and then end the night sipping on wine in the jacuzzi.
Hotels, Lodges, & Resorts
Apres: A Boutique Hotel
Base Glamp: The Ultimate Montana Glamping Experience
Campgrounds
Best Activities to do in Whitefish, Montana
From an adventurous hiking elopement during the day to a night out on the town to celebrate your elopement, Whitefish has endless things to do to make your elopement day that much more special. Here are some ideas to help you decide:
Skiing or snowboarding at Whitefish Mountain/Big Mountain Resort
Explore Glacier National Park
Enjoy a scenic drive along Going-to-the-Sun Road
Experience white water rafting in Glacier National Park
Go on an off-roading adventure
Relax at the beach on the lake
Hike one of the beautiful trailheads in the area
Enjoy a night out on the town bar-hopping
Best Restaurants in Whitefish
Montana Marriage License & Laws
How to Obtain Your Montana Marriage License:
Apply for your marriage license online
Visit the County clerk’s office in person (both of you) to sign the application & provide a valid photo ID
Once you sign your license, you will need to pay the $53 fee. Cash or card is accepted but there will be an additional feel for credit card.
Montana Marriage Laws:
Is Montana residency required? No
Witnesses required? Yes, 2
Officiant required? Yes
How long is the license valid? It will expire after 180 days.
Whitefish, Montana Elopement Vendors
Hair/Makeup
Florists
Caterers
Black Sheep Private Dining: If you’re not wanting to do a dinner at a restaurant but instead want a more intimate and private dinner, I highly recommend Black Sheep Private Dining. After your adventurous elopement day, you can head back to your lodging for a cool catered dinner with a beautifully styled table. You truly cannot go wrong with doing something like this because it makes your elopement day that much more romantic and special and is another opportunity for some great photos.
My MT Kitchen: This is an amazing elopement caterer that offers small bites, apps, boards, & picnics. I think this would be perfect if you are wanting to do a picnic during your elopement. I’m picturing something at sunset overlooking the lakes with the mountains in the distance.
Videographers
Montana Diaries: Yes, I also offer videography services as well!!
Officiants
Dessert
Other
Stationery: Lichen & Pine Letterpress
Meet Your Whitefish, Montana Elopement Photographer and Videographer
Hiii, I’m Shay, the lead creative and owner of Montana Diaries. I am a Flathead Valley based elopement photographer and videographer, and I LOVE working in the Whitefish area. Click here for info & pricing for your Whitefish + Glacier National Park elopement!
Whitefish, Montana Cabin Elopement Inspo:
