Where to get Married in Glacier National Park
Where to get Married in Glacier National Park | Ultimate Permitted Ceremony Location Guide
Introduction
Glacier National Park is one of the most beautiful places in Montana making it an ideal location for couples looking for a unique and memorable wedding experience. With towering mountain views, lush forests, pristine lakes, crystal clear rivers, impressive waterfalls, and historic lodges- it can be intimidating to find the perfect location for your perfect wedding or elopement. If you have been searching for the perfect location for your best day, you are in the right place — keep reading for info on all of the permitted ceremony locations in Glacier National Park.
Table of Contents
Where is Glacier National Park?
Closest Major Cities/Towns:
Driving Time From Whitefish: 32 minutes to West Glacier, 1hr 29 minutes to East Glacier
Driving Time From Kalispell: 41 minutes to West Glacier, 1hr 36 minutes to East Glacier
Driving Time From Bigfork: 43 minutes to West Glacier, 1 hr, 38 minutes to East Glacier
Driving Time From Browning: 1hr 14 minutes to West Glacier, 13 minutes to East Glacier
Driving Time From Columbia Falls: 21 minutes to West Glacier, 1 hr 18 minutes to East Glacier
How to Get to Glacier National Park
Closest Major Airports
Airport #1: Glacier International Airport: 30 minutes to West Glacier
Airport #2: Missoula International Airport: 2 hrs 26 minutes to West Glacier
Why Should You Elope at Glacier National Park?
Eloping in Glacier National Park (GNP) can be a romantic and adventurous choice for couples for several reasons:
Natural Beauty: Glacier National Park is renowned for its stunning landscapes, including majestic mountains, pristine lakes, and lush forests. Elopement in such a picturesque setting can create unforgettable memories and provide a breathtaking backdrop for exchanging vows. I truly am in awe every time I am in Glacier.
Adventure: For couples who love the outdoors and seek adventure, eloping in Glacier National Park can be an exhilarating experience. Whether it's hiking to a remote alpine lake, exchanging vows at sunrise or sunset atop a mountain peak, or even saying "I do" on a scenic overlook, GNP offers countless opportunities for adventurous elopements.
Flexibility: Eloping allows couples to customize their wedding day according to their preferences and priorities. Whether they want a simple ceremony followed by a picnic in the park or a more elaborate celebration with an adventure session the day before, the possibilities are endless. There are several spots that are easily accessible for people of all ages and abilities. Glacier National Park also has entrances that are relatively close to major towns in Montana. Many of our couples choose to have their intimate day with each other in the park and then meet loved ones at a reception in town, getting the natural beauty of the park with the luxury of a gourmet meal after.
FAQ’s About Eloping at Glacier National Park
Do you need a permit to elope in Glacier National Park?
Yes! Any and all vow exchanges, elopements, ceremonies, weddings, or special events, etc., require a Special Use Permit. This is regardless of the size of the group, whether or not it is “officiated,” or if papers are being signed.
How do I get the permits?
It’s super easy to get a permit to say your vows in Glacier, and the folks at the permit office are beyond helpful! They will send you a list of available locations for your vows, and we’ll help to guide you based on your vision, but DO NOT WORRY! We don’t have to stay at this location for your entire session — it isn’t a life or death decision.
Here’s where you need to go when you’re ready to apply for your permit + some more helpful info:
https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/permitsandreservations.htm
https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/weddings.htm
How do I find an officiant?
Let’s talk about a weird and awesome thing about getting married in Montana: anybodyyyy can perform a wedding here without being ordained. In fact, you can marry yourselves, and many of our elopement couples choose to do so!
If you want a super personalized ceremony, consider asking a friend or family member to tag along to perform it for you. If you prefer to keep the ceremony as intimate as possible, just bring along your personal vows to recite to one a — no officiant necessary. This is called self-solemnization and it’s incredibly powerful. https://www.montanalawhelp.org/resource/getting-married
You don’t NEED witnesses in Montana, either, but we’re always happy to sign your license!
Glacier National Park Wedding & Elopement Permits, Passes, and Legalities
National Parks are fairly strict with permits and have detailed processes that couples need to follow — butttt, good news: Glacier National Park has super straightforward rules + regulations! I knowww that it’s SO confusing and overwhelming while you’re in the initial stages of planning your elopement or destination wedding, but I promise that you’ve got this! Let’s break this down super simply:
Glacier National Park Wedding Special Use Permit
Let’s chat about Glacier National Park’s wedding special use permit! Glacier has a specific list of locations where you can recite your vows/hold your ceremony. You can apply for a ceremony permit at this link. When you are granted a permit, you and your wedding party will NOT need a Going-to-the-Sun Road Corridor Vehicle Reservation — Special Use Permits are considered a “service reservation” under the vehicle reservation system in 2023. The ceremony permit grants you access to the location for two hours. Click here for the list of wedding locations — keep in mind that we’re free to explore other locations in the park before or after your permitted time/location! It costs $125 to submit your application to get married in the park. Most locations can accommodate around 20 people, but the amphitheaters can accommodate way more! You and your guests will still need a regular park pass!
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.
Ceremony Sites in Glacier National Park
Let’s talk about the places within the park for which Glacier National Park issues Special Use Permits to hold wedding/elopement ceremonies. We are going to break GNP into five sections- Lake McDonald, the North Fork, Two Medicine, St.Mary, and Many Glacier. All of these regions of the park have unreal ceremony sites, it is up to you to decide what the vibe and feel of your day is going to be!
Where to get married in West Glacier
1. Big Bend
Big Bend is one of the most iconic viewpoints in Glacier National Park. Big Bend is located between the loop and Logan pass on a sweeping curve on Going to the Sun Road. It allows for up to 10 participants and is accessible in early July to Late September weather dependent. Big Bend can be busy- so if you do not mind an audience to your ceremony it is a great choice. If you would rather not have strangers viewing your vows but still want this incredible view, we can always stop for portraits!
2. Apgar Amphitheater or Apgar Shoreline
Located on Lake McDonald, Apgar Amphitheater is a stunning location that can accommodate up to 250 people!! It is conveniently located near the west entrance and is one of the more easily accessible sites in the park.
For a more intimate ceremony, Apgar shoreline can host 15 to 20 people depending on the season. This is one of my favvvvorite locations for a sunrise- the mountains in the background are dreamy.
3. Fish Creek Amphitheater or Fish Creek Shoreline
Fish Creek Amphitheater is a great option for those wanting a bigger ceremony in Glacier National Park. It can hold up to 200 guests, is wheelchair accessible and has seating for your loved ones. Surrounded by foliage, Fish Creek Amphitheater has a gentle slope from the top of the aisle to the unique and rustic stage.
Fish creek shoreline is a great option on Lake McDonald. It hosts up to 20 guests during peak season and 25 during non-peak season.
4. Avalanche Amphitheater
Avalanche Amphitheater is surrounded by lush cedar trees and has seating for 100 guests. It is a location that is easily accessible and is wheelchair accessible. It is close to parking but also feels so secluded- we even had a fox run in the background of vows before!
5. Avalanche Lake Shoreline and Picnic
Avalanche Lake is an ICONIC location in Glacier National Park. 15 to 20 guests can accompany you on the beautiful but not too challenging five mile round trip hike. Along your hike, you get peaks of the towering mountains on your way then come face to face with Avalanche lake. The water is beautiful with a fortress of mountains surrounding it. One of my favorite spots!
6. Lake McDonald Lodge Beach
Lake McDonald Lodge Beach hosts 15 during peak season and 30 during non-peak season. It is a great year round option with amazing water and mountain views, with the convenience of the lodge being so close!
7. Ryan Meadow Beach Shoreline
Ryan Meadow Beach Shoreline is located on the south end of Lake McDonald. The ceremony site can accommodate 15 to 30 guests depending on the season and is open year round. This site is private and has an incredible view looking down the entire lake with towering peaks in the background.
8. 7 Mile Pullout
7 Mile Pullout, also known as Sandy Beach, is a great option on Lake McDonald. It has unobstructed views of the lake and the mountains, and can host 15 to 20 guests depending on the time of year.
Where to get married at the North Fork
1. Juniper River Access
The Juniper River Access site can accommodate up to 12 people. This location can be accessed by car or raft depending on how you want to get there!
2. Bowman Lake Day Use Area
It can be an adventure getting to Bowman Lake with rough roads, wildlife, and epic river and mountain views. You are rewarded with a pristine mountain lake with picturesque peaks in the background. 15 to 24 people are allowed depending on the season.
3. Kintla Lake Day Use Area
Kintla Lake is about an hour drive north of Polebridge and is one of the most remote elopement sites. It has amazing mountain views and Kintla Lake is Crystal clear. It allows for 8 participants.
Where to get married at Two Medicine
1. Running Eagle Falls
Running Eagle Falls is a half mile round trip hike that follows a well maintained trail. The view here is incredible, with Running Eagle Falls in the foreground and Rising Wolf Mountain in the background. It can accommodate up to 15 participants and is very accessible. It also has a very cool story behind its name. Running Eagle was a female warrior leader in the early 1700s. She was the only woman in the Blackfeet tribe to lead war parties or be given a man’s name.
2. Pray Lake Shoreline
30 guests are allowed to join you during a Pray Lake Shoreline ceremony. Pray Lake has dramatic mountain peaks behind the ceremony site and is one of my favorite places in the park.
3. Two Medicine Amphitheater
Two Medicine Amphitheater is a great option for those wanting a secluded ceremony that can accommodate 50 to 75 guests depending on the season. It is also a great starting spot that is so close to a variety of amazing picture spots.
4. Two Medicine Picnic Shoreline
Two Medicine Picnic Shoreline can accommodate 15 to 20 guests season depending and has one of my favorite views in the park! There are tables close to the shoreline that are great for a picnic after you exchange vows.
Where to get married in St. Mary
1. St. Mary Amphitheater
St. Mary Amphitheater can host 50 people during peak season and 75 during non-peak season and is easily accessible for all of your guests. Benches are set up overlooking a field, trees, and rugged mountains. It is such a special location, especially during the fall!
2. Rising Sun Amphitheater and Rising Sun Picnic Area Shoreline
Rising Sun Amphitheater is a fantastic location for those wanting to bring up to 100 of their friends and family. It is tucked away with the best greens surrounding the amphitheater.
Rising Sun Picnic Area Shoreline is a gentle 0.8 trail that has plenty of stunning spots right on St.Mary Lake. The views of the mountains reflecting off the water are incredible, and 15 guests can come with you during peak season.
3. Sun Point
Sun Point is an UNREAL location. It allows for 20 guests to soak in the 360 degree views of St. Mary Lake. Sun Point makes you feel like you are on top of the world. Depending on the time of day, there can be other hikers but there is plenty of room to find your own secluded spot.
4. 1913 Ranger Station
1913 Ranger Station was one of the first National Park Service Buildings in the park and can host up to 20 people. It is a great jumping off point for an adventure session after your vows!
5. Cutbank Field
This location in the park is one of the less traveled. It is not nearly as busy as any other place, but is also the furthest from major towns. What you lack in amenities, you gain in tranquil nature as it is absolutely beautiful here.
Where to get married in Many Glacier
1.Lake Josephine Shoreline
To get to Lake Josephine Shoreline requires a nice, one mile hike. The walk is worth the reward. Crystal clear water with snowy mountains are the perfect background for your elopement- a sunrise here is unreal. 15 guests are allowed to join you here.
2. Many Glacier Hotel Green, SW Beach, and Hotel Beach
Arriving at Many Glacier feels like you are being transported to Switzerland and the Alps. The mountains feel like they are right on top of you and the iconic Many Glacier Hotel adds to the vibe. All three of these locations allow for 15 participants.
3. Many Glacier Amphitheater
Many Glacier Amphitheater is closed until May 2026.
You cannot go wrong with eloping anywhere in Glacier National Park, but some locations are going to fit YOU and YOUR DAY better than others! I love Glacier and all it has to offer, so if you have anyyy questions or need some guidance on how to make your elopement happen, I’ve got you! Hope to chat soon!
CHECK OUT SOME OTHER BLOGS ABOUT ELOPING IN GLACIER NATIONAL PARK
CHECK OUT SOME RECENT WEDDING AND ELOPEMENTS IN GLACIER NATIONAL PARK
Stunning and romantic fall elopement at Two Medicine in Glacier National Park | Chris + Leah
Gorgeous destination wedding at Summit Mountain Lodge in East Glacier National Park | Austin + Paige
Stunning sunrise elopement at Sun Point in Glacier National Park
Logan Pass Hiking Elopement | Jason + Yvonne’s Destination Wedding Video & Photos
Beautiful summer elopement video at Pray Lake in East Glacier National Park
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Pin it for later! Complete guide to Glacier National Park Ceremony Sites
