How to Elope in Glacier National Park: The Insider’s Guide You’ve Been Searching For

Okay. You’ve found the love of your life and officially decided you’re going to elope in Glacier National Park — instead of throwing a big, expensive wedding where you feel obligated to invite everyone you’ve ever met.

So… the hard part’s over, right?

I wish.

Here’s the thing about Glacier: it’s the kind of place that looks like it was handcrafted by the universe specifically for people like you: you know, the ones who love mountains, lakes, and jaw-dropping adventure more than they love stuffy churches or white plastic chair ceremonies.

But there’s one tiny, slightly grumpy thing standing between you and Glacier’s full, heart-stopping beauty:

the National Park Service.

Think of the Park Service like the troll under the bridge. You can’t cross into this magical world without first answering a riddle, submitting a permit, getting a vehicle reservation, and promising (in blood, sweat, and tears) that you’ll respect the land.

(Okay, mostly just paperwork — but it feels that intense sometimes.)

The good news?

The bureaucracy is there for a reason — it keeps this insanely pristine place from turning into a theme park.

The bad news?

If you don’t know what you’re doing, it can be a real pain in the ass.

The solution?

This blog post right here. You’ve officially found your map, your cheat code, your secret weapon.

As someone who literally grew up just 20 minutes from Glacier’s front door and has spent the last six years photographing elopements in its wild, untamed beauty, trust me: there’s no other place on earth quite like it.

In this guide, I’m breaking down everything you need to know to plan your Glacier National Park adventure elopement — from permits and vehicle reservations to the best ceremony spots, hiking tips, and a few insider tricks that will make your day feel as legendary as it deserves to be.

Ready? Let’s do this. 🏔️

How to Get Legally Married in Glacier National Park

First thing’s first: to elope inside the park, you’ll need a Special Use Permit. This is Glacier’s way of making sure weddings stay low-impact on the land and accessible for everyone. Your permit will outline exactly where and when you’re allowed to have your ceremony—keep in mind that some locations have restrictions on group size (most cap around 15–20 people).

Here is the breakdown:

• Step 1: Download the Special Use Permit application from the park’s website.

• Step 2: Fill out the form with specific details, including exact locations and times that you and your photographer previously discussed and agreed upon. Vague responses like "sunrise" or "various" won’t be accepted.

• Step 3: Email the completed application as a pdf or word doc to glac_sup@nps.gov.

• Step 4: Pay the $125 non-refundable application fee via Pay.gov.

• Step 5: Once your application is processed, you’ll receive a preliminary permit to review and sign.

• Step 6: A finalized permit will be emailed to you, which you must print and bring with you on your wedding day. Don't forget to send one to your photographer and other guests as well!

🔗 You can find the full permit details here: Glacier National Park Wedding Permits

Insider Tip:

Popular dates and spots go fast (especially July–September), so apply early — think at least 2–3 months ahead if possible!

How to Get Legally Married just outside of Glacier National Park

Okay, this is where my expertise comes in. For those of you who don't want to get married inside Glacier National Park—whether that's because you don't want to pay the application fee, have doggos joining you for your ceremony, or just weren't able to apply for a permit in time—there are some alternative options.

Below are my favorite ceremony locations that are just outside of Glacier national Park and allow for couples to share their vows together outside the boundaries of the park before going into the park to get photos together. This circumvents the permit process while still allowing couples to get photos inside glacier and in stunning locations.

Belton bridge

Located just outside of the West Entrance to Glacier National Park, Belton Bridge was the original entrance to Glacier Park when it first opened and serves as a beautiful locals secret. This location is available year round but is best suited for morning ceremonies during peak season due to the Glacier Raft Guide Routes!

looking glass hill/THE OVERLOOK

This is one of my favorite locations to photograph and is amazing because it requires no permit! This is located just outside of Two Medicine area and is usually open from late June through October.

Polebridge

Located on the North Fork near Bowman Lake this is one of my favorite spots because it is just steps away from Polebridge Mercantile and gets some of the BEST alpenglow in the entire area.

How to Get Your Marriage License in Flathead County

So, you’ve secured your ceremony permit (or decided you don't need one)—brilliant! But before you can exchange vows amidst the majestic peaks, there’s one final challenge: securing your marriage license.

Here's what's next:

Start Your Application Online

Begin by initiating your marriage license application online through the Flathead County Clerk of Court’s website. This step sets the stage for the in-person process. You can start here: Flathead County Marriage Application.

Visit the Clerk of Court in Person

After submitting your online application, both partners must appear together in person at the Clerk of Court’s office to complete the process. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Proof of Age: A valid driver’s license or birth certificate.

• Payment: A $53 fee, payable by cash, check, money order, or credit card (note: credit card payments incur an additional $2.31 fee).

• Timing: The office processes applications Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Once you’ve signed the application and paid the fee, your marriage license will be issued and ready for your ceremony!

After the Ceremony

Post-ceremony, you’ll need to return the signed license to the Clerk of Court. If you require certified copies, they are available upon request for $7 each.

For any questions or further assistance, you can contact the Clerk of Court’s office at (406) 758-5659.

Insider Tip:

In Montana, the only legal requirement during a wedding is the Declaration of Intent — that moment when your officiant asks, “Do you want to be married to each other?” and you both say, “I do.” Everything else — the vows, the location, the details — is yours to design however you want. You don't even need witnesses or an officiant!

Vehicle Reservations: What You Need to Know

Glacier National Park has introduced a ticketed vehicle reservation system for several main areas of the park during peak season (late May through mid-September). This has many of my brides panicking every single year but NOT TO FEAR! You have an expert in hand.

From June 13 through September 28, 2025, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. you’ll need a separate vehicle reservation to access:

• Going-to-the-Sun Road (west side)

• Many Glacier

• North Fork

• Two Medicine (starting in 2025)

BUT — good news if you’re eloping:

➡️ Your approved Special Use Permit acts as your vehicle reservation on the day of your ceremony!

No need to scramble for a ticket; just have your permit ready to show at the entrance station.

🔗 Full vehicle reservation info here: Glacier National Park Vehicle Reservations

It's important to know that A Going-to-the-Sun Road vehicle reservation does not include a park pass, and the park pass does not serve as a vehicle reservation.

Additionally, the park will restrict personal vehicle access into Many Glacier and provide a temporary shuttle service for hikers to access Many Glacier and Swiftcurrent from July 1, 2025, to September 21, 2025 due to construction.

Couples with a permit for a wedding ceremony will be allowed to drive their personal vehicles into Many Glacier, however, only during the hours the entrance station is staffed between 7am and 5pm.

Glacier National Park will also be closing Two Medicine for the season after Labor Day weekend (last weekend of August) so permits for this location will not be issued and my Two Medicine elopement package will be unbookable!

When Is the Best Time to Elope in Glacier?

• Mid-June to early October is the safest bet for full park access.

• July and August have the best weather but also the most crowds.

• September is my personal favorite: golden larches, crisp air, and fewer people.

  
  

Pro Tip:

Sunrise ceremonies = way fewer tourists + light so good it will bring you to tears before your partners vows have the chance to.

Best Locations for Adventure Elopements in Glacier

Here’s a few insider favorites after years of exploring Glacier’s trails and scenic pull-offs:

🚗 Easy Access:

• Lake McDonald (iconic crystal-clear reflections)

• Big Bend (epic mountain valley views — just a short stroll)

🥾 Short, Scenic Hikes:

• Hidden Lake Overlook (2.8 miles, stunning alpine views)

• Avalanche Lake (4.5 miles, lush forests + waterfall backdrop)

🏔️ Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventures:

• Grinnell Glacier (challenging but breathtaking, glacier views)

• Scenic Point (in Two Medicine — sweeping mountain vistas)

What to Pack for Your Glacier Elopement

Because Glacier is wild and rugged, you’ll want to come prepared:

• Sturdy hiking shoes or boots

• Layers (weather changes fast here)

• Headlamps for early starts or sunset hikes

• Plenty of water + snacks

• Your marriage license, park pass and Special Use Permit!

Final Insider Tips for Your Glacier Elopement

• Leave No Trace: Stay on trails, pack out everything, and protect the beauty you came to enjoy.

• Allow extra time: Glacier’s traffic and wildlife crossings can cause delays — and trust me, a mountain goat traffic jam is worth it.

• Hire a local photographer (hey, that’s me!) who knows the park’s hidden gems and how to help you have a stress-free, truly epic day.
  

  
  

  Let’s Make Your Glacier Adventure Elopement a Reality!

  
  

  Glacier National Park isn’t just a stunning backdrop — it’s a place where adventure and love collide in the most unforgettable ways. If you’re ready to craft an elopement day that feels as wild and beautiful as your love story, then let's get in touch.