Name: Glacier National Park Elopement
Brand: Wedy

Question 1

Do you need a permit to get married in Glacier National Park?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a National Park Service Special Use Permit is required for any wedding or elopement ceremony in Glacier National Park. The non-refundable application fee is $125, and you must submit your application to glac_sup@nps.gov at least 20 business days (approximately 4 weeks) before your ceremony date. For peak summer dates (July–August), plan to apply 6–12 months in advance — permits are extremely competitive, with 700+ applicants in the queue for popular summer weekends. Your Wedy planning team can help coordinate the permit process as part of your package.

Question 2

How many guests can I have at a Glacier National Park elopement?

Accepted Answer

Guest limits vary by ceremony site, but most Glacier National Park locations cap at 15–20 people during peak season (July–August), including you, your officiant, and all photographers. The Apgar Amphitheater accommodates up to 250 guests and Fish Creek Amphitheater up to 200 guests. Intimate lakeshore spots like Lake McDonald Lodge Beach allow 15 guests peak season and 30 non-peak, while Sandy Beach (7-Mile Pullout) maxes out at 20 and Ryan Beach at 15 total. All vendors count toward your guest limit at public sites — plan accordingly.

Question 3

When is the best time to elope in Glacier National Park?

Accepted Answer

Late June through mid-September is the prime window, when Going-to-the-Sun Road is fully open and all ceremony sites are accessible. July features peak wildflowers but the largest crowds. September is arguably the best month for photography — far fewer tourists, crisp clear air, and the western larch trees turn brilliant gold in late September. For the best value and easiest permit access, a weekday ceremony in September is ideal. Avoid August if wildfire smoke concerns you — smoke from regional fires can obscure mountain views for days.

Question 4

How do I get a marriage license for a Glacier National Park elopement?

Accepted Answer

Montana marriage licenses cost $53 and are valid for 180 days with no waiting period — your license is valid immediately upon issuance. Both parties must appear in person with valid government-issued photo ID. For the west side of the park (Lake McDonald), apply at Flathead County Clerk of District Court in Kalispell (800 S Main St, (406) 758-5580). For the east side (Saint Mary Lake), apply at Glacier County Clerk of District Court in Cut Bank (512 East Main Street, (406) 873-5627). Most couples fly into Kalispell and find it easiest to get their Flathead County license before driving into the park — the license is valid anywhere in Montana regardless of which county issued it.

Question 5

How much does a Glacier National Park elopement cost?

Accepted Answer

A Glacier National Park elopement can range from a few hundred dollars (license + permit) to $5,000–$15,000+ for a full-service experience with photography, officiant, florals, and accommodations. Beyond the $125 NPS permit and $53 marriage license, major costs include a photographer ($2,000–$5,000+), round-trip flights, rental car, and lodging (Lake McDonald Lodge books 6–12 months ahead at $$$). Wedy's all-inclusive elopement packages bundle photography, officiant, planning coordination, and florals — check the listing for current package tiers and pricing.

Question 6

What's included in a Wedy Glacier National Park elopement package?

Accepted Answer

Wedy's all-inclusive Glacier National Park elopement packages typically include professional photography, a licensed officiant, planning coordination, and florals. Your Wedy planning team handles the logistics of coordinating with the park and guiding you through the permit process. Specific inclusions and the number of vendors vary by package tier — check the listing for current package details and what's covered at each level.

Question 7

What should I wear to my Glacier National Park elopement?

Accepted Answer

Sturdy footwear is non-negotiable — rocky shorelines, pebbly beaches, and uneven terrain at every Glacier ceremony site make heels dangerous and impractical. Hiking boots or sturdy low-heeled ankle boots work well for the ceremony. Plan layers for temperature swings: even summer afternoons can drop fast as weather rolls in, so a stylish wool coat or leather jacket that photographs beautifully is practical. Skip floor-length trains for lakeshore ceremonies (rocky, pebbly, potentially muddy). For Saint Mary Lake and Sun Point, expect wind — style your hair accordingly. Bring sunscreen and a hat for open lake settings where Montana sun is intense at elevation.

Question 8

What time should I schedule my Glacier National Park ceremony for the best photos?

Accepted Answer

Timing depends on which side of the park you're on. For Lake McDonald (west side), plan your ceremony for 4–6 PM in summer — the surrounding mountains catch dramatic alpenglow at sunset, with summer sunset around 9:00–9:30 PM and sunrise around 5:30–6:00 AM. For Sun Point on Saint Mary Lake (east side), morning is essential: the permit requires your ceremony to end by 2 PM, and a 7–8 AM ceremony gets magical soft morning light on the mountains before crowds arrive. In September, sunset moves to 7:00–8:00 PM and golden larch trees create stunning golden-hour scenes across both sides of the park.

Question 9

Where should I stay near Glacier National Park for my elopement?

Accepted Answer

For the west side (Lake McDonald), Lake McDonald Lodge is the most iconic in-park option — a 1914 Swiss chalet right on the lake, seasonal late May–late September, books 6–12 months ahead. Whitefish, MT (30–40 minutes from the park) offers the widest range of boutique hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals and is the best base for west-side ceremonies. For the east side (Saint Mary Lake), St. Mary Lodge sits immediately outside the east entrance with 127 rooms ranging from standard to luxury cabins. Book all summer lodging 3–6 months in advance minimum; September only requires 1–2 months.

Question 10

Do I need an officiant for my Glacier National Park elopement?

Accepted Answer

Montana is one of the most flexible states for officiants — online ordination through the Universal Life Church or American Marriage Ministries is accepted, so a friend or family member can legally officiate your ceremony. Montana also allows self-solemnization via a 'Declaration of Marriage Without Solemnization,' meaning you and your partner can legally marry yourselves with no officiant required. If you choose self-solemnization, you must return the completed marriage certificate to the county clerk within 30 days. Wedy packages include a licensed officiant, so you don't need to source one independently.

Question 11

Do I need witnesses for a Montana elopement?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Montana requires two adult witnesses (age 18+) to sign your marriage license. Your photographer and officiant can serve as your two witnesses, which is the most common solution for intimate elopements. If you are self-solemnizing (no officiant), no witnesses are legally required. Make sure your witnesses are confirmed before your ceremony day — your Wedy coordinator can help ensure this is covered.

Question 12

What decorations and music are allowed at Glacier National Park ceremonies?

Accepted Answer

Glacier National Park has strict Leave No Trace rules for all ceremony sites. Drones are completely prohibited throughout the park — no exceptions. Amplified music and speakers are not permitted at any ceremony location. You may not toss flower petals, rice, birdseed, confetti, or any other materials. At lakeshore and picnic area sites, up to 4 chairs are allowed on durable surfaces; arches, tables, and décor structures are prohibited. Amphitheater sites (Apgar and Fish Creek) have existing bench seating. Pets are allowed at most ceremony sites. Plan for an intimate, nature-forward ceremony where the landscape is the décor.

Question 13

What should I know about getting to Glacier National Park for my elopement?

Accepted Answer

Fly into Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) in Kalispell, Montana — about 30–40 minutes from the West Glacier entrance and 2 hours from the east side (Saint Mary Lake). A rental car is essential; rideshare is not available in the park. In 2026, Glacier has suspended advance vehicle reservations for Going-to-the-Sun Road — instead, dynamic closures are implemented when areas reach capacity. Arrive at ceremony site parking before 8–9 AM in peak summer to guarantee access. Cell service is very limited throughout the park — download offline maps (Gaia GPS or AllTrails) before entering, and carry bear spray (purchase in Kalispell since you can't bring it on a plane).

Question 14

What's the backup plan if it rains or there's wildfire smoke at my Glacier elopement?

Accepted Answer

Weather flexibility is essential at Glacier. Afternoon thunderstorms are common July–August, making morning ceremonies the safest choice. Wildfire smoke can obscure mountain views for days in August and early September — if your date falls during a smoke event, a local Glacier photographer will know sheltered forest locations (like the cedar groves near Lake McDonald Lodge) that remain beautiful even on hazy days. Wildlife closures can also affect specific sites like the Rising Sun Picnic Area due to bear activity. Always identify a backup ceremony location when you submit your permit — your Wedy team can help coordinate contingency planning.

Glacier National Park Elopement

Explore Pre-Designed Packages

Glacier National Park Elopement — Essential

Glacier National Park Elopement — Classic

Glacier National Park Elopement — Classic

Glacier National Park Micro Wedding — Premium

Ceremony & Reception Locations

Apgar Amphitheater

Apgar Picnic Area Shoreline

Lake McDonald Lodge Beach

Sprague Picnic Area Shoreline

Apgar Amphitheater

Apgar Picnic Area Shoreline

Lake McDonald Lodge Beach

Sprague Picnic Area Shoreline

Apgar Amphitheater

Seaside Ceremony

Wedding + Reception

Luxe Elopement

How It Works

Pick Your Package

Seaside Ceremony

Wedding + Reception

Luxe Elopement

Meet Your Planner

Choose Your Vendors

Show Up & Celebrate

How It
Works

Pick Your Package

Meet Your Planner

Choose Your Vendors

Show Up & Celebrate

Traditional Planning
vs Wedy

Enhance Your
Experience

Florals

Videography

Hair & Makeup

Luxe Picnic

FAQs

Glacier National Park Elopement

Explore Pre-Designed Packages

Glacier National Park Elopement — Essential

Glacier National Park Elopement — Classic

Glacier National Park Elopement — Classic

Glacier National Park Micro Wedding — Premium

Ceremony & Reception Locations

Apgar Amphitheater

Apgar Picnic Area Shoreline

Lake McDonald Lodge Beach

Sprague Picnic Area Shoreline

Apgar Amphitheater

Apgar Picnic Area Shoreline

Lake McDonald Lodge Beach

Sprague Picnic Area Shoreline

Apgar Amphitheater

Seaside Ceremony

Wedding + Reception

Luxe Elopement

How It Works

Pick Your Package

Seaside Ceremony

Wedding + Reception

Luxe Elopement

Meet Your Planner

Choose Your Vendors

Show Up & Celebrate

How ItWorks

Pick Your Package

Meet Your Planner

Choose Your Vendors

Show Up & Celebrate

Traditional Planningvs Wedy

Enhance YourExperience

Florals

Videography

Hair & Makeup

Luxe Picnic

FAQs

How It
Works

Traditional Planning
vs Wedy

Enhance Your
Experience