Name: Lake McDonald Elopement
Brand: Wedy

Question 1

Do I need a permit to elope at Lake McDonald?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a National Park Service Special Use Permit ($125 non-refundable application fee) is required for all wedding ceremonies at Lake McDonald. You apply by emailing glac_sup@nps.gov with a completed Special Use Permit application at least 20 business days (about 4 weeks) in advance — or 6–12 months ahead for peak summer dates, which are extremely competitive. Your Wedy planning team can help coordinate the permit application process as part of your package.

Question 2

How many guests can I have at my Lake McDonald elopement?

Accepted Answer

Guest limits depend on which Lake McDonald ceremony site you choose. The Lake McDonald Lodge Beach allows up to 15 guests during peak season (June–September) and 30 in the off-season, with the count including the couple, officiant, and photographers. The Apgar Picnic Area shoreline limits ceremonies to 20 guests (15 in peak season), while the Sandy Beach / 7-Mile Pullout allows up to 15 in peak season. The Apgar Amphitheater can accommodate up to 250 guests but is designated for evening programs only.

Question 3

When is the best time to elope at Lake McDonald?

Accepted Answer

Late June through mid-September is the prime window — Going-to-the-Sun Road is fully open, trails are accessible, and wildflowers peak in July. For stunning photos with fewer crowds, September is the secret gem: golden larch trees, crisp air, and a fraction of the summer crowds. Avoid August if wildfire smoke concerns you (smoke from Canadian and regional fires can obscure mountain views). Winter is accessible on the west side (Apgar, Lake McDonald Lodge area) for those who want a dramatically private, snow-draped ceremony.

Question 4

How do I get a marriage license for a Lake McDonald elopement in Montana?

Accepted Answer

For Lake McDonald ceremonies (west side of Glacier NP, which falls in Flathead County), you'll apply at the Flathead County Clerk of District Court, 800 S Main St, Kalispell, MT 59901 — phone (406) 758-5659. The license costs $53, requires both parties present with valid government-issued photo ID, and is valid immediately with no waiting period. It's valid for 180 days and must be returned to the clerk within 30 days after the ceremony. Most couples obtain the license in Kalispell before driving into the park.

Question 5

How much does a Lake McDonald elopement cost?

Accepted Answer

A Lake McDonald elopement typically ranges from $3,000–$8,000+ depending on your package and vendors, with the NPS Special Use Permit adding $125 to the cost. Budget factors include photography ($2,500–$5,000+ for a Glacier-experienced photographer), officiant services, florals, travel, and accommodation in Whitefish or Kalispell (book 3–6 months ahead). Wedy's all-inclusive Lake McDonald 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 Lake McDonald elopement package?

Accepted Answer

Wedy's all-inclusive Lake McDonald elopement packages typically include a professional photographer, a licensed officiant, planning coordination (including help navigating the NPS permit process), and florals. Specific inclusions and the number of hours covered vary by package tier — check this listing for the most current package details and pricing. Your Wedy planner handles the logistics so you can focus on your ceremony.

Question 7

What should I wear to my Lake McDonald elopement?

Accepted Answer

Sturdy footwear is the most important decision — ceremony sites at Lake McDonald are on pebbly and rocky shorelines where heels are impractical and potentially unsafe. Hiking boots or ankle boots work beautifully and photograph well. Layer your outfit regardless of season: summer mornings can be cool (40–55°F), and afternoon temperatures rise to 60–85°F but drop rapidly if clouds build. Skip floor-length trains on rocky shorelines — a shorter hemline gives you freedom to move and keeps your dress clean. A stylish wool coat or wrap photographs beautifully and keeps you warm.

Question 8

What time should I schedule my Lake McDonald ceremony for the best photos?

Accepted Answer

For Lake McDonald's west-side sites, late afternoon and golden hour (4–6 PM in summer) are ideal — the east-facing mountains across the lake catch spectacular alpenglow as the western sun sets, painting the peaks in warm pink and orange. In summer, sunset is around 9:00–9:30 PM, giving you an extended golden hour window. Sunrise ceremonies are also stunning, with summer sunrise around 5:30–6:00 AM. Morning fog can linger on the lake until late morning, which can create ethereal photos — or you can plan around it for clear mountain reflections.

Question 9

Where should I stay for my Lake McDonald elopement?

Accepted Answer

Lake McDonald Lodge is the dream option — the iconic 1914 Swiss chalet lodge sits right on the lake and books 6–12 months in advance for summer. More affordable Motel Lake McDonald sits adjacent to the lodge in the same stunning location. Outside the park, Whitefish (30–40 minutes away) offers the best range of boutique hotels, vacation rentals, and restaurants for a celebration dinner. Columbia Falls (~25 minutes from the west entrance) is more affordable with full services. Book at least 3–6 months ahead for summer dates; Whitefish Airbnbs for September need only 1–2 months lead time.

Question 10

Do I need an officiant for my Lake McDonald elopement, or can a friend get ordained?

Accepted Answer

Montana is one of the most flexible states for officiants — online ordination (Universal Life Church, American Marriage Ministries, etc.) is fully accepted with no advance registration required. A friend or family member who gets ordained online can legally perform your ceremony at Lake McDonald. Montana also allows self-solemnization: under a 'Declaration of Marriage Without Solemnization,' you and your partner can legally marry each other with no officiant at all, similar to Colorado. In either case, the completed marriage certificate must be returned to the Flathead County Clerk within 30 days.

Question 11

Do I need witnesses for my Lake McDonald elopement?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Montana law requires two adult witnesses (18+) to sign your marriage license — but if you're eloping without guests, your photographer and officiant can serve as your two witnesses. If you choose to self-solemnize via Montana's Declaration of Marriage Without Solemnization, two witnesses are still required by law (though Clerk of Court staff can serve as witnesses if needed). Your Wedy planning team can help you plan around any witness logistics.

Question 12

What decorations and music are allowed at Lake McDonald ceremony sites?

Accepted Answer

Glacier National Park is strict about Leave No Trace: no amplified music or speakers, no arches or décor structures, no tables (beyond what's provided at picnic areas), and absolutely no tossing of flower petals, confetti, birdseed, or anything else. Up to 4 chairs are permitted on durable surfaces at most lakeshore sites. Drones are prohibited throughout all national parks. The ceremony itself should be simple and nature-forward — which, with Lake McDonald as your backdrop, is more than enough.

Question 13

How do I get to Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park?

Accepted Answer

Fly into Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) in Kalispell — it's about 30–40 minutes to the West Glacier entrance and Lake McDonald. Direct flights operate seasonally from Seattle, Denver, Minneapolis, Chicago, Salt Lake City, and LA. A rental car is essential — there's no rideshare service in the park. In 2026, Going-to-the-Sun Road has no advance vehicle reservations, but temporary closures occur if areas fill in peak summer. Plan to arrive at your ceremony site parking area 60–90 minutes early in July and August to guarantee a spot.

Question 14

What if it rains on my Lake McDonald elopement day?

Accepted Answer

Glacier weather is famously unpredictable — temperatures at lake level can swing from sunny and 75°F to cold rain within hours, and afternoon thunderstorms are common July–August. The good news: Lake McDonald's west-side sites are accessible year-round, and misty or moody weather often produces breathtaking photos with fog on the lake surface. Your Wedy team will help you plan a backup timing option (morning ceremonies avoid afternoon storms) and identify nearby sheltered alternatives. Wildfire smoke August–September is the bigger weather risk for mountain view visibility — September typically clears up after fire season.

Lake McDonald Elopement

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Lake McDonald Elopement — Essential

Lake McDonald Elopement — Classic

Lake McDonald Micro Wedding — Premium

Lake McDonald Elopement — Essential

Lake McDonald Elopement — Classic

Lake McDonald Micro Wedding — Premium

Ceremony & Reception Locations

Lake McDonald Lodge Beach

Apgar Amphitheater

Apgar Picnic Area Shoreline

Sprague Picnic Area Shoreline

Lake McDonald Lodge Beach

Apgar Amphitheater

Apgar Picnic Area Shoreline

Sprague Picnic Area Shoreline

Lake McDonald Lodge Beach

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Seaside Ceremony

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Florals

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