Name: Saint Mary Lake Elopement
Brand: Wedy

Question 1

Do I need a permit to elope at Saint Mary Lake in Glacier National Park?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a National Park Service Special Use Permit is required for all wedding ceremonies at Saint Mary Lake. The permit costs $125 (non-refundable application fee) and must be obtained at least 20 business days (4 weeks) before your ceremony — though for peak summer dates in July and August, apply 6–12 months in advance as spots are extremely competitive. Submit your application by emailing glac_sup@nps.gov with the completed Special Use Permit form. Your Wedy planning team can walk you through the permit process.

Question 2

How many guests can I have at my Saint Mary Lake elopement?

Accepted Answer

Guest limits depend on the specific ceremony location you choose within the Saint Mary area. Sun Point — the iconic rocky promontory on Saint Mary Lake — allows a maximum of 20 people total, including you, your officiant, and all photographers. The Rising Sun Picnic Area Shoreline also allows up to 20, while the historic 1913 Ranger Station near St. Mary can accommodate up to 30 guests. Note that all vendors count toward the guest limit at every NPS permit location.

Question 3

When is the best time to elope at Saint Mary Lake?

Accepted Answer

Late June through mid-September is the ideal window — Going-to-the-Sun Road is fully open, trails are snow-free, and wildflowers peak in July. For the best combination of beauty and fewer crowds, late September is exceptional: the western larch trees turn brilliant gold, temperatures are crisp, and the park is far quieter than summer. Avoid August if possible — wildfire smoke from Canadian and regional fires can obscure the mountain views for days. Weekday ceremonies always beat weekends for parking and solitude.

Question 4

How do I get a marriage license for a Saint Mary Lake wedding in Montana?

Accepted Answer

Since Saint Mary Lake is on the east side of Glacier National Park (in Glacier County), you can obtain your marriage license at the Glacier County Clerk of District Court, 512 East Main Street, Cut Bank, MT 59427 — about 35 miles east of St. Mary. The fee is $53, both parties must appear in person with valid government-issued photo IDs, there is no waiting period, and the license is valid for 180 days statewide. Most couples flying into Kalispell find it convenient to obtain a Flathead County license there first — it's valid anywhere in Montana. Return the completed license to the issuing clerk's office within 30 days of your ceremony.

Question 5

How much does a Saint Mary Lake elopement cost?

Accepted Answer

Your total investment varies by package tier and season. The NPS permit alone is $125. Other costs to budget for include travel, accommodation near the park (St. Mary Village lodges run $$ – $$$), and your Wedy all-inclusive package, which bundles photography, officiant, planning coordination, and florals — check the listing for current package pricing. Elopements at Saint Mary Lake are significantly more affordable than a traditional wedding while delivering far more dramatic scenery. Your Wedy planning team can help you understand the full cost picture.

Question 6

What's included in a Wedy Saint Mary Lake elopement package?

Accepted Answer

Wedy's Saint Mary Lake all-inclusive packages typically include photography, an officiant, planning coordination, and florals. Specific inclusions vary by package tier — check the listing for current package details and pricing. Your Wedy team also handles logistics like permit coordination, vendor scheduling, and timeline planning, so you can focus entirely on the experience. Some packages include additional services like hair and makeup or videography.

Question 7

What should I wear to my Saint Mary Lake elopement?

Accepted Answer

Skip the stilettos — Sun Point is a rocky, uneven promontory and the Rising Sun Shoreline is rugged lakeshore terrain. Sturdy ankle boots or low-heeled leather boots photograph beautifully and keep you stable. Layer generously: even July mornings at Saint Mary Lake start cold (40–55°F nights), and the wind at Sun Point can be intense. For dresses, a below-knee or mid-calf length is practical for rocky ground; floor-length gowns with a detachable train work well if you want the full look. Always bring a stylish wool wrap or leather jacket for the wind — it photographs as well as it functions.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Morning is best at Saint Mary Lake — specifically for Sun Point, the most popular ceremony location. Saint Mary Lake runs east-west, and Sun Point faces west toward the mountains and Logan Pass, so morning light (7–9 AM) provides beautiful soft frontal light on the peaks. Summer sunrise at Saint Mary Lake is around 5:30–6:00 AM, with the golden hour lasting 30–40 minutes after sunrise. NPS permits are written for a 2-hour window, so plan your ceremony start time to wrap up well before any afternoon convective storms, which are common July–August.

Question 9

Do I need an officiant for my Saint Mary Lake elopement, or can a friend do it?

Accepted Answer

Montana is one of the most flexible states for officiants. A friend can officiate if they get ordained online through organizations like the Universal Life Church or American Marriage Ministries — online ordination is widely accepted in Montana with no advance registration required. Alternatively, Montana allows 'self-solemnization,' meaning you and your partner can legally marry each other without any officiant at all, similar to Colorado. Just ensure the completed marriage certificate is returned to the county clerk within 30 days. Your Wedy package includes an ordained officiant if you'd prefer a professional.

Question 10

Do I need witnesses for my Montana elopement at Saint Mary Lake?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Montana law requires two adult witnesses (18+) to sign your marriage license during the ceremony. Your photographer and officiant can legally serve as your two witnesses — this is the most common solution for true elopements. If you're self-solemnizing (no officiant), witnesses are not legally required, but you'll still need to complete and return the marriage certificate to the county clerk within 30 days.

Question 11

What restrictions apply to ceremonies at Saint Mary Lake?

Accepted Answer

All ceremony sites at Saint Mary Lake — including Sun Point and the Rising Sun Picnic Area — prohibit drones, amplified music, tossing flower petals or confetti, and bringing tables, arches, or décor structures. Sun Point is a standing-ceremony-only location due to uneven rocky terrain. Rising Sun Picnic Area is frequently subject to wildlife closures (grizzly bears are commonly active here), so always have a backup location identified. Cell service is very limited to nonexistent throughout the east side of the park — download offline maps and have emergency contacts established before you arrive.

Question 12

Where should I stay near Saint Mary Lake for my elopement?

Accepted Answer

St. Mary Village, located directly outside the east park entrance, is the most convenient base — it offers 127 rooms ranging from standard to luxury cabins with gas fireplaces and jacuzzi tubs, plus the Snowgoose Grille restaurant on-site. Inside the park, Rising Sun Motor Inn sits right on Going-to-the-Sun Road near Saint Mary Lake (seasonal, June–September). Book 6–12 months in advance for July and August dates; September availability is easier with 1–2 months notice. The nearby Two Sisters Cafe in Babb (10 miles north) is a beloved local spot for a post-ceremony meal.

Question 13

How do I get to Saint Mary Lake, and do I need a rental car?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a rental car is essential — there is no rideshare service in this part of Montana. Saint Mary Lake is on the east side of Glacier National Park, approximately 2 hours from Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) in Kalispell, or about 3 hours from Great Falls International Airport (GTF). In 2026, Glacier NP requires timed-entry vehicle reservations for Going-to-the-Sun Road during peak season — book your entry window at recreation.gov as soon as reservations open, and plan for early morning arrivals to maximize your time in the park.

Saint Mary Lake Elopement

Explore Pre-Designed Packages

Saint Mary Lake Elopement — Classic

Saint Mary Lake Elopement — Classic

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Saint Mary Lake Elopement — Classic

Saint Mary Lake Elopement — Classic

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Ceremony & Reception Locations

Sun Point — Saint Mary Lake

Rising Sun Picnic Area Shoreline — Saint Mary Lake

1913 Ranger Station — Saint Mary Area

Lake McDonald Lodge Beach

Sun Point — Saint Mary Lake

Rising Sun Picnic Area Shoreline — Saint Mary Lake

1913 Ranger Station — Saint Mary Area

Lake McDonald Lodge Beach

Sun Point — Saint Mary Lake

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