Montana is absolute magic. As someone who grew up in Colorado, I’m used to seeing mountains, but the first time I visited Montana, I was totally enamored by this state. The nature here is so breathtaking- the valleys carved from glaciers, the blue water, the lush green mountains and wildflowers- it’s unlike anywhere else in the country. An elopement in Montana means waking up to cool mornings, exploring the most beautiful mountains in the country, and spending the long summer days soaking in the warm sun, snacking on huckleberries, and exploring one of the most beautiful National Parks in the world. There’s tons to see in the state and a lot of important information you need to know in order to elope in Montana, so I made this guide to help couples figure out where they want to elope in Montana, when to elope in Montana, where to stay, and all the rules for how to keep things legal.

Table of Contents

Why elope in Glacier National Park?
How to elope in Glacier National Park
- Glacier national Park marriage laws and permits
Where to Elope in Glacier national Park
- Elopement venues in Glacier National Park
- Glacier National Park designated elopement sites
Best time of year to elope in Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park Elopement Activities
Elopement accommodations in Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park elopement vendors
Glacier national Park elopement cost

Why Elope In Glacier National Park?

Less Crowds

Many locals might not agree with this, but compared to most states with national parks and natural areas with this level of beauty, Montana is very quiet, secluded, and sparse with people. Glacier is the most popular area, of course, but even compared to other popular parks like Yosemite or Rocky Mountain, Glacier is still very quiet and it isn’t difficult to find a moment alone somewhere in the vast park. It helps that the sun doesn’t set until 10:00pm in the summer, so you can enter the park in the evening and still have hours of sunlight to yourself with little to not other people around.

Beautiful views

Montana is truly one of, if not the most beautiful state in the US. There’s no where that compares to Montana in terms of accessible views that you can have all to your self. It really is a mountain paradise with the lush biodiversity of the area- if you’re lucky (or really unlucky) you might even catch a glimpse of a grizzly or wolves- be sure to bring bear spray wherever you go! The wildflowers, the sunsets, the long summer days, the staggering cliffs, and blue glacial water- Montana is just so dreamy, it’s hard to overstate the amount of natural beauty there is in this state.

Cute Little Mountain Getaways

There’s a bunch of quaint small towns to explore in Montana as well as cabins, lodges, and resorts that are all such great places to retreat to after a long day of adventuring. Even if you’re not in a popular area, like Glacier or Yellowstone or a ski area, there’s little hidden gems where you can escape to a secluded place in the woods to relax, spend time with guests, and have a camp-like getaway.

Epic Adventures

Whatever you want to do in terms of outdoor activities, you can find in Montana. The most beautiful hikes in the country are here in Montana, as well as some breathtaking backpacking opportunities. You can rock climb, white water raft, canoe or ride boats in Glacier, go on scenic drives with breathtaking mountain views

How to Elope in Glacier National Park

Step 1: Choose your location

This step can be switched with Step 2, because your photographer can help you figure out where to elope if you have no idea, but your first step is to decide where you want to say your vows. Figure out what town or region you want to elope in Colorado, and then figure out the specific spots you’d like to say your vows a take photos within that area.

Step 2: Choose your photographer

Again, this can be switched with Step 1, but you need to choose your photographer (me!), first. A reputable elopement photographer will help you with finding a location, putting together a timeline, can recommend other vendors, and are often the first ones to get booked up for prime dates early, so be sure to reach out as soon as you decide you’re ready to elope.

Step 3: Figure out the details

Do you want a florist? Hair or makeup artist? A little cake to cut? Do you want recommendations on where to stay or what to do? Figure out the details and book the rest of your vendors after figuring out a location and a photographer. Your photographer should also be able to help you with putting together a timeline for the day and recommend the best times for photos as well as info on any permits you might need.

Step 4: Elope

Make an appointment at a county clerk office, pick up your license, and say your vows! Enjoy the day, relax, and just have fun! The hard part has already been taken care of, so just take in every moment of your day.

Glacier National Park Marriage Permits and Elopement Laws

Montana Marriage Laws

Montana is not a terribly difficult state to marry in. There’s no waiting period, there’s quite a long time to fill out and return the paperwork, and you can schedule an appointment with most county clerks online. You will need 2 witnesses and an officiant, but that isn’t terribly difficult to come by- anyone who’s around for your ceremony can sign as witness- your photographer, friends, family, even random hikers and tourists. You will either have to hire an officiant, or have an ordained friend or family member officiate your wedding- I’m ordained as a photographer, so I can just pronounce you married and that counts!

What you need to do:

Make an appointment with the county clerks office of the locations you’re eloping at
Apply in person (both parties present)
Pick up your license and sign and return it within 180 days
Female applicants will need a blood test for rubella

What you’ll need to bring:

A valid ID
Your SSN
$53 for the license fee
2 witnesses for the ceremony
1 certified officiant for the ceremony

What you’ll need to know:

The date you’re getting married
Where you’re marrying (city, county, etc.)
The exact location and date of your previous divorce or spouse’s death (if applicable)
City and state where the parents of both parties were born

Glacier National Park: Special use permit

Cost: $125

Apllications process:

Download the permit application
Choose a designated location to say vows
Review permit info and rules
Email glac_sup@nps.gov to send your application
Sign and return a copy once you receive the final permit
Submit your application no more than 1 year and no less than 1 month in advance

Where To Elope In Glacier National Park

I feel like anywhere you look in Montana is drop dead gorgeous, there’s no shortage of amazing views, scenic drives, and secret spots to explore. The vast majority of beautiful nature is going to be in Western Montana. That’s where all the national parks are located as well as all the ski areas. Western Montana is where all the snow falls in the state, so the mountains here are lush and green all summer and where you’re going to find all the swimming holes, waterfalls, and lakes to boat around in.

Glacier National Park Wedding and Reception Venues

If you’re having a wedding of more than 15 people, you need to reserve a wedding venue outside the park. These are some smaller venues that will work for a smaller wedding of 50 people or less.

Glacier National Park designated elopement sites

Lake McDonald

Apgar Amphitheater- 250 people
Fish Creek Amphitheater- 200 people
Avalanche Amphitheater- 100 people
Fish Creek Picnic Area- 20 peak season/25 off season
Apgar Picnic Area- 15 peak season/20 off season
Avalanche Picnic Area- 15 peak season/20 off season
7-Mile Pullout- 15 peak season/20 off season
10-mile Pullout- 15 peak season/20 off season
Sprague Picnic Area- 15 peak season/20 off season
Lake McDonald Lodge Beach- 15 peak season/30 off season
Ryan Beach- 15 peak season/20 off season
Big Bend- 10 people

North Fork

Bowman Lake Day Use Area- 15 peak season/24 off season
Juniper River Access- 12 people
Kintla Lake Day Use Area- 8 people

Two Medicine/Walton

Two Medicine Amphitheater- 50 peak season/75 off season
Pray Lake- 30 people
Running Eagle Falls- 15 people
Two Medicine Picnic Area- 15 peak season/20 off season
Walton Picnic Area- 15 peak season/15 off season

St. Mary District

Rising Sun Amphitheater- 100 people
St. Mary’s Amphitheater- 50 peak season/75 off season
Sun Point- 20 people
1913 Ranger Station- 20 people
Rising Sun Picnic Area- 15 peak season/ 20 off season
Red Eagle Trailhead- 12 people
Cutback Field- 12 peak season/20 off season

Many Glacier

Many Glacier Amphitheater- 100 people
Lake Jospehine- 15 people
Many Glacier Hotel Green- 15 people
Many Glacier Hotel SW Beach- 15 people
Many Glacier Hotel Beach- 15 people

Best Time Of Year To Elope In Glacier National Park

Summer: July-August

Summer is the most popular time to elope in Montana and for good reason! Montana absolutely heavenly in the summer. The wildflowers are popping, the waterfalls are flowing, and every outdoor activity is open. If you’re staying at lower elevations, late June is a good time to visit, but if you’re looking for high alpine roads like Going to the Sun Road to be open and high alpine lakes to be thawed, you’ll need to wait at least for the beginning of July, sometimes even later in the summer if there was a lot of snow that winter.

Fall: September-early October

Fall is a great time for a Montana elopement if you want to avoid crowds. The summer high season is over, so the parks are more empty, but everything hasn’t closed down yet, so you can still access many trails and roads until October. If you want to catch fall colors and larches turning, late September to early October is the best time to plan for. The weather can always change with an early cold front, so be sure to be prepared for a surprise snow and cold temps if you want to plan a fall elopement.

Winter: November-March

Winter in Montana is beautiful, but it is COLD. This is a great time of year for skiing or snowboarding as well as any other outdoor activities meant for the snow- and Montana has tons of it. Many hikes and roads are closed this time of year, so accessibility is more limited, but if you’re willing to put on some snowshoes or ride a snowmobile, your options become a lot less restricted. Be sure to bundle up as much as you can, accept that it will be freezing, and embrace the winter wonderland.

Spring: April-June

Honestly, I can’t recommend getting eloping in Spring in Montana. Skiing is closed at this time, access to many roads and hiking trails are closed, many businesses close for the season, everything is muddy and brown, and the weather is extremely unpredictable. There aren’t many people around during this time of year, but it’s because it’s just not a great time visit. If you’d like to avoid crowds, try for fall time.

Glacier National Park Elopement Activity Ideas

Hike to a scenic elopement location
Ride horses to a remote location where you say your vows with Swan Mountain Outfitters
Take a helicopter ride over the park with Glacier Aviation Services
Try out a new outdoor activity like rafting with Glacier Raft Co.
Stargaze in a remote area with no light pollution around
Attend a festival like Under the Big Sky Music Festival
Have a picnic where you munch on a charcuterie, cut a cake, or pop some champagne
Build a campfire and cook s’mores
Kayaking or boating on one of the many lakes in and around Glacier- take boat ride with Glacier Boat Company
Hire a private chef for a fancy dinner for just the two of you

The best elopement accommodations in Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park Elopement Vendors

Your elopement can be as simple or complex as you want it- You can just hire a photographer and call it good, DIY your day, or you can go all out and really make it a day to remember and curate an exceptional experience. However you decide to celebrate your day, it will be all the more memorable being enjoyed by just your and your partner and whatever close friends or family you decide to bring along. Here’s my list of elopement vendors in Montana who I really think are worth investing in for your day.

Photography

My opinion is obviously biased, but I think your photographer is the most important part of your elopement day, and you should always prioritize quality over price. Hiring someone who’s extremely familiar with Montana, and capable of guiding you through the day is so important. You don’t know how many horror stories I’ve heard about bad photographers who don’t know what they’re doing from couples who’ve skimped on this aspect of their day. The amount of added stress in planning or the disappointment of not getting the photos you were wanting just isn’t worth whatever your might save by hiring someone who’d cheaper. I really think you should spare no expense when it comes to hiring someone who you feel comfortable with and who you’re confident can capture your day effectively. If you need help putting together your day and want someone you can trust with your memories, you can always reach out here.

Florists

I love florals. A big, beautiful bouquet, an archway to sand under, a little pocket square of flowers, I love it all. Florals are just a cute little touch to the day that help to make everything feel more official and special.

Hair and Makeup

Hair and makeup is one of the few things most of my couples will still splurge on for their elopement. HMUAs can usually accommodate crazy early morning schedules if you’re waking up for a sunrise ceremony or an early morning hike, and they can do a much better job than most people can DIY (definitely better than what I could do on myself!).

Bakers/Catering

A lot of my couples will still bring a little cake to cut for their little picnic elopements or at a small dinner with family afterwards, and these businesses can make a tasty little treat perfect for a small get together.

Planners

I help my couples quite a bit with the planning aspect of an elopement, but I’m not nearly as knowledgable on many aspects of planning as an actual planner and I don’t book vendors for you. Some elopements or small weddings require a bit more planning as well, depending on what all is involved in the day. If you want someone who you can hand the reigns over to for planning, set up, or design, these are the people you should call.

Officiants

In Montana, you need an officiant to make your marriage legal. If you want a friend or family member to officiate your elopement, they can get legally ordained here. I’m ordained and can legally marry my couples if you’re in a pinch or just want to read your vows and want someone there to make it legal! Here’s some other officiants you can hire who do a stellar job as well:

Kate Berry

How much does a Glacier National Park elopement cost?

The cost of eloping in Colorado varies widely depending on how much you want to invest in the day. If you just want to go to the courthouse and pay the $35 fee, then that’s all you have to do, but most people want to do more than that to really commemorate the day and make it more meaningful. Take the time to consider what you value most and prioritize your budget around that. This is a typical range of what my couples will spend on their day from simple to more luxury.

Montana Elopement Cost Breakdown