It’s no secret that elopements have skyrocketed in popularity over the last year and rightfully so! Learning all the ins and outs on how to elope in Glacier National Park can be super beneficial in helping you make an informed decision when choosing where to say your ‘I dos’. Eloping in a beautiful location is the perfect way to start your marriage, whether you include your closest friends and family or choose to make the event just the two of you. In this blog, we’ll explore what it takes to pull off an epic and memory filled elopement in the Crown of the Continent, Glacier National Park.

First, Let’s Start With Choosing a Date

Obviously, choosing a date is important for a few reasons, but when you opt to elope you also have to take into consideration a few additional details. First, you will need to make sure that the date you wish to elope is during a time where road construction and projects within the park won’t be happening. Additionally, it’s important to note that the months with the most congestion and traffic are late June-August. Not only does this mean having to take additional protocols, such as obtaining a special ticket to enter the Going-to-the-Sun-Road, but it also means that accommodation rates will be much more expensive and scarce. On the other hand, the temperatures and accessibility of most roads are the best during late June-August, too. Finally, eloping in Glacier means considering the elements and all that Mother Nature brings with her during certain seasons of the year. Certain roads in Glacier are often still covered in snow through most of June, and record snowfalls typically occur during the months of November through February.

*Pro tip: Weekdays are typically much less crowded.

Choose a Ceremony Location

Although Glacier National Park is the location you’ve chosen, the park features over 26 actual glaciers and 700 miles of hiking trails. However, not every location is suitable for a ceremony. The National Park Service actually lists several very specific areas that they allow elopement ceremonies to take place, some of which can only accommodate a handful of people, while other spots can accommodate around 15 people. Places like Many Glacier, St. Mary, Lake McDonald, and Two Medicine valleys can accommodate larger group sizes. Of course, certain areas are off limits to groups due to the natural destruction that humans cause to wildlife, so it is always important to follow the 7 principles of the Leave No Trace Foundation.

When choosing a location to say your vows, it’s important to consider the size of your guest list, the level of accessibility of each location, the amount of time it takes to get to and from locations in the park, and if you’re willing to hike in your wedding day attire. Finally, being able to take couple’s photos in more secluded areas of the park is always an option after your ceremony!

Next Up: Permits

One of the most important and seemingly confusing aspects of getting married in a national park is the permitting system. For Glacier National Park, you will need a few pieces of documentation in order to have your ceremony within the park. First, you will need to apply for a special use permit, which can be found here. Along with the permit, you will need to send in a check for $125, which serves as your application fee. In addition to the permit, you will need a $35 vehicle park pass, which is your basic pass that you would need to visit the park on any ole day. The pass is good for 7 days. You can purchase your vehicle pass at the gate, but it is recommended for you to purchase it online, which you can do here.

One of the newest systems implemented for GNP is the ticketed entry for the Going-to-the-Sun-Road. This ticket is required for accessing the GTTSR at West Glacier, St. Mary, or via Camas Road. This ticket is $2 and is valid for 7 days from the date you select. These tickets can be purchased online at recreation.gov or through the recreation.gov app. The catch is that you cannot purchase a ticket more than 60 days from your trip. GNP only releases 3/4 of the tickets 60 days prior with the remaining 1/4 being released two days prior to each date. These tickets are first come first serve. One important fact to note is that your special use permit and vehicle pass will grant you access to the GTTSR for the day of your elopement ONLY. So, if you plan to visit the park on any day other than your elopement, you will still need the $2 ticket between May 28th and September 6th.

Although this aspect of ticketing can be confusing, it is for good reason. Over the years, GNP has became more and more congested during the summer months, so the park implemented this system to help monitor congestion and keep traffic minimal.

Don’t Forget Your Marriage License

What’s an elopement if you don’t make it official? Getting your marriage license is pretty straightforward in Montana. The closest courthouse to Glacier is the Flathead County Courthouse located in Kalispell at 920 South Main Street. In order to get your marriage license, you will need to show either your driver’s license of birth certificate and pay a fee of $53 via cash, check, or money order, and you have to get it within 180 days of getting married. For more information on making an appointment to pick up your application, check out the Flathead County Court website here.

One of the coolest things about getting married in Montana is the fact that you actually don’t need a witness to sign off on your marriage license, but it is actually super cool to grab random hikers to sign it just to have the awesome memory! However, you do need someone who is ordained (which I totally am) to perform the ceremony.

You’ve Got the Basics Covered, Now Let’s Talk Vendors

Okay, you’ve made it through all of the boring (yet super important) info so now it’s time to think about vendors! One of the most important tips I can give you is to research vendors who have actually been to the park. It is super beneficial to choose a photographer who knows all the amazing spots, the ins and outs of the permitting process, can give you local vendor and accommodation recommendations, practices Leave No Trace, and can help you create a timeline that is catered to your desires. Not having to stress about this process is one of the most enticing aspects of an elopement, so you deserve to have someone who will walk you through every step of the process and keep you updated on changing conditions.

Since I have visited the park and worked with local vendors, I feel confident in referring two of the most common types of vendors that my couples request; flowers and hair and makeup. For flowers, I highly recommend Mum’s Flowers located in Whitefish. Their arrangements are super unique and always photograph well! While most of my couples do their own hair and makeup, there are some artists wihtin a 1 hour vicinity of Kalispell who I recommend. Ashlee Berens of @ashpaintshair is located in Polson and is mega talented, as well as Christina Stevens of CS Bridal Styling. In addition to hair, makeup, and a florist, you will also need to find an officiant if your photographer isn’t one already!

On To Travel Accommodations

When flying into Glacier National Park, there are a few options as far as airports are concerned. The obvious and most convenient choice is Glacier International Airport located in Kalispell. The next closest airports are Missoula International at 2.5 hours from Glacier, Great Falls International Airport at 2.5 hours from Glacier, and Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport at roughly 5 hours from Glacier. If you travel during the busy summer months, you might be hard pressed to find an available rental car. I definitely recommend checking out apps like Turo or calling local dealerships such as Toyota or Subaru to see about renting a vehicle from them. As for lodging, Airbnbs typically book pretty quickly in the summer months, too, so locking down a reservation months in advance is your best bet. Also, don’t be afraid of checking out unique and pet friendly stays like the Kalispell Grand Hotel.

Are You Ready? Let’s Elope!

Okay, you’ve got your vows, your flights are booked, and your special use permit is approved. It’s time to sit back and really take in the decision and the beauty of the location you’ve chosen. Glacier National Park is absolutely stunning in every sense of the word. From its snow capped mountains to the colorful rocks of Lake McDonald, Glacier provides the most amazing backdrop for saying your vows. Although planning an elopement comes with a few extra steps, I have never had a couple regret their decision to choose experience over tradition. Use this article to reference back to when planning your elopement to make sure that you’ve checked all the boxes and are snapped up on the ins and outs of how to elope in Glacier National Park. Now, get your bags packed and let’s elope!

Refresher Checklist:

• Choose a timeframe

• Select a location

• Apply for permits

• Obtain your marriage license

• Secure vendors, an officiant, and travel accommodations

• Elope!