A Glacier National Park Wedding: Photography, Permits, & Locations
ARE YOU CONSIDERING A BEAUTIFUL GLACIER NATIONAL PARK WEDDING TO EXCHANGE YOUR VOWS?
Nestled in the breathtaking wilderness of Montana’s Rocky Mountains, Glacier National Park is among the best places for couples to wed.
Whether you’re adventurous or would rather stick to the pavement, we’ll find the perfect scenery and backdrop for your special day!
A Glacier National Park wedding is ideal for couples who’d like to elope alone, and those who want to bring all of their family and friends.
In this post, we will share the best locations for a wedding in and near the park, costs to expect, and more.
Key Info on a Glacier Wedding:
- You’ll need a special use permit (which I’ll help with).
- I’ll help you get around having to get a Going-to-the-Sun Road permit.
- You can get married in summer, fall, winter, or spring in Glacier.
- There are specific locations in Glacier NP where weddings are allowed.
- The rest of the national park is open for couples & family photography.
- You can hike miles down a trail to your favorite overlook or lake, or choose an easy pullout for your special day.
OK! Let’s get to the details of planning a Glacier wedding!
(And, again, I’m able to help every step of the way ✅ )
Planning A Glacier National Park Wedding
A lot goes into planning any wedding, but there are a few extra things to keep in mind if you’d like to get married in Glacier or any of our beautiful national parks.
Here’s a step-by-step process I’d suggest couples follow:
- Choose a Date (or Date Range)
- Choose a Photographer
- Choose a Wedding Ceremony Location
- Secure Your Permits
- Book Your Officiant & Vendors
- Book Your Travel & Lodging
Where To Get Married In Glacier National Park
There are so many beautiful locations in Glacier National Park that will serve as amazing backgrounds for a wedding.
It’s important to note: the park limits wedding sites to specific places.
With that said, it’s not a roadblock because:
- There are literally dozens of choices.
- I’ll help you with the permit process … and …
- We can still do couples photos and family photos ANYWHERE you’d like!
A few of the most popular wedding sites in Glacier
The National Park Service makes it pretty easy. The entire list of wedding locations can be found here ➡️ Glacier Wedding Sites … but these are some great options:
Many Glacier Hotel
The Many Glacier area (on the east side of Glacier) is less crowded than other areas of the national park, which makes the iconic Many Glacier Hotel a perfect spot to get married.
You can host up to 15 of your favorite people on the Many Glacier Hotel beach, and you’ll need to get a permit and notify the lodge of your ceremony before the event.
The nearby Many Glacier Amphitheater can host as many as 100 guests.
This photo is from the hill right above the lodge, where there’s plenty of parking and easy access for you and your guests.
You can set up your ceremony on the shore of the lake and tie the knot before wandering around the trails for some photos.
There are hiking trails all over the Many Glacier area, some of which lead to waterfalls and stunning viewpoints of the mountains reflecting in Swiftcurrent Lake.
This beautiful stream and waterfalls are just behind the lodge:
Lake Josephine
If you’re up for a hike from Many Glacier (on an established trail with very little elevation gain) consider the trek to Lake Josephine and Grinnell Lake nearby.
Lake Josephine is another wedding permit location to choose from!
It’s a mile hike, with no vehicle access, but the views are worth it:
Beyond Lake Josephine, you can continue the trail to the even more awe-inspiring Grinnell Lake. The water can be glassy, perfectly reflecting the surrounding mountains.
Lake McDonald Lodge Area
One of the most popular areas of Glacier National Park is Lake McDonald, which is found at the start of Going-to-the-Sun Road (the West Glacier entrance).
The sweeping view of the mountains behind the lake is one of the most famous in the park, winter, spring, summer, or fall.
The Lake McDonald Lodge is right on the shoreline of its namesake lake, the longest in the national park. It’s well known for the colorful rocks that cover the lake floor and shine in the sunlight.
Again, all four seasons are splendid here. Autumn brings fall colors:
To get married around Lake McDonald, you must have a permit from Glacier Park and notify the lodge. Up to 15 people during peak season and 30 during the off-season can attend.
The road (Going-to-the-Sun Road) is plowed to Lake McDonald all winter, so this is one Glacier site where you can get married in any season!
Apgar Area
The Apgar area is by Lake McDonald, and open year-round for weddings.
The Apgar Amphitheater is one of the largest wedding venues in Glacier National Park! It includes seating for 250 people. It’s also wheelchair accessible, and even dogs are allowed here!
Avalanche Amphitheater
Apgar is one of several amphitheaters which host weddings in Glacier National Park. There’s another option, called Avalanche Amphitheater, a short drive down Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Avalanche can host 100 guests, is wheelchair accessible and dog-friendly, too.
The Avalanche area is surrounded by dense forest and covered in beautiful mosses.
Another option nearby is the Avalanche Picnic Area Shoreline, which is perfect for smaller groups of up to 15 people and is along the shore of Avalanche Creek.
If you’re feeling adventurous, your group can hike to the stunning Avalanche Lake nearby.
Pray Lake
Another of the best places to get married in Glacier National Park is Pray Lake, which is in the Two Medicine area.
If you look closely, you can see two happy couples in this photo along Pray Lake:
The area around Pray Lake features many spots to host your ceremony. The only rule is: you have to stay on the rocky shoreline. You can’t traipse into the nearby meadow.
The backdrop at this wedding spot is phenomenal and perfect for those wanting to get married in a less crowded space. This destination allows up to 30 guests and participants, and all events.
A Gallery of Some of My Favorite Wedding Photos
Feel free to scroll through to see some of my recent favorites from the Glacier area.
Other Wedding Venues Near Glacier National Park
If you want to have a Glacier Park wedding but would prefer to share your vows outside the park, many venues are nearby.
The Lodge at Whitefish Lake
Located on the shores of Whitefish Lake, The Lodge at Whitefish Lake makes for the perfect spot to have a wedding near Glacier National Park.
I’ve shot many weddings and special occasions at the Lodge over the years, through all seasons. Whitefish is famously a winter destination, so if you’re a skier or snowboarder, this could be a great option.
Their venue features a stunning lakeside lawn which is a perfect spot to have Whitefish Lake and the towering mountains as the backdrop to your ceremony. They also offer space for a ceremony inside a pavilion.
On top of that, there are options for reception space, a room for getting ready, and different wedding and elopement packages. Guests can also stay at the lodge or in the lakefront condos or homes on Whitefish Lake’s shore. Enjoy the indoor and outdoor pool and hot tub, nightly bonfires, sparkling wine, and much more.
Great Northern Resort
Great Northern Resort is located right in West Glacier, just outside of the park. This beautiful resort has a venue that can host up to 200 guests and has stunning views of the mountains.
They offer wedding packages that include a ceremony set up at their venue, options for decorations, and more. Because they are a resort, they also offer accommodations at their West Glacier Lodge or Cabins.
Green Valley Ranch
Situated on a large private property in West Glacier, just outside of Glacier National Park, Montana, Green Valley Ranch is the perfect wedding destination. With gorgeous mountain views and national forest land surrounding the property, outdoor lovers will feel at home at this wedding venue.
Grouse Mountain Lodge
Another beautiful venue to host your wedding is the Grouse Mountain Lodge in Whitefish. Here you’ll find a stunning lodge backed up against a golf course. In the distance, enjoy views of mountains and forests.
The Cost of a Glacier National Park Wedding
All couples are working with a budget. Let’s review the main expenses you’ll want to consider as you plan your wedding.
Glacier’s Special Use Permit
To get married anywhere within Glacier National Park, you’ll need a special use permit to let the park know what you’re doing.
It’s a nonrefundable $125 fee to get a permit, which you can find a link to by clicking here.
Marriage License
To have a legal marriage, you’ll need a marriage license. This should be supplied by the county clerk’s office in the county where you’re getting married. They typically cost $50 to $100, depending on the county.
Something to note about marriage licenses is that you must get the permit in the state you’re getting married in, not your home state. You cannot get married in one state with a license from another.
Officiant
Officiants are another important part of the wedding package since you’ll need someone to make sure that your wedding is official. These can be anyone ordained since the state of Montana recognizes these marriages. So you can get married by a friend or family member!
If you choose a different officiant, they typically start at around $200.
Photographer
The cost of a wedding or elopement photographer can vary depending on what type of photos you’re looking for.
Different couples expect different things from their photographers. With travel and prep, packages for a Glacier wedding start at $4,500.
FLORIST
I’ve had couples bring their own florals and bouquets, and others who’ve hired professionals to bring much more.
The Best Time Of Year To Get Married In Glacier
If you’re considering a Glacier wedding, you already know: parts of the park are closed in the winter. It’s just something you’ll have to work around.
The best time to visit and get married in the park is during the summer months, between July and September. There are three challenges in the summer:
- The crowds in the parking lots.
- Wildfire smoke from Oregon, Washington, or Idaho might impact the view.
- The permit needed for Going-to-the-Sun Road.
We can bypass the latter by entering the park before 6:00am … OR … after 3:00pm. No permits are needed after 3pm, and the sun is out until 9:00pm (ish) during the summer months in Glacier, so evening weddings in the summer are ideal for couples and their guests!
Falls is also quite beautiful in Glacier and across Montana. It’s a wonderful time for a wedding in the park, since the crowds are smaller and the weather is still pretty mild.
Spring is the messiest time of year, since the plows haven’t even begun to hit Going-to-the-Sun Road, and a rainy/wintry mix often messes up the roads that are open.
Winter can be beautiful on either side of Glacier for a wedding or engagement/couples photos, but you’ll have to be somewhat flexible since the storms can be unpredictable and fierce.
The Bear Question
Yes, if you’re not from the area, Glacier is home to a large bear population. Black bears (which are often brown) and grizzly bears roam the park all spring, summer, and fall.
While a couple million people visit each year, bear attacks in the park are rare. The bears tend to prefer to keep to themselves and their cubs and stay away from people.
With that said, I have a few bear encounters every year. I’ve never been charged, and always carry bear spray (recommended by the rangers).
Personally, I enjoy seeing all the other wildlife in Glacier! In one single day this summer, I saw several moose, mountain goats, and a lazy fox.
FAQs on Planning a Glacier National Park Wedding
I went through many of these above, but let’s hit a few more questions I get asked about frequently by couples planning their Glacier weddings.
Can I get married at Logan Pass?
No, wedding ceremonies are not permitted at Logan Pass. BUT… we can still go there to take photos. The lot is busy in the mornings, so this would be a good late-day location.
Are there restrictions on group size, parking, or duration?
Yes, each location has specific limits on the number of participants and vehicles. These limits help protect the park’s natural resources. Permits are valid for two hours, which includes setup, the ceremony, and departure. Our photo time is unlimited!
What is Glacier’s peak season?
Peak season runs from the second Friday in May through the second Sunday in October. But keep in mind: Going-to-the-Sun Road is only fully open from late June/early July through September.
Can I check availability?
No, Glacier doesn’t have a public calendar for the public to check available dates for permits.
What if my preferred location or time is unavailable?
If your first choice is unavailable, I can help suggest an alternative.
Do I need a permit to take photos in the park?
A permit is not required for photography, even with a professional photographer.
Why is there a nonrefundable permit fee?
The $125 permit fee covers the cost of processing your application. It doesn’t guarantee a permit and is required even if you cancel.
What is a permit monitor, and why might I need one?
A permit monitor is an NPS employee who ensures permit conditions are followed. If assigned, you’ll need to pay $50/hour with a two-hour minimum.
Do I still need to pay the park entrance fee?
Yes, a park entrance pass is required for all visitors.
How far in advance can I apply for a permit?
You can apply up to one year in advance but no less than one month before your requested date.
Does a permit give me exclusive use of the area?
No, other visitors will have access to the location, and parking is first-come, first-served.
Can I change my permit after it’s issued?
No, changes aren’t allowed once the permit is finalized. You would need to reapply if you want to make changes.
Can I have a backup location on my permit?
No, permits are issued for one time and place only. If your location is unavailable due to a closure, we’ll try to help, but refunds are not provided.
Can I reschedule due to bad weather or smoke?
Generally, no. Permits aren’t rescheduled due to weather conditions or smoke unless the park closes the location.
Can we have music?
Soft music, like an acoustic guitar, is allowed if it doesn’t disturb others. Make sure to include this on your permit application.
