This summer Taylor and I got to photograph an elopement in Glacier National Park and it was one of the most incredible experiences we have had. We had just spent the first week of a two-week road trip in Canada and made our way back down to Montana. We met up with an old friend who had gotten engaged in Banff National Park a while back and they had moved to Montana. They wanted to have their elopement in their new home and reached out and asked if we would shoot their elopement and of course, we said yes! This was our first time photographing elopement in Glacier National Park. We have photographed elopements in Yosemite and while National Parks have lots of similarities each one does have a level of uniqueness when it comes to the rules and regulations.

So where on earth should you even start?

The first thing you need to do is check the National Parks website to see if reservations are needed. Glacier National Park is a very popular place, especially during the late spring and summer months as this is when the weather tends to be the best. We had to make reservations if we wanted to visit the park between 6am and 3pm GMT. Here is where you can get a vehicle permit to be able to enter the park during these times. Vehicle Registration. They go on sale the night before and can sell fast so plan ahead and be ready to grab one, they are pretty cheap which is why they tend to sell out within an hour or so.

Next, you will also want to make sure you have either a National Parks Pass or an Entrance Pass. You could get the pass ahead of time or wait to get it at the gate. If you do choose to get the pass at the gate do NOT bring cash. Glacier National Park does not accept cash.

Permits are required if you plan on reading vows, having an elopement/ceremony, or a full wedding regardless of the party size or signing of documents. Once you complete the park application, you will then be required to email it to glac_sup@nps.gov

You then also have to pay a $125 non-refundable application fee. Once received, an employee from Glacier National Park will get in touch with you about the application. If everything gets approved, you just need to print out the permit and bring it with you to have on the day of the wedding or elopement.

Another thing you will want to consider is how big or small you want your elopement to be. Glacier National Park has very little to know service which means communication may be a little more difficult. We recommend keeping things small and intimate. Plan all the travel and spots ahead of time! Taylor and I went into the park 2 days in a row before the elopement to scope out and plan all of the locations for our couple. This made the communication of things a lot easier and got everyone excited for when we got to take photos! Glacier National Park is big and has SO many options so picking a few favorites ahead of time and knowing how long it can take to get to those spots is a huge help!

Where to stay

There are so many options for where you can stay that are close to Glacier National Park. We stayed in Whitefish, MT which was about a 35-40 minute drive from the park’s entrance (more if there is traffic at the entrance gate). If you want a truly magical experience then we highly recommend staying at the Clydesdale Outpost. This place is incredible. They have stunning cabins, are pet-friendly, oh and come with beautiful Clydesdale horses that are just outside your cabin window!! You are able to ride and pet these stunning animals and the staff are friendly and make you feel right at home! So when you are not out exploring the park you can relax with gentle giants. Each cabin also comes with its very own hot tub!

What to Do

If you want to plan an all-day elopement there are so many incredible things you could do in Glacier National Park.

Hiking is probably the main option when visiting the park. If you plan to elope you will most likely need to do a little bit of hiking to get away from the crowds and enjoy the views in quiet. Logan Pass is an exceptionally great spot for this as there are tons of views and room to get away from crowds. The hiking is great as well! Be sure to wear hiking boots or bring boots to change into and get ready to have your dress get a little dirty. Adds extra character and memories in our opinion.
Kayaking or Canoeing is another great option, especially in the warmer months, and can not only make for a fun experience, it’s more intimate, and being out on the water is always great. You can rent kayaks and canoes at Lake McDonald.
Wildlife Viewing! Glacier National Park is very well known for the incredible wildlife that inhabit the park. We drove the famous Going to the Sun road and saw wildlife such as Grizzly Bears, Black Bears, Deer, Moose, and tons of Rams and Mountain Goats. So even just going for a drive on this scenic road is a fun adventure in and of itself! Remember to always be respectful and keep your distance.
Bringing your dog to join the fun. National parks in general are not known to be dog-friendly. I would also recommend only bringing your dogs if you plan to include them in everything you plan to do in the park. Make sure your dog can handle being around lots of people, cars, and wildlife, Glacier has lots of those things. In Glacier, dogs are only allowed in developed areas like roads, front country campgrounds, picnic areas, parking areas, pretty much anywhere that it is paved. While dogs are allowed in a boat, kayak, or canoe, they are not allowed to be on the lake’s shoreline and must remain leashed at all times.

Make a checklist

When traveling it’s always a good idea to create a checklist of everything you need, a general schedule of the trip, and an overall timeline guide. Here are a few things we always be sure to do for our trips and elopements.

Make a checklist of gear for you and your dog if you decide to bring them. This will include any clothes, shoes, and accessories you will want to pack.
Must haves like passports, permits, park passes, driver's license, travel insurance (if needed… AAA has great travel insurance), and any reservation information.
Map out pin marks on Google Maps or a map service of your choice. This is a BIG thing Taylor and I do for our trips. We will pin all the places we want to go and then narrow down the list to “Must Visit” spots so we know exactly where we are going, how long the drive is, can look up the weather for that area in advance, etc.
Create a trip timeline. I know it sounds tedious to do but if you like things to be organized and on track having a timeline of your trip can be a great guide. Now this doesn’t mean you have to do EVERYTHING on that itinerary BUT it can help give you an idea of what to do that day and how to properly balance your trip with activities and rest time. This is something Taylor and I have taken seriously in the last few years of our travels to avoid burnout by the end of trips. Adding “rest” days or days where you are doing more casual things can be so important and make the trip more enjoyable and not feel rushed.

Glacier National Park is one the most stunning places to both visit and elope in. With beautiful mountain views, wildlife, and lakes it never gets old no matter how often you visit. If you want to know more about how to elope in Glacier National Park and want a husband and wife photography team, reach out! We’d love to chat and help make your Glacier elopement happen!

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