How to Elope in Glacier National Park 2026
Glacier National Park, Montana is ICONIC. Stunning mountains, lakes, flowers, and everything in between. I am ready to get on the phone with adventurous couples that are ready to plan and book their elopement or micro-wedding!
Sun Point, Glacier National Park, Montana
Here is a general resource and info page! However, every couple and family is different. We will talk about your day as it is catered to you!
First Priorities
Book your Photographer!
Hi, I’m Alex :)
99% of my clients are from out of town. I am here to help you plan and prioritize everything in order to have a smooth trip.
We will put together a package that is best for you!
Trust is my goal. Let me know any and all questions!
Apply for a Permit
First, you need a date and your favorite locations. I help you choose these things based on how many people you’re bringing, how far you would are willing to drive, etc.
Permits are $125, and marriage licenses are $53.
I will get on the phone or zoom and walk you through it all!
While you Wait on your Permit
Permits can take a couple months to come back. I have never had anyone not be approved as long as they submit 30 days or more prior.
Now is the time to book lodging, flights, hair/makeup, and florals. I have vendor recommendations!
Activities to Make it Yours
There are some amazing activities that you can do on your big day, or even during your trip. I have links below to some of my favorites!
How to Get to Glacier National Park
To get to Glacier National Park via plane, the most convenient airport to fly into is the Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) in Kalispell, Montana, then drive to the park. This airport is about 30 minutes from West Glacier, 1.5 hours from East Glacier, and a little over 2 hours from St. Mary Village.
The Kalispell Airport will be doing some construction in July of 2026.
If flights are not available in July for you, you can fly into Missoula or Great Falls! These are further drives, but still worth it!
Ceremony Locations + Permits
Paradise Meadow (Big Bend), Glacier National Park
You DO NOT need a permit if you are taking portraits in the park. Even in a wedding dress. Permits are for anyone having a ceremony, vow renewal, etc. I have lots of couples that do a ceremony at their airbnb and then head into the park.
Apgar Beach, Glacier National Park
The parks office does a great job of explaining where you can have your ceremony, and the other rules, such as how many people can come, etc. Please click here for their official list and permit application!
Permits are $125, and a marriage license is $53. Much cheaper than a venue, huh?
To obtain your license, you can fill it out online here! After applications are submitted, marriage applicants must appear in person to sign the application and pay the $53 fee at which time the Marriage License will be created and available for use at the ceremony.
Following the ceremony and return of the signed License, certified copies will be created upon request and payment of $7 per copy.
Officiants are NOT required in Montana. You can self-solemnize and have me and another person sign as witnesses. If you would like an officiant, just let me know!
Montana is wild land. This means that roads can close at any time due to weather or accidents (once you drive the road in Glacier, you’ll understand). Once a permit is approved, it cannot be changed.
If the road is inaccessible for your permit location, we will go to another spot outside of the park to hold the ceremony, then do plan B location choices. If it is raining, we will hold off as long as possible, but I bring clear umbrellas and A GOOD ATTITUDE. This is a true adventure.
Are they strict? YES. Breaking of the rules over the years has made our options as photographers less and less. Also, no one wants to get caught without a permit!? #embarrassing.
Sun Point, Glacier National Park
7 Mile Pullout, Glacier National Park
I don’t gatekeep locations that are public knowledge. I couldn’t find a map like this anywhere else online… so I made one! A map of ceremony locations in Glacier National Park!
Most photographers don’t openly share this info. But I want you to trust me! Also, I love ya <3
As of now, there are no vehicle reservations for 2026. We are still waiting on confirmation.
There will be, however, a strict 3 hour reservation system for Logan Pass Visitor Center. This is where you park for Highline and Hidden Lake hikes. There will be a shuttle system to get others up there.
Two Medicine ceremony locations will be closed in 2026 for construction, except for the Walton Picnic Area.
As always, info can change at any time. Click here to see the official ceremony location info in real-time.
Alex Gale Photography Practices Leave No Trace Principles!
The best time of year to elope?
If you want full access to the park for photo/hiking locations, July-September is the best time.
However, June is great for fewer crowds, with activities and hikes available; you just may need to take the longer drive around the park to East Glacier to see more. Trust me, it’s worth it.
July-August is peak visitor time, with the biggest crowds, BUT the best wildflowers at the top, and likelihood for best weather. Also to note - it may be smoky from wildfires.
September is best for mild weather, with leaves starting to change at higher elevations. The park and all the hikes are typically open, with less sweating.
October-November is the peak fall season, with stunning colors. The highest points of the Going-to-the-Sun road can close at any time, but it will close no matter what the 3rd monday of October. You can expect anything from sun to snow.
December-March is winter! A majority of the roads are closed, but the Montana winter wonderland is truly unforgettable. No crowds!
April-May is when the snow is melting, but it is common for more storms. However, there are warmer days with snow-capped mountains in the background. No crowds!
Hikes + Activities for Your Trip
Activities in & Around Glacier National Park to Book
Find a riverside spot on McDonald Creek for a picnic
Explore Whitefish Lake State Park & Flathead Lake (outside the West Glacier entrance)
Rent bikes and explore the Whitefish Trail (outside the West Glacier entrance)
Two Medicine Lake Boat Tour (or you can rent kayaks)
Spot moose at Fishercap Lake in Many Glacier
I am always up for hiking, horseback rides, paddleboarding, etc during your big day!
Hikes that I love - Just ask for more!
Trail of the Cedars – 1 mile roundtrip, 60 feet of elevation gain, Avalanche Creek (West Glacier)
Highline Loop – 12 miles round-trip, 2000 feet of elevation gain, Logan Pass
Hidden Lake Overlook – 3 miles round-trip, 500 feet of elevation gain, Logan Pass
St. Mary Falls – 2 miles round-trip, 200 feet of elevation gain, St. Mary Shuttle Stop
Grinnell Glacier – 10.9 miles round-trip, 2000 feet of elevation gain, Many Glacier
Iceberg Lake – 10 miles round-trip, 1275 feet of elevation gain, Many Glacier
Upper Two Medicine Lake – 5 miles round-trip, 350 feet of elevation gain, Two Medicine
Where to Stay in Glacier National Park
I highly recommend booking lodging asap. There are a million adorable Airbnbs in the area, which is totally an option! All of them book up fast. The west side of Glacier has basic civilization. Stores, hotels, restaurants, etc. East Glacier and Many Glacier areas have very limited options. If you’re getting married at places like Bowman Lake, Lake McDonald, or Logan Pass for example, you probably want to stay on the west side! Some of the park’s stays include the Lake McDonald Lodge, Village Inn at Apgar, or Cedar Creek Lodge. Each of these lodges offers stunning views of the park’s mountains, lakes, and forests. You can also stay at one of the park’s campgrounds: Apgar, Fish Creek, Sprague Creek, and Avalanche Creek.
On the east side of Glacier National Park, you can stay at the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn, Many Glacier Hotel, St. Mary Village, or the Rising Sun Motor Inn. You can also camp at Many Glacier Campground, Rising Sun Campground, or St. Mary Campground. For cute rentals, you have a few options in East Glacier, Babb, and Browning. But I’ve always wanted to stay at the little cabins at Divide Creek Campground and Johnson’s Campground & RV Park.
How to Book Alex as your Photographer
Hi there! These “about me” paragraphs are hard to write. Honestly, I just want people to know that I love what I do and I work my booty off.
If you love being outside and have a foundational love for all other living things, we will get along.
2026 marks 10 years in business and 20 years of loving photography!
~60 images/hour
Posing + Prompts to make you feel confident in front of the camera
Personalized location & vendor recommendations + timeline creation
Professionally edited photos with unlimited downloads + personal printing rights
Instax Polaroids + including phone video clips and footage from the day
Travel in Montana is included; other areas depend on location!
To secure your date, there is a 50% retainer and a contract. Once you’re booked, that is when we start really planning the fun stuff!
All Packages Include:
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14 Hours/2 Day Split - $5,999
Up to 14 hours of coverage, or 2 days of adventure! This is fully customizable and can be put together in so many creative and practical ways!
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8 Hour- $4,999
Up to 8 hours - perfect for most couples who want to fit everything they want!
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6 Hours - $3,499
Up to 6 hours of coverage and fun!
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4 Hour - $2,999
4 hours - Perfect for those not wanting to photograph a reception, or do one side of Glacier adventure photos!
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2 hour Elopement - $1,199
Simple and short. Anywhere in West Glacier, Whitefish, Kalispell, and the Bigfork area.