Eloping In GLACIER NATIONAL PARK – ELOPEMENT EXPERIENCES 2025!

MAIN GLACIER NATIONAL PARK ELOPEMENT LOCATION AREAS

WEST SIDE – Polebridge, West Glacier, Lake McDonald

GOING TO THE SUN ROAD – Logan Pass, Rising Sun area

EAST SIDE – Two Medicine, St. Mary, and Many Glacier

Inside Info: I know everyone loves Logan Pass, but permits are not issued for Hidden Lake Trail due to its popularity and foot traffic.

Your wedding day should be magical, and capturing the perfect images with the help of your Glacier National Park elopement photographer (Me, hopefully!) is hugely important to ensuring you have a forever keepsake from the day you decided to say “I do”. As you can see from the main locations I’ve listed, you aren’t short of options, and there are plenty more that see less foot traffic while still offering a fabulous elopement setting.

Love the look of Glacier but want fewer crowds? Consider Alaska!

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO ELOPE IN GLACIER NATIONAL PARK?

Lots of folks have misconceptions about what’s accessible and when in Glacier. Most images you see on this page were taken in higher alpine areas that are only accessible from June to September, give or take. Going to the Sun Road (where most epic Glacier elopement images on the internet are taken) doesn’t open until mid-June at the earliest, but to be safe, aim for July. The road usually closes sometime in October.

Want stunning wildflowers as a part of your backdrop? July is the month for you! Be aware that July and August are by far the most crowded in the park, so plan accordingly and be prepared to choose destinations that are a little harder to get to if you want to avoid those crowds.

WHERE TO STAY WHEN ELOPING IN GLACIER NATIONAL PARK

If you choose West Glacier when eloping in Glacier National Park, you’ll have many more options to lodge outside the park. If you look at Whitefish, Columbia, and Kalispell, you’ll have a ton of options. The west side of the park is a little more spendy, plus, if you’re looking to have your Glacier elopement on the east side of the park (Two Medicine and Many Glacier), it’s a good two-hour drive on GTTSR or Highway 2. 

Although the east side has fewer accommodation options, it gives couples eloping in Glacier National Park greater access to many more “epic” views (not that West Glacier isn’t badass). Many Glacier offers a few in-park options, and Babb is a little way outside of the Many Glacier entrance, providing a few countryfied options (tiny homes and basic amenities cabins). The closest significant town is Browning, roughly half an hour’s drive away on the Blackfeet reservation. I’ve included the links to the Many Glacier Lodge and the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn, both of which are in-park and in great demand, but, in all honesty, perhaps your best bet on the park’s east side when it comes to getting the best bang for your buck.  

CLICK HERE FOR IN-PARK LODGING OPTIONS

PRO TIP: Lodging, both inside and outside the park gets booked up lightning fast, and we’re talking about anything up to a year in advance, so get in there ASAP! If you didn’t manage to get a reservation but still crave that convenience, continue to check back for cancellations, especially as your date approaches.

Izaak Walton Inn, on Highway 2, between West and East Glacier entrances is also well worth looking at. Both good and bad, this area gets little to no cell service, but that does allow you to relax on your Glacier elopement, live in the moment, and enjoy the remnants of Westward Expansion. Have you ever thought about staying in a train car? Here’s your chance!

INSIDE SCOOP: What are your chances of getting cell service in the park? Almost jack squat! This is particularly true on the east side around Many Glacier, with reception only beginning once you’ve left the park. Those eloping in Glacier National Park will find that West Glacier receives spotty cell service in Apgar, and that’s the best you can hope for. Verizon is the best carrier, and you’ll get some LTE service on GTTSR close to the eastern St Mary entrance. But remember, while this sounds like it might be a huge pain in the butt, you’re there for elopement in the Glacier National Park, not to surf the web! 

YOUR PERSONAL GLACIER NATIONAL PARK ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER! 

Let’s face it, when you’re trawling through a list of Glacier National Park elopement photographers, you’re going to find it tough to beat a photographer who was once a park ranger and frequently visits Glacier NP for elopements and personal exploration.

I’ve got a unique combo of skills and experience meaning you’ll not only get awesome photos but also a knowledgeable aide who’ll find you the best locations to elope in the Glacier National Park. Whether you’re seeking an idyllic scenic backdrop or in search of adventure, I’ve got an insider’s perspective that ensures your Glacier elopement delivers everything you’d wished for. 

ACTIVITIES FOR GLACIER NATIONAL PARK ELOPEMENTS

Boy oh boy, this is where couples can create Glacier National Park elopements that kick it up a notch. I’m going to list a few of the incredible activities available for adventurous elopers. With a choice of adrenaline-packed, romantic, historical, and cultural, these ventures add some truly meaningful moments and memories to a Glacier elopement.

HELICOPTER TOURS ACROSS THE GLACIER NATIONAL PARK

If you’re arranging an epic Glacier National Park elopement and want to experience the park from above, there are two highly experienced helicopter tour operators in West Glacier. Both cooperate with GNP in search and rescue and have previously assisted with aerial fire spotting. Couples eloping in Glacier National Park can book flights through either Kruger Helicopter Tours or Glacier Heli Tours. I’d prioritize booking with Kruger as they are permitted to fly directly over the park, whereas Glacier isn’t, although the views are still spectacular. Many elopers make this a priority activity, as experiencing something this majestic from the air is simply breathtaking!

KAYAKING/CANOEING IN THE GLACIER NATIONAL PARK

Kayaking or canoeing is a great option for adventurous couples who want to explore the spectacular natural environment of the park without experiencing a butt-clenching, adrenaline-fueled outing. This is a laid-back activity where you can add to your experience of elopement in Glacier National Park by kayaking after picking up a kayak or canoe from West Glacier. 

RAFTING IN THE GLACIER NATIONAL PARK

How do you fancy trying out a more group-like sport, like say, white water rafting? Well, if you want to charge your system with adrenaline and get the ultimate adventure experience on the mighty Flathead River, Glacier Raft Co. is your new best friend. Raft for a half or full day, check out their store and even do a spot of fishing during your Glacier National Park elopement.

HORSEBACK RIDING AT THE GLACIER NATIONAL PARK

So many of the park’s most magical secrets are found off the beaten track, and to uncover them on horseback is a bitchin’ way of discovering them. The best option for trail rides during an elopement in the Glacier National Park is with Swan Mountain Outfitters. Rides range from an hour to a full day and you’re guaranteed to see some of the world’s most beautiful lakes and mountains. This is the best way to find beautiful ceremony locations that resonate without exerting yourself as much!

HISTORIC BOAT RIDES ON GLACIER NATIONAL PARK LAKES

Whether you’re looking to make a hike shorter, or just fancy a lake cruise to take in the spectacular scenery, Glacier Park Boat Company has you covered. I’ve had couples add this to their Glacier elopement to enjoy their first dance on the bow of a boat. These boat tours explore many of the lakes in Glacier, picking up and dropping off hikers while providing fascinating info on the local area.

RED BUS TOURS ACROSS THE GLACIER NATIONAL PARK

You may have seen these if you’ve Googled the area while researching how to elope in Glacier National Park. Operated by Xanterra, the same company that runs the lodges and stuff in most national parks, these Red Bus Tours whisk you around the park on an illuminative tour. Stopping at several locations that are within easy walking distance so you can view the park. Think of this as a Cliff Notes version of the park during your Glacier elopement. 

NATIVE AMERICAN MUSEUM

Roughly 30 miles from East Glacier, you’ll find the town of Browning and The Museum of the Plains Indian. It may be modest in size but easily makes up for it by being a beautiful tribute to the local tribe’s history and culture. I’d highly recommend including a visit to your Glacier National Park elopement. Oh, FYI, Browning is the largest town for some distance on the east side, and it’s where you’ll need to go if you want fast food, a library, or a sanely-priced grocery store.

CREATE YOUR OWN CUSTOM GLACIER NATIONAL PARK ELOPEMENT USING MY LIST OF LOCAL VENDORS!

While I can help you plan how to elope in Glacier National Park, I don’t offer full-service Glacier elopement experiences. Although I’m not a planner as such, I love working closely with couples to support them in creating their own unique and meaningful Glacier elopement by putting them in contact with local vendors to help bring their wedding day together.

LOCAL FLORIST VENDORS FOR GLACIER NATIONAL PARK ELOPEMENT

Mum’s Flowers offers beautiful florals for Glacier National Park elopements. Additionally, Conrad Floral has a stunning portfolio, but is a smidge farther away. The Bungalow, and owner Jill, is fabulous. Check out her Instagram at @bungalowflowers. Alpine Designs is just south of Flathead Lake, and they also deliver.

HAIR AND MAKEUP FOR GLACIER NATIONAL PARK ELOPEMENT

Ty Nikole is a top Glacier National Park hair and makeup artist. Another option for creating fabulous hair for your Glacier elopement is The Willow Salon. It’s slightly farther away, north of Flathead Lake, and I haven’t yet worked with the owner Jena, but I’ve only heard great things!

BAKERY/CAKE/CATERING FOR GLACIER NATIONAL PARK ELOPEMENT

In downtown Whitefish, Fleur Bake Shop offers small-batch creations and exquisite single-tier elopement cakes! A few local restaurants cater Glacier elopement parties, depending on the guest numbers and where you’re staying. Great Northwest Catering also has great recs and will accommodate most budgets too!