How to Get a Glacier National Park Wedding Permit
The complete, no-nonsense guide for elopement couples — from application to approval, with the location picks I'd give a close friend.
If you're planning to elope in Glacier National Park, one of the first things on your to-do list is getting a Special Use Permit. It sounds more intimidating than it is. Once you know what you're doing, it's straightforward.
But there are a few decisions baked into the application — picking your ceremony location and time specifically — that trip couples up when they try to tackle it alone. After nearly a decade photographing elopements and intimate weddings in Glacier, I've walked through this process with enough couples to know exactly where the snags are.
In this guide, I'll cover:
- Whether you actually need a permit
- How to apply, step by step
- The designated ceremony locations I recommend for elopements
- Other beautiful photo spots for after your ceremony
- The other logistics you need to legally get married in Montana
Let's get into it.
Do You Actually Need a Permit?
Short answer — if you're exchanging vows inside the park, yes.
This applies to:
- Elopements (just the two of you)
- Vow renewals
- Weddings with guests
- Ceremonies with an officiant
- Ceremonies where you self-solemnize (no officiant)
The only situation where a permit isn't required is when you're only doing photos in the park — no vows, no paperwork, no ceremony of any kind. The moment you say "I do" on park land, you need the permit.
Why the park requires it
Honestly, I'm glad they do. Glacier sees over three million visitors a year on top of hundreds of weddings, and the permit system is how the park protects the landscapes, wildlife corridors, and visitor areas that make this place so extraordinary. Running an off-book ceremony in a non-designated spot isn't just risky — rangers are paying attention — it's disrespectful to the place you presumably chose because you love it.
And at $125, Glacier is one of the most affordable "wedding venues" in Montana. That's a rounding error compared to what most wedding venues charge.
How to Get Your Permit
The permit goes through the National Park Service Special Use Office. Six steps, nothing scary.
Download the Application
Start at the official NPS page for Glacier weddings. You'll find the application on the NPS Glacier wedding locations & permit page.
Fill Out the Application
Include your exact ceremony location, preferred date and time, a backup location and time, guest count (including vendors), and any equipment — bouquets, chairs, instruments, signage.
Be specific. "Apgar" will get bounced back. The park wants the exact site — for example, Fish Creek Picnic Area Shoreline.
Submit the Application
Email the completed application to glac_sup@nps.gov. The park requires applications at least 20 business days out — but I recommend 6 to 12 months ahead for peak season.
Pay the $125 Fee
You'll pay electronically through Pay.gov. Your permit won't be processed until both the application and payment are in — don't skip this step.
Review and Sign
When the park approves it, you'll receive a draft to review and sign. The permit isn't valid until both you and an NPS official have signed. Once finalized, you'll get a completed copy emailed back.
Print and Share
Bring a printed copy on your wedding day — rangers can and do ask to see it. Also send it to your vendors: photographer, officiant, videographer, anyone on-site with you.
The Quick Facts
A Few Rules Worth Knowing
You can only hold the ceremony at a designated site
Every single ceremony in Glacier has to happen at one of the park's pre-approved locations. You can find the full, current list on the NPS designated wedding locations page — always check this before you start dreaming about a specific spot.
Your permit is for the ceremony, not your photos
This part surprises couples. Your permit covers the exact location, date, and time of the ceremony — but not the photos. You're free to wander to other areas of the park before or after and take photos wherever the public is allowed.
This opens things up enormously. Maybe your heart is set on Wild Goose Island for photos, but a quieter spot nearby feels right for the actual vows. That's almost always how my couples plan it.
Changes are hard to make once issued
The Special Use office is slammed during high season, and once your permit is approved, changing it is tough. Get the location and timing right on the first pass.
Driving in matters more than you'd think
Going-to-the-Sun Road has a vehicle reservation system during peak season, and opening/closing dates shift every year depending on snowpack. Before you lock in your date, check the Going-to-the-Sun Road info page. If your ceremony site is on the east side or deep along GTSR, road access is a big factor in your timeline.
A tip from experience — talk to your photographer before you lock in a location and time. Mountain light doesn't work like regular light. A "sunset ceremony" at one spot might need to be at 6 PM, while another twenty minutes away holds light until 8:30.
Best Ceremony Locations for Elopements
These are the designated sites I recommend most often — the ones that balance accessibility, privacy, and good light. My take, based on having actually photographed ceremonies at most of them.
Lake McDonald Area
One of my favorites for small elopements. Lakeshore, mountain views, generally good privacy outside peak lunch hours. Especially gorgeous late July through October when water levels drop and the beach comes out. Bonus fall foliage.
Historic, iconic — that classic red-canoe-lake-view feel. Best when water levels are lower; I'd avoid late May and early June when the creek is running high. Great for couples who want a postcard Glacier ceremony.
Accessible, easy parking, plenty of room. Avoid during peak water in mid-to-late June when the beach disappears. Otherwise a great all-around option, especially for couples with guests.
Beautiful quiet lakeshore with mountain views. One important note: access closes at 9 PM sharp — the campground host locks the gate, no exceptions. Fine for sunset in May or September; tighter window in June and July.
Going-to-the-Sun Road — East Side
Genuinely one of my top picks for east-side ceremonies. Short walk from the parking lot, big mountain views, and a rocky peninsula feel. Sun Point delivers that dramatic scale most couples are after.
The iconic shot. Small ceremonies only, but if you want the Glacier postcard, this is it. Sunrise here is unreal and significantly less crowded than sunset.
Wide open mountain views, parking, bathrooms, and flexible enough for elopements or small groups.
Classic eastern-slope light and big-sky vistas. Check the NPS list for the specific sub-sites that are designated for ceremonies.
Two Medicine
Quieter than the GTSR corridor, gorgeous, and a favorite of couples who want "full Glacier" without the crowds. Good parking, beautiful any time of day.
A short, wheelchair-accessible path leads to the falls. One of the more inclusive ceremony sites in the park, and the sound of the falls adds something special to a vow exchange.
Many Glacier
The "Switzerland of North America" nickname fits. Dramatic peaks, alpine lake, big energy. Keep in mind Many Glacier has had a shuttle-only access system during peak season recently — always check current park conditions before locking in a date here.
Photo Spots After the Ceremony
Not ceremony sites — but favorites for where I take you after the vows. Many are just outside park boundaries or in pull-offs where photos are open to the public.
Near West Glacier
The original historic entrance to Glacier. River, mountains, wood, and history in one frame. Dog-friendly. One of my personal favorites.
A rare open field with mountain views, minutes from the west entrance.
Hidden gem for fall foliage — skip during high water in June and early July.
A narrow window of magic, usually late June through mid-July when the daisies explode.
Lake McDonald Corridor
Classic dock shot with mountain backdrop.
Insane mountain views; tiny parking lot that fills at sunset.
Waterfall and river access.
Old-growth cedar canopy — great even midday.
Dramatic alpine switchbacks and valley views.
North Fork
About an hour from Columbia Falls on a bumpy road. Quiet, gorgeous, and worth the drive if you want solitude.
Hidden gem for fall foliage — plus the Mercantile's huckleberry bear claws.
Going-to-the-Sun Road — Higher Up
Mountains and wildflower meadows.
Alpine trees, metal boardwalk, frequent goat sightings (really).
Only worth the stop right before sunset. Don't waste your golden hour fighting for a parking spot.
East Side & Beyond
Creek and alpine views on the east-side descent.
Moody roadway shots with mountains.
Big valley view.
Quiet lakeshore near Two Medicine Lake.
Golden aspen tunnels in fall.
For a deeper breakdown with timing, accessibility, and light notes on each of these, take a look at my full Glacier National Park photography location guide.
Getting Legally Married in Montana
Permit handled? Great — now the actually-getting-married part.
Your Montana Marriage License
Montana has some of the easiest marriage laws in the country, which is a real gift when you're planning a destination elopement. You can apply in person at any Montana county clerk's office — doesn't have to be the county where you're getting married.
On witnesses — if you're eloping just the two of you, don't stress. I can sign as one, and we can almost always find a kind stranger to sign as the second. Never once been a problem.
Officiant or Self-Solemnization
Montana is one of the few states that allows self-solemnization, meaning you and your partner can legally marry each other without an officiant present. It's a beautiful option if you want a fully private vow exchange.
Of course, hiring an officiant is wonderful too. I have a few favorites I'd recommend if you want someone to guide the ceremony — or you can hire me. I'm ordained and can marry you myself, if that's something you're interested in.
Lodging and Vendors
After the permit is in, start booking lodging. Glacier-area hotels, lodges, and Airbnbs go fast in July and August — like "booked nine months out" fast. West Glacier, Kalispell, Columbia Falls, Whitefish, and East Glacier are all solid home bases depending on which part of the park you're centered around.
Planning Your Glacier Elopement
Here's How I Can Help
I've spent years and countless elopements throughout Glacier National Park, and walking couples through the planning piece is genuinely one of my favorite parts of the job — especially for couples coming in from out of state who don't know the park yet.
Two grooms, two brides, couples from everywhere in between, and people who just want their day to feel like them rather than a Pinterest board. Whoever you are, you're welcome here.