Glacier wedding & Elopement Ceremony Location Guide
Venture into the Wilds of Glacier National Park to Say “I Do”
Montana’s Glacier National Park is Often called the crown of the continent. One step into this wilderness of rugged snow capped peaks, massive glacier fed lakes, and abundant wildlife and It’s easy to see why. Glacier is a wild elopement destination that really gives the feeling you’ve left civilization far behind. Couples from all over the world flock to Glacier to drive the winding Going to the Sun Road and hike the numerous high country trails. Should you chose to elope to the calm crystal clear waters of Lake McDonald or say your vows surrounded by the glacier carved peaks of Many Glacier you’ll have an elopement adventure you will never forget. But with such a massive park, where can you elope?
But in this wilderness where can you have your elopement ceremony?
Unlike other national Parks, Glacier has a detailed list of the exact locations you can have an elopement ceremony and does not allow wedding ceremonies to take place anywhere else. While many divide the park into East and West Glacier, the park divides itself into five distinct districts. Each has it’s own set of approved ceremony locations.
A few Things to remember When choosing your location
Outside of the Alaskan National parks, Glacier is one of the wilder parks in the US. With no shortage of Bears, Moose, Rams, and Goats being careless can result in a really bad day. Bear spray is a mandatory carry in the park, do not hike without it. In addition to the wildlife, the weather in glacier is both unpredictable and fierce. I’ve photographed elopements where the bright sunny afternoon quickly turned into a thunderstorm with rain so heavy I had to pullover. Bring layers, some raingear and you keep an eye on the weather reports and you’ll be fine.
Lake McDonald District
Apgar Amphitheater
Peak Season
Maximum Participants - 15
Maximum Vehicles - 3
Non-Peak Season
Maximum Participants - 30
Maximum Vehicles 15
Hours of Use Available: During Peak Season: Only before 10am or after 5pm
Dates of Use Available: Year-round; except no permits July 2nd - 5th
Permit Time Limit: 2 hours
Equipment Restrictions: No tables/chairs/décor. No food or beverages.
Additional Information: No Roadside Parking; During peak season: only one vehicle may park at amphitheater, other two vehicles must park
Apgar Visitor Center; permit monitor required for events over 20 people.
Apgar Picnic Area
Peak Season
Maximum Participants - 15
Maximum Vehicles - 4
Non-Peak Season
Maximum Participants - 20
Maximum Vehicles 6
Hours of Use Available: Sunrise until sunset
Dates of Use Available: Not available April or May 2022 due to construction
Permit Time Limit: 2 hours
Equipment Restrictions: No tables/chairs/décor.
Additional Information: All picnic tables remain first-come, first-served and may not be saved or reserved
Fish Creek Amphitheater
Peak Season
Maximum Participants - 30
Maximum Vehicles - 12
Non-Peak Season
Maximum Participants - 50
Maximum Vehicles - 20
Hours of Use Available: Sunrise until sunset
Dates of Use Available: Year-round
Permit Time Limit: 2 hours
Equipment Restrictions: No tables/chairs/décor. No food or beverages.
Additional Information: If CG is closed for the season, the party can walk in.
No restrooms available after closure. Permit monitor required for events over 20 people.
Fish Creek Picnic Area
Peak Season
Maximum Participants - 15
Maximum Vehicles - 4
Non-Peak Season
Maximum Participants - 20
Maximum Vehicles - 6
Hours of Use Available: Sunrise until sunset
Dates of Use Available: Year-round
Permit Time Limit: 2 hours
Equipment Restrictions: No tables/chairs/décor
Additional Information: Picnic area may be also used for "reception" which does not need to be included in permit time; all picnic tables/areas remain first-come, first-served and may not be saved or reserved
Avalanche Amphitheater
Peak Season
Maximum Participants - 20
Maximum Vehicles - 4
Non-Peak Season
Maximum Participants - 30
Maximum Vehicles - 15
Hours of Use Available: During Peak Season: Only after 6pm
Dates of Use Available: Not available 10/1/22-5/10/23 due to construction
Permit Time Limit: 2 hours
Equipment Restrictions: No tables/chairs/décor. No food or beverages
Additional Information: Parking is extremely limited at Avalanche Creek. Permit monitor required for events over 20 people.
Avalanche Picnic Area
Peak Season
Maximum Participants - 15
Maximum Vehicles - 4
Non-Peak Season
Maximum Participants - 20
Maximum Vehicles - 6
Hours of Use Available: During Peak Season: Only after 6pm
Dates of Use Available: Not available 10/1/22-5/10/23 due to construction
Permit Time Limit: 2 hours
Equipment Restrictions: no tables/chairs/décor
Additional Information: Parking is extremely limited at Avalanche Creek
7 mile pullout (Sandy Point)
Peak Season
Maximum Participants - 15
Maximum Vehicles - 4
Non-Peak Season
Maximum Participants - 20
Maximum Vehicles - 6
Hours of Use Available: Not available before 7am or after 6pm June thru Sept 2022 due to night construction
Dates of Use Available: Not available 10/1/22-5/10/23 due to construction
Permit Time Limit: 2 hours
Equipment Restrictions: no tables or decor, up to 4 chairs on sand for individuals who are elderly or disabled. No food or beverages.
Additional Information: Limit two permits per day
10 mile Pullout (Jackson Bay)
Peak Season
Maximum Participants - 15
Maximum Vehicles - 4
Non-Peak Season
Maximum Participants - 20
Maximum Vehicles - 6
Hours of Use Available: sunrise until sunset
Dates of Use Available: Not available before 7am or after 6pm June thu Sept 2022 due to night construction; Not available 10/1/22-5/10/23 due to construction
Permit Time Limit: 2 hours
Equipment Restrictions: no tables or décor, up to 4 chairs on sand for individuals who are elderly or disabled. No food or beverages.
Additional Information: Limit two permits per day
Lake McDonald Lodge Beach
Peak Season
Maximum Participants - 15
Maximum Vehicles - 4
Non-Peak Season
Maximum Participants - 30
Maximum Vehicles - 10
Hours of Use Available: sunrise until sunset
Dates of Use Available: Not available 10/1/22-5/10/23 due to construction
Permit Time Limit: 2 hours
Equipment Restrictions: No tables or décor, up to 4 chairs on sand for individuals who are elderly or disabled. No food or beverages.
Additional Information: Limit two permits per day; permittee must notify Lake McDonald Lodge prior to the event. Permit monitor required for events over 20 people.
Sprague Picnic Area
Peak Season
Maximum Participants - 15
Maximum Vehicles - 4
Non-Peak Season
Maximum Participants - 20
Maximum Vehicles - 6
Hours of Use Available: Sunrise until 7pm
Dates of Use Available: Not available 10/1/22-5/10/23 due to construction
Permit Time Limit: 2 hours
Equipment Restrictions: no tables/chairs/décor
Additional Information: Picnic area gate is closed by 9:00pm. Picnic area may be also used for "reception" which does not need to be included in permit time; all picnic tables/areas remain first-come, first-served and may not be saved or reserved
Ryan Beach
Peak Season
Maximum Participants - 15
Maximum Vehicles - 4
Non-Peak Season
Maximum Participants - 20
Maximum Vehicles - 6
Hours of Use Available: sunrise until sunset
Dates of Use Available: Year-round
Permit Time Limit: 2 hours
Equipment Restrictions: no tables/chairs/décor, no food or beverages
Additional Information: Limit two permits per day; Permitted area is the beach, not the meadow. Whenever water levels allow, events must take place below the high water line. All events must take place on a durable areas or areas that have already been impacted.
North Fork District
Juniper River Access
Peak Season
Maximum Participants - 12
Maximum Vehicles - 3
Non-Peak Season
Maximum Participants - 12
Maximum Vehicles 3
Hours of Use Available: sunrise until sunset
Dates of Use Available: June 1st - Oct 31st
Permit Time Limit: 2 hours
Equipment Restrictions: no tables or décor, up to 4 chairs on sand for individuals who are elderly and disabled only accessible by river as well;
Additional Information: can leave rafts on the river bar, privacy not available.
Bowman Lake Day Use Area
Peak Season
Maximum Participants - 12
Maximum Vehicles - 3
Non-Peak Season
Maximum Participants - 24
Maximum Vehicles 6
Hours of Use Available: only before 5pm (latest permit issued for 3pm start)
Dates of Use Available: Year-round
Permit Time Limit: 2 hours
Equipment Restrictions: no tables or décor, up to 4 chairs on sand for individuals who are elderly and disabled only
Additional Information: If Road Closed due to snow, cars can park at Polebridge Ranger Station and hike/ski 6+miles each way. Permit monitor required for events over 20 people.
Kintla Lake Day Use Area
Peak Season
Maximum Participants - 8
Maximum Vehicles - 2
Non-Peak Season
Maximum Participants - 8
Maximum Vehicles - 2
Hours of Use Available: Sunrise until sunset
Dates of Use Available: Year-round
Permit Time Limit: 2 hours
Equipment Restrictions: no tables or décor, up to 4 chairs on sand for individuals who are elderly and disabled only
Additional Information: If Road Closed due to snow, cars can park at Polebridge Ranger Station and hike/ski 14+miles each way, privacy not available.
Two Medicine/Walton District
Pray Lake
Peak Season
Maximum Participants - 30
Maximum Vehicles - 6
Non-Peak Season
Maximum Participants - 30
Maximum Vehicles - 8
Hours of Use Available: During Peak Season: only before 10am or after 4pm
Dates of Use Available: Available Memorial Day thru Sept. 30th; Not available July 2nd - 5th
Permit Time Limit: 2 hours
Equipment Restrictions: no tables or décor, up to 4 chairs on sand for individuals who are elderly or disabled. No food or beverages.
Additional Information: Limit two permits per day. No Roadside Parking; park only in designated areas. Permit monitor required for events over 20 people. Whenever water levels allow, events must take place below the high water line. All events must take place on a durable surface or area that has already been impacted.
Two Medicine Campground Group Site
Peak Season
Maximum Participants - 12
Maximum Vehicles - 6
Non-Peak Season
Maximum Participants - 20
Maximum Vehicles - 8
Hours of Use Available: sunrise until sunset
Dates of Use Available: Available Memorial Day thru Sept. 30th; Not available July 2nd - 5th
Permit Time Limit: 2 hours
Equipment Restrictions: No tables/chairs/décor. No food or beverages
Additional Information: No Roadside Parking; park only in designated spaces, site is first-come first-served, site cannot be reserved
Two Medicine Campground Amphitheater
Peak Season
Maximum Participants - 30
Maximum Vehicles - 6
Non-Peak Season
Maximum Participants - 30
Maximum Vehicles - 8
Hours of Use Available: Only between 8am- 5pm
Dates of Use Available: Available Memorial Day thru Sept. 30th; Not available July 2nd - 5th or Sundays
Permit Time Limit: 2 hours
Equipment Restrictions: No tables/chairs/décor. No food or beverages
Additional Information: Permit monitor required for events over 20 people.
Two Medicine Picnic Area
Peak Season
Maximum Participants - 12
Maximum Vehicles - 6
Non-Peak Season
Maximum Participants - 20
Maximum Vehicles - 8
Hours of Use Available: During Peak Season: only before 10am or after 4pm
Dates of Use Available: Available Memorial Day thru Sept. 30th; Not available July 2nd - 5th
Permit Time Limit: 2 hours
Equipment Restrictions: No tables/chairs/décor. No food or beverages
Additional Information: Limit two permits per day. No Roadside Parking; park only in designated spaces. All picnic tables/areas remain first-come, first-served and may not be reserved or saved
Walton Picnic Area
Peak Season
Maximum Participants - 15
Maximum Vehicles - 3
Non-Peak Season
Maximum Participants - 15
Maximum Vehicles - 3
Hours of Use Available: sunrise until sunset
Dates of Use Available: Available Memorial Day thru Sept. 30th; Not available July 2nd - 5th
Permit Time Limit: 2 hours
Equipment Restrictions: No tables/chairs/décor. No food or beverages
Additional Information: All picnic tables/areas remain first-come, first-served
Triple Divide (St. Mary) District
St. Mary Amphitheater
Peak Season
Maximum Participants - 30
Maximum Vehicles - 6
Non-Peak Season
Maximum Participants - 30
Maximum Vehicles 10
Hours of Use Available: sunrise until sunset
Dates of Use Available: Year-round
Permit Time Limit: 2 hours
Equipment Restrictions: No tables/chairs/décor. No food or beverages
Additional Information: If the road is closed due to snow, parties may park at closure and hike/ski in. Permit monitor required for events over 20 people.
Rising Sun Amphitheater
Peak Season
Maximum Participants - 30
Maximum Vehicles - 6
Hours of Use Available: sunrise until sunset
Dates of Use Available: Available Memorial Day thru Sept. 30th; Not available July 2nd - 5th
Permit Time Limit: 2 hours
Equipment Restrictions: No tables/chairs/décor. No food or beverages
Additional Information: Permit monitor required for events over 20 people.
St.Mary Lake Shoreline(across from Rising Sun Picnic Area)
Peak Season
Maximum Participants - 15
Maximum Vehicles - 3
Hours of Use Available: Only before 4pm (latest permit issued for 2pm start)
Dates of Use Available: Available Memorial Day thru Sept. 30th; Not available July 2nd - 5th
Permit Time Limit: 2 hours
Equipment Restrictions: no tables/chairs/décor. No food or beverages allowed on the shoreline
Additional Information: Limit two permits per day. Park in a picnic area and take the trail to shoreline. Food and beverages are only allowed in picnic areas, not shoreline. All picnic tables/areas remain first-come, first-served. Area frequently restricted due to wildlife activity. Permit does not allow access during wildlife closures. Permittee is responsible for monitoring area status and contacting the office in advance if location change is required.
Sun Point
Peak Season
Maximum Participants - 12
Maximum Vehicles - 5
Hours of Use Available: Only before 4pm (latest permit issued for 2pm start)
Dates of Use Available: Available Memorial Day thru Sept. 30th; Not available July 2nd - 5th
Permit Time Limit: 2 hours
Equipment Restrictions: no tables/chairs/décor, no food or beverages
Additional Information: Limit two permits per day. Food and beverages are only allowed at picnic areas. All picnic tables/areas remain first-come, first-served.
1913 Ranger Station
Peak Season
Maximum Participants - 20
Maximum Vehicles - 4
Hours of Use Available: Only before 4pm (latest permit issued for 2pm start)
Dates of Use Available: Available Memorial Day thru Sept. 30th; Not available July 2nd - 5th
Permit Time Limit: 2 hours
Equipment Restrictions: No tables/chairs/décor. No food or beverages
Additional Information: Permitted area is trailhead not Read Eagle Lake or anywhere along the trail itself
Chief Mountain (Many Glacier) District
Shore of Josephine Lake
Peak Season
Maximum Participants - 15
Maximum Vehicles - 3
Hours of Use Available: Only before 9am or after 5pm
Dates of Use Available: Available June 1st - Sept 30th; Not available Labor Day Weekend
Permit Time Limit: 2 hours
Equipment Restrictions: No tables/chairs/décor. No food or beverages
Additional Information: 1 mile hike to location (2 mile round trip). Limit one permit per day.
Many Glacier Hotel Beach
Peak Season
Maximum Participants - 15
Maximum Vehicles - 4
Hours of Use Available: Only before 9am or after 5pm
Dates of Use Available: Available June 1st - Sept 30th; Not available Labor Day Weekend
Permit Time Limit: 2 hours
Equipment Restrictions: No tables/chairs/décor. No food or beverages
Additional Information: Permittee must notify Many Glacier Hotel prior to event
Many Glacier Hotel Green (behind main Lodge)
Peak Season
Maximum Participants - 15
Maximum Vehicles - 4
Hours of Use Available: Only before 9am or after 5pm
Dates of Use Available: Available June 1st - Sept 30th; Not available Labor Day Weekend
Permit Time Limit: 2 hours
Equipment Restrictions: no tables/chairs/décor, no food or beverages
Additional Information: Permittee must notify Many Glacier Hotel prior to event
Many Glacier Hotel -South West Beach
Peak Season
Maximum Participants - 15
Maximum Vehicles - 4
Hours of Use Available: Only before 9am or after 5pm
Dates of Use Available: Available June 1st - Sept 30th; Not available Labor Day Weekend
Permit Time Limit: 2 hours
Equipment Restrictions: no tables/chairs/décor, no food or beverages
Additional Information: Permittee must notify Many Glacier Hotel prior to event
Many Glacier Hotel Deck
Peak Season
Maximum Participants - 10
Maximum Vehicles - 4
Hours of Use Available: Only before 9am or after 5pm
Dates of Use Available: Available June 1st - Sept 30th; Not available Labor Day Weekend
Permit Time Limit: 2 hours
Equipment Restrictions: no tables/chairs/décor, no food or beverages
Additional Information: Permittee must notify Many Glacier Hotel prior to event
Many Glacier CG Amphitheater
Peak Season
Maximum Participants - 20
Maximum Vehicles - 10
Hours of Use Available: Only before 9am or after 5pm
Dates of Use Available: Available June 1st - Sept 30th; Not available Labor Day Weekend
Permit Time Limit: 2 hours
Equipment Restrictions: no tables/chairs/décor, no food or beverages
Additional Information: Permittee must notify Many Glacier Hotel prior to event
Additional Elopement planning Resources
Rules and Information For Glacier National Park Elopements
From THe National Park Website
The above locations are the only spots in Glacier National Park where one can obtain a Special Use Permit for wedding or elopement ceremonies. Any location not listed here will not be approved for a permit by the park. Obtaining a permit is mandatory for any type of nuptial-related celebration, be it a wedding, vow exchange, elopement, etc., regardless of the season or group size.
For the purpose of this permit, the number of participants and vehicles must take into account all people associated with the event and their respective vehicles. This encompasses, among others, the wedding entourage, all attendees, and any third-party services such as officiants and photographers. Any exceeding of the limits indicated in this document or permit is strictly forbidden.
Special Use Permits are legally binding agreements. As a holder of such a permit you may expect to be contacted by a park ranger who will ensure compliance with the terms of the permit. It is the responsibility of the permit holder to provide a signed copy of the permit upon request and identify all individuals and vehicles associated with the event. Failure to abide by the terms and conditions of the permit can result in consequences such as delaying, interfering with, or canceling the event.
Adhere to the Leave No Trace Principles at all times in all areas. Utilize designated restrooms and waste bins when accessible, and carry out your waste when such facilities are unavailable. Food storage regulations are strictly upheld. Spreading, Scattering, or spraying any item, including but not limited to flowers (real or fake), rice, birdseed, bubbles, and champagne, is strictly prohibited, even during photographic sessions within the confines of a permit.
The permit does not guarantee park entry or parking spaces. Parking is on a first-come, first-served basis, reserving spaces is prohibited. Park entrances and roads may be closed without notice due to weather, emergencies, traffic, or construction. It is the responsibility of the permit holder to stay updated on park closures that may impact their event, and to inform the Office of Special Park Uses accordingly. Changes to the permit must be approved in writing by an authorized official prior to the event, and cannot be granted retroactively. Conducting a ceremony or event outside the parameters outlined on the original permit without prior written approval from an authorized official is a violation of the permit's terms, even if the restriction is due to an emergency or unexpected closure.