If you are considering a Glacier National Park Elopement, this is the ultimate location guide for you!
Glacier National Park is one of the leading elopement locations in the US both for its beauty, and adventure. You really can have anything you want in this park, and the number of ceremony locations can be overwhelming.
Glacier NP is a beautiful place that is so dear to my heart, and with the influx of clients booking me for these locations I felt it was time to compile the ultimate list of Glacier National Park elopement locations. This guide will give you all the locations in one place with easy to understand information. I have done all the foot work to make choosing your ceremony location as easy as possible.
Choosing Your Glacier National Park Elopement Location
This might be step 5 in the “10 Steps To Plan Your Elopement” but some may argue this is one of the best parts. This is the choice that will shape your ceremony and ultimately your whole elopement day. Making this selection will make you feel so much closer to having a real plan for your day because it will give us direction.
Things to Consider
Some of the things you will want to think about while you are choosing your location are:
- Scenery – What do you want to see in your photos: trees, mountains, lakes, etc.
- Accessibility – How accessible is the location year round, and how is the terrain.
- Permits & Regulations – What permits are required and what restrictions are there for this location
For more in depth information on this step of the process you can find that in the “10 Steps To Plan Your Elopement” & Elope in Glacier National Park pages on my website.
Glacier National Park Areas
Glacier National Park is made up of five distinct districts, and in those five districts there is a total of 32 ceremony locations. Let’s talk a little bit about the 5 districts and what makes them all so freaking cool!
Lake McDonald District
This is the most popular of all the districts and is home to some of the most iconic GNP scenery. This district starts on the west side of the park and spans about half way through Going to The Sun Road. Of course you can gather from the name of the district, this one is home to Lake McDonald, while one of the most stunning picturesque backdrops its also one of the most popular locations in the park, not only for weddings, but also travelers. There’s two villages and lots of shops and things to do. This district is also home to the infamous “Big Bend” of Glacier, and happens to be probably the most seen location in the park. Most of the Glacier National Park Elopement photos you see on social media are at this very location.
North Fork District
This is the northern most corner of the park and is accessible from North Fork Rd, or through West Glacier. This area gives you access to the Juniper River, Bowman Lake, and Kintla Lake. All are very beautiful and being so far north cuts down quite a bit on the traffic. If you are hoping for something a little off the beaten path, and a little more remote, this area would be a great choice for you. The Polebridge area offers a cute little mercantile too, and they have some of the best bakes goods and tasty treats!
Two Medicine District
Another of the less trafficked spots in the park, but one of the most breathtaking. Two Medicine is closer to the East side of the park and offers wild and rugged mountains and beautiful reflective lakes. There are lots of waterfalls in this district too, with pretty easy hikes to get to the goods. You can also book boat tours on the main lake. It is such a great way to add experience and diversity to your elopement day. There are a few shops near by too.
St. Mary District
This district offers the whole little St. Mary Hotel and village area. The perfect mix of everything if you ask me. Offering a lot of the same experiences as the west side of the park but about half the population. The trails are nice and tidy, and way less traveled. This district gives you the balance if you’re someone who wants to have a few moments of privacy but maybe not way off the beaten path. The 10 mile long lake offers lots of opportunities for exploring and photos.
Many Glacier District
Many Glacier is home to another stunning lodge with great views, tasty food, and accessibility for both you and guests. If you want to see wildlife this is the district for you. Swiftcurrent lake is beautiful and definitely gives Switzerland vibes. Though, this is a killer location for elopements it’s also a really great location for destination traditional weddings.
My Top 5 Favorite Glacier National Park Elopement Locations
Of course, all of the park is stunning and each spot has its pros and cons. I do have a few favorites, and I’m going to quickly highlight them for you here. Remember, this doesn’t mean any of the other locations are less than, just that I feel these 5 work best for my ideal clients, and what my clients are seeking.
- Big Bend – Ugh! The most scenic spot in all of the park if you ask me! This spot is the heart of the valley and is surrounded by sweeping mountains all around. In July/August the wildflowers bloom and create a field of beautiful dreams.
- Bowman Lake – This northern hidden gem is stunning and secluded. The perfect little get away for adventure seekers looking for a little more intimacy for their vows.
- Running Eagle Falls – A really accessible waterfall hike perfect for all levels of adventurers and guests alike. Obviously waterfalls are freaking awesome and this one is stunning and so easy to get to. Would be a great place to get some in the water shots!
- Rising Sun/Sun Point – Absolutely breathtaking location. Sunsets here are beyond words. I have done a few elopements in this location and always add this spot to the portraits list when I can. There is a short little half mile walk, and the most amazing view once you get out to Sun Point.
- Lake Josephine – OMG! Again another super top contender. I have been dying to do an elopement at this location and finally am going to have the opportunity. This spot is tucked away, accessible, and just freaking stunning! I think this might be my number 1. Stay tuned.
Glacier National Park Elopement Location Breakdown
Okay, so we have covered the districts and gotten a little bit of an idea about each one Now its time to break it all down. We’re gonna do this in the easiest way possible and just give you detailed descriptions for each location.
A few key things to know before we dive into the locations list are:
- Each location has a limit of 2 permits granted per day.
- Ceremony permit is 2hrs long.
- Permits do not grant you access beyond road closures. If a road is closed for your elopement its best to have a back up plan for this reason.
- Your permit does not reserve picnic tables and they remain first come first serve.
- Some locations have strict restrictions. Please see naps.gov for more info.
Locations Chart Updated 2024
| Locations | Guest Counts | Vehicle Access |
|---|---|---|
| Big Bend | 10 Peak Season 10 Non-Peak Season | Early July–Mid September |
| Apgar Amphitheater | 250 Peak Season 250 Non-Peak Season | Year-round |
| Apgar Picnic Area Shoreline | 15 Peak Season 20 Non-Peak Season | Year-round |
| Fish Creek Amphitheater | 200 Peak Season 200 Non-Peak Season | Late May–Early September |
| Fish Creek Picnic Area Shoreline | 20 Peak Season 25 Non-Peak Season | Late April–Late December |
| Avalanche Amphitheater | 100 Peak Season 100 Non-Peak Season | Early May–Mid October |
| Avalanche Picnic Area Shoreline | 15 Peak Season 20 Non-Peak Season | Early May–Mid October |
| 7-Mile Pullout (Sandy Point) | 15 Peak Season 20 Non-Peak Season | Year-round |
| 10-Mile Pullout (Jackson Bay) | 15 Peak Season 20 Non-Peak Season | Year-round |
| Sprague Picnic Area Shoreline | 15 Peak Season 20 Non-Peak Season | Mid May–Early September |
| Lake McDonald Lodge Beach | 15 Peak Season 30 Non-Peak Season | Year-round |
| Ryan Beach | 15 Peak Season 20 Non-Peak Season | Year-round |
| Juniper River Access | 12 Peak Season 12 Non-Peak Season | Mid May–Mid October |
| Bowman Lake Day Use Area | 15 Peak Season 24 Non-Peak Season | Mid May–Mid October |
| Kintla Lake Day Use Area | 8 Peak Season 8 Non-Peak Season | Mid May–Mid October |
| Running Eagle Falls | 15 Peak Season 15 Non-Peak Season | Last week of May–Mid October |
| Pray Lake Shoreline | 30 Peak Season 30 Non-Peak Season | Last week of May–Mid October |
| Two Medicine Amphitheater | 50 Peak Season 75 Non-Peak Season | Last week of May–Mid October |
| Two Medicine Picnic Area Shoreline | 15 Peak Season 20 Non-Peak Season | Last week of May–Mid October |
| Walton Picnic Area | 15 Peak Season 15 Non-Peak Season | Year-round |
| St. Mary Amphitheater | 50 Peak Season 75 Non-Peak Season | Year-round |
| Rising Sun Amphitheater | 100 Peak Season 100 Non-Peak Season | Early May–Late October |
| Rising Sun Picnic Area Shoreline | 15 Peak Season 20 Non-Peak Season | Early May–Late October |
| Sun Point | 20 Peak Season 20 Non-Peak Season | Last week of May–Mid October |
| Red Eagle Trailhead | 12 Peak Season 12 Non-Peak Season | Year Round |
| 1913 Ranger Station | 20 Peak Season 20 Non-Peak Season | Year-round |
| Cutbank Field | 12 Peak Season 20 Non-Peak Season | Typically late May – mid-October. |
| Lake Josephine Shoreline | 15 Peak Season 15 Non-Peak Season | Vehicle access to nearest trailhead is last week of May–Mid October |
| Many Glacier Hotel Green | 15 Peak Season 15 Non-Peak Season | Last week of May–Mid October |
| Many Glacier Hotel–SW Beach | 15 Peak Season 15 Non-Peak Season | Last week of May–Mid October |
| Many Glacier Hotel Beach | 15 Peak Season 15 Non-Peak Season | Last week of May–Mid October |
| Many Glacier Amphitheater | 100 Peak Season 100 Non-Peak Season | Last week of May–Mid October |
For more in depth information on each location and for updates on closures and other info please visit naps.gov.
I Hope This Helps You Pick Your Glacier National Park Elopement Locations
It’s been such a pleasure putting all this information together for you, and if you are looking for more Glacier National Park Elopement specific information you will find all that over on my website. Just click the link. For more general elopement information you can find all my elopement resources over on the blog.
If you are looking for an elopement photographer to adventure with you into this great world I would absolutely love to chat about doing just that! Feel free to reach out! Contact me!
If you are considering a Glacier National Park Elopement, this is the ultimate location guide for you!
Glacier National Park is one of the leading elopement locations in the US both for its beauty, and adventure. You really can have anything you want in this park, and the number of ceremony locations can be overwhelming.
Glacier NP is a beautiful place that is so dear to my heart, and with the influx of clients booking me for these locations I felt it was time to compile the ultimate list of Glacier National Park elopement locations. This guide will give you all the locations in one place with easy to understand information. I have done all the foot work to make choosing your ceremony location as easy as possible.
Choosing Your Glacier National Park Elopement Location
This might be step 5 in the “10 Steps To Plan Your Elopement” but some may argue this is one of the best parts. This is the choice that will shape your ceremony and ultimately your whole elopement day. Making this selection will make you feel so much closer to having a real plan for your day because it will give us direction.
Things to Consider
Some of the things you will want to think about while you are choosing your location are:
- Scenery – What do you want to see in your photos: trees, mountains, lakes, etc.
- Accessibility – How accessible is the location year round, and how is the terrain.
- Permits & Regulations – What permits are required and what restrictions are there for this location
For more in depth information on this step of the process you can find that in the “10 Steps To Plan Your Elopement” & Elope in Glacier National Park pages on my website.
Glacier National Park Areas
Glacier National Park is made up of five distinct districts, and in those five districts there is a total of 32 ceremony locations. Let’s talk a little bit about the 5 districts and what makes them all so freaking cool!
Lake McDonald District
This is the most popular of all the districts and is home to some of the most iconic GNP scenery. This district starts on the west side of the park and spans about half way through Going to The Sun Road. Of course you can gather from the name of the district, this one is home to Lake McDonald, while one of the most stunning picturesque backdrops its also one of the most popular locations in the park, not only for weddings, but also travelers. There’s two villages and lots of shops and things to do. This district is also home to the infamous “Big Bend” of Glacier, and happens to be probably the most seen location in the park. Most of the Glacier National Park Elopement photos you see on social media are at this very location.
North Fork District
This is the northern most corner of the park and is accessible from North Fork Rd, or through West Glacier. This area gives you access to the Juniper River, Bowman Lake, and Kintla Lake. All are very beautiful and being so far north cuts down quite a bit on the traffic. If you are hoping for something a little off the beaten path, and a little more remote, this area would be a great choice for you. The Polebridge area offers a cute little mercantile too, and they have some of the best bakes goods and tasty treats!
Two Medicine District
Another of the less trafficked spots in the park, but one of the most breathtaking. Two Medicine is closer to the East side of the park and offers wild and rugged mountains and beautiful reflective lakes. There are lots of waterfalls in this district too, with pretty easy hikes to get to the goods. You can also book boat tours on the main lake. It is such a great way to add experience and diversity to your elopement day. There are a few shops near by too.
St. Mary District
This district offers the whole little St. Mary Hotel and village area. The perfect mix of everything if you ask me. Offering a lot of the same experiences as the west side of the park but about half the population. The trails are nice and tidy, and way less traveled. This district gives you the balance if you’re someone who wants to have a few moments of privacy but maybe not way off the beaten path. The 10 mile long lake offers lots of opportunities for exploring and photos.
Many Glacier District
Many Glacier is home to another stunning lodge with great views, tasty food, and accessibility for both you and guests. If you want to see wildlife this is the district for you. Swiftcurrent lake is beautiful and definitely gives Switzerland vibes. Though, this is a killer location for elopements it’s also a really great location for destination traditional weddings.
My Top 5 Favorite Glacier National Park Elopement Locations
Of course, all of the park is stunning and each spot has its pros and cons. I do have a few favorites, and I’m going to quickly highlight them for you here. Remember, this doesn’t mean any of the other locations are less than, just that I feel these 5 work best for my ideal clients, and what my clients are seeking.
- Big Bend – Ugh! The most scenic spot in all of the park if you ask me! This spot is the heart of the valley and is surrounded by sweeping mountains all around. In July/August the wildflowers bloom and create a field of beautiful dreams.
- Bowman Lake – This northern hidden gem is stunning and secluded. The perfect little get away for adventure seekers looking for a little more intimacy for their vows.
- Running Eagle Falls – A really accessible waterfall hike perfect for all levels of adventurers and guests alike. Obviously waterfalls are freaking awesome and this one is stunning and so easy to get to. Would be a great place to get some in the water shots!
- Rising Sun/Sun Point – Absolutely breathtaking location. Sunsets here are beyond words. I have done a few elopements in this location and always add this spot to the portraits list when I can. There is a short little half mile walk, and the most amazing view once you get out to Sun Point.
- Lake Josephine – OMG! Again another super top contender. I have been dying to do an elopement at this location and finally am going to have the opportunity. This spot is tucked away, accessible, and just freaking stunning! I think this might be my number 1. Stay tuned.
Glacier National Park Elopement Location Breakdown
Okay, so we have covered the districts and gotten a little bit of an idea about each one Now its time to break it all down. We’re gonna do this in the easiest way possible and just give you detailed descriptions for each location.
A few key things to know before we dive into the locations list are:
- Each location has a limit of 2 permits granted per day.
- Ceremony permit is 2hrs long.
- Permits do not grant you access beyond road closures. If a road is closed for your elopement its best to have a back up plan for this reason.
- Your permit does not reserve picnic tables and they remain first come first serve.
- Some locations have strict restrictions. Please see naps.gov for more info.
Locations Chart Updated 2024
| Locations | Guest Counts | Vehicle Access |
|---|---|---|
| Big Bend | 10 Peak Season 10 Non-Peak Season | Early July–Mid September |
| Apgar Amphitheater | 250 Peak Season 250 Non-Peak Season | Year-round |
| Apgar Picnic Area Shoreline | 15 Peak Season 20 Non-Peak Season | Year-round |
| Fish Creek Amphitheater | 200 Peak Season 200 Non-Peak Season | Late May–Early September |
| Fish Creek Picnic Area Shoreline | 20 Peak Season 25 Non-Peak Season | Late April–Late December |
| Avalanche Amphitheater | 100 Peak Season 100 Non-Peak Season | Early May–Mid October |
| Avalanche Picnic Area Shoreline | 15 Peak Season 20 Non-Peak Season | Early May–Mid October |
| 7-Mile Pullout (Sandy Point) | 15 Peak Season 20 Non-Peak Season | Year-round |
| 10-Mile Pullout (Jackson Bay) | 15 Peak Season 20 Non-Peak Season | Year-round |
| Sprague Picnic Area Shoreline | 15 Peak Season 20 Non-Peak Season | Mid May–Early September |
| Lake McDonald Lodge Beach | 15 Peak Season 30 Non-Peak Season | Year-round |
| Ryan Beach | 15 Peak Season 20 Non-Peak Season | Year-round |
| Juniper River Access | 12 Peak Season 12 Non-Peak Season | Mid May–Mid October |
| Bowman Lake Day Use Area | 15 Peak Season 24 Non-Peak Season | Mid May–Mid October |
| Kintla Lake Day Use Area | 8 Peak Season 8 Non-Peak Season | Mid May–Mid October |
| Running Eagle Falls | 15 Peak Season 15 Non-Peak Season | Last week of May–Mid October |
| Pray Lake Shoreline | 30 Peak Season 30 Non-Peak Season | Last week of May–Mid October |
| Two Medicine Amphitheater | 50 Peak Season 75 Non-Peak Season | Last week of May–Mid October |
| Two Medicine Picnic Area Shoreline | 15 Peak Season 20 Non-Peak Season | Last week of May–Mid October |
| Walton Picnic Area | 15 Peak Season 15 Non-Peak Season | Year-round |
| St. Mary Amphitheater | 50 Peak Season 75 Non-Peak Season | Year-round |
| Rising Sun Amphitheater | 100 Peak Season 100 Non-Peak Season | Early May–Late October |
| Rising Sun Picnic Area Shoreline | 15 Peak Season 20 Non-Peak Season | Early May–Late October |
| Sun Point | 20 Peak Season 20 Non-Peak Season | Last week of May–Mid October |
| Red Eagle Trailhead | 12 Peak Season 12 Non-Peak Season | Year Round |
| 1913 Ranger Station | 20 Peak Season 20 Non-Peak Season | Year-round |
| Cutbank Field | 12 Peak Season 20 Non-Peak Season | Typically late May – mid-October. |
| Lake Josephine Shoreline | 15 Peak Season 15 Non-Peak Season | Vehicle access to nearest trailhead is last week of May–Mid October |
| Many Glacier Hotel Green | 15 Peak Season 15 Non-Peak Season | Last week of May–Mid October |
| Many Glacier Hotel–SW Beach | 15 Peak Season 15 Non-Peak Season | Last week of May–Mid October |
| Many Glacier Hotel Beach | 15 Peak Season 15 Non-Peak Season | Last week of May–Mid October |
| Many Glacier Amphitheater | 100 Peak Season 100 Non-Peak Season | Last week of May–Mid October |
For more in depth information on each location and for updates on closures and other info please visit naps.gov.
I Hope This Helps You Pick Your Glacier National Park Elopement Locations
It’s been such a pleasure putting all this information together for you, and if you are looking for more Glacier National Park Elopement specific information you will find all that over on my website. Just click the link. For more general elopement information you can find all my elopement resources over on the blog.
If you are looking for an elopement photographer to adventure with you into this great world I would absolutely love to chat about doing just that! Feel free to reach out! Contact me!
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