Glacier National Park Wedding Locations: The Ultimate Guide
Glacier National Park is the first place most people think of when they think of Montana. The glacially carved mountains and alpine meadows that make up this iconic park are absolutely breathtaking! It’s no wonder Glacier National Park elopements are so popular—with views like these, how could you possibly choose to get married in an ordinary wedding venue?
Because weddings in Glacier National Park have become so popular, the park has designated more than 30 wedding ceremony locations for weddings of just about all sizes across its boundaries.
I’ve done the hard work of organizing these locations by wedding size and gathered the most important information you need to choose a wedding ceremony location in Montana’s most iconic mountains.
Plus, I’ve included a map with all the locations and step-by-step instructions for how to apply for your Glacier National Park wedding permit after you’ve found your dream location!
Glacier National Park Wedding Venues (Weddings Up to 250 People)
Lake McDonald Lodge Beach
Max Occupancy: 30
Nearest Park Entrance: West Glacier Entrance
Accessible Season: Year-Round
Top Sights Nearby: Lake McDonald, Going to the Sun Road, and Avalanche Lake Trail.
Special Notes: Weddings here must notify Lake McDonald Lodge ahead of time.
Fish Creek Picnic Area Beach
Max Occupancy: 30
Nearest Park Entrance: West Glacier Entrance
Accessible Season: Late-April through Late-December
Top Sights Nearby: McDonald Lake, Going to the Sun Road, and the Avalanche Lake trail
Special Notes: Pets are allowed at this location. When the water levels are low enough, events are required to take place on the beach area.
Pray Lake Shoreline
Max Occupancy: 30
Nearest Park Entrance: Two Medicine Entrance
Accessible Season: Late May through mid-October
Top Sights Nearby: Two Medicine Lake, hike to Aster Falls, and Saint Mary Lake.
Special Notes: Weddings must take place on the shoreline, not the nearby meadow, to stay on durable surfaces to protect fragile landscapes.
Two Medicine Campground Amphitheater
Max Occupancy: 75
Nearest Park Entrance: Saint Mary Entrance
Accessible Season: Late May through mid-October
Top Sights Nearby: Two Medicine Lake, hike to Aster Falls, and Saint Mary Lake.
Special Notes: Evening ceremonies are typically not permitted from June through September, as the amphitheater is used for educational programs throughout the summer.
St. Mary Campground Amphitheater
Max Occupancy: 75
Nearest Park Entrance: Two Medicine Entrance
Accessible Season: Year-round
Top Sights Nearby: Saint Mary Lake, Going to the Sun Road, Sun Point Nature Trail, and Logan Pass
Special Notes: This site is wheelchair-accessible and pet-friendly. Evening ceremonies are typically not permitted from June through September, as the amphitheater is used for educational programs throughout the summer.
Avalanche Campground Amphitheater
Max Occupancy: 100
Nearest Park Entrance: West Glacier Entrance
Accessible Season: Early May through mid-October
Top Sights Nearby: Avalanche Lake Trail, Going to the Sun Road, Trail of the Cetars Nature Trail, and Lake McDonald.
Special Notes: Parking is extremely limited. During peak season, plan to arrive early, carpool, and opt for early morning to avoid crowds and to avoid parking stress.
Rising Sun Campground Amphitheater
Max Occupancy: 100
Nearest Park Entrance: Saint Mary Entrance
Accessible Season: Early May through late October
Top Sights Nearby: Saint Mary Lake, Going to the Sun Road, Sun Point Nature Trail, and Logan Pass
Special Notes: This site is wheelchair-accessible and pet-friendly. Evening ceremonies are typically not permitted from June through September, as the amphitheater is used for educational programs throughout the summer.
Many Glacier Campground Amphitheater
Max Occupancy: 100
Nearest Park Entrance: Many Glacier Entrance
Accessible Season: Late May through mid-October
Top Sights Nearby: Swiftcurrent Lake, Hidden Falls hike, and Morning Eagle Viewpoint on Lake Josephine.
Special Notes: This site is wheelchair-accessible and pet-friendly. Evening ceremonies are typically not permitted from June through September, as the amphitheater is used for educational programs throughout the summer.
Fish Creek Campground Amphitheater
Max Occupancy: 200
Nearest Park Entrance: West Glacier Entrance
Accessible Season: Late May through early September
Top Sights Nearby: McDonald Lake, Going to the Sun Road, and the Avalanche Lake trail.
Special Notes: This site is wheelchair-accessible and pet-friendly. Evening ceremonies are typically not permitted from June through September, as the amphitheater is used for educational programs throughout the summer.
Apgar Campground Amphitheater
Max Occupancy: 250
Nearest Park Entrance: West Glacier Entrance
Accessible Season: Year-round
Top Sights Nearby: McDonald Lake, Going to the Sun Road, and the Avalanche Lake trail
Special Notes: This site is wheelchair-accessible and pet-friendly. Evening ceremonies are typically not permitted from June through September, as the amphitheater is used for educational programs throughout the summer.
Glacier National Park Elopement Locations (Intimate Weddings Up to 25)
Big Bend
Max Occupancy: 10
Nearest Park Entrance: Saint Mary Entrance or West Glacier Entrance
Accessible Season: Early July through mid-September
Top Sights Nearby: Paradise Meadow overlook, Logan Pass, Saint Mary Lake, Avalanche Lake Trail, and McDonald Lake
Special Notes: Weddings are permitted only in the developed gravel area next to the viewpoint to protect the fragile landscape and adhere to Leave No Trace principles. This location is wheelchair accessible.
Kintla Lake Day Use Area
Max Occupancy: 10
Nearest Park Entrance: Polebridge Ranger Station Entrance
Accessible Season: Mid-May through mid-October
Top Sights Nearby: Kintla Lake, Kintla Lake Ranger Station, and Bowman Lake
Special Notes: This is possibly the most remote corner of the park accessible by a vehicle. The road is a long, bumpy dirt road. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended. If the road is closed due to snow (very likely in the shoulder seasons), you will have to hike/ski in, which is a 14-mile trip each way.
Red Eagle Trailhead
Max Occupancy: 15
Nearest Park Entrance: Saint Mary Entrance
Accessible Season: Year-round
Top Sights Nearby: Saint Mary Lake, Going to the Sun Road, Sun Point Nature Trail, and Logan Pass
Special Notes: During seasonal road closures (likely before July), you can access via skiing, snowshoeing, or hiking in from the Saint Mary Visitor Center, 0.8 miles each way
Cutbank Field
Max Occupancy: 15
Nearest Park Entrance: Saint Mary Entrance
Accessible Season: Lake May through mid-October
Top Sights Nearby: Triple Divite Cut Bank Trailhead, Two Medicine Lake, or Saint Mary Lake.
Special Notes: The designated ceremony location is in the field South of the trailhead, and you are required to stay within 250 ft. of the road. During seasonal road closures (which are very possible before July), you will need to ski, snowshoe, or hike to the location.
Lake Josephine Shoreline
Max Occupancy: 15
Nearest Park Entrance:
Accessible Season:
Top Sights Nearby:
Special Notes: This is a hike-in location. The hike is 1 mile each way (2 miles round-trip). The area designated for wedding ceremonies is near the docks.
Many Glacier Hotel Green (behind the main Lodge)
Max Occupancy: 15
Nearest Park Entrance: Many Glacier Entrance
Accessible Season: Late May through mid-October
Top Sights Nearby: Swiftcurrent Lake, Lake Sherburne, Lake Josephine, and the Hidden Falls hike.
Special Notes: You will need to notify the Many Glacier Hotel in advance of your wedding.
Many Glacier Hotel – SW Beach
Max Occupancy: 15
Nearest Park Entrance: Many Glacier Entrance
Accessible Season: Late May through mid-October
Top Sights Nearby: Swiftcurrent Lake, Lake Sherburne, Lake Josephine, and the Hidden Falls hike.
Special Notes: You will need to notify the Many Glacier Hotel in advance of your wedding. When water levels allow, you will be required to hold your ceremony on the beach to stay on durable surfaces and follow Leave No Trace principles.
Avalanche Creek Picnic Area Beach
Max Occupancy: 15
Nearest Park Entrance: West Glacier Entrance
Accessible Season: Early May through mid-October
Top Sights Nearby: Avalanche Lake Trail, Lake McDonald, and the Going to the Sun Road
Special Notes: Wedding ceremonies should take place on the beach by the river when water levels allow for it. Parking is very limited, so carpooling is encouraged as much as possible.
Ryan Beach
Max Occupancy: 15
Nearest Park Entrance: West Glacier Entrance
Accessible Season: Year-Round
Top Sights Nearby: Lake McDonald, the Going to the Sun Road, the Avalanche Lake Trail
Special Notes: Wedding ceremonies must take place on the beach, not in the meadow, to protect fragile vegetation and adhere to Leave No Trace Principles.
Juniper River Access
Max Occupancy: 15
Nearest Park Entrance: Camas Creek Entrance
Accessible Season: Mid-May through Mid-October
Top Sights Nearby: Bowman Lake and Kintla Lake
Special Notes: This location is accessible by car or by river. During weather-related road closures, you will need to walk or hike in.
I was unable to find this exact location. If you are interested in getting married here, you will need to contact the park for the exact location.
Walton Picnic Area
Max Occupancy: 15
Nearest Park Entrance: Walton Ranger Station Entrance
Accessible Season: Year-Round
Top Sights Nearby: Scalplock Mountain Fire Lookout, Silver Staircase Waterfall, and Lake McDonald
Special Notes: No special notes.
Running Eagle Falls
Max Occupancy: 15
Nearest Park Entrance: Two Medicine Entrance
Accessible Season: Late May through mid-October
Top Sights Nearby: Two Medicine Lake, Saint Mary Lake, and the Going to the Sun Road.
Special Notes: Parking is limited, and vehicles are not allowed to park on the road. Weddings must take place on durable surfaces to protect fragile vegetation and follow Leave No Trace Principles. Make sure not to block the trail for other visitors.
Two Medicine Picnic Area Beach
Max Occupancy: 20
Nearest Park Entrance: Two Medicine Entrance
Accessible Season: Late May through mid-October
Top Sights Nearby: Two Medicine Lake, hike to Aster Falls, and Saint Mary Lake.
Special Notes: Weddings should take place on the shoreline to stay on durable surfaces to protect fragile vegetation.
Apgar Picnic Area Beach
Max Occupancy: 20
Nearest Park Entrance: Wet Glacier Entrance
Accessible Season: Year-round
Top Sights Nearby: Lake McDonald, Burton and Lulu Wheeler Cabin, and the Going to the Sun Road
Special Notes: Pets are allowed here. When the water levels are low enough, weddings are required to take place on the shoreline on durable surfaces to protect fragile vegetation and to keep with Leave No Trace principles.
7-Mile Pullout (Sandy Point)
Max Occupancy: 20
Nearest Park Entrance: West Glacier Entrance
Accessible Season: Year-round
Top Sights Nearby: Lake McDonald, Going to the Sun Road, and the Avalanche Lake Trail.
Special Notes: A few chairs (up to 4) are permitted on durable surfaces at this location.
10-Mile Pullout (Jackson Bay)
Max Occupancy: 20
Nearest Park Entrance: West Glacier Entrance
Accessible Season: Year-round
Top Sights Nearby: Lake McDonald, Going to the Sun Road, and the Avalanche Lake Trail.
Special Notes: A few chairs (up to 4) are permitted on durable surfaces at this location.
Sprague Picnic Area Beach
Max Occupancy: 20
Nearest Park Entrance: West Glacier Entrance
Accessible Season: Mid-May through early September
Top Sights Nearby: Trail of the Cedars Nature Trail, Avalanche Lake, and Going to the Sun Road.
Special Notes: Pets are allowed at this location. This area closes at 9:00pm, so plan to leave by then.
Bowman Lake Day Use Area
Max Occupancy: 20
Nearest Park Entrance:
Accessible Season:
Top Sights Nearby:
Special Notes:
Rising Sun Picnic Area Shoreline
Max Occupancy: 20
Nearest Park Entrance: Polebridge Ranger Station Entrance
Accessible Season: Mid-May through mid-October
Top Sights Nearby: Bowman Lake and the Bowman Lake Trail.
Special Notes: If the road is closed due to snow, you will need to hike/ski the 6+ miles to the ceremony site.
Sun Point
Max Occupancy: 20
Nearest Park Entrance: Saint Mary Entrance
Accessible Season: Late May through mid-October
Top Sights Nearby: Saint Mary Falls, Rising Sun day-use area, the Going to the Sun Road.
Special Notes: During seasonal weather-related road closures, you will be required to hike, ski, or snowshoe to the ceremony location.
Many Glacer Hotel Beach
Max Occupancy: 20
Nearest Park Entrance: Many Glacier Entrance
Accessible Season: Lake May through mid-October
Top Sights Nearby: Swiftcurrent Lake, Lake Sherburne, Lake Josephine, and the Hidden Falls hike.
Special Notes: You will need to notify the Many Glacier Hotel in advance of your wedding.
Glacier National Park Wedding Locations Map
If you’re more of a visual person, I’ve put together a map showing all the designated wedding ceremony locations in Glacier National Park as well as the park entrances.
Applying for Your Glacier National Park Wedding Permit
All wedding ceremonies and vow exchanges, regardless of size, taking place inside Glacier National Park will need a Special Use Permit. The permit helps preserve these beautiful landscapes.
The park issues up to 2 permits per location per day, and it’s best to apply as early as possible to have the best chance of getting your preferred location, though they can be applied for as little as 20 days in advance.
Check out my guide to Glacier National Park wedding permits for more detailed information and FAQ’s!
Here’s how to get a Permit for your Glacier National Park Wedding or Elopement:
- Download the Special Use Permit Application (you can find it on this page) and complete it.
- Make sure you include exact locations and times. You can also add a backup location in case your first choice is unavailable.
- Don’t forget to include your photographer’s info and contact information.
- Under “equipment”, be sure to list anything you plan on bringing with you, including camera equipment, bouquet, chairs, speakers, etc.
- Make sure you include your best estimate of how many people will be attending, and make sure you’ve chosen a location that is appropriate to that number.
- Submit the completed application to glac_sup@nps.gov
- Pay the non-refundable $125 application fee via credit card.
- Wait for a response from the Park Service. It can take several weeks to several months to get a response, and they will reach out if there are any questions about your application. Once it has been approved, you will receive a draft permit to review and sign.
- Receive your permit. You’ll want to print it out or download it to your phone to access.
- Send your permit to your vendors, including your photographer and videographer.
You can find more information about Glacier National Park wedding permits on their website.
Glacier National Park Wedding Notes:
There are a lot of advantages to holding your wedding in a National Park, especially one as beautiful as Glacier National Park. For one, you’re sure to have the most beautiful backdrop!
However, there are a few rules and regulations you should be aware of when planning your Glacier National Park wedding, such as:
Ceremony Location Time Limits
When you receive your Special Use Permit for your wedding ceremony, you will be permitted to be at that spot for up to 2-hours. This is usually plenty of time, but it’s always good to be aware of the limitations.
Privacy is not guaranteed
Even if you elope at sunrise, there’s a chance you won’t be completely alone when getting married in a National Park. Especially in Glacier! One of the biggest drawbacks to getting married here is that it can be difficult to find a truly secluded location due to the park’s popularity.
The best way to have privacy on your wedding here is to get up early, stay out late, or choose an off-season date. The only drawback to that is that the weather is at its warmest, and the park is most accessible in the peak season.
Picnic Areas are Not Reservable
If your chosen ceremony location is at a day-use area or you just want to have a picnic at some point during your day, there’s no way to reserve a picnic table (unless you reserve a campsite!)
This isn’t necessarily a bad thing; it’s just good to come prepared with a backup plan.
Ready to Start Planning Your Glacier National Park Wedding?
I specialize in helping couples plan an adventurous wedding experience across the Northwest.
My elopement packages are specifically designed to help make planning the day fun and easy by including full planning assistance. I can help you find the best locations for every part of your day, send you the best viewpoints, provide the best hike recommendations, put together a stress-free timeline, and so much more in addition to photographing the fun memories of the day.
Learn more about my elopement photography packages.
Happy eloping!
