How to Get a Glacier National Park Wedding Permit
Glacier National Park is home to some of the most incredible mountain landscapes in the world. Not only is the scenery in the park’s boundaries gorgeous, but there are also plenty of easily accessible viewpoints of the jaw-droppingly beautiful mountains. And yes, you can get married among these glacially carved mountain peaks!
From sparkling blue lakes to rocky mountain peaks, it’s no wonder this park has become a popular wedding destination for couples.
As an elopement photographer, part of my job is to know the rules and regulations of these beautiful locations. That’s why today, I’m going to walk you through everything you need to know to get your Special Use wedding permit for your Glacier National Park wedding.
Who Needs a Wedding Permit?
If you plan to share vows inside of Glacier National Park, even if you don’t sign the marriage license there, the park requires a Special Use Permit for your wedding ceremony.
Even if your wedding ceremony is going to be 15 minutes or less with no guests, you are still required to have a permit.
We Just Want to Take Pictures on our Wedding Day in the Park. Do We Still Need a Permit?
You are allowed to take photos throughout the park on your wedding day without a permit. However, if you plan on sharing vows, even if you are not signing the legal paperwork to get married while in the park, you will need a Special Use Permit.
How Much Does a Glacier National Park Wedding Permit Cost?
The wedding permit has a $125 application fee. This covers the cost of filing the application and processing the request.
How Strict is Glacier National Park on the Max Capacity for Wedding Locations?
The park has designated different sites throughout the park for different sized weddings. They are very strict about keeping to the exact capacity listed for the location. This number includes any vendors who will be present during your ceremony, such as your photographer and videographer.
Where Can We Get Married in Glacier National Park?
The park has many designated wedding ceremony locations. Some of the most popular sites include Jackson Bay on Lake McDonald, Sun Point on Saint Mary’s Lake, and Big Bend along the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
What happens if Our Requested Location is not Available?
The park issues a maximum of two permits per location per day. If your location is unavailable, they will contact you to discuss an alternative location. When you apply for your permit, I suggest including your second-choice location as a backup.
Does Our Permit Include Entrance to the Park?
No, your wedding permit does not cover the vehicle entrance fee for the park, and you will still need to purchase an Entrance Pass when entering the park. It’s $35 per vehicle and allows you to enter the park as many times as you need for 7 days.
How to Apply for Your Glacier National Park Special Use Wedding Permit
- 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.
Tip! When choosing your ceremony location, choose a backup location to list on your permit in case your first choice is unavailable on the date you want.
You can find more information about Glacier National Park wedding permits on their website.
Montana Marriage License
The other important document you’ll need to elope in Glacier is your marriage license. You need to obtain your marriage license from the state you’ll be getting married in, which in this case is Montana.
In order to obtain your marriage license in Montana, you and your partner will need to appear in person at the County Clerk’s Office. To apply, you will need a form of photo ID, such as a Driver’s License, Passport, or Military ID, and to sign the paperwork in-person.
The nearest County Clerk is in Kalispell
The marriage license cost is $53, which can be paid in cash, check, or credit card (though there is an additional service fee for credit cards).
There is no waiting period, meaning you can get married the same day you receive your license. This license will only be valid in Montana and will be valid for 180 days after it’s issued (about 6 months).
While you can use your marriage license the same day you receive it, I always recommend planning to get it one to two days in advance.
Officiant
Your officiant must be an ordained minister to legally perform your marriage. This can be a judge, a clergy member, an ordained friend or family member, or even your photographer if they’re ordained (like I am!).
Witnesses
Montana requires you to have at least 2 witnesses attend your ceremony and sign your marriage license. If you don’t plan on bringing anyone with you, ask your photographer or officiant for help.
Ready to Start Planning Your Glacier National Park Wedding?
If you’re ready to start planning your own elopement in Glacier, send me a message! I’d love to hear about your plans and start sharing my expertise on eloping in these beautiful mountains with you to help plan an incredible day for you two!
Happy eloping!
