Q&A: Eloping in Glacier National Park
If you’ve chosen Glacier National Park for your elopement, or are considering it for your special day, you’re in the right place! I want to help you plan the perfect elopement in this unforgettable location. Read through these commonly asked questions, and get clear answers without having to research them on your own time!
Q: Do I have to acquire a permit to get married in Glacier National Park?
A: Yes!
Before getting too far into the planning process, you should first pick your elopement date, and apply for a permit through the National Parks Service. Nps.gov says: “Any and all vow exchanges, elopements, ceremonies, weddings, or special events, etc. require a Special Use Permit. This is regardless of the size of the group, whether or not it is “officiated,” or if papers are being signed.” Unless you are going to the park just to take pictures, the National Parks Service requires a permit.
Click here: https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/upload/NPS-10-930s-Application-for-SUP-Short-Form-Weddings-1-8-21.pdf for the National Parks Service’s permit application. Once completed, Email your application to glac_sup@nps.gov. Once they are ready to process the permit, they will reach out for confirmation, and for payment. After processing, NPS will email you for a signature. Once signed by you, and a NPS official, your permit is valid, and you can begin planning for your elopement!
For a step-by-step process, and additional questions about the permit application, look under the How Do I Get a Permit? section on NPS’s website, linked here: https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/weddings.htm
Q: What permit restrictions will be put into place?
A: Nps.gov has the following list of requirements for eloping in Glacier National Park:
There is a limit of two permits per location per day.
Time limit is two hours for all locations.
Your permit does not grant access during road closures.
A permit monitor may be required for events over 20 people.
At all picnic areas: tables remain first-come, first-served and tables may not be saved/reserved or moved.
Q: Can I get married anywhere in the park?
A: No.
Glacier National Park is a beautiful location for elopements, making it a very popular one as well. As reservation demand has increased, the park has limited the areas that you can acquire elopement permits for in order to preserve wildlife, and visitor experience. Don’t worry, though, the permitted locations are just as beautiful as the “off limits” locations in the park!
Q: Where can I get married within the park?
A: While locations are limited, there are so many sites to choose from!
Check here: https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/wedding_locations.htm to search for available locations based on attendees, current access dates, site details and restrictions, and any other important additional information. Most locations do not allow for additional guest seating to be brought in (though some locations allow up to 4 chairs). Decor and tables are not allowed on the premises in an effort to protect the animals and the nature surrounding each site. Snacks are allowed in all permitted areas, so feel free to plan for that!
Q: What would you suggest for a more intimate wedding party? What would you suggest for a larger party?
A: For a more intimate wedding party:
Kintla Lake is the most remote camping location within Glacier National Park. It only allows eight people per elopement permit. This location is special, as parties over eight cannot gain access to eloping by the scenic lake. It is “located in the uppermost northwest section of the park known as the North Fork, approximately 40 miles from the West Entrance and near the Canadian border.” (nps.org). To get to the campground, you’ll drive down a slow, bumpy scenic road through the small Polebridge community. The campsite itself is set on the lake, and is encircled by foliage and a thick forest of trees, giving visitors beautiful views, and cooling shade.
A: For a larger wedding elopement party:
Fish Creek Amphitheater is one of the largest elopement/wedding sites within Glacier National park. The permit allows for up to 200 guests, but can also be used for micro-weddings, or smaller elopements for couples that desire a lot of space. Set up is little to none for this area, as seating is pre-set on the grounds. There’s also a platform stage that backs up to a beautiful, lush forest where you can say your vows.
Q: Does a permit act as a “reservation” for a park area?
A: No.
The parks are still open to the public, despite an approved permit! A permit allows for you and your elopement party to enjoy a wedding on the premises, but doesn’t exclude other hikers, or bikers from coming through the permitted area.