Imagine standing hand-in-hand with your favorite person in the world, the crisp mountain air filling your lungs, crystal-clear lakes at your feet, and epic peaks as your backdrop. Sounds absolutely dreamy, right? Glacier National Park is one of those places that genuinely feels unreal. It’s the perfect place for couples who love nature, adventure, and breathtaking scenery. 

But if you want to take your elopement experience to the next level, why not turn it into a full-day or even multi-day adventure? Your Glacier National Park elopement day is about SO much more than just exchanging vows. It’s about celebrating your love in a way that feels authentic, wild, and unforgettable. Whether you want to hike to an epic overlook, paddle on a glacial lake, watch the stars, or road trip to a new corner of the park, here’s how to make the most of your Glacier elopement.

Why Plan a Full-Day or Multi-Day Elopement in Glacier National Park?

One of the biggest mistakes couples make when planning their elopement is not planning enough time! The day flies by so quickly, and when you’re in a place as breathtakingly beautiful as Glacier National Park, you’ll want to savor every moment. Especially if you’ve taken the time to travel here from your home state – cutting your day short would be a disservice to you!

When you choose a full-day or multi-day elopement experience, you get to:

✔ Explore multiple stunning locations instead of just one,

✔ Relax and soak in the experience instead of rushing to squeeze in everything you’d like to do

✔ Include epic activities that make the day even more meaningful,

✔ Capture different parts of the day – sunrise ceremony, golden hour, and starlit skies as you’re roasting your celebratory marshmallows by a campfire,

✔ Make your day feel like an adventure, not just a ceremony!

How to Plan a Multi-Day Elopement in Glacier National Park?

Your elopement isn’t just about how much time you spend in front of the camera. It’s about creating an experience that feels uniquely yours, and some of those adventures may happen even after your photographer has left.

Your elopement should reflect what you love as a couple, whether that means hiking to a remote lake, relaxing by a campfire, or simply soaking in the magic of being in one of the most breathtaking places on earth.

Adventure looks different for everyone, and just being in a place like Glacier National Park is an adventure on its own. You can keep it laid-back and slow, taking in the moments as they come, or pack in thrilling activities – whatever feels right for you! And I’m here to help you figure that out, crafting your perfect elopement experience so it’s stress-free, exciting, and totally unforgettable and capturing it along the way!

There are a lot of ways you can go about planning your multi-day elopement! For example:

• Split the experience into two days—Day one can be all about adventuring, exploring the park, getting your bearings, and creating incredible memories just the two of you. Then, on Day Two, you can have your ceremony in a stunning location, followed by a relaxed afternoon of hiking, boating, or just enjoying the quiet wilderness together.
  
• Include loved ones in a way that feels intentional! A multi-day elopement gives you the chance to have solo time together and also celebrate with family or close friends. Maybe you spend one day just the two of you exploring, hiking, or taking a scenic drive, and then invite your loved ones to join you the next day for a ceremony at a breathtaking overlook or a celebratory picnic by a lake.
  
• Have multiple, varied adventures and experiences—Glacier has so much to offer, so why limit yourself to just one location? A multi-day elopement lets you experience different landscapes—mountains, lakes, waterfalls, and even nearby places like Whitefish or Waterton National Park in Canada.

There are SO many ways to plan your elopement, and I’m here to help you figure out exactly what makes sense for you! Whether that means camping under the stars, waking up for a sunrise ceremony, taking a boat ride after your vows, or simply enjoying a peaceful morning by the lake together, we’ll craft an experience that feels intentional, meaningful, and completely YOURS.

Glacier National Park Elopement Activity Ideas

If you’re wondering what there’s to do in Glacier National Park and how to make your experience last longer, here are some ideas for you!

• Hike to a stunning viewpoint
• Kayak or canoe across Lake McDonald
• Take a scenic drive – Going-to-the-Sun Road is one of the most breathtaking drives in the world
• Just outside the park, Whitefish Mountain Resort offers a scenic gondola ride with epic views of the valley and the surrounding peaks
• Go on a guided horseback ride tour
• Have a picnic with a view
• Take a boat tour
• Stargaze in a Dark Sky Park
• Take a tour on the iconic Red Bus
• Go biking
• Try out fly fishing
• Take a helicopter over the park
• Go camping
• If you’re eloping in spring, visit the waterfalls while they’re at their peak
• If you’re eloping in winter, most roads are closed to vehicles, but this opens you up for more snow adventures, like skiing, hiking, and snowshoeing.

What to Do in Whitefish, Montana

Whitefish is a charming mountain town approximately 30 minutes away from Glacier. It is one of the best places to stay if you want outdoor adventures, great restaurants, spas, and shopping.

• Explore downtown Whitefish – Cute boutiques, art galleries, and local coffee shops
• Go wine tasting 
• Visit the spa
• Go mountain biking in the Summer – Whitefish Mountain Resort has epic trails
• Try some of the best food in Montana – Tupelo Grill, Ciao Mambo, or Buffalo Café

Extend Your Trip and Visit Waterton Lakes National Park

If you have a passport, consider crossing the border into Canada to visit Waterton Lakes National Park, Glacier’s sister park! Only 1 hour from St. Mary, it’s less crowded but just as stunning!

How to Prepare for a Multi-Day Elopement in Glacier National Park

A multi-day elopement means more time to explore, relax, and soak in the beauty of Glacier National Park! But to make sure everything goes smoothly, you need to plan ahead and prepare. The elopement permits and best accommodations book out quickly, so I recommend planning at least 6 months in advance.

Book Everything in Advance

• Book your cabin, lodge, glamping site, or Airbnb early.
• Book your rental car or 4WD vehicle.
• Reserve boat tours, horseback riding, or scenic flights in advance.
• Get your wedding permit, park entry pass, and any hiking or vehicle reservations for Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Pack All the Necessities

This is a basic idea of what you should pack, but depending on your plans, you may need to pack some extras!

• Hiking boots (broken in!)
• Download offline road and trail maps for all locations
• Layers (weather can change fast!)
• Rain jacket/windbreaker
• Hat & sunglasses
• Reusable water bottles or hydration packs
• Snacks!
• Bear spray (required for hiking!)
• Headlamp/flashlight for early-morning or late-night adventures
• Lightweight blanket
• Your elopement attire
• Vow books
• Rings
• Bouquet
• Sunscreen
• Bug spray
• Extra battery pack for phones
• Marriage license
• First aid kit
• Bluetooth speaker/polaroid camera (optional 🙂 )
  

My Glacier National Park Elopement Packages

Hi! I’m Christina, your Glacier National Park, Montana, and beyond adventure elopement photographer. Planning, traveling, and finding beautiful locations and experiences are my jam. Helping you create and document the celebration of a lifetime brings me the utmost joy! I want you to make the most amazing memories and have stunning photos that you can share with all of your loved ones. This is a day where you get to look back and say, “Wow, we did that!” My Glacier National Park elopement packages offer a half-, full–, or multi-day experience! I offer a ton of flexibility in designing our time together and would love to get to know you more to help you plan! To learn more, head over to my contact form, and we can get together on a call!

Offered throughout every elopement package:

• Help you hand pick a location.
• Provide resources and custom location guides on lodging, activities, and the best places to indulge in delicious foods
• Scout locations with boots on the ground to find the best places and lighting for your ceremony and photos
• Secure the right location permits to make sure your wedding is legal!
• Recommend vetted vendors to help make your dream of a day come true. 
• Create your custom timeline (there are 2-3 options to choose from!) with room to breathe and enjoy your day.
• Deliver a joyful experience along with swoon-worthy photos in your own online gallery!
• Have a backup plan for it all!
• Deliver sneak peeks within 72 hours and a full wedding gallery within 6 weeks! 
• Provide a Fine Art Wedding Album design for you to print and hold onto your photos to thumb through for years to come.