If you’re dreaming of an incredible elopement or intimate wedding surrounded by stunning mountain views, crystal-clear lakes, and some of the most jaw-dropping scenery in the U.S., then Glacier National Park is calling your name!

With over 1 million acres of wilderness, over 750 different lakes, and 175 mountains, there are so many beautiful places to explore and many options for your ceremony and elopement photos. That’s where this guide comes in! Below, you’ll find some of the best Glacier National Park wedding locations, along with everything you need to know about accessibility, guest limits, and more!

How to Choose Your Glacier National Park Wedding Location

Although Glacier National Park is huge and has many gorgeous spots to explore, you’re allowed to have your ceremony only at specific pre-approved wedding locations. However, you definitely can explore the park and capture stunning photos along the way without an elopement permit!

As you are choosing your Glacier National Park wedding location, there are some questions to consider:

• Think about the adventure level you’re ready for. Do you want something easily accessible or are you down for a hike? Many areas require at least a short walk or mild hike.
• Are you bringing any guests? Some locations allow more guests than others, and they also have a varied level of accessibility, which may make it difficult for some of your guests to reach.
• Seasonality – Some locations are only accessible during the peak summer season.
• Privacy—Some spots are more secluded, while others can get rather crowded. You can work around crowd levels, though, by choosing to elope during the off-peak season or opting for sunrise and weekday elopements.

10 Best Glacier National Park Wedding Locations

Many Glacier Hotel Area

If you’re looking for something with a little extra comfort and convenience, Many Glacier Hotel blends luxury and adventure perfectly. Perched at the edge of Swiftcurrent Lake, this historic lodge offers absolutely incredible views right from its doorstep. Enjoy a romantic ceremony by the lake, then head back inside to celebrate with champagne and dinner. It’s perfect for couples who want to soak up nature.

Capacity: 15 people during peak season, 15 non-peak

Accessibility: Many Glacier is technically accessible all year round. Vehicle access only from the end of May to mid-October. During seasonal road closures, you have to hike to the location.

Lake McDonald

Lake McDonald is probably one of Glacier’s most iconic spots. Imagine exchanging your vows at the water’s edge, surrounded by those incredible rainbow-colored rocks beneath crystal-clear water. The reflections here are stunning at sunrise or sunset, making it an ideal spot for photos full of warmth and romance. If you’re up for it, you can even paddle out onto the lake in a kayak or canoe after your ceremony!

Capacity: 15 people during peak season, 30 non-peak

Accessibility: Year-round, but some restrictions may apply depending on the water levels.

Bowman Lake

Bowman Lake is an off-the-beaten-path gem located in Glacier’s remote North Fork area. It’s a great option if you’d like something a bit more private, although this location can also get busy during the peak season. Bowman Lake brings a relaxed vibe, glassy, clear waters, and an amazing mountain backdrop! Here, you can pack yourselves a picnic, rent some kayaks, or just relax in the lakeside together after your views.

Capacity: 15 people during peak season, 24 non-peak

Accessibility: Year-round, but vehicle access only mid-May to mid-October (it’s about a 6-mile hike each way!)

Avalanche Picnic Area Shoreline

If you’re up for a short, scenic hike, Avalanche Lake is an incredible wedding location with waterfalls cascading down mountain cliffs into a crystal-clear lake. The 4.5-mile round-trip hike is moderately challenging but manageable, and the reward is a secluded, breathtaking setting. This spot is great for adventurous couples who want to incorporate a hike into their special day. Just keep in mind that this trail is popular, so an early morning will be the best time for most privacy.

Capacity: 15 people during peak season, 20 non-peak

Accessibility: Year-round, however, vehicle access only from early May to mid-October. When the road is closed, you have to hike, ski, or snowshoe to the location. The first half mile of the trail to Avalanche Lake is the wheelchair-accessible nature trail called the Trail of the Cedars. Beyond that, the trail becomes steeper, rocky, and more challenging.  

Two Medicine Lake Picnic Shoreline

Located on the less-visited east side of the park, Two Medicine Lake offers stunning views without the heavy crowds of Many Glacier or Lake McDonald. The rugged peaks and calm waters create a peaceful, intimate setting for your ceremony. Nearby, you’ll find a picnic area, group campsite, and short trails that will make for incredible backdrops for your photos. If you’re looking for classic Glacier scenery with fewer people, this is a great choice!

Capacity: 15 people during peak season, 20 non-peak

Accessibility: Year-round, however, vehicle access only from mid-May to mid-October. When the road is closed, you have to hike, ski, or snowshoe to the location.

St. Mary Amphitheater

For couples who want a designated ceremony space with easy accessibility, St. Mary Amphitheater is a great option. Located near the St. Mary Visitor Center, this site provides seating, beautiful views of the mountains, and a quiet atmosphere. It’s one of the few spots in the park that allows for larger wedding days. The amphitheater is also wheelchair accessible, making it a great choice for inclusive celebrations.

Capacity: 50 people during peak season, 75 non-peak

Accessibility: Year-round

Sun Point

Just a short stroll from the parking area, you’ll find Sun Point, which is a beautiful rocky overlook with panoramic views of St. Mary Lake, rugged cliffs, and distant mountains. This spot is perfect for couples who want a bit of privacy and intimacy without sacrificing scenery. Early mornings here are incredible, with golden light hitting the peaks and creating an unforgettable glow. It’s so beautiful for sunrise and sunset ceremonies, but sunrise will likely be less crowded during peak season!

Capacity: 20 people during peak season, 20 non-peak

Accessibility: Possible closures during springtime depending on the weather conditions; vehicle access only from the end of May to mid-October.

Running Eagle Falls

Running Eagle Falls is a short, easy-to-access waterfall in the Two Medicine area. The 1-mile round-trip walk to the falls is flat and accessible, making it a great choice for those who want a scenic location without a strenuous hike or if you’re bringing a few loved ones along. This area tends to be a bit less crowded than other waterfall spots, as well!

Capacity: 15 people during peak season, 15 non-peak

Accessibility: Year-round, however, vehicle access only from mid-May to mid-October. When the road is closed, you have to hike, ski, or snowshoe to the location.

Lake Josephine Shoreline

Lake Josephine is a scenic spot in the Many Glacier area of GNP. It’s surrounded by towering peaks and lush forests, and it can be accessed by a short, easy hike (2-mile roundtrip!) or via boat tour, adding an extra adventure to your day. 

Capacity: 15 people during peak season, 15 non-peak

Accessibility: Year-round, however, there is NO vehicle access to the location, so you’ll have to hike from the closest parking area. Vehicle access to the nearest trailhead is the last week of May–Mid-October

Sprague Picnic Area Shoreline

For a small, simple, and beautiful lakeside ceremony, Sprague Picnic Area Shoreline offers direct access to Lake McDonald with breathtaking mountain views. It’s a great choice for couples who want a laid-back yet stunning location that doesn’t require a long hike. Since it’s a picnic area, it’s a great option if you want to linger a little longer and celebrate with a meal after your vows.

Capacity: 15 people during peak season, 20 non-peak

Accessibility: Year-round, however, vehicle access only from mid-May to mid-October. 

For a full list of available Glacier National Park wedding locations, check out their website here!

Glacier National Park Elopement Permits

You will need to get a Special Use Permit to have your ceremony at Glacier National Park. You can learn all about the process here! And if you’d like even more tips, tricks, and planning assistance, check out my full Glacier National Park elopement guide here!

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.