To get hitched in the park thats the best in the west, you’ll need to make sure that you have the perfect ceremony location and the right permits to do so. Don’t worry, we’ve got everything you need to know right here. :)
Special Use Permit Application
In order to have a ceremony in Glacier National Park, you will need a special use permit that gives you access to one of the designated ceremony locations offered by the park. Updated information about which ceremony locations are open and available for the 2023 summer season can be found here.
A few important things to note!
•Applications must be received by the park 20 business days before the requested permit date.
•The park can take awhile to get back to you, the applications are processed as first come first served.
•Your special use permit qualifies as a “service reservation,” which means you and your guests won’t need vehicle reservation tickets for your big day!
This link will take you to the information from the park for submitting a permit:
https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/weddings.htm
This is the actual permit that needs to be filled out.
West Glacier
Ryan Meadows – Available year round for up to 15 guests
My absolute favorite spot. The most private with a view of the mountains and a forested aisle. LOVE. You can do the ceremony on the grass or on the rocky shore.
7-Mile Pullout/Sandy Point – Available year round for up to 15 guests
**NOT AVAILABLE FOR 2023 DUE TO CONSTRUCTION**
Similar to Ryan Meadows, but just 7 miles down the road! With beachy rocks and an “up close and personal” feeling with the mountains, you and your guests will be tempted come back the next day for a honeymoon in the sun.
10 Mile Pullout/Jackson Bay – Available year round for up to 15 guests
**NOT AVAILABLE FOR 2023 DUE TO CONSTRUCTION**
More privacy than 7 Mile Pullout but less than Ryan Meadows, Jackson Bay is a great ceremony option if you want to be close to some of the big ticket views along Going to the Sun. Snacks and up to 4 chairs are allowed for your ceremony.
Apgar Amphitheater – Available year round for up to 250 guests
Wheelchair accessible with pew like seating, the amphitheater is a great option if you have a larger crowd but still want to be walking distance to the Lake McDonald shoreline!
Belton Bridge – Available year round with no guest limitations
Unlike many of the ceremony locations listed here, Belton bridge is not technically in the boundaries of Glacier National Park (despite that it used to be the old entrance into the park when it was originally built in 1920!) That means you don’t have to worry about getting a ceremony permit and can even have your pup’s join you for your ceremony if they’re a part of the wedding party.
Lake McDonald Lodge Beach – Available year round for up to 15 guests
Private rocky beach setting on the East shore of Lake McDonald with the option to take a historic boat ride!
**NOT AVAILABLE OCT. 2022 to MAY 2023 DUE TO CONSTRUCTION**
St. Mary
Sun Point – Available last week of May to mid-October for up to 20 guests
Dramatic peaks with romantic wind to give your photos that “whisked away to the mountains” look, sun point is an iconic ceremony location.
Rising Sun Picnic Area Shoreline – Available early May to late October for up to 15 guests
One of the more private ceremony locations located on the east side of Logan pass with unique views of St. Mary’s lake and its mountains.
Two Medicine
Running Eagle Falls – Available last week of May to mid-October for up to 15 guests
Small walk to a stunning waterfall with 360 degree views.
Pray Lake – Available last week of May to mid-October for up to 30 guests
A stunning view and one of the ceremony locations with the option for a larger guest list, but lacks privacy during busy seasons.
Two Medicine Picnic Area Shoreline – Available last week of May to mid October for up to 15 guests
Lake side ceremony spot with the best view of Sinopah Mountain in the park!
Looking Glass Hill/The Overlook – Available mid May to late October with no guest limitations.
Located just outside of the park, this gives you the option to have pups at your ceremony and doesn’t require a special use permit!
North Fork
Bowman Lake – Available mid May to mid October for up to 15 guests
A pristine lake sitting at the top of a 6 mile dirt road with moderate privacy and stunning views
Polebridge Field – Available year round with no guest limitations.
Located just outside of the park, this is a great ceremony spot if you want to have fewer restrictions on your day. Oh, and it helps that it’s stunning.
Many Glacier
Many Glacier Hotel Beach – Available last week of May to mid October for up to 15 guests
Many Glacier Hotel Green – Available last week of May to mid October for up to 15 guests
Lake Josephine Shoreline – Available last week of May to mid October by foot only for up to 15 guests
Discreet and one you have to work for, Lake Josephine is a short and easy mile long hike into some unspoiled views.
