How to Plan the Elopement of Your Dreams in Northwest Montana

Thinking about eloping in Montana? You’re in the right place. I’m Haley, an elopement photographer based in Whitefish, Montana, specializing in elopement and wedding photography that captures your love in the most breathtaking places throughout Northwest Montana. This Elopement Guide walks you through exactly how to plan your Montana elopement—with tips, timelines, and everything you need to know about eloping in Glacier National Park or the surrounding areas.

Why Elope in Northwest Montana?

Montana is a dream for couples looking to escape the stress of a traditional wedding. Whether you want to exchange vows on a mountaintop, beside a glacial lake, or deep in the forest, this region offers an unforgettable backdrop. My style is all about true-to-life colors, natural light, and documenting your day with intention and ease.

Step-by-Step: Planning Your Montana Elopement

1. Choose Your Elopement Location
Visualize your dream day: Are you hiking to a mountaintop? Saying “I do” by a crystal-clear lake? Want easy access or something off-grid? I’m happy to help you narrow down the perfect Montana elopement spot.

Some of my favorite elopement locations in Glacier National Park include:

• Lake McDonald – Sandy Point Open year round
• Sun Point – St. Mary’s Lake Open late June – early October
• Fish Creek Open mid May – late October
• St. Mary’s Lake Shoreline Open late June – mid October
• Many Glacier Hotel Open mid June – mid October
• Ryan Beach Open year round

2. Secure a Permit (for Glacier National Park Elopements)
If you’re eloping in Glacier, a wedding permit is required and costs $125. You’ll need to apply in advance here. Your permit will also serve as your entry ticket if you’re eloping between 7 AM and 3 PM.

3. Collaborate on a Custom Timeline
I’ll send you a questionnaire to learn more about your vision and create a personalized photo timeline. Once we finalize your permit and ceremony location, I’ll drop a pin for our meeting spot—usually West Glacier Post Office—and guide you from there.

4. Plan the Experience
This is your day—make it feel like you. Want to fly fish, hike, make coffee together, or have a lakeside picnic? Let’s build those meaningful rituals into your elopement. From getting ready to golden hour portraits, I’ll help you document every intentional moment.

What to Pack for Your Elopement

Be prepared and comfortable. Here’s a quick checklist:

• Printed permit and park pass
• Comfortable shoes and change of clothes
• Water and snacks
• Hair and makeup touch-up kit
• Bear spray
• Vow books, rings, and any special details

Sample Elopement Timeline: Sun Point, Glacier National Park

Here’s a real example to help you visualize your day:

• 3:00 PM – Meet in West Glacier
• 5:00 PM – Ceremony at Sun Point
• 5:25 PM – Family photos
• 5:45 PM – Marriage license signing
• 6:15–9:15 PM – Portraits at multiple scenic locations, ending at Lake McDonald Lodge at sunset

Getting Ready: Tips for Beautiful Photos

For the best light and aesthetic in your getting-ready photos, look for:

• Neutral spaces with big windows
• Tidy, clutter-free rooms
• Rentals in West Glacier, Coram, or Columbia Falls

Vendors I Love and Recommend

Here’s a curated list of Montana wedding vendors I trust and frequently work with:

Hair and Makeup:

• Covet Beauty
• Honey Beauty

Florals:

• Forage and Floral (I’ll deliver your bouquet to you on the big day)

Videographers:

• Montana Diaries
• Elevated Media MT

Catering:

• Graze Montana
• Montana Wildflour
• Bakes and Cakes by Brie

Lodging:

• The Lodge at Whitefish Lake
• Under Canvas Glacier
• VRBOs near West Glacier

Montana Weather Considerations

• May–June: Expect possible rain
• Late August–September: Potential wildfire smoke
• November–March: Snowy, icy conditions

The weather may be unpredictable, but your experience will still be magical. I always scout backup locations and embrace the beauty of whatever nature brings.

Ready to Elope?

Your elopement should be one-of-a-kind—just like your relationship. I’m here to help with location scouting, timeline planning, vendor recommendations, and of course, capturing the magic.

Let’s make your Montana elopement unforgettable.
Contact me today to start planning your Glacier National Park or Northwest Montana elopement.