Permitted Wedding Ceremony Locations in Glacier National Park

Mar 31

Sun Point on a day where those sun rays were SURE shining through!

There are currently 32 permitted wedding locations in Glacier National Park. (that’s a lot to choose ONE from!) Luckily, they are split up by areas. Each location has limits to the number of people who can attend and seasonal availability. To see the most updated permit list- click HERE.

The first and biggest-area permits are the Lake McDonald Area and West Side of Going to the Sun Road

These locations are:

Big Bend, Apgar Amphitheater, Apgar Picnic Area Shoreline, Fish Creek Amphitheater, Fish Creek Picnic Area Shoreline, Avalanche Amphitheater, Avalanche Picnic Area Shoreline, 7-Mile Pullout (Sandy Point), 10-Mile Pullout (Jackson Bay), Sprague Picnic Area Shoreline, Lake McDonald Lodge Beach, & last but not least (we have done A LOT here…) Ryan Beach.

Some of the most popular in this area are the following:

By far, the most popular after looking through my archives of YEARS of ceremonies- is Ryan Beach. We love this area as it’s semi-private (Apgar beach is across the creek so it can get noisy with other vacationers and locals utilizing the beauty of the Mountain View). But we’ve done all seasons here and it’s always a sight! You really can’t beat those Glacier National Peaks as your backdrop. It’s a lovely little treed walk in. You can either stand on the rocky shoreline or up on the grass, either way, you still have THIS VIEW!!!

NOTE: Below each location we are naming some UPS and some DOWNS for the certain locations.

**Ryans Beach-**
**UPS-** THOSE VIEWS & usually pretty private.
**DOWNS-** It can get a little noisy in the heat of summer while folks are out having fun (swimming, on paddle boards, etc.). It is open to public, but hard to find. :) so most likely there will be no one there.

Other Lake McDonald Lake spots:

Most of these locations are on the lake. The only ones that are not are Big Bend, Apgar Amphitheater, Avalanche Amphitheater, and Avalanche Picnic Area Shoreline. To be honest, we haven’t done a lot at these locations because although beautiful, they can be busy. (Especially Avalanche area the entirety of the time it’s open to cars.)

**Lake Mcdonald Shoreline**
**UPS-** It’s STUNNING! Mountain views all around and the tour boat sometimes goes by during your ceremony. This happens with a few of the locations and can be considered either an UP or a DOWN… depends on YOU!
**DOWNS-** It can have people around enjoying the lake from Lake McDonald Lodge.

**7-Mile Pullout- (Sandy Point)**
**UPS-** Amazing views and shoreline access.
**DOWNS-** It can get busy as it’s a pull off on Going-to-the-Sun Road. But usually if people see a ceremony going on, they will not bother.

**10-Mile Pullout (Jackson Bay)-** (This was Feb. 14th in a full on winter FREEZE! This couple and their officiant were BAD ASS! Sometimes you can see the mountains, sometimes you can’t. Doesn’t matter though, your day will still be AMAZING!)
**UPS-** STUNNING views and areas to move around with. There are few different options for different mountain views here and some cool downed trees & stumps.
**DOWNS-** Another pull-off on the road. This one has more space than others though.

**Sprague Creek Picnic Area**
**UPS-** I mean, come on! It’s STUNNING!!! Also can be quiet in the off months.
**DOWNS-** A picnic area with beach access, so it can be busy with people enjoying the lake. We find ways around it if it is, promise!

**Apgar Picnic Area**
**UPS-** Stunning Lake Views and can be quiet during off-season. It’s open and gorgeous all seasons.
**DOWNS-** You can hear the road traffic on busy summer season days. Also, as with all the lake locations, if the lake is high there is not a lot of shoreline to stand on.

**Apgar Amphitheater or Shoreline**
**UPS-** If you have a big crew, the Amphitheater is the way to go! You can have up to 250 people here. If you have a smaller crew (like we do at Elope Montana), I would suggest doing shoreline.
**DOWNS**- Limited time as the amphitheater has services and can be a bit busy in the summer months. (The wedding pictured on shoreline had quite a few “uninvited” guests who watched. ;) It happens.)

**Big Bend**
**UPS-** A stunning spot for photos. Some of the most beautiful ‘looks like you hiked for hours in’ views. I will definitely take you here for photos if the road is open.
**DOWNS-** The permit is only allowed for developed area next to parking. No ceremonies down below. This is one we HIGHLY suggest for photos but not actual wedding ceremony.

Whew! That’s a lot of beautiful spots on the lake and West side. (and there are still plenty I didn’t even show pics of. But these are the most treasured, for a reason.) There’s still TWO MORE sections.

A HUGE NOTE:

The above locations are mainly open year round and on the west side where there are more places to stay, eat, etc… The below locations are more remote and less accessible in winter months. Once Going-to-the-Sun Road opens, it allows us for a more scenic drive to the locations below. Glacier National Park is a BIG park!!!

The second area is The North Fork Area

These locations are:

Juniper River Access, Bowman Lake Day Use Area & Kintla Lake Day Use Area

Let’s head to the North Fork!

**Bowman Lake**
**UPS-** I mean… just look at that view! It’s just beyond stunning. But there are so many fun adventures to have if you choose this route. Most likely your time will allow stopping in Polebridge (to the Mercantile & Bakery for Huckleberry Bear Claws… IYKYK!) for photos and spots around Bowman Lake only.
**DOWNS-** It’s a TREK. The road to the North Fork area is dirt and quite bumpy! And it can be mosquito heavy. . . but you really can’t beat Fall in the North Fork. Summer can be busy.

Kintla Lake is very similar to Bowman with looks and Ups and Downs. Juniper River access is stunning as well, but if you’re choosing the North Fork, just be ready to drive A LOT on dirt roads. It’s a real Montana adventure. Better hope you have a rental car! ;)

Last but not least, Let’s go to the East Side

(some may say, best side :))

The third area is Two Medicine Area and Walton Area near Essex

These locations are:

Running Eagle Falls, Pray Lake Shoreline, Two Medicine Amphitheater, Two Medicine Picnic Area Shoreline & Walton Picnic Area

**Two Medicine Picnic Area Shoreline**
**UPS-**The Two Medicine Valley is awe inspiring! It’s just beyond gorgeous.
**DOWNS-** The only available permitted ceremony spot for 2026 is Running Eagle Falls (until September 7th) and Walton Picnic area due to construction. So 2026 is not the time to do your ceremony in the Two Med area.

**Running Eagle Falls**
**UPS-** A sacred and stunning place to say your vows. The sounds of the Falls is incredible. The only place by Falls in the park to do ceremonies.
**DOWNS-** Can get a lot of walking traffic. And limited access in 2026.

The fourth area is St. Mary area (East side of Going-to-the-Sun Rd) and Cutbank Valley

These locations are:

St. Mary Amphitheater, Rising Sun Amphitheater, Rising Sun Picnic Area Shoreline, Sun Point, Red Eagle Trailhead, 1913 Ranger Station, & Cutbank Field

**1913 Ranger Station**
**UPS-** IN FALL… SWOON! In any season it is stunning. A unique and historic place to say your vows. A western lovers dream.
**DOWNS-** Could have people coming through, but when we were there in October we saw no one. A bit of a trek, but completely worth it IMO.

**Rising Sun Picnic Area**
**UPS-** There are a few different spots you can see amazing views at here. Right on St. Mary Lake. Semi private and super stunning.
**DOWNS-** The Eastside can be WINDY. I’ve personally seen it with no wind 5-6 times in my years of visiting and doing weddings there. BUT there is something to be said about how drastically different the wind makes things.

**Sun Point**
**UPS-** Seriously one of the most STUNNING places on earth to stand. The 360 degree views are incredible. It’s truly a jaw dropping gorgeous place to get married.
**DOWNS**- The last 5-10 years this location has grown in popularity. It’s RARE when we don’t see other couples/ families , etc… here. It can be so windy that you feel like you will be blown off the giant rock.

**Cutbank Field**
**UPS-** SUPER secluded and wild. One of the most stunning ceremony spots, IMO.
**DOWNS-** A trek to get to on dirt roads. Can be mosquitos… lots of them.

The fifth and final area is Many Glacier Valley (AKA: heaven on earth!)

These locations are:

Lake Josephine Shoreline, Many Glacier Hotel Green
(behind main Lodge), Many Glacier Hotel–SW Beach, Many Glacier Hotel Beach, Many Glacier Amphitheater