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Pray Lake is one of many designated wedding locations in the park.
NPS
Glacier National Park offers opportunities for simple, scenic wedding ceremonies that uphold the National Park Service mission to protect natural and cultural resources for present and future generations. A Special Use Permit is required for all wedding ceremonies/vow exchanges held within the park. The information below outlines the permitting process, approved locations, and requirements to help prospective applicants plan their event responsibly.
Overview of the Wedding Permit Process
A Special Use Permit ensures that ceremonies occur in a manner that safely accommodates visitors, protects park resources, and maintains the integrity of public spaces. Applicants should plan ahead and be prepared for changing weather, high visitation, and operational considerations.
General process
Identify an approved ceremony location.
Review all rules and conditions associated with wedding events.
Submit a completed Special Use Permit application and required fee.
Allow time for administrative review and processing.
Upon approval, abide by all permit conditions on the day of the event
Approved Wedding Locations
Glacier National Park has a variety of 32 pre-approved ceremony locations — some are in amphitheaters with benches, some are on rocky beaches with mountain views, and others are in fields with gorgeous backdrops. Check out our Wedding Locations page for more details. Photos of the locations can be viewed on Glacier National Park’s Flickr site.
Ceremony locations are limited to areas that can safely accommodate small groups while minimizing impacts to scenery, wildlife, and visitor access. Capacities and conditions can vary depending on season and ongoing operational needs.
Restrictions
Wedding ceremonies must be conducted in a manner that preserves park resources and ensures equitable access for all visitors. Permit conditions include the following:
Group Size and Visitor Access
Group size limits vary by location and are strictly enforced.
Ceremonies are limited to two hours maximum at all locations. This time includes arrival, set-up and wrap-up.
Ceremonies may not block trails, overlooks, or public use areas.
Parking spaces cannot be reserved for ceremony participants.
Ceremonies are not private; you do not get exclusive use of the space. Other visitors may be in the vicinity and cannot be asked to leave the area.
Entrance fees and other permit/access requirements still apply.
Decorations and Equipment
Allowed - please include on application
Chairs (only allowed for guests who require them due to limited mobility or accessibility needs).
A single, small carpet (max size 6'x4') for wedding couple to stand on.
A small, bluetooth speaker or acoustic instrument.
Handheld floral arrangements.
Prohibited Items & Activities
Arches, tables, carpets, runners, floral decor and similar items.
Affixing of objects to any natural or built feature.
Throwing, scattering, spreading of rice, confetti, flower petals, or similar materials.
Releasing of animals or objects (i.e. live birds, butterflies, balloons)
The spraying of beverages (i.e. champagne), use of fireworks, smoke devices, and sparklers.
Amplified sound (microphones, electric instruments, recorded music, large speaker).
Directional signage.
Cordoning or roping off ceremony area.
Catered food service
Photography and Videography
Drone use is prohibited!
Photographers and videographers count toward the total group size.
Activities must not impede visitor access or disturb natural features.
Resource Protection and Safety
Ceremonies may be delayed or relocated due to construction, resource concerns, wildlife closures, or other operational considerations.
Weather can change rapidly; no indoor alternatives are provided.
Remain alert for bears and other wildlife at all times.
Harassment of wildlife is strictly prohibited. All parties must wait until wildlife moves naturally out of the area before proceeding.
Cutting, tying, or removing vegetation is prohibited.
All participants must comply with ranger instructions and permit conditions.
Applying for a Special Use Permit
Application Steps:
Step 1: Download and complete the Special Use Permit Application
Applicants must complete all required fields accurately and sign and date the form. Use the information found here and on the Wedding Locations page to fill out the application with as much detail as possible.
Applicant Information: Provide one or both names of the wedding couple. Organization and fax number can be left blank.
Description of Proposed Activity: Describe the ceremony (size, level of formality, etc.).
If you plan on using acommercial/charter vehicle,be sure to include this information.
Date, Location, and Time: Enter your preferred date, specific location, and desired two-hour timeframe in the first row. Include alternate dates or locations in order of preference.
Be sure to provide exact locations and times. Responses such as “various”, “Two Medicine”, or "Lake McDonald" are not acceptable locations and “sunrise” or “afternoon” are not acceptable times. Be specific. Keep in mind that permits are issued for two hours, such as 8 to 10 am or 2 to 4 pm, for example.
Only provide alternatives that work for you! If only a specific date works but other times or locations work, only list those alternatives.
Participants and Vehicles: Estimate the total number of attendees, including children, officiants, photographers, and planners. Provide the maximum number of vehicles and types (e.g., vans, SUVs). If your guest count increases after your permit is issued, please contact the park to have the permit updated. You cannot have more participants at the event than what is listed on the permit.
You do not need to include the names of each guest or provide a parking plan.
List of Equipment: List any items you’re requesting, such as chairs (for guests unable to stand for the duration of ceremony), small bluetooth speaker or acoustic instruments, handheld floral arrangements, etc.
Support Personnel: List any individuals assisting with your event whose names you already know (e.g., planner, officiant, photographer/videographer). If unknown at the time of application, write "TBD".
This information is used if we need to contact the permittee(s) at the last minute and can't get a hold of them.
Individual in Charge: Identify the on-site person authorized to make decisions during the ceremony; this person also ensures all participants comply with permit conditions. This does not have to be the applicant. It can be the wedding planner, photographer, or a family member.
Signature Block: Complete the name, title, signature, and date fields.
The application must be signed by the applicant, who should also be copied on the email submission if a planner or photographer helps/submits the application.
Step 2: Pay the Application Fee
A $125 non-refundable application fee is required at time of submission.
Complete all required fields. A business/event name is not needed.
Click the application fee box.
Check the Wedding or other Special Park Uses Event Application fee - $125 non-refundable box.
Click "Continue" to enter your payment information and complete the transaction.
Keep the pay.gov email confirmation for your records.
Note: You do not need to forward the payment confirmation to us.
Step 3: Submit the Application
Email the completed application (.docx or .pdf format required - not .pages) to glac_sup@nps.gov.
Applications will not be accepted more than one year out from the requested date. Example, on Sept 1, 2026 12:00 am MTN, applications will be accepted for Sept 1, 2027. We do recommend submitting your application at least 4 weeks in advance of proposed event.
Step 4: Administrative Review
Now it's time for patience. Once the application is received by the Special Park Uses office, you will receive an acknowledgement email, confirming receipt of application and payment. It is then added to the processing queue. Please note that, depending on the number of applications already in the queue, it may take several months before we are able to review yours.
Applications are processed in a dual-track system: in the order received and the date requested.
When we get to your application, if we have questions or need to make changes, we will reach out via phone or email.
Once approved, applicants will receive an email with a copy of the permit/conditions for review. This document needs to be signed/initialed and returned to us within 14 days for the final signature. A permitis not valid until it has been signed by the applicant and an NPS official.
If the signed permit is not received by our office within 14 days, the permit will be cancelled and the location released. If still interested, a new application/non-refundable fee will have to be submitted.
The permittee's signature certifies that all personal information is correct and that the permit conditions have been read, understood, and will be abided by. Once the permit is finalized, no changes can be made except those necessary due to an unanticipated park closure.
Due to the large number of applications we have to work through, please refrain from inquiring about the status of your application. Please do reach out if you need to change/update information on an application.
Step 5: Permit Issuance
Approved applicants will receive a final signed permit via email. A printed copy of the permit must available from the Individual in Charge on the day of the event.
Tip: Share the permit with service providers like photographers, videographers, officiant, event planner, charter driver, etc., as they, too, are required to understand/abide by the regulations/permit conditions.
If you decide to cancel your event after the permit has been issued, please inform the Special Park Uses office to allow for the location/date to be released for other applicants.
Planning for Your Ceremony Day
Conditions in Glacier National Park can vary significantly, even within a single day. Permit holders should prepare for the following:
Heavy traffic and limited parking during peak seasons.
Restroom facilities are not available at all locations.
Variable weather, including rain, snow, wind, or smoke.
Limited cellular service throughout much of the park.
High visitation at popular locations, meaning limited privacy.
Potential wildlife‑related delays or area closures.
Ongoing park operations, including construction and maintenance. Check our current conditions page for updates
All participants should arrive early to allow for time to find parking.
Check Status of Your Wedding Location
Park entrances/roads may close at any time due to weather, emergencies, congestion, or construction.
Frequently check the status of the area for which a permit has been issued via links on our current conditions page.
If it appears that the area might not be open on the requested date, you must reach out to the Special Park Uses office in advance to request a location change.
We do our best to accommodate location change requests, but can't guarantee them.
Permits are only valid for the date, time, and location listed and are nontransferable between individuals or locations.
Changes to permits must be approved in writing by a Special Park Uses official prior to the event.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions Related to Permits & Fees
Yes. All wedding ceremonies, elopements, vow exchanges, etc, regardless of group size, require a Special Use Permit.
Since applications are processed in the order they are received, we do not have a public calendar. Please include alternative locations, dates, and/or times on your application.
If your preferred-choice location is not available for the date/time you chose, we will check for the alternatives you listed. If these are also not an option, we will help you choose a location/time to ensure your event will be memorable.
The non-refundable application fee covers time spent and expenses incurred for receiving, reviewing, and processing the application. It is not a fee for the final permit. Paying this fee does not guarantee that a permit will be issued. It is required even if you do not receive a permit or decide to cancel.
This office does not verify marriage licenses for ceremonies in the park. To learn more about marriage license requirements in Montana, visit Flathead County or Glacier County. Licenses are valid in any county within Montana, but not in any other state or country.
While we issue permits for events to occur on weekends, this office is not staffed on weekends to process applications.
It's risky business. Ceremonies can be scheduled up to a year in advance of the event, and we recommend applying at least four (4) weeks prior to the ceremony. A last-minute week-of request might be accommodated, but there are no guarantees.
No. The photographer and officiant are covered under the wedding permit. They count towards your group size limit.
Questions Related to Ceremony Planning
Ceremonies are simple and rustic. This means no elaborate decorations, altars, tables, tents, floral displays, scattering of materials, generators, etc. A few chairs are allowed for individuals that are unable to stand for the duration of the ceremony. Refer to Restrictions - Decorations and Equipment.
Dogs, on a leash, are allowed in developed areas such as amphitheaters, campgrounds, and picnic areas. Pets are not allowed in buildings, the backcountry, or on trails. Please indiciate on your application if you would like your dog to be part of the ceremony.
You cannot have a band at your ceremony. However, you can have up to two acoustic instruments. Amplified music is not permitted. Music must be kept at 60 decibels or less. This is considered the volume of normal conversation.
Yes, you can have handheld floral arrangements. Items such as flower petals, birdseed, rice, or similar material or items cannot be used, thrown, or scattered.
No. Drones are prohibited on all National Park Service lands.
Yes, you may take as much time as you would like for photos before or after your permitted time; You may go anywhere in the park open to the general public. However, keep in mind that the same rules apply to you as to any other park visitor.
If the area of the park for which you received a permit is closed to the public due to a fire or other emergency, we may be able accommodate you elsewhere or reschedule, though this is not guaranteed. Heavy smoke, rain, snow, wind, and other natural and unpredictable weather patterns are part of the potential hazards of holding a ceremony in a national park and are not grounds for changing your permit. There are no indoor alternatives, and ceremonies may not be relocated or delayed outside the permit time without advance written approval from the Special Park Uses office. Note: refunds will not be issued for permits that cannot be rescheduled, are cancelled, or that you do not use.
