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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 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, follow all permit conditions on the day of the event
Approved Wedding Locations
Glacier National Park has 32 pre-approved ceremony locations. We have a variety of locations—some in amphitheaters with benches, some on rocky beaches with mountains, and others in fields with gorgeous backdrops. Check out our Wedding Locations page for more details. Pictures 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 may vary by 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 may 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 may not be asked to relocate.
Entrance fees and other permit/access requirements still apply.
Decorations and Equipment
Allowed - include on application
Chairs are only permitted for the elderly and accessiblity needs.
A single small carpet (max size 6'x4') is allowed for wedding couple to stand on.
A small, bluetooth speaker or acoustic instrument may be allowed.
Handheld floral arrangements.
Prohibited Activities & Items
Arches, tables, carpets, and similar items.
Objects may not be affixed 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.
Catered food service.
Cordoning or roping off ceremony area.
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, etc.
Weather can change quickly; no indoor alternatives are provided.
Stay alert for bears and other wildlife.
Harassment of wildlife is strictly prohibited. All parties must wait until wildlife has naturally left 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 remember to 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 the names of one or both ceremony participants. Organization and fax number can be left blank.
Description of Proposed Activity: Describe the ceremony (length, 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 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, contact the park to have the permit updated.
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 portable chairs for those unable to stand for the ceremony, small bluetooth speaker or acoustic instruments, handheld floral arrangements, etc.
Support Personnel: List any individuals assisting with your event whose names you have (e.g., planner, officiant, photographer/videographer).
Individual in Charge: Identify the on-site person authorized to make decisions during the ceremony. This person ensures all participants comply with permit conditions. This does not need to be the applicant, it's often the planner, photographer, or family member.
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 (word or pdf format preferred) to glac_sup@nps.gov.
Applications will not be accepted more than one year out from the requested date. However, we recommend submitting at least 4 weeks in advance of proposed event.
Step 4: Administrative Review
Now it's time for patience. Once received by the Special Park Uses office, your application gets added to our queue for processing. We will acknowledge receipt of application and payment in 3-5 business days but review and processing your application could take a few months depending on how many applications we have received.
Applications are processed in a dual-track system: in the order received and the date requested (if time‑sensitive).
If we have questions or need to make changes while reviewing your applicaton, we will reach out via phone or email.
Approved applicants will receive an email with a copy of the permit with conditions to review and sign. Permits are not valid until it has been signed by you and an NPS official.
The signed permits needs to be returned to us within 14 days for NPS signature, or the permit will be cancelled and the location released. If still interested, a new application and fee has to be submitted.
The permittee 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.
Please refrain from inquiring about the status of your application, but please reach out if you need to change or update information on an application.
Step 5: Permit Issuance
Approved applicants will receive a final signed permit via email. A copy of the permit must be printed and available from the Individual in Charge during the ceremony.
Tip: Share the permit with any 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 may not be available at all locations.
Variable weather, including rain, 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 have ample time to find parking.
Check Status of Your Wedding Location
Park entrances/roads may be closed at any time due to weather, emergencies, congestion, or construction.
Continually check the status of the area for which a permit has been issued via links on our current conditions page.
If the area appears it will 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 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.
Unfortunately, we do not have a public calendar. Include alternative locations, dates, and/or times on your application.
If your preferred choice is not available for the date/time you chose, we will look at your alternative options. If those are not available, we will work with you to find another location/time to make your event memorable.
The fee is for the time and expense for reviewing and processing your application. This is an application fee, not a fee for the final permit. This fee does not guarantee you will get a permit and is required for all applications submitted regardless of you deciding to cancel or not receiving a permit.
This office doesn't verify a marriage license to have a ceremony in the park. To learn more, 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 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 and we recommend 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 ceremony size limit.
Questions Related to Ceremony Planning
Ceremonies are simple and rustic. This means no elaborate decorations, alters, tables, tents, floral displays, scattering of materials, generators, etc. A few chairs are allowed for individuals that cannot stand for the duration of the ceremony. Refer to Restrictions - Decorations and Equipment.
Dogs, on leash, are allowed in developed areas such as amphitheaters, campgrounds, and picnic areas. Pets are not allowed in buildings, the backcountry, or on trails. Indiciate on your application if you would like your dog in the ceremony.
You may not a whole band. However, you can have up to two acoustic instruments. Amplified music is not permitted. Music must be 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 want for pictures before or after your permitted time; and 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.
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. No refunds will be issued for ceremonies/permit that are cancelled or not used.
