Best Places to Elope in Montana (and When to Go)

Updated April 15, 2025

The Best Places to Elope in Montana

Montana is one of those places that just feels different. The mountains are bigger, the skies stretch forever, and you can easily find trails that are quiet enough that you forget anyone else exists. It’s the perfect backdrop for couples who want to slow down, skip the crowds, and make their elopement feel like an actual adventure.

In this blog, we’re sharing some of our favorite places to elope in Montana, from well-known spots like Glacier National Park to hidden lakes and mountain top views most people don’t know exist. We’re also breaking it down by season so you can figure out not just where to go, but when it’s going to feel just right.

Whether you’re looking for something wild and remote or easy to get to with guests, we’ve got you covered.

Where to Elope in Montana

Montana has no shortage of beautiful places to say your vows. Whether you’re drawn to dramatic mountain peaks, peaceful forests, or snowy alpine trails, there’s definitely a spot that fits your vision for your elopement day. Below, we’re sharing a few of our favorite elopement locations across the state of Montana, each with its own unique vibe and view.

Glacier National Park

Glacier is easily one of the most iconic places to elope in Montana. With over 1,500 square miles of rugged peaks, alpine lakes, and winding trails, it’s a place that leaves you speechless, no matter how many times you visit.

If you’re wanting to elope in Montana in Glacier National Park, the first thing you’ll want to do is check out their wedding and elopement permit page. The permit currently costs $125, and the website outlines everything you need to know. You’ll find details on ceremony location options, group size limits, deadlines, and other important park rules. It’s a super helpful resource and a great place to start as you begin planning your day in the park.

It’s also important to check for seasonal road closures, weather alerts, and grizzly bear activity before your trip. Summer weekends can bring crowds and slow traffic on Going-to-the-Sun Road, so we always recommend planning for a flexible timeline and bringing bear spray just in case.

Lake McDonald

This is one of the most popular and easily accessible locations for a Glacier elopement. The shoreline is known for its colorful pebbles, beautiful reflections, and wide-open lake views. There are several short trails and beaches around the lake, which means you can usually find a small pocket away from the more crowded areas near the campground.

Want to see what a Lake McDonald elopement looks like in action? Check out this boat elopement we photographed for some real-life inspiration.

Many Glacier & Two Medicine

Both of these areas sit on the east side of the park and are sometimes called the “Switzerland of America.” Because they’re farther from the main West Glacier entrance, they tend to be less crowded, which makes them a dream for adventurous elopements. You can rent kayaks, hike to waterfalls, or find a quiet spot along a lake. There are also great options for longer hikes or backpacking elopements that start from here.

We photographed a stunning Many Glacier elopement that really shows off just how incredible this area can be.

Logan Pass

Sitting at the top of Going-to-the-Sun Road, Logan Pass offers sweeping views and dramatic backdrops. It’s an unforgettable drive to get there, and a short hike from the parking lot brings you to hiking trails, wildflower meadows, and maybe even a few curious mountain goats. Logan Pass is one of our favorite spots for insane mountain scenery with little to no hiking required. It is important to note that you can’t have your ceremony at Logan Pass, but it is the best location to go to for sunset photos.

Want a deep dive on how to plan your day here? Read our full Glacier National Park elopement guide for tips on permits, timing, and location ideas.

Big Sky & Bozeman

If you’re looking for epic mountain views with a mix of adventure and comfort, Big Sky and Bozeman are great places to consider for your Montana elopement. You’ll find dramatic peaks, winding rivers, and wide-open meadows, along with cozy cabins, boutique lodges, and some of the best food scenes in the state.

Big Sky feels a little more tucked away, making it perfect for couples who want a quiet elopement surrounded by nature. Bozeman, on the other hand, offers a balance of amenities and easy access to incredible scenery just outside of town. Both locations work well for multi-day elopements or celebrations with guests, especially if you want to add activities like fly fishing, horseback riding, or even skiing in the winter.

There are also tons of lesser-known trails and lookout points nearby if you’re hoping for privacy without a long hike. It’s the kind of area where you can have an adventurous day that still ends with dinner and drinks back in town.

Mission Mountains & Bob Marshall Wilderness

If you want to elope somewhere quiet, scenic, and completely off the radar, this part of western Montana is worth looking into. The Mission Mountains and the Bob Marshall Wilderness are wild in the best ways. No crowds, no traffic, and no distractions. Just mountains, lakes, forests, and a whole lot of space to breathe.

We photographed an elopement in the Bob Marshall that still stands out as one of our favorite days. It was an easy three-mile hike to a quiet lake, and we didn’t see a single person the entire time. The couple exchanged vows at the water’s edge, with nothing around but the wind in the trees and a very curious chipmunk. It felt raw and honest, and exactly like what they wanted their day to be.

This area is great if you’re looking for a more adventurous elopement that still feels totally relaxed. You don’t need to backpack for miles to get somewhere beautiful. You just need to be up for a bit of adventure and some dirt on your boots. If that sounds like your kind of day, this is a part of Montana we’ll always recommend.

Flathead Valley

If you’re looking for a place near Glacier that still feels like its own thing, the Flathead Valley is a great option. It’s a little more low-key, with mountain towns like Bigfork and Kalispell nearby, and some really beautiful spots that fly under the radar.

We photographed an elopement in the Jewel Basin that required a solid uphill hike, but the view at the top made it more than worth it. The ceremony took place on a ridgeline with views that stretched all the way to Glacier. No crowds, no noise, just open sky and mountains in every direction.

The Flathead area is also a good pick if you’re planning a celebration with guests. There are plenty of places to stay, great local vendors, and access to lakes, forests, and trails that give you that Montana feel without the packed parking lots.

Best Places to Elope in Montana by Season

One of the best parts about eloping in Montana is that it looks completely different depending on the time of year. You can paddle across a glassy alpine lake in July, hike through golden larch trees in the fall, or snowshoe into a quiet winter wonderland. The views are always incredible, but the experience totally shifts with the season.

Some locations are only accessible for a few months, while others stay beautiful year-round if you’re up for a little adventure. Here’s a breakdown of our favorite places to elope in Montana by season, along with what to expect when you get there.

Best Places to Elope in Montana in Summer

July through September is prime time for mountain elopements. Glacier National Park, the Jewel Basin, and high alpine trails are fully open and in their best shape. Wildflowers are out, snow has mostly melted, and long daylight hours give you tons of flexibility for hiking, paddling, or just slowing down and taking it all in.

Where to Elope in Montana in the Fall

Early fall brings cooler temps, golden larch trees, and fewer crowds. Glacier’s east side and areas around Bozeman or the Mission Mountains can be stunning this time of year. It’s one of our favorite seasons to photograph in Montana.

Montana Winter Elopement Locations

If you love the idea of snow-covered trees, quiet cabins, and a cozy feel, winter could be a great fit. Big Sky and Lookout Pass are good options if you want mountain views without needing to hike far. It’s also the best time for skiing or snowmobile elopements.

Spring Elopement Locations in Montana

Spring in Montana can be unpredictable, but lower elevation spots in the Flathead and Bitterroot regions start to open up in May. Expect wildflowers, cooler temps, and the occasional surprise snowstorm. It’s a great shoulder season option if you want to avoid peak summer crowds.

More Off-the-Radar Elopement Locations in Montana

Montana has no shortage of hidden gems, and not every elopement needs to happen in a national park or well-known town. If you’re looking for something quieter, wilder, or just a little different, here are a few more places to consider.

• Kootenai / Libby – We photographed an elopement at a remote lake near Libby that felt like a true getaway. Quiet trails, dense forest, and a sense of total privacy made it one of the most peaceful days we’ve documented.
• Bison Range – With sweeping views and tons of wildlife, this area near the Mission Mountains feels like classic Montana without the crowds.
• Blodgett Canyon – Tucked into the Bitterroots, this area offers towering rock walls, forested trails, and a lot of solitude for couples willing to go a little further off the path.

These spots might not get the same attention as Glacier or Big Sky, but they’re every bit as beautiful and generally a lot more personal. If you’re open to something different, we can help you find a location that fits your vision and feels entirely your own.