How to Elope in Montana Without the Stress (or Guesswork)

What You Should Know Before You Elope in Montana

If you’ve been dreaming about visiting Montana ever since you saw that one Tiktok video or reel, you’re not alone. Montana is full of snow-capped mountain peaks, wide open spaces, and trails that lead you deep into the wilderness where you’re more likely to run into a bear than other people. But as wild as this place feels, there are still some rules and logistics to figure out if you want to elope here, especially if you’re coming from out of state.

We’ve photographed elopements all across the state and have helped tons of couples bring their elopement ideas to life. Whether you’re imagining a full-day of horseback riding to a remote lake or an easy hike to a viewpoint, this guide covers how to elope in Montana from start to finish. We’re sharing everything you need to know: permits, legal steps, seasonal tips, group size rules, what to wear, and how to plan a day that actually feels like you.

What You Need to Legally Elope in Montana

Before you can officially say “We’re married”, there are a few legal boxes to check off. Luckily, Montana makes things pretty straightforward when it comes to getting married here. You don’t need to be a resident, there’s no waiting period, and the license is valid anywhere in the state. That said, there are still a few steps to keep in mind, especially if you’re coming in from out of town or planning something remote.

1. Apply for a marriage license

You’ll need to visit a county clerk’s office in person to pick up your marriage license. Some counties let you start the application process online, but you’ll both need to be there in person to finalize it. The license is valid anywhere in the state once you have it. Since each county has its own process, it’s best to check with the specific clerk’s office where you plan to apply. For reference, here’s Flathead County’s marriage license page as an example.

2. Bring your photo IDs

Each of you will need a valid photo ID, like a driver’s license or passport. Some counties may ask for additional documentation (usually if you’ve been married before), so it’s a good idea to double-check with the office ahead of time. The license typically costs between $50 and $60.

3. Choose your officiant

In Montana, anyone who is ordained can legally marry you. Becky is licensed to officiate and has performed ceremonies for many of our couples, so if you’d like to keep things simple and have us handle it, that’s one less thing to think about.

4. Have two witnesses

Montana requires two witnesses to sign your marriage license. If you’re eloping just the two of you, we can help arrange witnesses, or I can serve as the officiant while Brian acts as one of your witnesses. In the past, we’ve asked kind strangers on the trail to sign as a witness and they’re always so excited to be asked.

5. Return the signed license

After your ceremony, the completed license needs to be returned to the same county clerk’s office where you got it. If I’m officiating, I’ll take care of this step for you. Easy peasy!

Do You Need a Permit to Elope in Montana?

This is something that people don’t always think about when trying to figure out how to elope in Montana. It can definitely feel like a confusing part of the process, especially since every location is a little different. The good news is, we’ve gone through it many times before, and we’ll help you figure out exactly what you need based on where you’re eloping.

In some locations, yes, a permit is required. While you don’t need a permit to elope just anywhere in Montana, many of the most scenic spots, especially national parks and other public lands, do require one.

If you’re thinking about eloping in Glacier National Park, you’ll need a Special Use Permit. As of spring 2025, the permit costs $125, and the park has specific rules about where ceremonies can happen, how big your group can be, and when to apply. It might sound like a lot, but we’ve walked plenty of couples through it, and it’s actually pretty straightforward. You can also check out Glacier’s official permit page for the latest info.

Other locations, like state parks or Forest Service land, may require permits too, depending on where you’re going and whether you’ll have guests or a professional photographer. The rules can vary quite a bit, which is why we always help our couples figure out what’s needed once we know where your elopement is happening.

If you’re eloping on private land, a permit usually isn’t needed, but you’ll want to make sure you have permission (duh). And if you’re picturing something totally off-grid, it’s always worth checking that nothing’s off-limits before you head out. We’ll help you cover all the details so you can relax and focus on what matters most.

Best Times of Year to Elope in Montana

One of the biggest questions couples ask when figuring out how to elope in Montana is when to go. Montana is beautiful year-round, but it definitely doesn’t look or feel the same in every season. This is one of the first things we help couples figure out when we start planning, because the season you choose will impact everything from location access to what you’ll wear. Here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect, along with a few things to keep in mind as you’re choosing the best time of year for your day.

Not sure where to go once you’ve picked your season? Our Montana elopement location guide breaks down the best places by time of year to help you start narrowing things down.

Summer (July to mid-September)

This is peak season for high mountain areas like Glacier National Park and the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Most trails are open, the weather is warm, and wildflowers are usually at their best by mid-July. It is also the most popular time to visit Montana, so we recommend planning for early mornings, weekdays, and a flexible timeline to avoid crowds. This is a great time for hiking elopements, paddling on remote lakes, and late golden sunsets.

Fall (late September to mid-October)

Fall is short but stunning. Larch trees turn bright gold in early October, and the cooler temps make hiking more comfortable. Crowds thin out quite a bit, especially in places like Glacier’s east side or the Mission Mountains. This season is perfect for couples who want moody skies, crisp air, and a slower pace. Just be prepared for some unpredictable weather and early snow in the higher elevations.

Winter (late November to March)

Montana winters can be long, snowy, and cold, but also incredibly peaceful and beautiful. If you’re into cozy cabins, snow-covered trees, or snowmobile and ski elopements, winter can be a dream. Big Sky, Lookout Pass, and parts of the Flathead region work well in winter since you don’t need to hike far for epic views. Layers, traction, and backup plans are a must, but winter elopements can be some of the most memorable.

Spring (late April to early June)

Spring in Montana is definitely a shoulder season. It’s a little muddy, a little snowy, and not always the easiest to plan for, but there’s something really special about seeing the landscape come back to life. Waterfalls are raging, wildflowers start to pop, and some lower-elevation trails in the Flathead or Bitterroot regions become accessible. It’s not the best time for high elevation locations, but if you’re up for some flexibility, it can be a beautiful time to elope.

Can You Elope in Montana With Guests?

Absolutely. One of the best things about learning how to elope in Montana is realizing that it doesn’t have to mean “just the two of you.” If having a few close people there feels important, Montana offers plenty of options to include them, without turning your day into a big traditional wedding.

National Parks

If you’re eloping in Glacier National Park, guest counts are limited based on the specific ceremony location. Some spots allow up to 15 people, while others may have stricter limits or require your group to be able to walk a short distance. You’ll need a permit for any group size, and your ceremony location must be on the park’s approved list. It’s a good idea to keep things small, simple, and mobile if you’re bringing guests into the park. For more details on timing, ceremony options, and logistics, check out our full Glacier National Park Elopement Guide.

Public Land and Forest Service Areas

Many Forest Service and state-managed lands allow small gatherings, but the rules vary depending on the location and trail access. Some areas don’t allow more than 10 to 12 people total, while others allow up to 75 people. We’ll help you choose a location that works for the kind of experience you want to have with your group.

Want to include your people without turning it into a wedding?

You can still keep the day intimate and intentional. Think shared meals, post-ceremony toasts, first looks with parents, or even FaceTiming someone in for a part of the day. A lot of couples we’ve worked with have had celebrations back home after their elopement. Either way, we’ll help you come up with ideas that feel like you.

What to Wear and Bring for a Montana Elopement

Montana weather is no joke. Even in the summer, temperatures and weather can change quickly, and the wind in the mountains can turn cold, as fuck, fast. What you wear and pack will make a big difference in how comfortable and relaxed you feel throughout the day.

We always recommend dressing in layers, wearing comfortable shoes or boots you can move in, and avoiding anything too stiff or delicate if you’re planning to hike or include an activity in your day. Even if your ceremony spot is right off the road, having a jacket, hand warmers, and a backup pair of socks never hurts.

If you’re wondering how to pick a dress or suit that works well outdoors, we wrote a full guide on How to Pick the Perfect Elopement Wedding Dress, which includes tips on movement, fabric, and what photographs well in natural light.

We’ll also help you figure out what to bring in your backpack, from bear spray and snacks to headlamps and vow books. If you book with us, we send out a full elopement packing list to make sure nothing important gets left behind.

Montana Elopement Planning Tips From a Local

Planning an elopement in Montana isn’t hard, but it does take some thoughtful timing and local knowledge to pull off well. Here are a few tips we always share with our couples:

• Book early, especially for summer and fall
  • If you’re dreaming of eloping in Glacier National Park, the Mission Mountains, or anywhere that requires permits or lodging in smaller mountain towns, we recommend reaching out at least 6 to 12 months in advance. Summer and fall are the most popular seasons, and dates in the most scenic spots can go quickly.

• Work with someone who knows the area
  • Montana is massive, and it’s not the kind of place where you want to wing it. We spend our summers here exploring new trails, checking out ceremony locations, and keeping tabs on changing conditions. Whether you already have a location in mind or need help narrowing it down, we’ll guide you to spots that are actually a good fit for your season, group size, and priorities.

• We’ll walk you through everything
  • We send each of our couples a detailed planning questionnaire, a location guide, and a full elopement packing checklist to help you get organized. Once we know what matters most to you, we help build a custom timeline, figure out permits, and connect you with amazing local vendors. If you want to see what kinds of experiences we help create, take a look at some of our favorite Montana elopement locations for inspiration.

Choosing the Right Elopement Location in Montana

One of the biggest questions couples have when figuring out how to elope in Montana is where to actually do it. And with so many incredible mountains, lakes, and trails to choose from, it can be a little overwhelming to know where to start.

That’s where we come in. During our initial call, we’ll talk through the kind of scenery, accessibility, and overall vibe you’re drawn to. From there, we’ll send you a detailed location questionnaire to help us understand what matters most to you, like how far you’re willing to hike, what kind of weather you love, or whether you want to be near a town with great food and places to stay.

Once we have a good sense of your vision, we’ll send back a curated list of location ideas with photos, trail descriptions, local insights, nearby towns, seasonal tips, and sunrise or sunset timing. We do the research so you don’t have to, and we’ll help you choose the spot that feels most like you.

You can also check out our Montana location guide if you want to start dreaming up ideas now.

Let’s Figure Out How to Elope in Montana Together

From choosing the perfect season to finding the right trail, we’re here to guide you through every part of planning your Montana elopement. Whether you’re dreaming of a mountaintop ceremony, a quiet lakeside moment, or something completely unique like a hot air balloon ride, we’ll help you build a day that feels true to you from start to finish.

If you’re ready to start planning, or even if you’re still feeling unsure about where to begin, we’d love to connect. We’ll walk you through the process, answer your questions, and help you figure out what this experience could look like for you.