Elopements are the way to my heart for a number of reasons. From the intentionality behind every detail to the non-traditional vibes, I couldn’t possibly love being an elopement photographer more. But one of my personal favorite aspects of an elopement is the opportunity to embark on an epic adventure together (oh, and have it documented). As a Northwest Montana elopement photographer, I’ve spent an endless amount of time exploring Glacier National Park and all that it has to offer. So I can confidently say that I’ve put together a banger of a list for your Glacier National Park Summer Elopement Activities. 

Summer in Glacier National Park | Explore Montana

It’s truly no wonder why so many folks across the globe flock to Glacier National Park every summer. A whopping 3 million visitors every summer take on large crowds to enjoy Glacier’s endless trails, wildlife, iconic mountain views, and idyllic weather. Witnessing summer elopements in Glacier National Park is as delightful as it sounds. Between the fields of purple wildflowers to the longer days filled with warm sunshine painting the mountains, it’s hard to beat. And with temperatures in early June through late August hovering between 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit, the weather for a summer elopement is pure bliss.

When it comes to choosing the perfect activities to suite your elopement, my biggest piece of advice is to choose an activity that makes sense to you as a couple. If you and your honey wouldn’t normally enjoy fly-fishing, maybe don’t choose that activity for your elopement day. Choose an activity that you genuinely enjoy doing to help you commemorate the start of the best adventure yet. From water sports to stargazing, there’s a summer elopement activity for every couple. So without further ado, let’s tackle the list!

Things to Do in Glacier National Park

1. Helicopter Ride with West Slope Heli
2. Boat Ride with Glacier Park Boats
3. Classic Car Ride with Flathead Classics
4. Bicycling on Going to the Sun Road (rent e-bikes!)

Water Recreation in Glacier National Park

1. Fly-Fishing with Lakestream Fly Shop
2. Swimming
   1. Avalanche Lake
   2. Lake McDonald
   3. Swiftcurrent Lake
3. Kayaking/Canoeing
4. Paddle-Boarding
5. Pack-Rafting
6. Whitewater Rafting with Glacier Raft Co.

Lowkey Elopement Activities

1. Stargazing
2. Picnicking
   1. Highly recommend Montana Picnic Company for an elevated experience!
3. Reading Letters

Best Summer Hikes in Glacier National Park

Look, I’m not the best judge at saying what makes a hike “bad”; I’m yet to meet a hike that I haven’t enjoyed. So even though I could go on for 10 days about all the trails in Glacier National Park, here’s a round up of just 5 of them (in no particular order).

1. Grinnell Lake –
   1. Level of Difficulty: Easy
   2. 3.5 miles Out and Back
   3. Elevation Gain: 220 ft
2. Trail of the Cedars –
   1. Level of Difficulty: Easy
   2. 0.9 mile Loop
   3. Elevation Gain: 49 ft
3. Paradise Point –
   1. Level of Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
   2. 1.4 miles Out and Back
   3. Elevation Gain: 160 ft
4. Hidden Lake Overlook –
   1. Level of Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
   2. 5.3 miles Out and Back (Option for a shorter hike if just going to the overlook)
   3. Elevation Gain: 1,374 ft
5. Reynolds Mountain –
   1. Level of Difficulty: Challenging
   2. 6.2 miles Out and Back
   3. Elevation Gain: 2,427 ft

For a more complete list of Glacier National Park Hikes, check out the 6 Best Hikes in Glacier National Park. If you’re not wanting to break the bank with your elopement activity, I highly recommend checking out Go Glacier Outfitters or Glacier Park Boats for watercraft rentals, bicycles, and even hiking equipment! 

Glacier National Park Elopement Photographer

Now that you have your Glacier National Park summer elopement activities list in tow, all that’s left to do is decide! Searching for more Glacier National Park elopement planning tips? Check out the additional resources below. And as always, be sure to follow along on the ‘Gram to keep up with my latest adventures (@sydneybreannphoto). Until next time, are you ready to wander?

Additional Resources:

50 Activities to Do on Your Elopement Day
9 Tips for Hiking on Your Wedding Day
Including Your Family on Your Elopement Day
How to Elevate Your Elopement
Couple’s Guide to Preparing for Your Elopement
Glacier National Park Travel Guide
Splurge vs. Save: Elopement Edition
10 Unique Northwest Montana Vacation Rentals
Debunking Common Myths About Eloping