If you’ve ever imagined adventuring on your wedding day, but never thought it was possible or thought it would cost too much to add onto your day, think again! Elopements are the perfect opportunity to incorporate your favorite activities in your day — and they don’t have to break the bank. As a Montana elopement photographer and planner, I love watching couples embrace their hobbies and make their wedding day even more memorable. Many couples, however, often feel limited by their budget if they are already traveling to Northwest Montana. But what if I told you it was absolutely possible to incorporate a fun activity into your elopement without spending a ton of money!? Check out my list for the best affordable elopement activities in Glacier National Park! 

Elopement Activities in Glacier National Park

While I will dive into the specifics of each of the best affordable elopement activities in Glacier National Park, here’s a quick look:

1. Hiking
2. Canoeing/Kayaking
3. Picnicking 
4. Swimming
5. Stargazing

Hiking in Glacier National Park | Montana Wedding Photography

Glacier National Park offers some of the most breathtaking views of the Rockies. With melting glaciers, alpine meadows, and dramatic terrain, it’s no wonder that the best way to take it all in is on a hike. While not every couple of mine opts to embark on a dedicated hike during their elopement, many love to go for a little stroll to take in the views. Whether you’re a beginner or a more advanced hiker, I’ve put together a list of my favorite trails to consider adding to your elopement itinerary.

Easy Hikes in Glacier National Park

1. Trail of the Cedars
   • Level of Difficulty: Easy
   • 0.9 Miles Out and Back
   • Elevation Gain: 49 ft
2. Paradise Point
   • Level of Difficulty: Easy
   • 1.4 Miles Out and Back
   • Elevation Gain: 160 ft
3. Avalanche Lake
   • Level of Difficulty: Moderate (but a wide, well maintained trail that kids can do)
   • 4.5 Miles Out and Back
   • Elevation Gain: 730 ft

Moderate Hikes in Glacier National Park

1. Grinnell Lake
   • Level of Difficulty: Moderate
   • 7.8 Miles Out and Back
   • Elevation Gain: 462 ft
2. Hidden Lake or Hidden Lake Overlook
   • Level of Difficulty: Moderate
   • 5.3 Miles Out and Back (Option for a shorter hike if just going to the overlook)
   • Elevation Gain: 1,325 ft
3. Lake Josephine Loop
   • Level of Difficulty: Moderate
   • 5.8 Miles Out and Back (option for shorter hike if you just go to the dock)
   • Elevation Gain: 225 ft

Difficult Hikes in Glacier National Park

1. Highline
   • Level of Difficulty: Challenging
   • 11.8 One-Way Trek
   • Elevation Gain: 1,950 ft
2. Grinnell Glacier
   • Level of Difficulty: Challenging
   • 7.6 Miles Out and Back (can shave off 4.4 miles by taking boats across Swiftcurrent Lake + Lake Josephine)
   • Elevation Gain: 1,840 ft
3. Iceberg Lake
   • Level of Difficulty: Challenging 
   • 9.7 Miles Out and Back
   • Elevation Gain: 1,275 ft

Kayaking in Glacier National Park | Montana Water Recreation

Out of this entire list of affordable elopement activities in Glacier National Park, this is the only one that costs money! While you certainly could bring your own kayak, canoe, or Packraft, renting eliminates the headache of hauling. If you book your elopement with me, I can provide my personal Packrafts. They do have to be certified and checked by park staff before heading out onto the water to eliminate aquatic hitchhikers (and to keep the waters clean). But there are other options available if hitting the water is on your agenda.

Glacier National Park Rentals

1. Park Services — Small boat rentals are available at Apgar, Lake McDonald, Two Medicine, and Many Glacier. You can find more information on rentals through the National Park Services at Glacier Park Boat Co.
2. Rent from Glacier Outfitters — You can rent single, tandem, or triple kayaks, and paddleboards from Glacier Outfitters! 

Glacier National Park Elopement Picnic

Whether you are content with a classic PB&J or a luxury picnic is more up your alley, there’s something so nostalgic about enjoying a picnic. While I might be biased, the mountains are the perfect atmosphere to perch up on a blanket, take in the views, and eat some good food. If food is your love language, here are some ideas to incorporate your love on your elopement day:

1. Enjoy a Charcuterie Board — Who doesn’t love meat, cheese, crackers, and fruit!? Girl dinner to a T. You can DIY your own and make it as fancy or simple as you desire OR spend some money on a luxury picnic. Montana Picnic Company offers charcuterie boxes to go, but they also offer a variety of luxury picnic packages. These packages can range from a sweet picnic blanket setup to a low table picnic with a tablescape! 
2. Add Planning Services to Your Elopement Package — Another option for picnicking during your Glacier National Park elopement is by adding planning services to your photography package with me! I’ll take care of decorating, and all you have to do is enjoy.
3. Hire a Private Chef — Okay, this one isn’t super high on the “affordable” part of elopement activities to consider. But if you are considering splurging on something unique for your elopement, hiring a private chef is such a fun idea! Yes, you can literally have a chef come to the park to prepare a meal for you and your honey. What a vibe!

Swimming in an Alpine Lake | Glacier National Park Lakes

Any breathtaking lake will do, but be prepared to actually have your breath taken away! The water is cold year-round, on account of each lake being fed by glaciers. Even if you live in a Northern state (like Minnesota, New York, or Maine), I promise you don’t know cold until you’ve taken a dip into an alpine lake. Bring extra clothes, towels, socks, and blankets to warm up after jumping in. 

Stargazing in Glacier National Park | Sydney Breann Photography

If you know me, you know that chasing the Northern Lights is one of my favorite things to do. While I can’t always guarantee the lights will be out during your elopement, I can promise that we can embrace blue hour or dance under the stars. Glacier National Park is a registered Dark Sky Park that belongs to the International Dark Sky Association. According to Glacier.org, “2/3 of Americans are unable to see the Milky Way from their backyard”. If that’s reason enough to go stargazing, I don’t know what is. 

Creative Elopement Ideas | National Park Elopements

With this list of affordable elopement activities in Glacier National Park in hand, you’re ready to put your plan in action. If you’re not done planning your GNP elopement, you can check out some of my favorite FREE resources down below. And as always, be sure to follow along with my adventures as a Montana elopement photographer and planner on the ‘Gram (@sydneybreannphoto). Until next time, are you ready to wander?

Glacier National Park Elopement Resources

What to Include in Your Elopement Details
How Much Does it Actually Cost to Elope in Glacier National Park?
The Real Differences Between Intimate Weddings and Elopements
Best Places to Elope in Glacier National Park in 2024
Wedding Day Advice from Real Brides (Who are Wedding Photographers)
How to DIY Your Elopement Florals
Benefits of Hiring a Full-Service Elopement Photographer
The Best Kept Elopement Timeline Secret
9 Tips for Hiking on Your Wedding Day
Debunking Common Myths About Eloping
How to Announce Your Elopement
Splurge vs. Save: Elopement Edition