Arguably, one of the greatest perks of eloping in a place like Glacier National Park is the opportunity to turn your dream nuptials into your dream honeymoon. Sound familiar? You’re in the right place if you’re wondering how to turn your Glacier National Park elopement into the ultimate adventurous honeymoon. As a Northwest Montana and Glacier National Park elopement photographer, the vast majority of my couples have had the area on their bucket list for years. They’ve always imagined saying “I do” in the presence of glacial lakes, majestic peaks, towering pines.
Before we dive into the nitty gritty of turning your Glacier National Park elopement into the ultimate adventurous honeymoon, allow me to introduce myself if you’re new here! My name is Sydney and I am a Glacier National Park elopement photographer and planner. At this point in my career, I have had the honor of photographing over 200 weddings and elopements from California to Colorado, the Midwest to the PNW, New York to Alaska— though Northwest Montana always calls me home. I specialize in photographing intentional, full-day Glacier National Park elopements for those who crave an experience true to them and their story. Check out my portfolio before you go!
Turning Your Glacier National Park Elopement into the Ultimate Adventurous Honeymoon
Opt for a Multi-Day Elopement
You’ve heard it time and time again: your wedding day is gone in the blink of an eye. I don’t think a truer sentiment exists in the wedding world! So why not extend your wedding day into a multi-day experience!? More and more often nowadays, eloping couples are stretching their celebration out over a couple of days (and I am here for it).
While I have an entire blog about the perks of having a 2 day elopement, it comes down to having more opportunities to celebrate and to keep the adventure going. If you are traveling all the way to Glacier National Park, why limit your adventure to just one day!? With a celebration spread out over a couple days, you have more chances to include loved ones or pets, explore more areas (which means even more epic photo-ops), and nothing but time to soak up with the love of your life.
Curious as to what some of my past couples have done for their 2 day elopements? Here’s just a sample:
- One day spent with family, the other just for the couple.
- First day adventuring in Glacier National Park, second day adventuring outside the part with their dogs.
- Day one dedicated to their ceremony and wedding festivities, the other day for adventurous activities.
- One day spent wearing formal attire, the other day in more casual-wear.
The opportunities are endless when you give yourselves the gift of time to truly embrace every moment spent in Northwest Montana. Rather than needing to pack everything from your itinerary into one day, you’ll be able to be fully present without thinking about the next thing you need to rush off to.
Best Glacier National Park Vacation Activities
Alright, so you’ve decided on a multi-day elopement. How are you going to fill your time!? Even if you had a week in Glacier National Park, you wouldn’t be able to see everything or enjoy every single hike the area has to offer. So my first tip for planning your itinerary is to focus on what feels like you. The last thing I want is for couples to feel pressured into going on strenuous hikes when they would much rather be on the water or enjoying a leisurely picnic. Just because Northwest Montana is brimming with off-the-beaten-path adventurous opportunities doesn’t mean you are required to participate in them!
My husband and I love to hike. But, we also love to fish, float around on our PackRafts, visit local eateries and breweries, and stargaze. So when we planned our own elopement and honeymoon, we made sure to include a variety of our favorite things. Down below are a few categories to choose activities from to help you build a well-rounded Glacier National Park honeymoon itinerary.
Easy + Scenic (low effort, high reward)
- Scenic drive on Going-to-the-Sun Road — make sure to make several stops for photo-ops!
- Sunset at Lake McDonald. Bring a small cake or dessert and some champagne to make the most of the moment.
- Mountain view picnic. Remember to Leave No Trace and only picnic in designated areas (and pack some bear spray).
Adventure-Focused
- Hiking (Highline Trail, Avalanche Lake, Cracker Lake, Grinnell Glacier, Hidden Lake Overlook)
- Boat ride via Glacier Park Boat Company
- Rent kayaks or boats through Glacier Park Boat Company
- Horseback riding in Glacier National Park
- Ziplining
Relaxed + Intentional
- Sunrise coffee + slow morning at your lodging
- Take a dip in an alpine lake
- Stargazing – 10/10 recommend. GNP is a dark sky location up at Logan Pass, but it’s hard to find a bad place to marvel in the glory of the stars.
- Pizza picnic in the park on Going-to-the-Sun Road
Honeymoon Lodging in Glacier National Park
I am a firm believer in really “leaning in” to an experience, especially when we’re talking about your wedding day! But I am also a firm believer in sticking to a budget and living realistically. When my husband and I were planning our own elopement, we had a list of “non-negotiables” which were things for our elopement that we would not be willing to sacrifice on. One of my non-negotiables was staying in an epic cabin — which meant we had to budget for that.
Pro tip: consider staying somewhere epic for just a night or two, and staying somewhere more budget-friendly the rest of your time.
If a unique stay is on your list for your Glacier National Park elopement and honeymoon, here’s a roundup of accommodations ranging in vibes and budgets.
Inside the Park:
West Glacier/Whitefish Area (most popular):
- 2Cranes Montana Cabins — Colombia Falls, MT
- Havn Glacier — Whitefish, MT
- Bison Ridge Retreat — Whitefish, MT
- Glacier Canopy Retreat — West Glacier
- Walking Bear Resort — Whitefish, MT
East Glacier (more remote and quiet):
Unique Stays:
- Glacier Park Glamping — Located just 30 minutes from the West Entrance
- Stay Treetops — West Glacier Area
- The Cottages at Big Fork — Big Fork, MT
- Luxury Larch House Boutique Hotel — Whitefish, MT
Where to Eat Near Glacier National Park
A honeymoon isn’t complete without some good eats, trust me. While most couples probably don’t travel to Northwest Montana in search of the “food scene”, don’t sleep on it! From more casual bites to finer dining, there’s a little bit of everything near Glacier National Park — you might just have to be wiling to drive a little ways.
Best Restaurants in Whitefish
- $
- Loula’s Cafe (incredible breakfast)
- Amazing Crêpes (gluten free!)
- $$
- $$$
Best Restaurants in Kalispell/Columbia Falls
- $
- $$
- Freestone Restaurant (great lunch option)
- The Desoto Grill (yummy BBQ)
- The Split Rock Restaurant (delicious breakfast)
- $$$
Dining in Glacier National Park
When it comes to food within Glacier National Park, you’re often paying a premium for views while also competing with a lot of visitors. However, there are definitely some great options if you don’t mind paying a little bit more or having a long wait time. Just remember that the dining options within the park highlight the atmosphere and experience over the quality of food sometimes.
- Ptarmigan Dining Room (located in Many Glacier Hotel)
- Swiss Lounge (located in Many Glacier Hotel)
- Freda’s
- Eddie’s Cafe
But if I’m being honest, the best recommendation for dining in Glacier National Park is enjoying a picnic. When my husband and I travel into the park, we actually love to either grab takeout or pack a picnic. The views are just too incredible to ignore!
Best Things to Do Within Driving Distance of Glacier National Park
Is anyone else out there the kind of person who thinks, “Well, I’ve already come this far, I might as well just drive a little further!”? Visiting Glacier National Park is a place that is just like that. You’ve already traveled this far to see the park, so why not take advantage of the surroundings and go explore!? While my husband and I live in Kalispell, we frequently take advantage of where we live — even traveling up to Canada for long weekends!
Visit Whitefish Mountain Resort
Unleash your inner child, whether it’s summer or winter. In the summertime, you can take a gondola ride or enjoy the alpine slides at Whitefish Mountain Resort. Yep, you read that right — ALPINE SLIDES. The resort also offers zip-line tours and an aerial adventure park, which is perfect if you’re including your friends or family.
If you’re visiting the area in the wintertime, you’re in the right place for incredible skiing and snowboarding. With over a 100 trails spanning across 3,000 acres, you certainly won’t be bored! Bring your own gear or rent from the chalet.
Head to Flathead Lake
Flathead Lake is one of Northwest Montana’s hidden gems, in my humble opinion. It is the largest natural body of freshwater in the western US and one of the cleanest lakes in the WORLD. Because it is so clean, visibility reaches 20 feet deep during the summer which is incredible.
Rent a boat or some paddle boards, go fishing, or take a dip in the pristine water. If including your pup in your Glacier National Park elopement is important, bring them along to enjoy the water. Because GNP isn’t the most dog-friendly, I always recommend visiting Flathead Lake and/or Flathead National Forest when my couples travel with their pups.
As a bonus, if you’re visiting Glacier National Park in late July or early August, you might luck out by stumbling upon some local cherry stands in the Flathead Lake area! They are every bit as delicious as you might imagine.
Visit Bigfork, MT
If you’re in need of some relaxation and a slower day after exploring Glacier National Park, I highly recommend visiting Bigfork. Known as an “artist’s paradise”, there is no shortage of unique shops to peruse through. After spending the day visiting the Bigfork Art & Cultural Center and visiting all the shops the area has to offer, head to a local concert at the Everit L. Sliter Memorial Park.
Get International and Head to Canada
Getting married in Glacier National Park is an incredible reason to make the most of your time in the area and take a trip up to Canada — trust me. A couple years ago, my husband and I took a long weekend trip up to Banff and it was everything I could’ve ever dreamed of. The drive alone is worth every bit of the 5 hour drive, with unbelievable scenery the entire way. You can check out our itinerary herefor some inspiration to make the most of your quick trip.
But if 5 hours is a bit of a stretch, consider driving just 3 hours across the border to Waterton Lakes National Park of Canada. Most known for its vibrant Red Rock Canyon, you’ll almost feel like you’re in the Southwest rather than all the way up in Canada! The views are truly remarkable. If you like a taste of “a little bit of everything”, view bison at the Bison Paddock Loop Road, visit Cameron Falls, or take a fun boat tour down Upper Waterton Lake. Maybe you’re looking for a unique experience instead. Enjoy afternoon tea at the Prince of Wales Hotel or peruse the local boutiques (and be sure to sample ice cream at Big Scoop)!
Sample 3-5 Day Glacier National Park Elopement + Honeymoon Itinerary
As a Montana elopement photographer and planner, I know just how intimidating it can be to begin the elopement planning process (especially when you’re envisioning a multi-day experience). While I offer full-service planning for my couples, I’ve outlined an example itinerary below to give you some inspiration for planning your own multi-day elopement in Glacier National Park.
Multi-Day Elopement Itinerary Example:
Arrival (Day 1) –
- Settle in at Glacier National Park lodging
- Catch sunset at Lake McDonald
Day 2 –
- Elopement day
- Enjoy a slow morning at your Airbnb with coffee and breakfast
- Get ready separately
- First look on Airbnb’s property
- Head into the park for bridal portraits along Going-to-the-Sun Road
- Ceremony at Sun Point
- Charcuterie picnic along the way
- Blue hour lantern photos at Logan Pass
Day 3 –
- Adventure day
- Enjoy another slow morning at your Airbnb with coffee and breakfast (or head out for breakfast at Syke’s)
- Rent kayaks (or paddle boards) at Glacier Outfitters — hit the water at Lake McDonald
- Hike + picnic at Avalanche Lake (4.5 miles roundtrip) — trail features waterfall views, wildflowers, and mountain peaks. Looking for a different hike? Here’s a list of 6 short hikes in GNP!
- Back to Airbnb to relax for the rest of the day
Looking for more activities to consider? Check out my list of affordable elopement activities in Glacier National Park.
Day 4 –
- Relaxation day
- Spend the day at your Airbnb reading, spending time together, enjoying the hot tub, etc.
- OR take a day trip to Whitefish, Flathead Lake, or Bigfork
Departure (Day 5) –
- Explore East Glacier
- Sightseeing
- Grab a pizza to-go in St. Mary
- Dip your toes in Two Medicine Lake + enjoy your pizza on the shore
- Stop at Kyiyo Mercantile for a huckleberry bear claw
- Visit 1913 Ranger Station
- Make your way back to Airbnb
Tips for Planning a Multi-Day Elopement
Whether you’re envisioning a simple 2-day elopement, or you’re opting for a jam-packed weeklong adventure, I have a few tips to keep the elopement planning stress to a minimum. Wedding planning itself is overwhelming, but planning a multi-day event in another state can feel impossible. Let me help you take the guess work out of it.
Hire a Local Photographer/Planner
Hiring a local expert is invaluable. While I don’t mean to toot my own horn, an elopement photographer who is also an elopement planner is the best of both worlds. Not only does a local expert know the best locations and optimal times to visit certain area, they also can help book additional vendors, unique experiences, and show you some hidden gems that you might not discover otherwise. Sound appealing? I’d love to connect.
Book Lodging Early
Summer in Glacier National Park is an especially busy time. Because Winter is slow to exit, and quick to return, tourists naturally flock to the park as soon as the roads reopen for the season. As soon as you know you’re eloping in Northwest Montana, secure lodging. Your photographer/planner will be able to suggest what area to stay in depending on what vibe you’re looking for, how many guests you’re expecting, etc.
Consider Parking
Considering parking availability in Glacier National Park is just as important as securing lodging early. If there are certain hikes or activities you want to participate in, know that parking is limited (especially during peak tourist season). Even securing parking for your ceremony can be tricky unless you plan strategically.
Build in Buffer Time
No matter how jam-packed or easygoing your elopement is shaping up to be, do yourself a favor and build in buffer time for allow for unexpected interruptions. The weather is the biggest factor to consider in Glacier National Park. Even on a seemingly bright sunny day, powerful wind and thunderstorms can sweep over the mountains. You also might be surprised to encounter snow cover during your time in GNP, as well. Give yourself plenty of time for delays and spontaneous stops along the way while you’re exploring.
The Sydney Breann Experience
Your Northwest Montana elopement should be everything you want it to be and you shouldn’t have to sacrifice an intentionally planned dinner, lush florals, tasteful decor, or other amazing vendors (if that’s what you’re dreaming of). If you’re having a hard time making your dreams come to life, that’s where I come in.
My approach is to make the day you say, “I do” all about your love story. As a trusted storyteller, I ensure that you are able to look back on your day for years to come and remember every little detail (that you didn’t even have to lift a finger for!).
The Sydney Breann experience goes beyond photography. Every photography package includes:
- Custom location list for ceremony, portraits, and activities
- Activity recommendations catered to your interests and area
- Preferred vendor list
- Custom photography timeline tailored to your desires and visions
- Permit application assistance
- 90+ page elopement guide for Northwest Montana and Glacier National Park
But if you’re wanting to actually enjoy planning your elopement, I offer additional planning services to take the guess work out of it. For a comprehensive look at what’s included in each planning package, click here!
I want to empower couples to ditch tradition and bathe in the in-between moments. I believe in enabling others to be inspired by nature and take pride in leading couples to epic places with epic views to celebrate their love in the most intimate and authentic way. With your help, we will create a truly unique experience that allows for wanderlust and authenticity.
Glacier National Park Adventurous Elopement Turned Honeymoon
With Glacier National Park offering ample activities, endless views, and adventure around every corner, why limit yourself to just a quick trip!? Extending your elopement into a honeymoon is an incredible way to enjoy the best of both worlds. Your elopement doesn’t need to fit into a tidy little box. The best part of eloping is having the freedom to make your day exactly as you have always envisioned.
Whether you spend a few days exploring Northwest Montana, or add an international leg to your trip, there’s no shortage of adventure to be had. Turning your Glacier National Park elopement into the ultimate adventurous honeymoon will give you more than enough memories to last a lifetime. From kayaking on Lake McDonald to frolicking at Logan Pass by the glow of lanterns, indulging in huckleberry goodies to viewing wildlife galore, Glacier National Park is just waiting for you to discover its beauty.
Looking for more Glacier National Park elopement and honeymoon planning resources? Check out my favorite blogs down below! If you’re ready to wander, let’s connect. I can’t wait to document your favorite love story.
Glacier National Park Elopement Planning Resources
The Ultimate Northwest Montana Planning Guide
The Secret to Planning a Unique Elopement
How to Elope in Montana in 2026
Affordable Elopement Activities in Glacier National Park
Best Places to Elope in Glacier National Park in 2026
The Best Kept Elopement Timeline Secret
Benefits of Hiring a Full-Service Elopement Photographer
How to DIY Your Elopement Florals
Glacier National Park Summer Elopement Activities
