Fall Glacier National Park Intimate Wedding
Tori + Brice
The Couple and Their Decision to Plan an Elopement in Glacier National Park
When I first got in contact with Tori and Brice, they were wanting to elope somewhere in either Utah or Montana. They wanted three things in an elopement location: incredibly scenic, seclusion, and something that was easily accessible for their grandparents.
I wanted to get a really good feel for what kind of nature scenery Tori and Brice were really drawn to. Did they love incredible mountain views or do they lean towards red rock canyons? After talking through the kinds of landscapes that really lights them up, they really seemed to be drawn to towering mountain landscapes with a water feature nearby. We talked over all the options from Glacier National Park to the Wasatch Mountains in Utah.
Ultimately, we decided that Glacier National Park was perfect as the mountain scenery is truly unreal, there are plenty of lakeside and riverside locations, there were REALLY accessible ceremony spots for their grandparents (that were still waterside!), AND there are regions of the park that are super secluded.
Once we decided on location, we started talking about timing. Tori and Brice initially came to me wanting to get married either in the spring or fall. I suggested for them to look at early fall for Glacier National Park. The park itself is BURIED in snow until well into summer, so I knew a winter wonderland wasn’t exactly what they were looking for & it would really limit what they could do and see in the park. Glacier National park also starts to see some road closures in early October, so we definitely wanted to plan for a time before so they could experience all the park’s beauty. September was the sweet spot — the weather was still great, no road closures yet, and there are way less crowds compared to the summer months.
From an Intimate Lakeshore Ceremony to Exploring With a Moose, This is How Tori & Brice Planned Their Elopement
We started off Tori and Brice’s elopement day at a large cabin they rented right outside the entrance of the park. They really wanted to rent lodging that was large enough for all their guests to stay at for the wedding weekend, and they accomplished just that.
The morning was filled with their closest people helping them prepare for the day. Tori’s close friend did her hair and makeup while her mom and sister prepared the finer details. Just upstairs, Brice was preparing his attire with his family helping him get ready.
Once they were all dressed, Brice and his family left for the park while Tori and her family stayed at the cabin. Tori then shared a first look with her father in the backyard after Brice had left.
We chose to have everyone head into Glacier National Park in two different waves because Tori and Brice wanted to see each other for the very first time in the mountains. They chose a super beautiful trail with the most incredible mountain views among a little meadow and forest. This trail was also super low traffic, so they knew it would be the intimate moment they were wanting. And that’s exactly what it was. Just the two of them. Taking in all the beautiful starting moments of their wedding day. No distractions. Just them and the mountains. Tori also gifted Brice a watch he had always dreamed of having which made the moment that much more emotional and special.
After Tori and Brice were ready, we hiked back to the lakeshore where they met the rest of their friends and family for some group photos and to have their ceremony! Tori had her uncle officiate the ceremony as an extra special touch while her dad walked her down the ‘aisle’.
After the ceremony, Tori and Brice’s guests ventured back to the cabin to bbq some dinner while Tori and Brice ventured around the area to take in the scenery and get some photos. We started by exploring more of the lakeshore and then we went to venture on a nearby hiking trail that led to overlook the lake. At the overlook, we were surprised with none other than a Moose relaxing in the water! We stayed quiet and admired from a safe distance for a few moments + once we saw the moose was comfy and not moving any time soon, we made our way back on the trail and stopped at a little clearing with some mountain views instead.
We decided to head back towards the lakeshore a little early since the overlook was occupied to watch the colors of the sunset there! WOW did the sunset not disappoint!! Tori and Brice took in the beautiful colors and as the scenery became barely visible, Tori and Brice decided to hop in the lake for a little celebratory dip!
At this point, we parted ways as the moon came out and Tori and Brice went back to their cabin to enjoy dinner with everyone!
Sally’s Tips for Planning an Intimate Elopement Experience in Glacier National Park:
If you are planning an elopement in Glacier National Park—or any other popular nature location for that matter—here are a few things to keep in mind to make your elopement experience more private or secluded.
Elope on a Weekday
One thing that I have noticed in exploring these gorgeous areas that are easily to access is that there is a larger influx of people on the weekends when most are typically off work. The last thing I want for you on your elopement day is to be distracted by the amount of people walking by on the trail rather than being present in the moment you say “I Do”. That’s why I encourage all of my couples to choose a weekday for their elopement.
Elope During the Early Fall
Glacier National Park is an insanely popular national park. The past few years, Glacier National Park has implemented a Timed-Entry Vehicle Reservation System for the summer months to help manage the crowds because there is simply so much traffic flow. If you’re wanting to visit iconic locations like Logan’s Pass or Lake McDonald, these spots can be CROWDED if you go during the peak summer months.
However, when you choose to visit after August, I’ve seen a completely different side of the park. I’ve seen a completely empty Logan’s Pass parking lot. I’ve seen couples not see another soul their entire elopement day. I’ve seen beautiful fall foliage.
Just note that the park usually receives its first snowfall about the first week of October, which shuts down the entire Going-to-the-Sun Road for the rest of the season, so plan to visit before then!
Choose a Quieter Section of the Park
Maybe summer in the mountains is more your call whether you want gorgeous wildflowers, the summer weather, or it simply works better for your schedules! It is NOT the end all be all and doesn’t mean you can’t have an intimate experience! There will of course be larger crowds along locations on the Going-to-the-Sun Road, but there are many other sections of the park that AREN’T quite as busy! Look at quieter areas and trails and you can still have the best of both worlds.
Pro Tip: Choose a photographer that is familiar with Glacier National Park and helps guide you on locations! I give all my eloping couples completely custom and in depth location recommendations based on the experience they are looking for!
For more information on how to elope in Glacier National Park, check out my full How to Elope in Glacier National Park planning guide.
“Sally was nothing short of phenomenal during our elopement. She went above and beyond on creating a relationship with my husband and I prior to our wedding which enabled her to really capture the moments that mattered the most to us. Not only is her photography amazing, she helped direct me towards obtaining the appropriate permits for weddings within glacier national park. She curated a great list of potential wedding locations, and she even had advice on ordaining a family member for our wedding as well. I know booking a photographer you do not personally know may be stressful, but Sally eased so much of my stress the months leading up to and the day of our wedding. I cannot say enough good things about her!”
Vendors
Photography | Sally G Photography
Officiant | Family Member
Florals | Faux Bouquet - Hobby Lobby
Dress | Blush Bridal Ohio
Rings | Frank Darling / GoodStone / Saga Bands
READY TO START PLANNING YOUR ELOPEMENT? REACH OUT NOW!
Hey, I’m Sally! I’m a destination adventure elopement photographer based in Washington, but traveling worldwide!
