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Are you looking for the best guide on how to elope in Montana? You’ve found it! After living in the USA and at the Montana border for a year, I’ve come to know part of the state very well and even had some celebrations there myself. To help you plan the best elopement in Montana, we thought it was time to put together a detailed guide on eloping in Montana and the best places to elope in Montana.
Whether you want to plan a romantic and adventurous elopement for your wedding day or need a Montana national park elopement guide, our guide covers every bit of information you may need including the legalities of eloping to Montana and Montana elopement packages.
***Some of the links in this post are affiliate links meaning we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This does not change the fact that we only recommend products, stays, activities and attractions we are satisfied with and all opinions expressed here are our own.
How to get married in Montana?
You may be wondering what is needed to get married in Montana for couples eloping. The rules are roughly the same for non-residents and residents. By definition, you’ll be coming from out of state so you will need to obtain a marriage license in the county in which you are getting married.
Can anyone marry you in Montana?
In addition, to get legally married in Montana, you need to be at least 16 years old. Please note that the minimum age to marry in your home country may be higher. This could mean that your Montana marriage may not be recognised in your home country.
To get legally married in Montana, you will need to obtain a marriage licence for $53. Only one licence is needed and it is valid for 180 days. This means you have 180 days to get married form the time of issuance of your licence. Note that both spouses must be present for the application, which can be unpractical if you’re coming from out of state.
Finally, unlike eloping to Ireland or to California, women under the age of 50 are required to take a Reubella Blood Taste to get married. Note that there is an option to opt out of the blood test. You will need to fill out a document and apply before getting your marriage licence.
Now, the easiest way to elope in Montana is to avoid all this paperwork by getting legally married in your home country. If you’re wondering what do you need to get married in Montana if you’re already married in your home country, the answer is not much! You’ll be free to hold the ceremony you’d like in Montana without having to worry about doing a blood test or getting a marriage licence.
As far as the officiant, anyone can be ordained online whether that’d be one of your guests, witnesses or even vendors. Photographers are often happy to do it!
Required permits to get married in Montana
Most Montana elopement locations don’t require a permit for elopements. However, certain locations do. It’s the case of Glacier National Park which requires a permit for elopements, vow renewals and weddings. This means that even if you are legally married in your home country already, you still need a permit to hold your ceremony in the park. This requirement also applies regardless of the size of your group. You can apply for a permit here.
Once you obtain your permit, the permit is usually only valid for the day and time that it was issued for. This means that if you need to change your wedding date, you will need to ask for another permit. The permits are also often issued for specific locations in the park. If on the day, the location is inaccessible, then your permit will be considered invalid. This can easily become a source of stress in the summer with fires happening or in the winter with unpredictable snow that may cause some roads to close. While the goal of eloping is often to get married with less stress, these are all part of the adventure. That said, if you would prefer not having that stress on you, alternative locations might suit you better. You will find them in our section on the best locations to elope in Montana.
Note that Yellowstone National Park also requires a permit which you can apply for here.
Other areas such as forests and state parks mostly do not require a permit though you should always check as rules may change with time. If you intend on holding your elopement ceremony in one of this places, we recommend liaising with the park rangers to inform them. This can also allow you to pay the park entry for any guest you may have, in advance.
Why you should elope to Montana
I, Marie, lived for one year in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, just a few kilometres from Montana and visited this neighbouring state quite a few times. I’ve always found Montana to be a stunning state, even in places that aren’t famous or national parks, there is beauty everywhere. Let me tell you more about why you should elope Montana style!
First, Montana offers a range of different landscapes which can therefore cater for a wide range of elopement style. Montana is home to over a hundred mountain chains that provide incredible spots for couples who would like mountains in the background. It also offers nine National Forests, perfect for couples who would prefer a greener backdrop. In additional, it offers the possibility to get married in two national parks, that is Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park. Both provide unique landscapes and backdrops that you won’t find anywhere else, making your special day even more unique. But Montana also offers endless outdoor elopement locations such as lakes, meadows, waterfalls, rivers and more!
Second, eloping in Montana has got on great perk: it is suitable for both adventurous and non-adventurous couples. If you love hiking and accessing remote places, Montana is a lovely option for that. However, if you’re more chill and want to elope with minimal physical effort (especially if you’re jet lagged), there are plenty of elopement locations that are easily accessible so you won’t have to compromise any scenery for comfort.
Third, Montana is huge. This means you can easily find a spot that is both stunning and quiet to hold your ceremony. After all, you’re not traveling to Montana to end up with strangers at your wedding!
Fourth (I know there are lots of reasons why you should elope here!), Montana is an easy state to travel to whether you are coming from the USA or from outside the USA. There are more than ten airports in total with several international ones making it easier to reach each part of the state.
Fifth, Montana makes for a beautiful honeymoon location. Between the national parks, the stunning and romantic lodges and the cute towns, there is a lot to do for anyone in Montana. That said, one of the other advantages of eloping to Montana is that you can add Canada to your honeymoon trip! Indeed, Montana and Canada share a border!
Finally, if you decide to get legally married in Montana, the requirements are pretty simple and the marriage licence cost is low with no waiting period. There is also an option to opt out of the blood test requirement which can be handy for different cultures.
All together, you really can’t go wrong with eloping in Montana!
Best places to elope in Montana
You may be wondering, where can I elope in Montana? And for good reasons. Montana is a huge state with endless places to get eloped but that can quickly become overwhelming, especially if you’re not familiar with the area. In this section, we explain to you what our favorite elopement locations are in Montana and provide detailed descriptions of each places so you can be best informed as to where to elope in Montana for your own ceremony.
1. Kootenai Falls, one of the beautiful and free places to get hitched in Montana
The Kootenai Falls are located about 40 minutes from North Idaho and are close to Troy, Montana. I (Marie) actually had my senior photos taken there when I was living the USA so I know the area quite well. I can confirm this is a gorgeous area to elope!
The Kootenai Falls are a range of waterfalls down the Kootenai River and surrounded by mountains and lush forests. The geology of the site is also quite unique with the rocks being shaped in strides and rectangles. There is also a suspension bridge close by that is perfect for photos!
2. Elopement in Big Sky
Big Sky is a famous ski station near Bozeman, Montana. Though it’s primarily function is to welcome ski and snowboard enthusiasts, the resort is also great for elopements. Between the mountains, wildflowers, flowers and lakes, there are endless locations in Big Sky to say your vows to each other.
There are several elopement hot spots in Big Sky including Ousel Falls which are as pretty in both summer and winter months. A Big Sky Montana elopement is definitely a good idea.
3. Whitefish Montana elopement
Whitefish is also known as Whitefish Mountain Resort and is located north of Kalispell in the north of Montana. There are several hot spots for elopements in the Whitefish area including the Whitefish Lake overlook, Whitefish Lake State Park, and the Lion Mountain trail.
In Whitefish, you can expect wide fields with tall grasses, mountains in the background, lake sceneries and more.
Activities for couples in the area:
4. Lolo National Forest
Lolo National Forest is located west of the state of Montana, just north of Missoula and by the border with Idaho. Lolo National forest is perfect if you’re looking for a whimsical wildflower type of elopement decor. From April to July, you’ll find lots of grass and colourful wildflowers that contrast with the mountains in the background. In addition, this national forest also offers dense forests, rivers, lakes and more!
This is particularly a cute elopement location in Montana if you want to elope at sunrise or sunset as the light is amazing.
5. Kootenai National Forest
The Kootenai National Forest extends over Montana, Idaho and Canada giving you strong North American vibes for your elopement. Here, expect lots of beautiful forest spots, lakes, high mountain peaks in the background and small mountain beaches! The water here is pristine while you have most of the views to yourself. There are many trails in the forest that a re suitable for an elopement. For photos, scenic views include the Kootenai Falls Suspension Bridge and the Ross Creek Cedars.
Some of the most beautiful hiking trails in Kootenai National Forest include Leigh Lake Granite Lake Copper Falls Trail and Kootenai Falls and Bridge.
6. Montana elopement Glacier National Park
When thinking about where to elope in Montana, you’re probably thinking Glacier National Park! And for good reasons! With over 700 miles of trails, stunning lakes and wilderness, Glacier National Park is a gem that many would love to have had their wedding at. The park is located in the North West of Montana and accessible by the Glacier International Airport.
Glacier National Park offers a wide range of sceneries that are perfect for all couples who love the outdoors. If you love a tamed atmosphere surrounded by greenery, you’ll love eloping in one of the forests of the park, near a waterfall. If you love more dramatic backgrounds, you’ll be excited to elope at Hidden Lake or in one of the valleys of the park with the carved peak in the background.
In addition, Glacier National Park is home to a wide range of wildlife including grizzly bears and mountain goats so they might add to the adventure!
As mentioned in the legal section, eloping in Glacier National Park will require a permit that you can apply for on the NPS website. Permits are only valid for the date and time they are issued for so if your date changes or the location is inaccessible on that day, your permit will be considered invalid. There are several locations for weddings and elopements in the park with most of them only allowing a small amount of guests (around 16), which is perfect for an elopement.
Activities for couples in the area:
7. Lake McDonald
Though we did recommend Glacier National Park as one of the best elopement locations, we wanted to be a bit more precise by presenting you one of the stunning locations of the park in more details. Lake McDonald is located in Flathead County as part of the park. It is one of the largest lakes in Montana. One particularity of Lake McDonald is that at the bottom of its transparent water, you’ll find thousands of colourful pebbles! They’re super cute and make the place even more fascinating
The lake is home to a pier and is surrounded by pine trees and mountains which make for a beautiful scenery, perfect for a ceremony.
8. Logan Pass
The Logan Pass is another of Glacier National Park’s specific locations. It’s located on the Going-to-the-Sun road, the most scenic drive through the park. It’s a great elopement location as it delivers some of the best views of the park.
Activities for couples in the area:
9. Montana Ranch elopement
Montana is one of the best places to elope at a ranch. Looking at all the possibilities, it makes us want to elope to a ranch in Montana! A Montana ranch elopement is perfect for couples who love the countryside life, horses, natural tones and wide spaces.
There are quite a few ranches in Montana that host elopements and micro weddings. All usually require at least three persons to attend at a minimum so that could be you and a guest. We recommend getting in touch with the ranches directly as their package will vary depending on your needs and wants.
A few of the ranches that organise micro-weddings and elopements include Paws Up, the Ranch at Rock Creek, and Oro Ranch.
10. Missoula and the Blue Mountain Recreation Area
This are offers a range of countryside elopement locations with wide fields, green trees and mountains. This is a beautiful area especially at sunset when the sun reflects against the tall grass.
The area also offers a variety of activities such as horseback riding and of course winter sports.
11. Yellowstone National Park
Though mainly located in Wyoming, Yellowstone National Park spreads in both Montana and Idaho. The park is know worldwide for its incredible landscape that often look like they’re from a different world! From crazy colourful hot springs to dramatic canyons, lush forests and impressive geysers, Yellowstone National Park is definitely a Montana elopement to consider.
Though Yellowstone is popular, it is also a large park so crowds are not always an issue. We highly recommend getting married in Yellowstone on a weekday to have more chances to have a more intimate elopement. Note also that you may want to arrange with your photographer or elopement planner for a discussion on more remote spots that most tourists probably don’t know about.
You will need a permit to celebrate your union in the park.
Activities for couples in the area:
12. Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness
Whether you decide to elope in Montana in the summer or the winter, eloping at Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness is always a good idea. The area extends over two mountain ranges and is located just east of Yellowstone National Park. It offers a wide range of sceneries including lakes, glacier valleys, waterfalls, forests and of course a dramatic view on the granite rock shaped into a bear’s tooth, hence the name. Here, you can get married just next to frozen lakes and snow and it can be pretty incredible!
Some of the top spots in Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness include Monument Peak. The easiest way to reach Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness is by flying into Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport and drive for about four hours.
Activities for couples in the area:
13. Bozeman elopement locations
From the flathead national Forest to the Hyalite Reservoir, the Bozeman area is a source of gem elopement locations in Montana! Though we have specific sections one certain on these locations, know that there are more and that’s why we wanted to include this more high-level section on the Bozeman area.
In addition to the specific locations added below, the Bozeman area also offers the following hot spots for elopements:
Activities for couples in the area:
14. Fairy Lake and Sacajewa Peak
Located near the town of Bozeman, Fairy Lake is a small blue lake surrounded by beautiful green pine trees and high mountains including Sacajewa Peak in the backdrop. The lake also as a pier which makes for a great spot for elopement photos or even to hold the ceremony.
Both Fairy Lake and the Sacajewa Park are part of the wider Custer Gallatin National Forest ( see below). The lake is accessible by car which is handy as you don’t have to hike to it. Note that depending on the weather, this road may be closed so if you don’t want to hike, it might be preferable to schedule your elopement in spring.
Sacajewa Peak offers stunning views on the lake and surrounding areas and the opportunity to encounter bighorn sheep and mountain goats. It’s pretty cool to think that a mountain goat might photobomb your wedding photos, how unique!
If you can’t drive up due to weather conditions, having your ceremony at the lake is just as beautiful as you can capture the peak in the backdrop.
15. Hyalite Canyon Reservoir
Hyalite Canyon Reservoir reminds us of Capilano Reservoir in North Vancouver, BC. Though it is called a reservoir, it looks just like a lake (a reservoir is a man-made lake). It is surrounded by trees and beautiful paths with mountains in the backdrop. If you’re like to take photos with your reflection in the water, this is a great spot! Sunrise or sunset are absolutely fantastic here and make everything look even more romantic.
16. Flathead National Forest elopement
Flathead National Forest is located in the west of the state just south of Glacier National Park. This explains why it’s a great alternative to Glacier NP. The forest being so close, it offers similar landscapes to Glacier while being a lot quieter. This is due to two reasons. First, most tourists prioritise Glacier National Park as it’s better known. Second, Flathead National Forest is extremely vast, making it easy to spread all of its visitors all over.
In Flathead National Forest, it’s easy to find intimate and beautiful spots away from anyone. Here, you’ll get the choice between forest views, waterfall views, lakes and skylines. You can choose to stay at one of the cabins in the forest or just saw up for the day. Top spots include beautiful Flathead Lake, the Holland Lake and Falls trail, Mount Aeneas Summit, Birch Lake trail, Ouse Peak trail and Danny on National Recreation trail.
17. Custer Gallatin National Forest
The Custer Gallatin National Forest is located in the south west of Montana and is home to the Fairy Lake and Sacajewa Peak. But it is also home to a wide range of fields with wildflowers, trails, forests and other lakes that can all become stunning elopement locations. Parts of the forest remind us of Yosemite with granite rocks standing tall above the valleys. If you are an outdoor couple, you’ll want to check out this forest!
18. Bitterroot National Forest
With lush forests, lakes and mountains in the background, this is another typical elopement location in Montana. Some of the hot spots in Bitterroot National Forest include Little Saint Joseph Park and Glen Lake. The best airport to fly into is MSO Airport.
19. Tom Miner Basin
Imagine horses and bears running in wide green fields filled with wild flowers and overlooked by high peaks. The Tom Miner Basin is exactly that! Looking like a dreamy North American landscape, the Tom Miner Basin is also home to the Gallatin Petrified Forest with trees that are dated 50 million years back.
The Tom Miner Basin is one of a kind elopement location, perfect for whimsy couples!
20. Sluice Boxes State Park
Are you looking for an elopement setting with high cliffs and creeks? Then Sluice Boxes state Park might be just what you’re looking for. Located outside of Great Falls, this state park is home to tall cliffs and a lovely creek running at the bottom. this is the area called Belt Creek Canyon and is absolutely gorgeous. The Sluice Boxes State Park is also home to a range of wildlife including bears and birds.
You will need a permit to hold your elopement ceremony in the park. You can apply here.
21. Bighorn Canyon
Bighorn Canyon is essentially Montana’s Grand Canyon. It has got a lot of hiking trails and spots that are suitable to hold en elopement ceremony. At Bighorn Canyon, you’ll find wild horses, bears, and plenty of spots for your ceremony.
22. Makoshika State Park
Makoshika State Park is a unique place in Montana for an elopement. Far from your typical North American vibe with mountains, pine trees and lakes, Makoshika State Park resembles more of the desert with rugged and dry surfaces, weirdly shaped rock formations and few plant. In some aspects, it is similar to a moonscape like Sarakiniko in Greece.
There are options to rent cabins or yurts in the park if you want to turn your elopement into a full stay in the park.
23. St Mary Lake
St Mary Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Glacier National Park. Whether you want to get married at sunrise or sunset, the alpenglow will absolutely magnify the moment and your photos. The lake is very large so there are plenty of spots to pick from and you can pick one that really speaks to you. Between the high peaks, the pine trees, the blue water of the lake and the light, be prepared for a magical moment!
24. Two Medicine
Two Medicine and Two Medicine Lake are another place to elope in Montana. You could either exchange vows by the lake, in the forest, by the waterfall or by the river. You can’t go wrong here on top of being able to get photos in a range of different locations without having to go anywhere.
Activities for couples in the area:
25. Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest
Montana isn’t short of national forests as you’ll see in this list! The Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest is absolutely gorgeous and one of the top places to elope in Montana. With wide and romantic mountain views, it offers multiple spots to elope such as rivers, mountains, forests and wildflowers patches, Some of the best elopement locations in Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest include Rierdon Gulch trail, Clary Coulee, and Mortimer Gulch trail.
Where to stay:
- This remote lodge is perfect for couples who want to isolate while enjoying the outdoors and spending quality time together as newlyweds.
When is the best time to elope in Montana
One of the best part about eloping in Montana is that this beautiful state gets the four seasons leaving you with endless options for your elopement style. The best time for you to elope in Montana will depend on what kind of vibe you want for your ceremony and photos. Let’s see your options.
Eloping in Montana in the winter
The winter in Montana roughly lasts from November to the end of March. If you’re in the North of Montana, close to Idaho and the Canadian border, then you’re almost guaranteed to get snow around January and February, sometimes earlier. This is a great time to elope to Montana if you want a white elopement.
Though winter attracts ski and snow fans, places such as Glacier National Park get quieter with less crowds as most people prefer to explore in the summer. This allows you more free and quiet times to get hitched during the day. Of course, during winter, you’ll have to adjust your outfits a bit to be comfortable.
Elope in Montana in the fall
If you’re looking for fall colours, eloping in Montana in the fall is what makes the most sense. The temperature during fall is mild with mostly sunny days and feeling comfortable in light clothes. Montana is incredible and the fall colours make forests and field look stunning. Fall is the perfect time to elope to Montana as you get nice rays of light and beautiful sceneries while the crowds are slowly leaving. Fall lasts roughly from September to the end of November though temperatures start getting colder by the end of October.
Elope in spring
If you’re looking for more of a green and blooming scenery for your elopement, then you would probably prefer eloping to Montana during spring. At that time of the year, temperatures are mild with some of the highest around 68°F. Spring lasts roughly from April to the end of June.
Elope in the summer
The summer in Montana is absolutely gorgeous. With mostly sunshine and warm temperatures, the summer offers endless possibilities of elopement locations as the weather won’t be an issue. It’s a great time to get married if you want blue skies on your big day. During the summer, you could arrange for the ceremony to take place by a lake, or in the mountains or forest for some fresher weather.
To avoid the crowds of summer time, we recommend eloping either early in the morning or at sunrise. These times also offer the best lighting and avoid harsh lights which make for better photos. The ambiance will be magical and intimate.
Cheapest time to travel to Montana
The cheapest time to fly to Montana is generally in January. This is become of several reasons. First, January is usually the month after people have already taken time off from work due to Christmas. So most people need to get back to work and have no time to travel around. Second, January in Montana is rather cold making it more difficult and uncomfortable to travel to national parks, forests and around. The snow can also render traveling to and around Montana difficult, with closed roads and only certain parts of national parks open.
All together, January is less attractive for people to travel to Montana compared to spring, summer and fall. And that impacts the cost of eloping to Montana.
How long is a typical elopement in Montana?
An elopement in Montana or a micro wedding Montana style can be pretty much any length you want to make it. The length of your elopement will usually depend on your budget and the style of elopement you are going for. The standard minimum length for a Montana elopement is four hours and the standard maximum length is several days.
Best airports to fly onto to elope in Montana
If you’re choosing to have a Montana destination wedding, you’ll have plenty of options as far as international airports are concerned. Here are the best ones to fly into depending on the area you’re eloping to, noting that Montana is quite a large state!
Glacier Park International Airport is great if you are eloping to Glacier National Park or the North of Montana. Alternatively, Great Falls International Airport is a great option either for Glacier National Park or if you wish to elope in the centre of Montana Centre. It’s also convenient if your’e planning to elope in Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest.
Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport is a great option if you intend on getting married in the south of the state. It’s close to Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest and Livingstone.
Finally, the Billings International Airport is another option that is more suitable if you’re eloping in the east of the state.
Should you elope in Montana on a weekday or the weekend?
If you are planning on eloping at a famous landmark like Glacier National Park, eloping on a weekday would be more appropriate. Most people are at work during the day and trails are just not as busy as a consequence. On the weekend, locals take on popular spots so you will encounter a busier crowd.
At places that are less known of tourists, the weekend might be fine but we would recommend booking a weekday if possible as it gives you the highest chance to find yourself in a more intimate setting.
What to wear when eloping to Montana
What you should wear on your elopement is completely up to you. That said, if you’re going for something traditional such as a wedding dress and a suit, here are some tips we’d like to share with you.
If your Montana elopement location is easily accessible and is happening during spring, fall or summer, a sleepless dress with a light suit and appropriate shoes, open or not, will be perfect.
If your Montana elopement location is only accessible by hiking, we recommend packing your dress and suit in a backpack and wearing hiking gear to reach your destination. Comfortable shoes such as hiking shoes are absolutely necessary on certain trails, even more so during winter or after rainfall. On top of that, you’ll want to dress warm on colder days so you are less exhausted once you reach the top.
If your Montana elopement takes place during winter and the location does not require any hiking, you may want to look into tweed suits which are a bit warmer along with long sleeve dresses. You can also add a fluffy sweater to your dress that will cover your shoulders only or your arms as well. As for shoes, if there is snow, you may want to consider boots for the bride. That will allow you to walk in the snow more comfortably and get better photos. It will also allow you to stand up for the ceremony without freezing! If you’re going to wear boots, we recommend wearing a long wedding dress so they’re invisible! Alternatively, you can make the boots a full part of your outfit. This is often the case with cowboy boots.
If your elopement location requires you to hike during winter, we would also recommend to pack your outfits and hike in full winter gear as to preserve yourself for the ceremony. You can change once you arrive and your photographer can usually assist with putting on the dress.
Now, because Montana offers a lot of mountain-like sceneries, don’t hesitate to get creative with your outfits especially if you enjoy the more hipster style! A winter hat for the groom along with a fedora for the bride can look super cool! Shoes could also be boots such as Timberland boots could be just as cool!
How much does it cost to get eloped in Montana?
The cost of eloping to Montana will vary from one couple to another depending on a variety of factors such as where your come from, the location you choose, if you want a lot flowers and so on. That said, we thought it would be helpful to provide you with certain average prices for some of the main vendors so you can get an idea. Let’s see each of them:
- Officiant: If you are already legally married in your home country, you won’t need an officiant to elope in Montana. If you do want someone to act as the mock officiant, you can get anyone to register online. This is great if you’d want one of your guests to do it to save some money. If you do need one, the price is usually around $300 to $800. Sometimes, the photographer or videographer is able to do it for you which saves a bit of money
- Florist: It is likely that as you are eloping, you won’t need a florist, the location playing that part of the decor. That said, you may still want to get the bride’s bouquet made by a local florist. this will usually cost from $300 to $600. An good alternative would be to either make it yourself or just skip that part all together. Lots of eloping couples don’t have one!
- Elopement planner: Though not mandatory, an elopement planner can take the stress out of the organisation, especially if you get married legally in Montana. Elopement planners know a lot of different vendors and are familiar with the locations so they’ll know how to best guide you. Photographers often double as elopement planners as well! Packages vary depending on the amount of help you need and length of your elopement. The lowest ones cost around $2,000 and of course, it can go as high as you’d like!
- Photographer and videographers: To have forever memories of your elopement, we would highly recommend hiring both a photographer and videographer for the day. This can cost, on average, from $2,500 to $10,000. Prices vary according to the length of the video, the time required on site and so on.
- Location: Most outdoor Montana elopement locations are free. Some parks require you to pay an entry fee by person or by car. Private venues will charge you a fee for hire. On average the cost of the location costs between $0 to $4,000.
- The permit for Glacier National Park costs $100.
- The permit for Yellowstone costs $75 and it is advised to submit your application at least a month in advance.
- The permit for Sluice Boxes State Park costs $100 for a full day or $60 for a half day.
Safety and practical information to elope in Montana
Before you decide to elope in Montana, there are a few things you should be aware of.
First, note that if you decide to get married at a state park or a national park, you may come to an encountering with a bear of wildlife in general. Make sure you read about being bear safe and the appropriate behaviours to adopt in case one decides to invite itself to your elopement ceremony.
Second, remember the leave no trace principle (LNT) when hiking to your elopement spot. This principle means that you should not dispose of your waste in nature and should always pick up what belongs to you and bring it back with you.
Elope in Montana packages
Do you need one of the Montana elopement wedding packages?
The short answer is no, you don’t. An elopement in Montana can be rather easily organised by yourself, in particular if you’re already legally married in your home country or home state.
That said, there are advantages in booking one of the available Montana elopement packages. Organising a ceremony in a foreign country can be stressful, especially if you’re not familiar with the area. You’ll likely have to organise your flights already so it might be too much stress to think about hiring an officiant, asking for a park special event permit, and arranging for the vendors.
Montana elopement packages
As far as packages go, they usually offer a range of different services depending on how much help you need and what your budget is. All-inclusive elopement packages Montana are best for couples who have a higher budget and don’t want to have to organise anything while still getting the space to communicate their preferences. There are also cheap elopement packages in Montana that are best for couples who don’t mind pitching in while getting support from someone local and who has the necessary network for what you want.
Here are a few Montana wedding elopement packages along with a choice for a Montana elopement photographer:
- Honey Bee Weddings offer several packages for elopements with a varied offer depending on how much support you need.
- Jessica supports you throughout the whole process including scouting for locations and support to obtain the park permit. The team also has their own Montana elopement photographers and the photos are stunning!
- Promise Mountain offers a selection of already made packages or custom packages for your elopement in Montana.
- Jennifer Kate Berry from Elope Montana and Kate Berry Photography has a lot of good reviews and is available for both same sex and opposite sex marriages. They also offer micro wedding packages Montana style.
Can you elope in Montana Q&As
What do you need to elope in Montana?
To elope in Montana you will need the following:
- Flight tickets
- A marriage licence for $53
- A blood test if you’re getting legally married in Montana
- Pick a location
- Hire an elopement planner if necessary
- Book an accommodation
Where is the cheapest to elope?
The cheapest to elope in Montana is at one of the free sites we presented or one of the free state parks.
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