Ultimate Guide for a Montana Elopement
Montana, famous for Glacier National Park and its overall scenery, is one of the most popular places in the United States to elope. With various hiking trails, outdoor attractions, and mountainous terrain, Montana is the perfect place for adventurous couples.
Whether you’re looking for elopement packages or locations, this Montana elopement guide touches on everything you need to know about eloping in Montana.
This comprehensive resource covers the basics for planning a Montana wedding. While I haven’t visited Montana yet, there is a reason it’s a popular wedding destination! So I wrote this guide with general information to help jumpstart your own research. As always, my best suggestion is to hire a local wedding planner or a planner with experience in the area who can help with the details specific to the area. You’ll be able to enjoy your day more and I’ll focus on getting you epic wedding photos!
5 Best Places to Elope in Montana
Montana is home to several national and state parks. Forests, lakes, mountains, and desert-like landscapes can be found throughout the state. These are a few of some of the best places to elope in Montana.
Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park is sure to make a list like this. Known for its stunning turquoise lakes, mountain views, wildflower meadows, and dozens of hiking trails, Glacier National Park is any adventurous couples paradise.
Flathead National Forest
Located just outside Glacier National Park is Flathead National Forest. With over 1 million acres of land to explore, you’ll be sure to find a completely remote area for your elopement. You’ll find lakes, trees, and mountainous views in this hidden gem.
Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness
The Absbaroka-Beartooth Wilderness is located near the border of Wyoming and is known to be one of the more rugged areas of Montana. Known primarily for its glacier-carved valleys, this wilderness makes for one epic elopement location.
Makoshika State Park
One of the most underrated elopement locations in Montana is Makoshika State Park. Located on the eastern side of Montana lays a stunning desert-like landscape with rock formations and even dinosaur fossils.
Bozeman
Bozeman is a city located in the Rocky Mountains of Montana known for its outdoor activities and hiking trails. Plus, there are numerous restaurants and stores to explore in the city as well if you don’t want a location that’s completely off-grid. It’s also close to Big Sky, a stunning mountain town, Grand Teton National Park, and Yellowstone.
How to Get to Montana
Montana is accessible by car, plane, or train. The easiest way to get to Montana is by flying. Below are a few of the most popular airports within the state.
Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport - Close to Billings, Yellowstone, Tetons
Billings Logan Airport - Close to Yellowstone and Eastern Montana (desert-like locations)
Missoula International Airport - Close to national forests and the Idaho border
Glacier Park International Airport - Close to Glacier National Park
When Should I Elope in Montana?
Depending on the type of weather and crowd level you would like depends on the season. Check out the best times to elope in Montana below.
Fall
If I had to choose a season to elope in Montana, it would be the fall season. In the fall, specifically in September to mid-October, the weather is crisp, prices are low, and the tourists are gone. Plus, all the roads like the Going-to-the-Sun road in Glacier National Park is usually still open.
Winter
Winter is the perfect time to elope if you love the snow. While many of the trailheads and must-see locations in Montana will be shut down, there are plenty of lower-elevation locations around the city. If you love winter sports, this is a great time to visit.
Pro tip: The next peak time to see the Northern Lights will be in winter of 2024. Talk about an epic elopement idea!
Spring
Spring in Montana is a bit tricky, as the weather is pretty unpredictable. In higher-elevation locations like Glacier National Park, the snowy trailheads won’t be completely cleared until late June - early July. While it’s a stunning time to visit, keep in mind that some locations still may be inaccessible and you may get a little muddy.
Summer
Summer is the best time to visit Montana, simply because the weather is nice and all locations are accessible. However, this comes with higher prices and lots of crowds. If privacy is important to you, I would consider eloping during the off-season of fall or spring.
How to Get a Montana Marriage License
Marriage licenses in Montana are good up to 180 days and can be obtained from any county, though it’s important to note that the license needs to be mailed back to the county you applied from. *Be sure to check for updated information and policies.
I will be using Lewis and Clark County as an example to demonstrate how to get a marriage license.
Fill out the marriage license application.
Gather all necessary documents, such as your I.D., birth certificate, SSN, etc.
Between the hours of 8:00am - 4:30pm, head to the Clerk of District Court in Helena, Montana to apply.
Pay the $53 marriage license fee and you’re good to go!
Do I Need a Witness and Officiant?
Yes. You will need to have two witnesses and an officiant to elope in Montana.
Pro tip: My husband, Jake, also occasionally officiates our couples elopements!
Do I Need an Elopement Permit?
It depends. In most cases, the answer is yes. If you elope in a national forest, park, or state park, a special use permit will be required. For example, if you decide to elope in Glacier National Park, a permit will be required. If you decide to elope on public land within Bozeman, a permit will not be required. Be sure to check for updated information as this can change often.
Best Airbnbs in Montana For Your Elopement
Below are some of the most charming Airbnbs you can find in the bigger cities of Montana.
Bozeman
Whitefish Pine Cabin on 5 Acres
Missoula
Kalispell
How Much Does it Cost to Elope in Montana?
If you’re looking at having a very simple elopement without florals or other vendors, budget around $5,000 - $8,000. This includes things like flight, lodging, rental car, etc.
However, if you’re wanting a more high-end elopement filled with different activities, upscale lodging, and vendors, expect to pay anywhere from $10,000 - $15,000.
The great part about eloping is that it’s really up to you to decide how much you want to spend.