Applying for a Permit
Do I Need a Permit?
Any and all vow exchanges, elopements, ceremonies, weddings, or special events, etc., require a Special Use Permit. This is regardless of the size of the group, whether or not it is “officiated,” or if papers are being signed. If you are entering the park with a photographer only to take photographs and no vow exchange, signing of documents, or union is being witnessed, then no permit is required.
If you are conducting a "mock" ceremony for the sake of photography you may still be required to obtain a permit. Please contact our office to discuss further before submitting an application.
Why Do I Need a Permit?
The National Park Service is required by law to protect and conserve all resources under their care including scenery, wildlife, and tranquility. As such, it is sometimes necessary to regulate or limit activities within the park to reduce strain on park resources and provide a positive experience for all visitors. Therefore, the National Park Service has the authority to require a permit for certain activities, including weddings.
Can I Get Married Anywhere in the Park?
Due to increased demand and strain on park resources, we have limited the areas for which we issue wedding permits within the park. See our Wedding Locations page for more details. You can see pictures of some of these locations on Glacier National Park’s Flickr site.
How Do I Get a Permit?
Step 1: Download a Special Use Permit application.
Step 2: Use the information found here and on the wedding location information page to fill out your application with as much detail as possible.
-
Be sure to provide exact locations and times on your permit application. Responses such as “various” or “Two Medicine” are not acceptable locations and “sunrise” or “afternoon” are not acceptable times. Be specific. You can include a range of dates or times as alternatives for the circumstance when your first and second choices are unavailable. Staff will then select a day and a 2 hour block from that range that is available.
-
Be sure to include contact information for your photographer if you are using one.
-
Under “Equipment” list anything that is not on your person that you might want to bring with you. Examples include camera equipment, chairs, musical instruments, speakers, etc.
-
Be sure to include all participants in your people and vehicle counts. This should include the wedding/elopement couple, officiants, photographers/videographers, and all guests (regardless of age).
-
Be aware that only a certain amount of vehicles are allowed, depending on the total number of participants. Going over established limits listed in the permit is strictly prohibited. Permitted number of vehicles per number of participants are as follows:
- Up to 20 participants: 4 vehicles
- 21–60 participants: 6 vehicles
- 61–100 participants: 10 vehicles
- 100–250 participants: 15 vehicles
Note: If you plan on using a commercial/charter vehicle, be sure to put this information next to the number of vehicles.
Step 3: Email your completed application (word or pdf format preferred) to glac_sup@nps.gov. Application packets, which consist of the application and non-refundable application fee must be received at the park a minimum of 20 business days before the requested permit date or your permit request can be denied. Applications will not be accepted more than one year before your event.
Step 4: Pay the $125 non-refundable application fee electronically by visiting Pay.gov. Do not submit payment via check or cash. Complete the "Glacier NP Special Park Uses Fees" form. It is preferred if the permittee name on Pay.gov matches the SUP application name submitted. You will receive a confirmation email from Pay.gov; retain this for your records. You do not need to forward this confirmation. The Special Park Uses office will automatically receive an email confirmation/receipt of the payment.
Step 5: Once your application and payment has been received, a Glacier employee will review it and reach out via phone or email before sending you a preliminary permit for review and signature. Your permit is not valid until it has been signed by you and an NPS official. Applications are processed in the order they are received so please be patient.
Step 6: You will have fourteen (14) calendar days to review, sign, and return your prelimary permit (pdf preferred) via email to GLAC_SUP@nps.gov for final processing. If your permit is not returned in that timeframe, the permit will be cancelled.
By signing the permit, you are certifying that you have read, understood and will abide by all of the permit conditions, and the details are correct. Once the permit is finalized, no changes may be made to the permit except those necessary due to an unanticipated park closure.
Step 7: A copy of the fully executed permit signed by the authorizing official, will be returned to you via email.
Step 8: You will need to have a printed copy of the fully executed permit with you on site during the event. You are expected to share the permit with any service providers including photographer, videographer, officiant, or event planner, and they are expected to understand the regulations and permit conditions.
If you decide to not have your wedding in the park after the permit has been issued, please contact the Special Park Uses office to cancel your permit so the location and date can be made available to another applicant.
