Everything You Need to Know About a 10 Mile Pullout (Jackson Bay) Elopement
The 10 Mile Pullout (also known as Jackson Bay) is an official Glacier National Park wedding location on the shores of Lake McDonald, just six miles from the West Glacier Entrance along Going-to-the-Sun Road. And oh boy, is it a treat!
I genuinely think it's one of Glacier's most underrated ceremony locations.
With no marked road signs and fewer visitors than famous neighbors like Sun Point, it often flies completely under the radar. But don't let its low profile fool you. This little lakeside pullout offers incredible mountain views, easy access for guests, and one of the biggest perks of any Glacier National Park wedding location:
You can get married here year-round.
That's right! Unlike many ceremony locations along the Going-to-the-Sun Road, the 10 Mile Pullout isn't affected by seasonal road closures. No matter your elopement date, this spot is always an option.
And as a local Glacier National Park elopement photographer, it's one of the locations I recommend to couples who want iconic mountain views without hiking or too many logistics.
So now that you know the basics, I’ll help you decide whether this wedding ceremony location is right for you. Pros, cons, how to get there, best seasons, local tips – we’re covering it all!
10 Mile Pullout (Jackson Bay) Ceremony Location Quick Facts
Location: West Side of Glacier National Park, on Lake McDonald
Maximum Participants: 20
Season: Year-round
Bathrooms: No
Parking: Yes, 8-10 vehicles
Accessibility: 2-minute walk from parking, great for families & guests of all ages
Dog-friendly: No (Glacier regulations)
Best Time: Sunrise or 4-5 hours before sunset
Best For: Couples who want mountain & lake views, and a bit more privacy without hiking!
Why Couples Love 10-Mile Pullout for Glacier National Park Elopements
The biggest perk of this ceremony location is how easy it makes your wedding day feel.
Sometimes the "best" Glacier National Park wedding location isn't the most popular pick or the biggest overlook. In fact, I think most of the time it’s not. I’d argue that for most couples, the best location is the one that lets you spend less time worrying about logistics and more time soaking in the experience of the adventure.
Here’s why you might love 10-Mile Pullout, too:
Guest-friendly ceremony location
If you're inviting parents, grandparents, or anyone who might be worried about hiking, this location is perfect! The parking area is good-sized and fits about 8-10 vehicles. Plus, the walk to the rocky shoreline is quite easy, with only a gentle slope.
Some locations have very little parking, where I need to suggest carpooling or shuttle buses if there are more than a couple of guests. This isn’t one of them!
Plenty of shoreline (even during high water levels)
This probably isn't something you'd think to ask when you first start planning, but it matters! Water levels can be tricky for planning elopements in Glacier. Some lake and river ceremony locations won’t be accessible, especially from late May through June. But 10-Mile Pullout has plenty of beach, making it a great spot year-round!
Gorgeous at sunrise and sunset
And not just in person, for your elopement photos, too! One thing I always help my couples with is choosing the best time of day for their ceremony. The mountains around Glacier affect how the light moves through the park, so not every location has the same lighting at the same time. Luckily, the 10 Mile Pullout is beautiful at both sunrise and sunset. You really can't go wrong.
Classic, big mountain views
It’s easy to look at a photo with mountain scenery from Glacier and think, “wow, they must have hiked for views like that!” But along the Going-to-the-Sun Road, there are insanely gorgeous views just steps from the parking lot.
10-Mile Pullout is no different. You’ll walk down a tunnel of trees until you hit a clearing with a wide-open rocky beach right on Lake McDonald with up-close views of the Rockies.
After photographing weddings and elopements all over Glacier National Park for years, I can confidently say this little stretch of shoreline deserves way more attention than it gets.
Things to Consider for Eloping at 10-Mile Pullout (Jackson Bay)
Every Glacier National Park ceremony location has its quirks, and I think it's always better to know them ahead of time.
So much, in fact, that I wrote a whole blog about it → A Guide to Glacier National Park Wedding Locations
When it comes to 10-Mile Pullout, here’s what I think you should know:
Sunset hours can get busy
Because the 10 Mile Pullout sits directly along Going-to-the-Sun Road, it's a popular stop for visitors driving up the pass.
The busiest time tends to be about three hours before sunset. Many of the pullouts along the lake do end up with some traffic around this time, with all of the stopping and going! Especially during peak-season summer elopements.
If complete privacy is one of your biggest priorities, I'd recommend considering a sunrise ceremony or shooting for the shoulder season to avoid the crowds!
High winds are common on the lake
Lake McDonald can create some surprisingly windy days. Which means your hair and veil might be a little hard to keep in place, and sometimes it can be difficult to hear your vows (if you’re doing them in front of guests).
There is good news: the wind actually creates some really beautiful photos! But the movement is something to keep in mind when getting ready or choosing your attire!
How to Get to 10-Mile Pullout (Jackson Bay)
From the West Glacier Entrance, enter Glacier National Park and turn onto the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Drive approximately 6 miles east until you reach the 10 Mile Pullout.
Heads up: This location is NOT labeled with any signs. But it is the only pullout along this stretch of Lake McDonald with designated parking spaces (the paint is faint) and disposable bins visible from the road.
Find it on Google Maps here: 10-Mile Pullout (Jackson Bay) Ceremony Location
Common Questions About Glacier Elopements at 10-Mile Pullout
When is the best time of year to elope at 10-Mile Pullout?
This is one of the very few Glacier ceremony locations where I genuinely don't have a favorite season. Winter is snowy and peaceful on the lake. Spring means fewer crowds and the water levels never get too high. Summer sun makes the lake shine with crystal-clear blues. Fall colors plus the sunset here are sooo pretty! If I had to choose, I'd lean toward May or late October for fewer crowds and cooler weather!
What about time of day? Sunrise or sunset?
There’s no bad choice at this spot, considering both are beautiful. The ultimate deciding factor would come down to your overall vision for the day!
If you aren’t a morning person, I certainly would set a 4 AM alarm on your wedding day! If it’s summertime and you want sunset, consider it might be after dinner hours (the sun can set as late as 9:45 PM in the summer)! And the list of factors goes on: crowds, temperature, guests, and more.
Can we take elopement photos in other locations?
Absolutely! Some couples don’t realize this, but your special use permit for 10-Mile Pullout is only for your wedding ceremony. Before or after vows, we can go anywhere you want for photos in Glacier!
Depending on your timeline, the season, and which areas of the park are open, we could head up the pass to big views like Sun Point or Big Bend, head into the forest at the Trail of the Cedars, stay around Lake McDonald and have a picnic, or head back in town for dinner at one of my favorite spots and then head out the next for an adventure session!
Do I need a permit to elope in Glacier National Park?
Yes! Like every designated ceremony location inside Glacier National Park, 10 Mile Pullout requires an approved Special Use Permit. Spots do fill up, especially in the summer and fall. So the earlier you get your permit application in to the park service, the better! If you haven't started that process yet, check out my complete guide to getting your permit → How to Get Your Glacier National Park Wedding Permit
Where should I stay for a West Glacier elopement?
One of the biggest advantages of choosing the 10 Mile Pullout that it’s only six miles from the West Glacier Entrance.
That means you're close to West Glacier, Apgar Village, Columbia Falls, Whitefish, and Kalispell (where I live!!), giving you plenty of lodging options depending on your budget and wedding plans. You’ve got anything from cozy cabins and mountain lodges to resorts and luxury Airbnbs! For more of my faves → Best Glacier National Park Lodging
As a Glacier National Park photographer, how would YOU plan a 10-Mile Pullout elopement day?
1) Plan to start your day at your Airbnb/rental with a slow morning, some coffee, and getting-ready photos, followed by a first look before you head out!
2) Head into the park and do a mid-afternoon ceremony at 10-Mile Pullout (Jackson Bay).
3) Bring a blanket and enjoy your cake & celebratory drink along the shoreline.
4) Head up the Going-to-the-Sun Road, stop at some waterfall/river locations for a change of scenery, and then hit the pass.
5) Stop at Big Bend for a packed picnic or charcuterie from Montana Table.
6) Make our way to Logan Pass for stargazing photos and pull out the lanterns for a romantic ending to the night.
VOILA! The perfect 10-Mile Pullout elopement timeline!
Still deciding between Glacier ceremony locations?
To be honest, I could write a one-million-word blog post, and you might still feel like you aren’t 100% sure. And that’s totally normal! Glacier National Park has over 30 wedding ceremony locations, and most of them are pretty dang beautiful. It’s super duper hard to figure it all out only by reading online, especially if you’re states away.
When it comes down to it, it’s more about logistics and your preferences than anything else.
My best advice? Reach out and chat one-on-one with a local Glacier elopement photographer. (It doesn’t have to be me, but it’d be pretty dang cool if it was!!)
Every couple I work with receives personalized recommendations based on your vision, guest count, accessibility needs, time of year, and the kind of experience you're hoping to create. As a West Glacier local, I’ve got plenty of insight, opinions, and experience to share.
So consider this my official invite to check out my:
→ wedding photography portfolio
→ wedding & elopement packages
Then head to my Contact Page and fill out the form. Then, I’ll reach out via email, and we can officially get a call on the calendar!
Until then, here are some more swoonworthy photos from real 10-Mile Pullout elopement days!
