Eloping with Dogs in Glacier National Park: A Guide with Rules, Tips, & Local Advice for Couples
Eloping in Glacier National Park with your dog?!? You WON’T regret it. It might mean a little extra planning on your part, but that’s what I’m here for. I’ve photographed plenty of Glacier weddings with dogs and (don’t tell the pup-free couples), but they are my absolute favorite days.
But there are definitely some things to consider when eloping with your dog, like:
- choosing a dog-friendly ceremony location
- understanding Glacier pet rules
- making a plan for after the ceremony
- deciding whether your dog joins all day or just part of it
- arranging care or boarding if needed
All of which will be no problem at all if you read through this guide!
First Things First: My Very Official Dog + Glacier Credentials
If you’re trusting me with recommendations on doggy day care, dog-friendly spots, and elopement planning advice, I think there are some things you need to know about me first.
- I’ve lived in the Flathead Valley for 20+ years.
- I’ve spent the last decade as a Montana photographer (and 5 years full-time elopement photographer) helping couples plan incredible wedding days in and around Glacier National Park.
- Most importantly: I’m a dog mom of three.
And yes, they were at my wedding. We had a DIY backyard ceremony in 2016 (that long ago? Holy smokes!) followed by a honeymoon visiting 9 national parks. So when I tell you that I want to help you make your pup a part of your wedding day – I mean it!
So, let’s get to the details!
Are dogs allowed in Glacier National Park?
Yes, dogs are allowed in Glacier National Park, but in very limited areas. So if you’re imagining running around freely on trails and to viewpoints with your pup, I might as well give you the hard news now.
Dogs are generally not allowed on most hiking trails or in backcountry areas within the park. The National Park Service has rules in place to protect both the land and the wildlife, so we stick to them! But there are some beautiful dog-friendly hikes near Glacier and around NW Montana, if that’s a priority for you.
Generally, dogs are allowed in:
- some campgrounds (with rules)
- parking areas
- roads open to vehicles
- picnic areas
- frontcountry developed spaces
- some designated ceremony sites
Read the official NPS Glacier National Park pet rules here →
Dog-Friendly Glacier National Park Wedding Locations
Out of 30+ wedding ceremony locations in Glacier, only seven of them currently allow pets. Luckily for you, among those seven are some of my favorites!
Sprague Creek Picnic Area Shoreline
It tends to feel quieter than some other Lake McDonald spots, and you can often wander farther down the shoreline for a little more privacy. There are picnic tables nearby and plenty of parking too, so it’s an easy, laid-back spot to bring furbabies!
Two Medicine Picnic Area Shoreline
This location is on the eastern side of the park, in an area known for its dramatic mountain peaks and ample hiking. It does take a little more time to get here compared to the others on my short list, but if you like a more remote feel, you’ll love Two Medicine!
Fish Creek Picnic Area Shoreline
This location feels tucked away and woodsy while still being easy to access on the west side of the park near Lake McDonald. It’s intimate, beautiful, and especially magical in late fall when the larches turn golden, and the water levels are low (which means extra beach space for your pup to roam about)!
→ Read all about Fish Creek Picnic Area Shoreline elopements here!
→ Here’s the whole list of Glacier National Park wedding locations!
If dog-friendly, it’ll be noted in the “site details and restrictions” column!
Dog Care Options Near Glacier National Park for Your Elopement
Because pet-friendly spots in Glacier are limited, bringing your dog will impact your elopement planning a bit. And while dogs absolutely, positively, 100% make your elopement day better, it’s best to have a solid plan for how much they’ll be involved in and where they’ll go when you want to explore areas that are off limits.
I never recommend leaving your pet in the car, even if it is just a little bit for photos. There have been plenty of situations where patrons report it to the park or even break in. Plus, depending on the month, it can get hot or cold fast. That’s why I always help couples eloping with dogs make a plan for pet care to keep things easy, stress-free, and make sure everyone (you and the pup) is safe and happy.
Hire a Professional Dog Sitter
This is a great option if you have pet-friendly accommodation and just want someone to stop by for a few hours to check in. They’ll stop by, play, walk, or let them do their business while you’re off exploring all Glacier has to offer!
I highly recommend Field to Forest! They offer childcare and pet-sitting services with both overnight and check-in options. And, of course, there are plenty of vetted, professional pet caretakers on Rover in the Flathead Valley!
Drop them off at Dog Boarding near Glacier National Park
Especially if you’re looking for overnight options for your elopement or want a newlywed-only honeymoon night to yourself, you can look for dog boarding. There are plenty nearby, and here you’ll find a list of my top five recommendations for Dog Boarding near Glacier!
I personally use Glacier K9 Resort & Spa for my dog, Ellie, and I adore their team. Can’t recommend them enough!
Bring Along Friends & Fam to Petsit
This is my biggest piece of advice when it comes to eloping in Glacier National Park with dogs! Bring a friend or family member to pet sit. You can have your pup present for the ceremony, and we can take all of the cute family photos before we send them off to hang at home or in a dog-friendly section of the park while we explore for more wedding portraits!
If you want the dog to be present all day, just keep in mind that we have to follow park rules. You’d likely still need someone there to help while we get photos. As much as I’d love to snuggle your dog while you explore, someone needs to make sure it’s all captured (me, I’m the someone)!
Where to Stay in Glacier National Park with Dogs
Personally, I’d ditch the traditional hotel if you’re eloping with your dog. While some might be pet-friendly with a fee, the logistics are much easier if you opt for something with a little more space or easy access to the outdoors. Plus, that’s what you’re here for after all, right?!
Glacier AirBnBs & VRBOs
There’s no shortage of great private vacation rentals near Glacier National Park! In fact, I think I prefer them for their unique, local charm and overall comfort (especially when I travel with my dogs).
I always recommend filtering for pet-friendly stays first, then checking:
- pet fees
- breed/size restrictions
- fenced yard or outdoor space
- proximity to your ceremony location or Glacier entrance
If you’re looking for something specific, check:
- North Fork / Polebridge for remote cabin vibes
- East Glacier for quicker access to Two Medicine
- West Glacier / Columbia Falls / Whitefish for convenience and more options
Camping
Nothing screams getting married in Montana more than exchanging vows and heading straight to an epic campsite.
There are National Forest campgrounds around Hungry Horse Reservoir and other nearby areas that allow dogs and can be reserved through Recreation.gov. These can be awesome if you want a budget-friendly stay or a more outdoorsy experience!
Some front-country Glacier National Park campgrounds do allow dogs, but they have strict rules on pets. Read all about those here!
Camper Vans
If you’re leaning into the whole Montana adventure wedding vibe, camper vans could be a fun option! They give you flexibility, cozy vibes, and let you wake up close to nature with your dog already by your side. Pretty iconic, yeah?
Two great local, pet-friendly options to check out:
This can be especially great if you’re road-tripping through Montana or turning your elopement into a full Glacier National Park honeymoon!
4 Ideas for Including Dogs in Glacier National Park Elopements
1.Using a Dog as Your Witness on a Montana Marriage License
This is not a joke. This is deeply important information. Yes, you’re reading that right. Dogs CAN be witnesses on marriage licenses in the state of Montana. A paw sign! Tell me that isn’t the coolest thing you’ve read in your wedding planning so far?!
You’ll just want to place the paw print somewhere that does not cover legal names or required written info, so the clerk can still process it. I recommend using clean-touch paw print ink pads for this. They’re 100% pet-safe and don’t cause a mess.
This information isn’t really found online through the courthouse website, but feel free to confirm by contacting the local courthouse in Kalispell here. The only thing better than eloping in Glacier National Park is coming back with the story that your fur child officially signed your paperwork! Don’t worry, I’ll make sure there are plenty of photos for proof.
2.Exploring Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails Near Glacier
By now, you’ve realized dogs aren’t allowed on any trails within Glacier Park limits. But as a dog lover and pup parent, I can tell you it's for the best. Trails can be crowded, and wildlife roams freely, so you and your dog will have a much more relaxed time in one of my other favorite spots nearby.
Here are some of my favorite dog-friendly hikes near Glacier:
- Lone Pine State Park (Kalispell) Just 5 minutes from Kalispell, MT, and closest to the West Entrance of Glacier National Park (30-50 minute drive). Super convenient with great views of the Flathead Valley!
- Columbia Mountain (Columbia Falls) Great if you want a challenge or a shorter waterfall route with big views.
- Swift Creek Trail (Whitefish)About 40 minutes from Kalispell, this 4-mile round-trip hike feels secluded and has great views of the Flathead River and Smith Lake!
- Holland Falls (Holland Lake) 2 hours from Kalispell, so make it a day trip or stay overnight at the campground! In summer, nothing beats a dip into a lake in Montana.
- Morrell Falls (Seeley Lake) Another 2-hour drive from Kalispell, but I’m listing it because it’s my (and my dog’s) favorite spot! Waterfalls and forests and rolling hills, it’s a beauty!
Want more information about all of these (plus more hiking tips)? Get all the details on my Dog-Friendly Hikes near Glacier National Park blog!
3.Wedding Photos with Dogs…DUH!
If you’re eloping with your dog in Glacier, then of course we’ll plan some dog-focused photos. Perhaps, out of everything I do, this is my speciality? As a Montana elopement photographer, long-time Glacier visitor, and 3x dog mom — it’s all of my favorite things in one.
I wrote an entire blog about engagement photos with dogs, and maybe I should make one for elopements, too? I have so many ideas. Instead of gabbing about them all, what if I just show you?
4.Bring Some Wedding Dog Attire
Do they need an outfit? No. Are they insanely cute with some accessories? Absolutely. Some ideas from past weddings with dogs:
- floral collars
- bandanas
- vests
- custom tags
- Coordinating collars & leashes
Check out WilderDog for the cutest bandanas, leashes, and accessories!
General Tips for Eloping with Your Dog
Be honest about your dog’s excitement level.
I say this with love. Is your dog chill? Amazing. Is your dog chaos in a fur coat? Also amazing! But we need to plan accordingly. Not every dog is particularly happy in crowds, long waits, new environments, or moments of ceremony. Think about your stress levels, too! If you’re someone who is worried about how your four-legged pal will handle it, consider bringing a pet sitter or opting for daycare so you’re not distracted by making sure they’re behaving!
Be prepared! Bring some dog treats and their favorite toys.
As a photographer, something small that you can hide in your hand easily to gain their attention is a must! Squeaky toys might be a nuisance at home, but they’ll work wonders during a photoshoot.
Be responsible. Bring a leash and waste bags.
Within Glacier, your dog will likely need to be leashed per pet rules. And even if we visit an off-leash area, I recommend keeping them on leash so we’re not all running about trying to make sure they aren’t chasing a butterfly across the way. Plus, I am a huge supporter of Leave No Trace as someone who works in and cares deeply about the land we’re shooting on. So cleaning up after your pet is a must to make sure we leave the area better than we found it!
Eloping in Glacier National Park with your dog? Let’s plan it!
If your dream wedding includes mountain views, a laid-back adventure, and your favorite four-legged family member by your side, I fully support that vision. In fact, it was my vision, too! And having my small wedding outdoors with my pups in attendance was the best decision.
Eloping with dogs in Glacier isn’t the easiest option, but it’s the best one if you ask me. So, with a little local advice and expert planning, we can make sure it’s an epic day full of love and pawprint signatures without sweating or stressing about it. What do you say?
Consider this my official application to be your Glacier National Park elopement photographer! If you’re curious what it looks like to work together, you can explore my Glacier National Park elopement photography packages here →
Or if you can feel my obsession with wedding photos with dogs and exploring Glacier through the screen, contact me so we can book a call and chat about it all (but it’s required to bring your dogs, please and thank you).
