Glacier National Park Engagement Photos

I don’t think it gets better than taking Glacier National Park Engagement photos. After spending 5 years at the University of Montana spending all my free weekends in the summer camping all over Northwestern Montana, I can truly say Glacier National Park is my favorite place. As an 18 year old, I don’t think I fully understood how majestic Montana really is until I went to Glacier. There is an aura about Glacier you can’t find anywhere else. Thomas and Kari told me they were up for a big adventure for their engagement photos. I recommended they choose a place they wanted to visit and create a real, lifelong memory. Choosing Glacier National Park was the best choice. Especially on a perfect summery night in August.

Planning Your Glacier National Park Photoshoot

First, make sure you have the proper permit to capture your Glacier National Park Engagement Photos! You may apply for a permit HERE. The proper permits must be acquired no less than twenty days before your Glacier National Park Photoshoot photoshoot. Although it is a massive park and might feel like you can get away without, the fees you contribute support local Montana conservation efforts, pay for Park Service fees, maintain the roads & infrastructure, and allow the park to remain open. You can read more here on my own blog.

The time of year is also going to be crucial for planning your shoot. Going-To-The-Sun Road is a 50 mile scenic drive that passes right through the entire Glacier National Park. However, because it goes up and over Logan Pass, it is only open for a few months of the year. Usually, it may not be open until after July 4th weekend and closes by Labor Day. It may be possible to access other parts of the park at different times of the year, but not without snow, extreme weather, and poor road conditions. Many of the most popular scenic hikes and viewpoints of the park are located along Going-To-The-Sun Road.

Best Locations For Your Couples Portraits in Glacier

Lake McDonald : This special lake is the largest lake in Glacier National Park. The historic lodge is a sight to behold and you’ll spot the famous red tour cars. The Lake is crystal clear with stunning views of the gorgeous mountains framing the lake.
Trail of the Cedars: One of my favorite short stops along Glacier National Park is the Trail of the Cedar. This grove of old growth tall cedar trees is peaceful and tranquil. The wheelchair accessible trail takes only 18 minutes to complete the mile loop on a raised boardwalk, making it a good spot to take photos. You’ll also get a stunning view of a waterfall.
Avalanche Lake: Although this is a moderate 5.8 mile hike with 700 feet in elevation gain, if you have time, the views are worth it. I love this serene lake with its aqua teal blue color and stunning cascading waterfalls coming down the mountains.
Paradise Meadow: Located at the top of Logan Pass, this stunning vista point has views looking down McDonald Valley. The wildflowers here are unreal.
Many Glacier: Many Glacier is seriously my favorite part of the entire park. This section of the park is more remote than the West side of Glacier National Park. It’s still super busy during peak summer weekends, but you’re more likely to find quiet spots to take in the view without as many people. See this epic Many Glacier Hotel Elopement I photographed here.
Swiftcurrent Lake: As another more remote adventure photo location, Swiftcurrent Lake is the least popular spot on this list. It’s a bit out of the way and off the beaten path.
St. Mary’s Lake: Another gorgeous lake on the East Side of the Park, St. Mary’s Lake is also a must see. You’ve probably seen photos of Goose Island, a gorgeous little island in the middle of the lake framed by towering peaks. It’s stunning year round and the drive alone makes it worth the trip to stop here for some Glacier National Park Engagement Photos!