Nicole Daacke Photography

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Summer hiking elopement in Glacier National park

I adored being Haley & Damon’s Glacier National Park Elopement Photographer. It was an especially beautiful experience because they chose to have an Epic Two-Day Elopement.

Haley & Damon knew they wanted to include their family at their elopement, but they also knew they wanted to have time for themselves to explore the wonders of Glacier National Park. So, they decided to have a seriously epic two-day elopement (in case you missed it, check out Day One here!). They spent the second day hiking to one of the parks most beautiful viewpoints, laughing, chatting and exploring, forever being intentional in the time they spent together. 

GLACIER NATIONAL PARK ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER

Glacier National Park Elopement Photographer

On a personal note, it was my absolute pleasure to be Haley & Damon’s Glacier National Park Elopement Photographer. They contacted me about a year before their wedding, and said they just really wanted to experience a new place. Haley & Damon’s trust in me, and their openness to new ideas, meant we could plan something really special. Haley’s brother, Matt, also came along that day to help with parking and driving us from one spot to the next.

We planned a beautiful hike in one of the more mountainous areas of the park, but before we began, we stopped at a beautiful trail towards the entrance of the park. We found a really sweet little trail surrounded by impossibly tall trees that led us to a small gorge with icy blue glacial water. Standing in front of the rushing stream, feeling like the only people in the park, was an incredible experience. 

From there, we headed to our main destination – a special trail I know that runs parallel to a popular trail, but that isn’t that well known. This meant we were able to experience the beautiful views Glacier is famous for, without all the people! We didn’t spot any wildlife, but we did make it to the top where we were met with breathtaking views and another incredible sunset.

Planning Your Glacier National Park Elopement 

If you’re already considering getting married at a National Park, I probably don’t need to tell you how beautiful it is. But just in case – I can’t recommend National Park elopements enough! The chance to drink in breathtaking views, to plan your wedding with intention and care, and to have quiet space for each other is incomparable. That said, there are a few little things you should know about Planning Your Glacier National Park Elopement. Like most National Parks in the US, you’ll need a special permit to get married in Glacier NP – it’s a relatively easy process and I’m more than happy to help! If you just want portraits in your beautiful wedding clothes though, no permit is necessary. You’ll just need to pay the standard entry fees for the park. 

So, while Haley & Damon had a wedding permit for their ceremony at Lake McDonald, they didn’t need to apply for another for the second day of their beautiful elopement.

Why You Should Have an Epic Two-Day Elopement

There are so many different reasons why you might consider eloping. It could be that you: 

  • Want an experience just for the two of you

  • You’re not a fan of big traditional weddings – they don’t feel authentic or real to you

  • You’ve always preferred experiences over unnecessary stuff 

But just because you choose to elope doesn’t mean you’re doing it because you don’t want family or friends to be there. A few months before Haley & Damon’s elopement, Haley messaged me saying she was nervous about her choice to have an intimate elopement, wondering if she’d miss having her family & friends there. 

If this is the case, but you also would love to have an intentional experience that’s just for the two of you, a two-day elopement could be the perfect solution! Haley & Damon were able to have that first wonderful day shared with the most important people in their lives, as well as a day that was just for the two of them. Plus, as we wrapped up day two of her & Damon’s Epic Two-Day Elopement, I checked in with Haley to see how she felt about the experience and if she’d do it again. She said yes 15 times over!! It was absolutely perfect, and her & Damon had loved every second. 

Do you love the sound of an intimate, intentional elopement? I’d love to guide you through creating an incredible day that is uniquely you (and to be your Glacier National Park Elopement Photographer!). To start planning, simply contact me here. 

Did you enjoy Haley & Damon’s Epic Two-Day Elopement? Let them know what you loved by sharing a comment below!