… and SLAY IT! Are you obsessed with the mountains of Glacier National Park and want to adventure with your honey? YESSSS you do queen!! In case you’re wondering How to take engagement photos in Glacier, I GOTTCHU! Buckle up, babe—we’re turning Montana’s crown jewel into your personal rom-com set. I’ll walk you through what to wear, where to go for the best photos, and pro hacks! 

Pick your vibe + the right spots

Glacier is huge. Like, “did we just drive into a different movie?” huge. Choose a mini-route so you’re not car-bound all evening.

• Lake McDonald (West Side): iconic colored rocks, glassy reflections, easy access. Think: Apgar Village docks, rocky beaches, short trails.
  
• Trail of the Cedars → Avalanche Lake: moody forest + alpine lake payoff (allow time; it’s a hike).
  
• Going-to-the-Sun Road pullouts: sweeping peaks, valley layers, and golden light. Chef’s kiss.
  
• Logan Pass (seasonal): alpine meadows, boardwalk trails, possible wildlife—only accessible when the road’s open.
  
• Many Glacier: glacier-fed lakes and jagged peaks = drama.
  
• Two Medicine: quieter, stunning ridgelines, easy breezy parking (usually).
  

Pro move: choose one anchor location (e.g., Lake McDonald) + one overlook on Going-to-the-Sun for variation without sprinting.

Leave a comment on this blog post and I’ll send you the google map with the exact Google Map pins you need! 

Time it like a pro (sunset for the win)

Yes, sunrise is gorgeous—also cruel. For most couples, sunset = softer skin tones, glowy peaks, fewer harsh shadows, and time to get ready without a 3 a.m. alarm. Aim to arrive 2 hours before sunset and plan your final location where you want peak color.

Backup plan? Always. Glacier weather can shift faster than TikTok trends. Cloud cover = cinematic.

Getting there (and actually enjoying it)

• Fly into: Glacier Park International (FCA) in Kalispell (closest), or Missoula (MSO) / Great Falls (GTF) with a longer drive.
  
• Entrance logistics: You’ll need a park pass, and in peak months the park often requires vehicle reservations for specific corridors. These rules change—check out our Glacier Guide when you book.
  
• Parking: Popular lots fill. Go earlier than you think, carpool, and keep a Plan B pullout in your pocket.
  

What to wear (aka “how to look expensive without crying”)

• Colors: Earthy tones, muted jewel hues, creams, rust, sage, midnight, espresso. Avoid neon—mountains will roast you.
  
• Textures: Chiffon, lace, linen, knit—movement photographs beautifully.
  
• Silhouettes: Flowy dress or skirt for wind drama, tailored pants + layered top for structure.
  
• Shoes: Wear trail shoes/boots to move, then swap into dressy footwear at the spot.
  
• Layers: Even summer can get chilly. Bring a sleek jacket, shawl, or cardigan that matches your palette. This is definitely how to take engagement photos in Glacier!
  
• Grooming: Bring a small kit—lip balm, hair oil, bobby pins/elastic, blot papers. Wind is a spicy character.
  

Bring the right extras

• Musts: Water, snacks (happy belly = happy faces), bug spray, bear spray, headlamp, portable phone charger.
  
• Dog parents: Leash, poop bags, collapsible bowl, towel for lake-zoomies.
  
• Props (optional but fun): A neutral blanket, a personal note book for love letters, champagne for a pop at the beach (pack out everything).
  

Step 6: Posing without the ick

You don’t need to “know how to pose.” Seriously, scratch that from your brain. What you do need to do is just… move. Think less “America’s Next Top Model” and more “rom-com blooper reel.” We’ll walk, spin, bump hips, breathe together, forehead touch, shoulder lean, hand-in-back-pocket! Easy, natural prompts that make you feel like you. I’m not here to turn you into awkward mannequins! When we’re nervous about how to take engagement photos in Glacier, we gottchu! The Hive team is here to capture the goofy, sweet, real parts of your relationship.

And let’s be honest: the magic happens when you stop overthinking and just play. Tug on each other’s jacket, whisper something ridiculous, run like you’re being chased by a rogue goose. When you lean into the fun, those belly laughs, soft smiles, and quiet “holy crap, we’re in love” moments come out naturally.

Think of me as your third-wheel hype human on date night. I’ll guide you, hype you up, and probably yell “YASSSS, GIMME THAT” more times than you can count. My job is to get you back into your relationship—remind you why you adore each other—while making the whole experience feel effortless. When you focus on each other, the photos? Chef’s kiss. ✨

Make it personal (this is the secret sauce)

Bring something you: a hat you love, your fly-fishing rods, a guitar, matching mugs for a shoreline cocoa moment, a vintage jean jacket with your last name. Glacier is the backdrop—you’re the story.

Favorite hat or accessory – That wide-brim hat you always reach for or your partner’s worn-in ball cap. Instant personality.

Fly-fishing rods – Nothing says “Montana” like casting a line in the middle of your engagement photos.

A guitar (or ukulele, violin, etc.) – Music brings the vibes, and nothing’s cuter than a lakeside serenade.

Matching mugs & hot cocoa – Picture a shoreline cocoa moment wrapped in blankets with the mountains glowing at golden hour. Now THAT’S how you take engagement photos in Glacier and make it magical!

Vintage jacket – Bonus points if it’s embroidered with your last name or a cheeky saying.

Your pup (with poop bags, of course!) – Because dogs make everything better.

A picnic basket – Charcuterie, bubbly, maybe even s’mores fixings—yes please.

Champagne to pop – Signature move!

A quilt or blanket – Perfect for sitting, snuggling, or twirling around together.

Something quirky or meaningful – Like your hiking boots from your first trip together, a favorite book, or even matching sneakers.

Safety + Leave No Trace (hot people care about nature)

• Stay on durable surfaces, don’t crush wildflowers (they’re fragile baddies).
  
• Pack out every crumb, cork, and confetti flake (no confetti, actually—use bubbles at home later).
  
• Give wildlife space. If a goat or bear appears, we admire from a distance and relocate.
  

Sample 2-Hour Sunset Mini Route (West Side)

1. Apgar Village beach for warm-up photos + casual fits.
   
2. Lake McDonald pullout for golden-hour romance and champagne.
   
3. GTTS overlook for that last sliver of alpenglow + wind-in-hair finale.
   

FAQs I get every season

• What if it rains?
  We embrace it, babe. Mist makes everything look editorial AF and the forest absolutely glows. Bring a clear umbrella, trust me—we’ll make magic.

• Best months to go?
  Late June–September = the sweet spot for full access. Shoulder seasons (May/October) bring moodier vibes and way fewer crowds (yes please).

• Can we swim?
  If you’re brave enough for glacier temps—heck yes. Towels and cozy dry layers are mandatory unless you want your engagement photos to double as a hypothermia PSA.

• What should we wear?
  Think layers, bold colors that pop against the mountains, and something you can actually move in. Long flowy dresses, cool jackets, or boots that say “main character energy.”

• Do we need a permit?
  For most portrait-style sessions, nope. If you’re planning something an official ceremony, you’ll need a special use permit! 

• Where’s the best spot?
  Lake McDonald for iconic views, Avalanche Lake Trail for forest + alpine lake, and Logan Pass for wildflowers and epic ridgelines. Don’t worry, I’ll help pick the best fit for you.

• How do we avoid the crowds?
  Sunset or sunrise, bb. Golden hour light + fewer tourists = dream photos. Pro tip: weekdays are way calmer than weekends.

• Can we bring our dog?
  Yes—but only in certain areas! Paved roads, campgrounds, and picnic zones are pup-friendly. Trails? Not so much. But don’t worry, I know some killer nearby spots outside the park too.

Ready to make this magic happen IRL? ✨ Engagement session packages start at just $550, and I’d love to help you dream up your Glacier adventure. Reach out today so we can start planning your epic session!