FAQs
Question
How far is it from Whitefish, MT to the ceremony location in the park?
Answer
Google clocks it at 42 minutes without traffic. During the summer season, the park is expected to be particularly crowded, with long waits at the gates. We recommend leaving with enough wiggle room to deal with gate traffic and parking, which may be somewhat limited.
Question
What's the deal with parking at the ceremony site?
Answer
Fish Creek Amphitheater is inside the Fish Creek Campground area of GNP. Parking is quite limited. To get to the ceremony site, the campground parking is closest. It is a short walk on a compacted dirt trail and over a short bridge to get to the ceremony site.
Question
Elephant in the room: COVID-19?
Answer
We have no idea what the world will look like in July of 2022. It could be awesome. Just in case it's not, we really hope you're going to be vaccinated before you get on a plane to come to this wedding. We are triple vaxxed (heh XXX, sick), the ceremony will be outdoors and there should be plenty of space for social distancing. The reception is a little trickier because it is indoors, but we rented a private dining room to hopefully limit some exposure. We understand that everyone will have different comfort levels, so please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
Question
When are we (Courtney and Bill) arriving?
Answer
We will be driving from texas, are set to arrive on July 18th, and we'll be there through the 25th. We're staying at an Airbnb in Columbia Falls. If you arrive early and want to hang out with us + pups, definitely let us know!
Question
I want to go hiking, but I'm afaid of bears. Is anyone else going hiking so we can go in a group?
Answer
Yes! We also want to hike, but are afraid of bears. We would love to hike with our friends in a group and make an acceptable amount of noise to encourage bears to leave us alone. One options is the group hike we have planned, but you can also connect with other folks attending the wedding here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1cowBrLpX_iyrQkTx-MVUAJrH9XxiIUs__YgSSnmpyXo/edit#gid=0
Question
Do I *need* to rent a car?
Answer
A lot of hotels will have free shuttle services to and from the airport, and it’s possible to carpool with folks in town for the wedding. Unfortunately, there isn’t really public transportation so having a car available is the best way to see the area, and we really encourage it. You can also use our shared Google document to find rides to events, if folks have extra room!
Question
Are you not doing a registry?
Answer
No, we're not. We just want you to come and celebrate with us, and your presence is more than enough. But you're welcome to make a donation to The Piegan Institute (https://www.pieganinstitute.org/donate-now) or the Blackfeet Community College (https://bfcc.edu/donatetobcc/) as our ceremony is taking place on traditional Blackfeet territory.
Question
Photos?
Answer
We will have a photographer with us for the day, but we'd love to see and share images with you once the dust has settled a bit. Please feel free to text or email us any great shots from the day and we'll put it into a huge online album. We will also have an Instax polaroid-ish camera and tons of film so you can take printable photos that we'll add to our wedding memory box (and take a couple home too!).
Question
Will the pups be at the wedding?
Answer
They will be near the wedding, but owing to NPS rules and someone having a bit of social anxiety, it’s just us humans. If you are coming with your pets, feel free to bring them to the park but be aware there are strict rules about where they can go. I’d check the NPS website for more information.
Question
When should I RSVP?
Answer
It would be awesome if you could let us know by the end of March if you are able to attend any or all of the events.
Question
Is there a dress code or recommended attire?
Answer
Nah. We’re dressing up! But not too much. So just come comfortable, feeling your best. The wedding site is a short walk from the parking lot on a trail (.1-.25 mile max), if that impacts your footwear choices.
Question
Is the ceremony outside?
Answer
Yep! We have no idea what the weather conditions will be like so bring your favorite jackets to stay cozy since temperatures drop in the evening. Fingers crossed it’s not sweltering hot! Our dinner afterward will be indoors at the Firebrand Hotel, in their private dining room.
Question
What’s the weather like in this part of Montana in July?
Answer
We hope it’s pretty temperate. On average, the park sees temps of 70/45F, and Whitefish around 82/50. It doesn’t rain too often, but anything can happen.
Question
Do I need a permit to drive on the Going to the Sun Road?
Answer
Yes! However, we are given a certain number of them as part of NPS giving us permission to get married in the park. We will email them out closer to the date of the event, and try to have them additionally printed for y’all to pick up in Whitefish in case your copy goes missing. We aren’t sure yet how many permits they’ll give us, so we encourage trying to carpool with one another. Feel free to use the Google document we created to find folks to ride in with!
Question
If I want to go hiking, should I carry bear spray?
Answer
YES!!! YOU ABSOLUTELY MUST CARRY BEAR SPRAY! However, you can't travel on a plane with it. There are numerous outfitters in Whitefish and Kalispell that will rent bear spray on a daily basis. There is also an REI in Kalispell that sells it. Glacier National Park is grizzly country, and you SHOULD NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES go hiking without bear spray. DO NOT DO IT!