The Glacier Institute
Your Big Day in the Heart of Nature
Holds ceremonies and receptions
About this venue
Caitlin Colter
NATURE CENTER COORDINATOR
Typically responds within 24h
The Glacier Institute is a nonprofit organization in Columbia Falls, MT, that hosts one-of-a-kind wedding celebrations. If you're dreaming of a special day surrounded by a serene natural landscape, this is the perfect option for you.
When you book your special day with The Glacier Institute, you're supporting an excellent and important cause. This organization is the official educational partner of stunning Glacier National Park and Flathead National Forest, and it's dedicated to providing outdoor educational experiences to children and adults alike. People from around Montana and beyond enjoy guided hikes, summer camps, group activities, and more courtesy of The Glacier Institute, and your wedding day will contribute to the institute's mission.
On your big day, exchange vows under a charming wooden arbor, with a breathtaking backdrop of soaring trees and majestic mountains. Then, you and your loved one can pose for a photoshoot in front of cascading waterfalls and sparkling ponds. For your wedding reception, The Glacier Institute can accommodate up to 300 loved ones for dinner and dancing under the stars. Indoor prep space is available, and there's plenty of room for your caterers to set up shop outside for a buffet or bar services. Plenty of parking is available onsite, making the venue easily accessible for guests. You can even add on accommodation, with a four-person bunkhouse and dry camping available, for a wedding weekend adventure. Simply reach out, describe your vision, and the talented events team at The Glacier Institute will work with you to bring your dreams to life.
Meet the team
- Caitlin ColterNature Center CoordinatorCaitlin is a true adventurer at heart, with a passion for the great outdoors that has taken her all over the world. Growing up in the beautiful town of Bigfork, MT, she was always in love with the majestic mountains that surrounded her. After graduating from Montana State University with a degree in Social Services, Caitlin decided to embark on a new adventure and spent the last 6 years working in Granada, Nicaragua, where she made a significant impact on the community through her work in community development. Now back in her native Flathead Valley, Caitlin is excited to continue exploring Glacier National Park and all the beauty that Montana has to offer.
Reviews
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9/26/25
We did a private day hike up to Firebrand Pass, with Megan. I cannot recommend this experience enough! She had such rich knowledge about the park’s geology, flora, fauna, and legends. Truly a spectacular day that was enhanced so much by having ...
a guide!! Thank you Megan!
8/12/25
Insane trip! Super grateful for Glacier Institute to organize and get our group to go to Glacier National Park. They were very accommodating to our group and made suggestions on where to go and what to do with our large vans. The commentary on ...
the park with interesting facts was also very good as we got to see the beautiful landscape. If you ever think of booking a tour guide to Glacier, this is the group to do it with!
9/15/25
Glacier Institute is a wonderful way to see GNP. My husband and I participated in two hikes and the GTTS road tour. All three trips were amazing and provided a lot of enjoyment during our trip to GNP! Would book again and maybe participate in a...
n adult camp on a future visit!
10/02/25
We had a great couple of days hiking with Wyatt from The Glacier Institute. My husband and I were looking for a private hiking experience that catered to our needs. Wyatt was very mindful of making sure we hiked at a slower pace and avoiding ...
crowds as much as possible. He was very informative and knew so much about the different flora and fauna native to the area and we really enjoyed our time with him.
2/11/26
I visited Glacier National Park in September of 2024. I had never been and was not familiar with the layout of the park. My sister had suggested doing a guided hike. Glacier Institute was better than I could have expected, as I had never partic...
ipated in a guided hike excursion. Due to flight delays, I arrived in MT super late and called to reschedule or refund. They were so accommodating due to my travel issues and were able to put me on the following day.
I did the Highline Trail Educational Day Hike. My tour guide was Clara, and she was very nice. Our group was smaller, which was nice to keep up the pace. It was cloudy for most of the day and rained some, but it was overall an amazing experience. The website said the time would be 8:00am - 4:00pm. We ended early, which I was okay with, so I could explore other parts of the park. I would recommend Glacier Institute and do another hike with them in the future!
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The Glacier Institute
Caitlin Colter
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Nature Center Coordinator
Typically responds within 24h
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