The Bitterroot Valley is located just south of the city of Missoula, Montana. Taking a drive through the valley you’ll come across several small towns, which make for a perfect launching point for your elopement. Whether you are visiting in the summer or winter, the Bitterroot Valley will have an adventure waiting for you. We highly recommend considering this area for your dream elopement experience!

Where to Elope in the Bitterroot Valley

Made up of five main small towns, the Bitterroot Valley has plenty of options for stays depending on where you are hoping to elope. Starting at the north end of the valley and working south, there is: Lolo, Florence, Hamilton, Stevensville and Darby. With an enormous amount of national forest, there are endless possibilities for elopement locations! Here are some of our suggestions based on accessibility to a few of the main towns. But of course, there are a ton of hidden gems waiting to be discovered for your Bitterroot Valley elopement!

Lolo Elopement Locations

Lolo is located at the northern part of the Bitterroot Valley. Being the closest to Missoula, it is the shortest drive if you are planning to fly for your elopement. Within Lolo you will have your pick of rustic cabins and modern houses. If you are looking for a local lodge and hot spring, then The Lodge and Lolo Hot Springs is the place for you. This naturally fed hot springs is the perfect combination of relaxation and exploration for your elopement day. Lolo Hot Springs has two indoor grotto pools and the lodge also offers a romance package. If you are looking for your next adventure after your elopement, the lodge also offers horseback riding, snowmobiling, UTV rentals, and more.

Jerry Johnson Hot Springs

If you’re looking for a spot to relax after you say your “I dos,” look no further than these gorgeous natural hot springs. Located just over an hour outside of Lolo, this short 2.5 mile hike is the perfect option if you are looking for a shorter elopement day. Plus, this is the perfect spot to enjoy a sunrise coffee, or a midday charcuterie board. And what better way to celebrate your marriage than soaking in some sulfur springs?!

Little Saint Joseph Peak Trail

There are tons of viewpoints in the Bitterroot Valley, but we think you should add Little Saint Joseph Peak to your list. Although only coming in at 5.5 miles, don’t mistake this for an easy hike as you gain nearly 3,000 feet of elevation. However, you’r egreatly rewarded with stunning views and an epic ceremony location. If hiking is your jam, then this is the perfect spot for your epic adventure!

Skookum Butte Fire Lookout

Sitting right on the border of Idaho and Montana is Skookum Butte Lookout. The fire lookout is an iconic symbol within the American Rockies and provides vast views of the surrounding area. This recently remodeled fire lookout provides a fun rustic flare for your elopement day portraits. And the views are absolutely incredible! Plus, at only 2.5 miles, this moderate hike can be done in just a couple of hours, giving you plenty of time for getting ready and post-hike celebrations!

Hamilton Elopement Locations

Situated in the middle of the Bitterroot Valley, Hamilton, Montana, offers a variety of accommodations to suit different preferences and budgets. For those seeking a rustic and tranquil experience, there are charming cabins and cozy lodges nestled in the surrounding Bitterroot Valley, offering stunning mountain views. We always recommend cute (but affordable) accomodations for your elopement experience!

The town itself has several comfortable hotels and motels, such as the Bitterroot River Inn, providing convenient access to local attractions and great places to eat (we personally love Nap’s Grill). If Airbnb rentals or hotels aren’t your thing, don’t worry! There are a ton of awesome campgrounds for tent camping or staying in your RV. Our point is, Hamilton is a great homebase for an incredible, outdoorsy, Montana elopement adventure!

Blodgett Canyon Overlook

Blodgett Canyon Overlook is a little less than 3 miles round-trip, and is located in Lolo National Forest. The trailhead is only 20 minutes from Hamilton, making is very accessible! It’s a bit of a steep climb, but you’re immediately rewarded with incredible views of the vertical canyon walls rising over 2,000 feet above Blodgett Creek. The canyon views are a stunning backdrop for a Bitterroot Valley elopement!

Trapper Peak

Another amazing elopement location in the Bitterroot Valley is Trapper Peak. While there are many different ways to access views of Trapper Peak, we photographed an elopement with outstanding views that required NO hiking! So, we can get you to an awesome spot by just driving up a forest service road, or we can go on a hiking adventure up the Trapper Peak Trail. There are pletny of adventurous options!

Lost Horse Observation Point Observation Site

Finally, we have Lost Horse Observation Point Observation Site, which is another “no hiking” elopement location in the Bitterroots. Instead of hiking, you have to drive along a dirt road until you hit this crazy view of Lost Horse Canyon. This is a pretty good ceremony location for small groups or two-person elopements! Although, it is pretty rocky, and a lot of it is uneven ground, so we recommend it mostly for 2-person elopements. A positive is that you can stay at the Lost Horse Resort, where they have small, rustic cabins for rent. This resort is only 40 minutes from the location, so it’s a great place to stay if you want to be closer to your ceremony spot. Enjoy these phone photos from our time there!

Darby Elopement Locations

Darby, Montana, is nestled in the scenic southern part of the Bitterroot Valley. Originally established as a railroad stop along the Northern Pacific Railway in the 1880s, Darby quickly grew into a bustling town. It was named after the nearby Darby Creek. The town is very small, with a population of under 1,000. It has lots of historic charm, though, with remnants of its past seen in old buildings, ranching traditions, and local culture. It’s a great place for outdoor recreation, since you have plenty of access to the Bitterroot National Forest and the nearby Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness Area. This is a great spot for an intimate elopement!

Lake Como

Lake Como is one of the most stunning places you could choose for something as special as an elopement. You’ve got this incredibly intimate, breathtaking setting with crystal-clear water, towering mountains surrounding it, and lush forests that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a postcard. It might be a popular summer spot for vacationing Montanans, but you can definitely plan an elopement here and still have it be private. From a lakeside ceremony to a hike in the mountains to boating, there are tons of options for a chill elopement day, or a day with a bit more thrill. Your options are endless! P.S. This is just an iPhone photo. So, imagine how beautiful this lake would look through the lens of a camera!

McCart Lookout

Let me paint the picture for you: Imagine you’re peering over the rail of this historic fire lookout, looking at the Pintler Mountains to the east and the Bitterroot Mountains to the west, and it’s just you, your partner, and whoever you’ve decided to share the moment with. There’s no huge crowd, no wedding stress, just pure, intimate, magical vibes. The kind of vibe that makes you feel like you’re on top of the world… literally. Plus, the fire lookout itself is one of the coolest spots near Darby. McCart Lookout was recently restored to reflect the vibe of the lookouts from the 1940s. And what makes this spot even cooler?! You can rent it for $30/night!

Baker Lake

If the high alpine and a stunning lake is what you envision your elopement, consider taking the short hike to Baker Lake. At only 2.6 miles, you can easily pack snacks and your wedding attire up this trail, maybe even a paddle board! Plus, on a hot summer day, who wouldn’t want to take a plunge into the water? What a perfect location for an intimate celebration with a little bit of fun!

Applying for a Montana State Marriage License

A Marriage License in Ravalli County costs $53 (cash or card) and is valid for 180 after the date of issuance. 

In the state of Montana you apply for your marriage license within the county in which you are getting married. For Lolo, Montana you must apply in Missoula County and for Hamilton and Darby, your application must take place in Ravalli County.

Getting to the Bitterroot Valley

With the city of Missoula being the gatekeeper of this stunning valley, it is extremely easy to get to regardless of where you are from. Missoula Montana Airport has flights from most major cities, as well as a rental car service to help keep things simple. Lolo is only 30 minutes from the airport, while Hamilton is 1 hour away, and Darby is the furthest from Missoula Airport at 1.5 hours away.

Your Bitterroot Valley Elopement Photographer + Videographer

Although we aren’t currently based in the Bitterroot Valley, we’re only 3 hours away, and still local to Montana. We know about the weather here year-round, and we can help you plan your perfect Montana elopement adventure! Adam and I both love being outdoors from hunting and fishing to camping, hiking, kayaking, and more. The Bitterroot truly has it all, including gorgeous places to stay, delicious local restaurants, and lots of quiet places to enjoy nature without any distractions. Let us help you plan your dream day!