Montana elopement Photo + Video Team
A guide for those wanting to plan an adventure wedding in the rugged western U.S. landscape of Montana!
We are a husband + wife photography and videography team based in Missoula, Montana.
We might be biased, but Montana is easily our favorite elopement location. There are so many beautiful places to get married here from the most epic National Park to quieter National Forest land. We want to help you find the perfect place for your Montana elopement adventure!
Not only are we here to document every special moment for you, but we are also here to be your friends who help, guide, value, and respect you. It’s our mission to build a relationship with you and help make your Montana wedding an experience you’ll never forget!
Your local Montana elopement guides!
We're hannah + Adam
Montana’s natural beauty is unmatched.
Montana is a beautiful outdoor elopement location with over 30 million acres of public land available to explore! Not only do you have Glacier National Park, but you have countless State Parks and National Forests with incredible alpine lakes, rushing rivers, stunning waterfalls, and overall great views.
We absolutely love documenting elopements in Glacier and all throughout Montana. The weather is incredible year-round, whether you’re looking for a stunning winter wonderland or a sunny summer day.
So you want to
elope in MONTANA?
Montana’s wildness changes the way the day feels.
Montana is truly one of the best places for an adventure elopement! Big landscapes, open skies, and space to breathe. It’s the kind of wild that feels true to the West and true to an adventurous experience.
Montana elopements aren’t about controlling every detail. Weather changes, plans flex, and that’s where the real magic happens. When you choose presence over perfection, you leave with real memories, not staged ones.
Out here, the moment matters more than the plan.
From alpine lakes and mountain trails to wide-open plains, Montana gives you the freedom to create a day that fits you. Adventurous, intimate, laid-back, or wildly untraditional... it all works here.
No two Montana elopements look the same!
Rocky Mountains
About 40% of Montana is made up of mountain ranges, with the biggest part being the Middle Rockies. So, we've got tons of ranges to explore!
One Very Iconic National Park
Montana technically has 2 National Parks, but there's only about 3% of Yellowstone that lies in Montana. So, we're focusing on the biggest reason people get married in Montana: to experience Glacier Park!
Stunning Year-Round Scenery
Every season in Montana offers something unique from wildflowers in the summer to golden larches in fall and snow-covered peaks in winter.
Epic Photos, Rain or Shine
Montana gets about 150 to 200 days of sun out of the year! But for the rest of the time, you can expect beautiful moody skies and afternoon thundershowers. Regardless, it'll be gorgeous!
Endless Outdoor Adventures
Montana is quite literally known for outdoor adventures, so what better place to include an adventure in your elopement experience? Consider hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, kayaking, fishing, or skiing!
Privacy & Secluded Locations
We know that Glacier Park is incredible and it's where most people want to get married when visiting Montana, but it's not the most private. As locals, we've got lots of other ideas throughout the western and central part of the state where you can still get epic views, but without the crowds.
Why Montana is for you
Montana is perfect if you...
Montana is the perfect state for any sort of adventure you might be dreaming up! If you love the idea of trading a traditional venue for mountain views or quiet forest moments, Montana might be exactly what you’re looking for.
- Want a place where the scenery hits just as hard as the moment you’re sharing
- Would rather trade timelines and traditions for fresh air, movement, and quiet moments
- Are drawn to open skies (we're called Big Sky Country for a reason), dirt trails, and lots of outdoor experiences
- Want space to celebrate without an audience, just the two of you and the landscape
If Montana feels like it might be right for your dream elopement, and you're wanting support throughout the entire process, let's get in touch!
As an experienced elopement photo + video team, we’ve learned a lot about how to plan the best Montana elopement.
Montana adventure elopement planning
Here are just a few examples...
How to navigate Glacier Park's permitting system and plan a day that actually works with the park's guidelines.
From trailhead start times to sunset in the mountains, we help pick the best times of day for the best lighting opportunities!
Beyond the popular overlooks and iconic spots, we guide you toward quieter trails, tucked-away lakes, and off-the-radar spots that feel private and meaningful.
Precisely how much time your day needs without making it feel overwhelming.
Montana weather can shift fast. We help you prepare with layers and backup plans, so your day still feels calm and intentional, no matter what rolls in.
The best ways to make anyone feel comfortable in front of our cameras.
When to elope in Montana by season
Montana looks different in every season, and each one offers a completely different elopement experience. Here’s what to expect throughout the year!
Spring (May to June)
- Love wildflower season and lush greenery in the hills as the snow melts
- Are ready for a snowy adventure or potential muddy trails
- Don't mind the variable weather (it could be sunny and warm or chilly and snowing!)
- Want potentially less busy trails and overlooks
Things to know:
- High elevation trails will still have quite a bit of snow throughout spring
- The Going-to-the-Sun Road is closed until mid/late June or even into July some years
- Weather can swing drastically from sunshine and warmth to snowstorms
- Wildlife is starting to be more active
Wildflowers blooming, crisp mornings, quiet trails
Summer (July to September)
- Want warm weather and more predictable conditions
- Dream of high alpine lakes and mountainous hikes
- Want to adventure in Glacier National Park
- Love longer days
Things to know:
- Popular spots get extremely crowded, especially in Glacier Park. Planning for sunrise and/or midweek is best!
- Afternoon thundershowers are common
- Wildfires can impact elopement days in late summer
Long days, golden light, more trail accessibility
Autumn (October to November)
- Are looking for those rich, fall colors
- Love cooler temps and don't mind layering
- Want a bit more privacy
- Are open to locations outside Glacier Park (road closures are in effect usually by early October)
Things to know:
- High elevation areas may already have snow
- Shorter days mean less time to explore if you're wanting full coverage (but we can always break it into a 2-day adventure!)
- Wildlife is on the move, specifically elk and deer
Golden foliage, cooler temps, quieter landscapes
Winter (December to April)
- Love snow, winter sports, and winter wonderland landscapes!
- Are seeking a more quiet experience for their elopement
- Don't mind being cold (temps can be in the teens and below freezing here for many weeks/months)
Things to know:
- There are a lot less roads and trails open, and the ones that are open can have a lot of snow-pack and ice. All wheel drive or 4WD vehicle rentals are needed if we're adventuring around!
- Short daylight hours and cloudy weather can impact what the day looks like
- Winter gear and preparation is essential
Snow-covered peaks, winter adventures, solitude
Every season in Montana offers something different, and choosing the right one is about matching the landscape to the experience you want to create. We help all of our couples navigate timing, locations, and logistics to build a day that feels aligned from start to finish!
Every elopement day looks different, and we help our couples craft custom timelines with each of our couples that feel aligned with their priorities and the landscape. Your day can be slow, adventurous, quiet, or shared with loved ones. Here are a couple of examples!
Sunrise & Sunset Summer Glacier Park Elopement Example (No guests)
Example Montana Elopement Timelines
5:30 AM - Meet & Change Into Wedding Attire
For sunrise experiences, you often have to forgo "getting ready" moments and opt for changing at your sunrise location or in the car! We'll bring the pop-up changing tent and some headlamps. Pack cozy layers, gloves, and a warm blanket!
6:00 AM - Sunrise Vow Ceremony at Lake McDonald
This is the perfect spot for a quiet, intimate vow ceremony with just the two of you and a local officiant. Lake McDonald isn't too far from West Glacier, so you don't have to get up insanely early to drive through the park.
6:30 AM - Sunrise Portraits
We'll capture some of that soft morning light, let you two warm up, explore the shore, and marvel at the colorful rocks.
8:00 AM - Catered Breakfast at Picnic Area
What better way to end the morning portion of your day than with a yummy catered breakfast picnic and hot coffee?!
9:00 AM to 1:30 PM - BREAK & REST
1:30 PM - Getting Ready at Airbnb
We'll meet back up at your Airbnb, capturing last minute hair/makeup details, getting your wedding attire back on, and any fun details you two have gathered.
3:00 PM - Drive From West Glacier to Many Glacier
5:00 PM - Afternoon Hike
A short, scenic hiking adventure for some epic mountain views and to stretch your legs a bit! Hiking is the #1 adventure most couples choose to incorporate for their Glacier elopement.
7:30 PM - Sunset Portraits
Some quiet sunset moments as the sun is disappearing behind the mountains.
8:30 PM - Stargazing
Before the day is done, we love taking a little bit of time to enjoy Montana's Big Sky and watch the stars come out.
Vibe: Adventurous, mountainous, spontaneous
Best for: Couples who want a full experience focused entirely on each other
Why couples love this kind of day: It feels intentional and unhurried, like an adventure you’ll remember forever, not a schedule you had to keep up with.
Full Day Autumn Elopement Example (With guests)
11:30 AM - Getting Ready With Family & Details
Spend the morning getting ready with your closest friends and family at a big Airbnb in one of Montana's cute towns.
1:30 PM - Caravan to Ceremony Location
Once everyone is ready to go, pack the cars up, and drive together to your ceremony location!
2:30 PM - Intimate Wedding Ceremony
Enjoy your intimate ceremony in a beautiful Montana location! We'll be there to capture all of the happy tears, candid hugs, and everything in between.
3:00 PM - Family Photos
Immediately following your ceremony, we'll make sure to gather everyone for family portraits.
3:30 PM - Post-Ceremony Champagne Toast & Snacks
There's nothing better than celebrating with your family and friends over champagne and yummy charcuterie snacks! Since you're having a later dinner, this is the perfect "late lunch" time to make sure everyone is nourished.
5:00 PM - Adventure & Sunset Portraits
We'll part ways from everyone to go exploring! A little bit of time carved into your day for just the two of you is essential.
7:00 PM - Drive to Airbnb
Once the sun has disappeared behind the mountains, we'll head back to your Airbnb where everyone has decorated and prepped for dinner.
8:00 PM - Late Dinner With Family at Airbnb Rental
End the evening with a delicious dinner, some dessert, and time spent with your loved ones.
Vibe: Intentional, balanced, personal
Best for: Couples who want both quiet moments and time with loved ones
Why couples love this kind of day: You get the intimacy of an elopement and the joy of celebrating with family, without sacrificing either.
The Best Montana elopement locations
Tiny humans. Massive views.
Hint: Click on the location markers to show our fav spots!
Glacier National park
Best for: rugged mountains, clear lakes, epic hiking trails
From sunrise along the Going-to-the-Sun Road to exploring trails in Many Glacier, Glacier National Park offers endless ways to turn your elopement into an experience. You can hike, paddle, picnic, or simply soak in the views!
This is our most photographed/filmed elopement location!
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Hint: Click on the location markers to show our fav spots!
The Best Montana elopement locations
Tiny humans. Massive views.
Flathead National forest
Best for: beautiful forest trails, privacy, large lakes
Dreaming of Glacier, but not the crowds? Flathead National Forest gives you the same stunning Montana landscape with far more privacy, so you can experience Glacier and still say your vows somewhere quiet and intimate.
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Hint: Click on the location markers to show our fav spots!
The Best Montana elopement locations
Tiny humans. Massive views.
Bitterroot valley
Best for: small town vibes, mountains, larches in the fall
Nestled between the Bitterroot and Sapphire mountain ranges, the Bitterroot Valley has wide-open views without the crowds.
You can exchange vows by the river, explore quiet backroads, and get those awesome Montana views, all while keeping that small town vibe.
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Hint: Click on the location markers to show our fav spots!
The Best Montana elopement locations
Tiny humans. Massive views.
Helena-Lewis + Clark Forest
Best for: rugged mountains, clear lakes, epic hiking trails
Helena–Lewis and Clark National Forest is one of Montana’s hidden gems! It's vast, wild, and far less crowded than places like Glacier National Park.
With rolling mountains, alpine lakes, and endless dirt roads to explore, it’s perfect for couples who want stunning scenery without the spotlight.
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Hint: Click on the location markers to show our fav spots!
The Best Montana elopement locations
Tiny humans. Massive views.
Bozeman + Big sky
Best for: rugged mountains, clear lakes, epic hiking trails
Both Bozeman and Big Sky are cute Montana towns, with great food and year-round events! There are also endless views from Lone Peak at Big Sky Ski Resort to the Spanish Peaks and the Bridger Range. This area is perfect for any outdoor adventure you could imagine!
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Hint: Click on the location markers to show our fav spots!
The Best Montana elopement locations
Tiny humans. Massive views.
Paradise valley + Yellowstone
Best for: rugged mountains, clear lakes, epic hiking trails
Paradise Valley is a gorgeous area south of Livingston, framed by the towering Absaroka Mountains and Gallatin Range. Check out Sage Lodge for a small wedding venue! Just a short drive away, Yellowstone National Park is such an adventurous elopement location with geothermal pools, wildlife around every bend, and gorgeous views!
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Western Couples Session in Big Sky Country
Western Boho Montana Elopement in Glacier National Park
Fly Fishing & Wildflower Adventurous Couples Photos in Big Sky, Montana
Bozeman, Montana
Glacier National Park
Bozeman, Montana
"Seriously, just pull the trigger and hire them. Hannah and Adam completely blew us away with not only their beautiful work, but with how much time and energy they put into our day. They seriously helped us plan every moment, from choosing a location, logistics, timeline, and even helped us online shop for a few details for our wedding day. They were such a calm presence on what could be a crazy day, and they kept us on schedule without making us feel rushed or pressured.
Their work completely speaks for itself. I knew we would get amazing photos based on their portfolio – but holy cow, the images they sent us are better than anything we could have dreamed up. I'm a photographer myself, and have seen the work of tons of talented elopement photographers over the years. But, Hannah and Adam are seriously the BEST in the elopement industry. I can't think of anyone else who is producing work on their level.
Seriously, just book them already 😉"
- Colleen + Chase
"When Seth and I first started looking for photographers/videographers in Montana we were just guessing because we don’t live there. We interviewed with 3 businesses, including Hannah & Adam and we are so glad we came across Venture to Elope!
We reviewed their style of video and pictures and they matched the vibe we were hoping for. Another reason we are super happy to have worked with them is that they had lists of pre-vetted vendors in every category that you would need to plan a wedding. This made finding a caterer and lodging so easy. They were extremely thorough and very detailed which eased both Seth and I through the entire planning process.
On the day of our wedding working with them felt like working with friends we had known for a long time. They expertly built the schedule for the day which accommodated delays which happened (not their fault). Knowing that they thought of everything made experiencing the day stress free and wonderful. We absolutely love the pictures and videos for the day and they absolutely captured the day in how we both envisioned it.
We can’t thank them enough! We HIGHLY RECOMMEND working with Hannah and Adam with Venture to Elope!
- Heather + Seth
“Hannah and Adam are amazing! Hannah and Adam were there for every step of our wedding planning; they gave us vendor recommendations, Airbnb spots, found the perfect spot for our venue, walked us through the process of obtaining a marriage license, and were so communicative throughout the process.
We never felt rushed on our wedding day and they helped us feel comfortable in front of the camera. They found the perfect spots to take photos in and were flexible throughout the day. Not to mention, they are both so easy going and personable.
You won’t regret working with them! We are so thankful for them for capturing our special day and LOVE our wedding photos and video. We cannot recommend them enough!”
- Jackie + Tyler
“Hannah and Adam were so incredible!! They were (thankfully) this first vendor we booked for our elopement which made everything so easy! They helped us with so many things that they didn’t have to ( including vendor recs, putting together the schedule for day of, permitting and marriage license, etc) and also delivered INCREDIBLE photos and videos.
These two are the friendliest most helpful team and helped us create the perfect elopement day. If I could give them 1,000 stars I would"
- Lauren + John
"We absolutely loved having Hannah & Adam as our micro-wedding duo and have zero regrets about booking them. They were such a pleasure to work with and genuinely fun to be around on our big day. They helped ease our stress, guided creative decisions, and produced beautiful photos and videos that we’ll treasure forever. I can’t wait to look back on these memories for years to come.
While their pricing is an investment and may be higher than some other quotes, the value is 100% worth it. They were an incredible resource throughout the planning process—organized, responsive, and happy to answer all of our questions. They even traveled to our wedding location (out-of-state) ahead of time to scout the perfect ceremony spot. On the day of, they were fully prepared, professional, and delivered everything on time.
I would highly recommend Hannah & Adam to any outdoorsy couple looking for an epic, adventure-filled wedding that also looks absolutely stunning."
- Emily & Dayton
some kind words from kind people
Eloping in Montana
frequently asked questions
What is the best time of year to elope in Montana?
Summer is the most common season for elopements here in Montana. Not only are locations (like the Going-to-the-Sun Road) open, but you have access to so many hiking trails and forest service roads. It's warm and there's awesome things to do, like rock climbing, paddle boarding, and overnight backpacking. The biggest consideration, though, is that summertime will be the most crowded season. Everyone takes vacations, and is out exploring! So, keep that in mind when planning your wedding.
Montana has very short shoulder seasons, meaning that spring isn't super long here. It's usually just a weird limbo between the snow finally melting and summer starting. While we don't recommend eloping in the springtime for most elopement locations in Montana, it can be awesome for lakes and waterfalls due to the fresh snowmelt!
Fall similarly to spring is very short. But in Central Montana locations, you can see vibrant fall colors at the end of September to the beginning of October.
If you haven’t experienced a crazy winter before, be prepared! Montana has about 6 months of not being able to see the ground due to feet of snow. The temperatures range from 20 degrees to well past 0 degrees. But don’t be fooled, there are tons of things to do during the winter months! We recommend skiing or snowboarding at Big Sky or Whitefish, taking a snow tour through Yellowstone, or trying ice fishing.
What do I need to legally elope in Montana?
Marriage License
You will need to obtain a marriage license from a county clerk’s office. You do not need an appointment, but the offices are usually open Monday-Friday from 8am to 5pm MST. The license will be issued the same day and can be used immediately or within 18 days. Both partner’s need to be present with valid forms of ID. The license is $53.
Legal Wedding Ceremony Information
For a legal ceremony, you need two witnesses and an ordained minister to perform the marriage. You must be 18 years or older to get married in Montana, and you are not required to be a resident.
Permits
Each National Park, Wilderness Area, State Park, and National Forest has different rules about wedding ceremonies. For example, Glacier National Park has designated ceremony locations throughout the different sections of the park, and you are required to obtain one even if you don’t have any guests. But other areas in Montana don’t require a permit unless you have a lot of guests. We help each of our couples reach out to the right resources and obtain proper permits!
What day of the week is best in elope in Montana?
We always recommend a weekday if you want to avoid the crowds, and have a more private elopement. We also recommend the shoulder seasons (spring and fall), and avoiding any holidays or long weekends!
Where should I stay in Montana?
- The Cargrill-Earl Guest House at Erik’s Ranch - Livingston
- Meadowlark Treehouse - Columbia Falls
- Stay Treetops Glacier - West Glacier
- Luxury Glamping Dome - Paradise Valley
- Sanctuary at Crow Hollow Ranch - Paradise Valley
- Big Sky Fire Towers - Big Sky
- A-Frame Cabin in Bitterroot Valley - Stevensville
- Clark Farm Silos - Kalispell
- Sage Lodge - Luxury Resort Near Yellowstone
What transportation options are available?
Where To Fly Into
- Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN)
- Glacier Park International Airport (FCA)
- Missoula International Airport (MSO)
- Billings Logan International Airport (BIL)
- Great Falls International Airport (GTF)
Closest airports to popular Montana destinations + driving time:
- Glacier National Park: FCA; 30 minutes
- Bozeman: BZN; 15 minutes
- Flathead National Forest: FCA; 40 minutes
- Lolo National Forest: MSO; 1 hour
- Beartooth Mountains: Yellowstone Regional Airport (YRA); 2 hours
- Yellowstone National Park: YRA; 1 hour
