Your Complete Montana Elopement Guide

Everything You Need to Know to Elope in Montana

Why Elope in Montana?

More like, why not?

If you're dreaming of eloping amidst the breathtaking beauty of Montana, you've come to the right place! This is your ultimate guide, covering everything from navigating elopement permits to uncovering hidden gem locations, discovering thrilling adventure activities to add to your special day, and presenting elopement photography packages to ensure your memories are captured perfectly. While the ever-changing rules and reservation systems may seem daunting, fear not! We're here to simplify it all and equip you with everything you need for an unforgettable Montana Elopement experience!

Table of Contents

1. Best Time of year

2. Best locations to elope

3. Montana Elopement Packages

4. How to Get a mariage License

5. Where to Stay

6. What To wear

7. Unique Elopement Ideas

8. Meet your Elopement Team

9. FAQ

10. Get in Touch

Table of Contents

There is something so welcoming when the evening temps start to dip with the sun. You start to see a bit of color in the tree tops, and along the rivers and some of those wonderful moody clouds that hang over the mountains start to show up a little more often. Colorful willow and huckleberries contrast perfectly with the blue sky above, and the lower sun creates soft light that just begs for a photo shoot.
Winter creeps in, and winter wonderland comes to life! Skiing, snowmobiles, and sledding can all add a fantastic element to your elopement day!

Truth be told, the warmer and longer days of summer are some of our favorites. Spring comes and gives everything life. The wildflowers pop, the the rivers and lakes are full, and the mountains call for ALL the photos. As summer moves in, the days seem to draw on forever, and end in those beautiful golden summer sunsets. Hot temps push us all into the higher elevations for relief, but that's right where we want to be! High country meadows, peaks for days, and dips in the river always welcome us after a fun summer day in the mountains.

Spring & Summer Days

Fall & Winter Days

While it might vary for everyone, there's truly no wrong time of year to elope in Montana! Montana has four seasons that all shine. Winter is snowy, cold, but gorgeous. Spring gives you green meadows and wildflowers, backed by snow covered mountains. Summer has all the high mountain access with insane alpine lakes and views. And the fall colors can't be beat! So the question needed here is "What's your favorite time of year?" Consider your elopement day, and envision your ceremony against that backdrop. Picture those post-"I do" shots. What season does that look like?

Best Time Of Year To Elope In Montana

Karlene & Ryan | Glacier NAtional Park, MT

"It’s difficult to put into words how WONDERFUL our experience was!"

"Becky and Brian not only take the most BEAUTIFUL pictures but they helped us navigate the entire elopement process with ease! They take their time to nail down the perfect location and vibe you’ve dreamed of with thoughtful and thoroughness. Our ceremony felt as though it was done by an old friend, not someone we met on zoom a few months prior. We had an incredibly rainy day but got the BEST pictures. We are truly thankful for the Google search that lead us to discover Scenic Vows, we could not have asked for a better experience or better pictures! They captured us and our day perfectly!"

Our Favorite Montana Elopement Locations

Eloping in Montana is an adventure in within itself. With its vast expanses of untamed wilderness, towering peaks, and untouched landscapes, this Big Sky Country can offer enchanting locations for couples seeking an intimate and unforgettable ceremony. Whether your dream is to exchange vows on a mountain top, by a crystal-clear mountain stream, or in a secluded forest glade, Montana provides captivating backdrops to make your elopement truly special. We've fallen deeply in love with several Montana elopement locations and are excited to share a few favorites below, but remember, Montana's beauty is boundless, with so many hidden gems waiting to be explored!

Nestled on the border with Canada, Glacier National Park promises to mesmerize you with its breathtaking vistas of majestic mountains that surpass even your wildest dreams. Prepare to be awestruck by its beauty. Fancy a lakeside wedding ceremony framed by towering peaks and glistening glaciers as your backdrop? Glacier National Park is THE elopement location you've been searching for!

Glacier National Park

‣ Tons of lakes, streams, meadows & wildflowers
‣ West Glacier is great access to all the amenities
‣ Lots of hiking on epic trails, and fantastic kayaking
‣ Great wild life watching potential, and always wildflowers!

Eloping in Big Sky, Montana, is a truly magical experience in the rugged beauty of the Rocky Mountains. From intimate ceremonies on scenic overlooks to romantic gatherings beside mountain streams, Big Sky provides endless opportunities for unforgettable elopements. Whether skiing powdery slopes, taking a helicopter to a craggy mountain top, or exploring pristine hiking trails in the summer, Big Sky, Montana, is sure to create cherished those memories that last a lifetime.

Big Sky

‣ Lots of hiking, mountain sports, & side-by-sides
‣ Great Summer access to the mountains
‣ Winter mecca for skiing, x-country, and snowmobiling
‣ Very close to Bozeman and a ton of areas to access

The Mission Mountains have become a favorite Montana Area for us to explore. With access points sprawling from every angle of the range, prepare to feast your eyes on breathtaking vistas of Flathead Lake, Hungry Horse Reservoir, Swan Lake, and the awe-inspiring Bob Marshall Wilderness. The Missions are wild and ready for any adventure imaginable!

Mission Mountains

‣ Views for days! Flathead, Swan Valley, & Jewel Basin
‣ Tons of hiking, boating, side-by-sides, & more
‣ Alpine Lakes, huckleberries, and wildflowers
‣ Accommodation options from lakeside cabins to beautiful VRBO/AirBNB's and hotels

Beartooth Pass has climbed right to the peak of our Scenic Vows Drives chart! At a breathtaking elevation of 10,947 feet, this rugged highway grants passage to the highest summits of Montana. The Absaroka and Beartooth Mountains are hands down among the most untamed wonders you'll ever encounter in the Rockies. So buckle up and get ready for a wild ride through some of Mother Nature's finest masterpieces!

Bear Tooth Pass

‣ Lots of great spots to access all long the corridor
‣ Amazing hiking trails, hundreds of lakes
‣ Some of the tallest peaks in Montana live here
‣ Most impressive entrance to Yellowstone NP

Elopement PAckages

Montana Elopement Packages

We love crafting unforgettable experiences for couples like you, who crave adventure and natural beauty on your big day. Not only are both of us your elopement photographers, we are your partners in planning, offering a range of personalized services to make your dream elopement a reality. 
Check out some of what's included in our Montana Elopement Packages:

‣ 2 Photographers to capture all the angles
‣ Packages starting at 4 hours and up to 1.5 days  
‣ Elopement location scouting, suggestions, & ideas 
‣ Assistance with planning all the logistics.  
‣ Expert elopement advice from seasoned explorers 
‣ In-house officiant service (add-on) 
‣ Starting at $4200

How To Get Your Montana Marriage License

Obtaining a marriage license for your Montana elopement is relatively easy to do and just requires a few things from you. We’ve listed the basic process and the requirements below to make your elopement legal.

‣ You and your partner will have to appear in person at any Clerk of District Court’s office in Montana. Bring a photo I.D and proof of age with you.
‣ There is an application you can find online (google the Clerk of District Court for the county and you’ll find the application) and can start filling out. You will then print the application and bring it with you to the office.
‣ At the office, you will sign the application and pay a $53* fee that is cash only. *fee is subject to change
‣ There is no waiting period after you get your marriage license but you must use it within 180 days.
‣ After your ceremony, your officiant will return the marriage license to the office and you can request a copy through the Montana Vital Records office.
‣ You will need signatures from 2 witnesses before returning your marriage license.

Where To Stay For Your Adventure Elopement

Recommendations from a couple of Montana Based Adventurers (and traveling Elopement photographers)

Camp Arrowhead Cabin – Big Sky, MT
Enjoy this beautiful mountain chalet with fantastic views of Lone Peak Mountain and Beehive Basin right out your windows. And relax in the hot tub while sipping champagne and watching the sunset. This rustic cabin sits minutes from Big Sky's shops and restaurants, and will be the perfect accent to your elopement in the Bozeman area.

Elk Crest Cabin (Elope in the Woods!) – Wood's Bay, Flathead Lake, MT
The perfect getaway cabin for you to to elope in the woods! Wood's Bay sits on Flathead Lake, giving access to Flathead Lake, Jewel Basin, the Mission Range, and even West Glacier. Enjoy the cute restaurants in Wood's Bay, and plenty of other options down the road in Big Fork. And if it's cherry season you're in for a treat!

Glacier Lookout Villa - Babb/East Glacier, MT
Located just outside of Glacier National Park's St Mary entrance, this cabin may have the best view on this whole side of the mountains! Relax on the upper deck to watch the sunset over Glacier, and head to all of the the parks east side entrances with ease from this location.

Firefly Log Cabin– West Glacier, MT
This rustic log cabin is the absolute perfect place to cozy up in for your Montana Elopement! This quiet cabin in the woods, just minutes from Glacier National Park, has it all, including a beautiful fire pit to warm up as the late summer sun fades into the surrounding forest.

The links in this section are affiliate links. We may make a small commission when one of our recommendations is booked.

What to Wear for an Elopement?

Well...we wrote a blog about that! 😂. You can see one all about Elopement Dresses here, and another about Elopement outfits here.
When it comes down to it, being prepared with layers is smart when eloping in the mountains. The temperatures can vary depending on the elevation and you never know when an afternoon thunderstorm might roll through. We always like to say “if you don’t like the weather, wait 5 minutes because it will change”. Here are some tips when it comes to planning what to wear for your Montana elopement:

‣ Comfort is top priority. Make sure to choose an outfit that you can sit, stand, run, climb, jump, paddle, or dance in. Depending on what you have planned for your Montana elopement day you might be doing all of the above.
‣ Dressing in layers (or at least bringing them with you) is a sure fire way to be comfortable all day, no matter what kind of weather you are up against.
‣ One layer we always suggest bringing with you is a rain jacket or waterproof layer. There can be random storms in the mountains so better safe than sorry.
‣ Comfortable footwear with good traction and support goes a long way

Unique Elopement Ideas in Montana

Canoe lake McDonald

Going to the Sun

Start your elopement adventure getting ready at a rustic cabin in the woods just beyond the gates of Glacier National Park. After sharing an exciting first look, we’ll venture into the heart of the park to explore its natural beauty. Along the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road, we'll stop to capture it all — lush forests, rivers shimmering with glacier blue hues, meadows ablaze with wildflowers, and majestic peaks towering above. We'll start early to capture every moment, making sure your journey is filled with unforgettable vistas and cherished memories.

Spend a quiet morning getting ready together and exchange heartfelt vows at one of the amazing locations in Glacier National Park. As the day transitions into evening, we head out on a scenic drive along the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road, with anticipation building for the grand finale. Arriving at Lake McDonald, you both settle into a canoe, paddling gently across the shimmering waters as the sun begins its descent. The sky lights up in hues of orange and pink, casting a warm glow over the majestic peaks surrounding you.

Snowmobile to the summit

Wildflowers, Helicopters, & Sunset

Imagine being picked up from your cozy Airbnb by a helicopter to take you to your a private mountaintop elopement. Sound like a dream come true? Well, it can be! There are several helicopter companies in Montana ready to sweep you off your feet and take you to your own remote locations, snow-kissed peaks and meadows filled with vibrant wildflowers, all yours to explore and exchange vows in. It's so much more than just a ceremony — it's an adventure of a lifetime.

For the winter lovers out there, this ones for you! As the snowflakes gently fall, you get ready for your big day. Bundled up, you and your love hop onto a snowmobile, whisking you away to your dream elopement spot, somewhere high up the mountain surrounded by majestic pines. You exchange private vows, we explore the area while taking photos of you two in the wonderland. And as the day draws to a close, cozy up by a crackling fire with a steaming mug of cocoa (or maybe a celebratory hot toddy). It's a winter wonderland, where your love story unfolds amidst nature's breathtaking beauty.

Hey, we're Becky and Brian (yup, B&B. Easy to remember!). We document epic elopements with a philosophy that the best adventures feel spontaneous and sensational when the details aren’t dismissed. We advise on the oh-so-impactful logistics, do all of the location scouting, and even lend our officiant skills (that’s Becky). So, no need to sweat the details.

Meet Your Montana Elopement Photographers

meet brian and becky

We Leave No Trace, But We Do Like To Leave An Impression...

With photographs that serve as a grounding reminder of this rush of an adventure.

CAN I ELOPE AND HAVE GUESTS?

We have a few more questions!

How do I elope in Glacier National Park?

Yes! You can absolutely have guests to your elopement! We limit our guest count to 15 total, which enables us to go more locations and helps us follow Leave No Trace values. If you’re interested in leaning more about Leave No Trace elopements, come check out our blog post!

Let's Chat About Your Elopement Day!

Fill out this form and we'll be in touch soon! Tell us all the deets, and we'll get started on a plan for your elopement. Learn about our pricing here.

@scenicvows

We Leave No Trace, but there are some throwbacks on our feed.

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