Montana + Beyond
Refined storytelling for couples dreaming of effortless, scenic, and unforgettable elopements.
More than photography, I am your Montana elopement team
So much more than your photographer—
I’m here helping you dream up the day, find those unreal locations you didn’t even know existed, and figure out a flow that actually feels like you. I’ll guide you on when the light is best and how to make the whole experience feel natural instead of staged. I am part planner, part photographer and local guide - keeping things relaxed and moving smoothly so you can stay present and enjoy the moment.
You will have photos that tell your story in a timeless and elevated way.
Your experience - that’s really what it’s about.
"Merissa is a gem
She is professional, warm and incredible at what she does! She was a pleasure to work with every step of the way— Merissa scouted locations for us as we were planning our wedding long-distance. Her expertise and advice resulted in wedding pictures that are more stunning and meaningful than my wife and I could have ever imagined.
She was so much fun to work with, making us feel incredibly comfortable, even when we were throwing wild ideas at her—such as getting a few shots on our mountain bikes in our wedding attire."
- Kara
Hey hey, I'm Merissa
An elopement photographer based in beautiful Bozeman, Montana.
I’m all about capturing real connection, big feelings, and the kind of joy you can actually feel when you look back at your photos.
Intimate and intentional elopements? That’s my sweet spot.
I don’t just show up with a camera — I help you create an experience. From planning support to location ideas, I’m here to make things easy so you can stay present and soak in every moment of your day.
I’ve been photographing love stories since 2009, and it still never gets old. Every couple, every place, every story is different — and I’m so here for it.
Let’s make something unforgettable together.
Elevated + Effortless
So much more than your photographer—
I’m here helping you dream up the day, find those unreal locations you didn’t even know existed, and figure out a flow that actually feels like you.
Collections begin at $2700
All coverage is thoughtfully customized around your priorities, location, and overall experience.
Whether you’re planning private vows for just the two of you, an intimate wedding with guests, or a full wedding weekend in Montana, custom packages are available to ensure your experience feels seamless and beautifully aligned.
This is about more than photography—it’s about creating a day that feels incredible from beginning to end.
Montana offers something truly extraordinary for elevated weddings out west!
Whether you’re planning from out of state, dreaming of an intimate wedding surrounded by Montana’s wild beauty, or simply want a celebration that feels elevated without unnecessary stress, Big Sky is one of the most stunning places to begin your next chapter.
WHY elope in montana?
Montana is perfect for couples seeking:
Whether you envision private vows on a mountainside, a Montana ranch elopement, or sunset portraits beside a river, Montana offers extraordinary beauty in every direction.
Montana locations I love
From Glacier National Park elopements and Yellowstone-inspired vows to Big Sky mountain views, guest ranch weddings, and hidden alpine lakes, Montana is filled with incredible possibilities for couples who want more than just a wedding—they want an experience.
Iconic peaks, alpine lakes, and some of the most breathtaking ceremony backdrops in Montana
Mountain views, wildflower meadows, luxury resorts, rivers, and refined western charm. Montana's biggest airport with the most direct flights!
Epic landscapes, guest ranches, the Yellowstone River for the best fly fishing and boating adventures
Perfect for couples wanting horses, wide-open views, luxury lodging, and a full wedding experience
We help guide you toward locations that align with your vision —whether that’s privacy, scenery, accessibility, or unforgettable adventure.
Montana was made for love stories that feel a little bigger, a little wilder, and beautifully your own.
Explore real Montana elopements, intimate weddings, and mountain celebrations for inspiration on locations, timelines, style, and experience.
The Process
Getting to know you and your dream elopement! This first step is so important to learn more about your vision and how we can help.
I am your team for exploring your options, planning and vendor recomendations!
We send over a proposal with agreement and retainer for your date!
I create a custom plan for your day with thoughtful timelines and vendor recommendations. This includes several questionnaires to learn more about your day and put together a plan for family/group photos. This makes your day so stress free!
On your big day - I am here to photograph all the details and your guide along the way. From helping with a boutonnière to keeping things flowing, I am here for it. Then I deliver a sneak peek with in a few days!
Montana Elopement FAQ
Best time of year for Montana Elopements
Year round! Winter ski season and summer vacation season are the busiest with slower and often cheaper shoulder seasons in between.
Summer is one of the most popular times for Montana elopements thanks to mountain accessibility and warmer weather. This is often ideal for couples wanting easy-access scenic locations, river views, horseback riding, hiking, fly fishing, or rafting.
For many couples, fall may be the sweet spot. Cool mornings, changing colors and fewer crowds can make this season feel especially romantic.
Montana becomes a winter dream—perfect for skiing, sleigh rides, luxury resorts, and cozy fireside celebrations. Winter can feel magical, though weather and accessibility should be carefully considered.
Spring can be quieter and beautiful, with snowy peaks in some higher elevation areas.
What activities can we incorporate into our Montana elopement?
Montana is perfect for couples who want their wedding day to feel like more than just a ceremony.
Do we need to hike to have an adventurous elopement?
Absolutely not.
This is one of the biggest misconceptions about Montana elopements.
Montana offers plenty of breathtaking locations that feel adventurous and iconic without requiring long hikes.
Full weekend celebrations
I specialize in gorgeous locations that are accessible with only a short walk—or simply steps from your vehicle.
Adventure can look like:
What are the major airports Montana?
BZN is located in Belgrade, Montana, It's the closest major airport to Big Sky. It also has most direct flights of any airport in Montana.
There are airports in all of the other larger towns in Montana. Including: Missoula, Billings, Kalispell
Be sure to rent a car.
Uber and Lyft are extremely limited in Montana, and having your own vehicle gives you so much more freedom—especially if you plan to explore Yellowstone or Glacier Park or enjoy your trip beyond the wedding day.
Do we need permits?
Permit requirements in Big Sky depend entirely on where you choose to elope.
You may need permits for:
Usually involve property permission or venue fees rather than public permits.
I help couples navigate location logistics, permissions, and permit guidance so there are no surprises.
Where should we stay when eloping in Montana?
Where you stay can shape so much of your experience—from convenience and luxury to privacy and photo opportunities
.
The largest airport in Montana, easiest to fly into
Upscale ski resort vibes
Experience their downtown - ski resort vibes
Sweet small town vibes near the Beartooth Mountains (tallest in Montana)
Artsy downtown and world famous fishing / rafting on the Yellowstone river. Mountains for days
The 1st and largest park in the U.S.! Volcanic features, bison and adventures!
Towering peaks, alpine lakes and unforgettable views.
Big Sky has some truly incredible vacation homes—many with mountain views, privacy, and amazing photo potential right on property.
Whether your style is rustic and refined, modern luxury, or western romance, there are incredible lodging options to match your vision. The right property can also become part of your wedding story itself.
All inclusive
Need help with all the things? We can help.
From stylish picnics + flowers delivered to your location - we can take that off your to do list.
We can help with florals, officiating, booking awesome adventures, lodging recommendations, a stylish picnic, champagne with glasses or even more rentals depending on your location.
We can even arrange for a local chef and table settings.
Whether you’re envisioning private vows in the mountains, a luxury ranch wedding, or an intimate celebration surrounded by Montana’s beauty, I’m here to help you create something unforgettable.
Next Steps: Schedule Your Consultation to get started!
I can't say enough great things about Merissa. We planned our wedding from out of state, and she was helpful in providing us support in finding vendors, including our venue!
She goes above and beyond. She is incredibly talented and when we saw the final product of all of our photos we were really blown away. She is a great mix of professional, friendly, kind, fun, and above all else a rockstar photographer. I am forever grateful we had Merissa as our photographer and for all of her help during our wedding."
- Kelsey
