Winter in Montana is a magic time! Snow covered mountains and cozy nights in! Let’s chat about winter weddings in Montana. While it can get wicked cold and have a lot of snow, the winter wonderland vibes are simply unmatched. As a Montana local photographer, I’ve got all the details you need to plan a stunning winter wedding or elopement. From venues to tips and everything in between, let’s dive in!
Montana Winter Weather
Montana in the winter is no joke. Winter temperatures in Montana are cold, with average daily highs ranging from 35°F to 42°F. For this reason we recommend having a venue that can handle your quest list for large and small weddings. It’s also important to dress appropriately and plan for the weather. Layers with dressy coats are a must, warm accessories, and proper footwear are key!
Montana Winter Wedding Venues
Since the weather in Montana can be unpredictable even when it’s not winter, you’ll find that most venues have both indoor and outdoor options. Here are some of my favorites:
Sage Lodge
Located in Paradise Valley, Sage Lodge is one of my favorite wedding venues! It offers breathtaking views of the snow-covered mountains and a cozy, luxurious atmosphere. Here you’ll also find two restaurants, a spa, several event options, and well-appointed houses and rooms that make your stay here memorable. Booking the spacious lobby is a great choice for a winter wedding here!
I love this venue so much I’ve done a full feature on it! You can check it out here!
Rainbow Ranch
Located along the Gallatin River, Rainbow Ranch offers a blend of rustic charm and natural beauty, ideal for an authentic Montana wedding experience. The ranch provides a variety of settings for ceremonies and receptions, including cozy indoor spaces for your winter wedding.
Accommodating up to 300 guests, Rainbow Ranch is a full-service wedding venue with on-site catering and event coordination available! They also have onsite accommodations available.
Copper Rose Ranch
Copper Rose Ranch is great for a Montana winter wedding in the heart of Paradise Valley. The renovated heated barn/event center provides a cozy and elegant space for your reception, with large windows framing the gorgeous winter landscape. After the ceremony, you and your guests can soak in the hot tub, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, or relax by the fireplace with a hot toddy in hand.
During the winter, you may want to book a venue that offers overnight accommodations so guests wouldn’t need to drive on potentially slick roads. The Ranch has private or shared cabins that accommodate up to 66 guests!
Lone Mountain Ranch
Located in Big Sky the Lone Mountain Ranch is a luxury guest ranch with cozy cabins, a restaurant plus bar and amazing amenities. One of the most popular winter activities at Lone Mountain Ranch that you could book for your wedding is the horse-drawn sleigh ride.
Beyond sleigh rides, the Lone Mountain Ranch offers easy access to Big Sky’s world-class skiing and snowboarding, with lodging close to the slopes at Big Sky Resort. Winter enthusiasts can also enjoy snowmobiling, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and dog sledding in the area. So many fun things to do here for your winter wedding!
This winter elopement took a romantic sleigh ride dinner with their small party of friends and family. The family style dinner is served in a rustic cabin lit with candle light. It was truly an amazing experience!
Montana Winter Elopement Locations
If you’re planning for something more intimate and elope, many of the mountainside rentals in Big Sky serve as awesome locations to have your elopement. Either as a backup in case of frigid temps or a great place to get ready and celebrate. However, keep in mind, that if the ski resorts are open – hotels in Bozeman, Big Sky, and Whitefish will be pricier. Prices won’t be as high throughout the rest of the state in the winter months.
Glacier National Park can be another unforgettable choice for your Montana winter elopement. It can get very cold, and not all areas will be accessible, but we can still make it work for those gorgeous, snowy vibes!
Fun Winter Elopement Activities
If you’re choosing to elope, there are so many winter adventures for you to try out. You can go snowshoeing, enjoy a sleigh ride, dog sledding or snowmobiling. You can also shred in your dress! We can join you mid-mountain at several locations if you want to ski with your formal wear.
If you enjoy hiking, many trails remain accessible in winter, just make sure you have the right footwear and attire! And if you’re not big on the cold, then rent a cozy cabin and enjoy sitting by a fireplace, sipping hot cocoa and maybe jump in a hot tub.
Tips to Prepare for Your Montana Winter Wedding or Elopement
- Always have a backup plan for inclement weather. Be prepared for wind, snow, rain, and even flight delays. If possible, plan to travel a couple of days before the wedding and tell your guests to do the same.
- Travel arrangements- make sure you and your guests have secure transport to and from your venue. In the best-case scenario, you’ll have your ceremony and celebration in the same venue to avoid any delays. Venues that offer overnight stays can be a great option too! Just check how many people can be accommodated overnight!
- Ensure you and your guests stay warm with festive, hot drinks, dressing appropriately and layering to keep warm.
- Consider both indoor and outdoor options for wedding photos. Indoor locations can provide warmth and shelter, while outdoor spots capture the natural beauty of a winter wonderland. I can help you plan for the best locations and timing to make the most of it all!
- When it comes to your photos and overall winter wedding timeline, keep in mind that the days are shorter and it gets dark quicker. This will affect the time of your ceremony and photo ops!
- Winter color schemes are so beautiful! Some venues and locations might be decorated with Christmas decor, while some will still be blank canvas for you to do what you’d like with them. Burgundy, emerald greens, blues, and whites are beautiful winter wedding colors for your decor! Check out some winter decor & color inspo here!
Ready to Plan Your Winter Wedding or Elopement?
While planning a winter wedding or elopement in Montana might take a bit more consideration and planning, it definitely is worth it for the snowy views and cozy vibes.
And if you’re still looking for a Montana wedding photographer to capture your big day, I’d love to chat with you!
Reach out to me here And if you’re looking for more wedding and elopement tips and inspiration, check out the rest of my blog!
