They came from far away to elope in on a Montana mountainside. This was so exciting for me. I love the opportunity for adventure and a couple looking for a ceremony that is unique and different. When Jessica, the bride, contacted me I knew right away she found the right person. She wasn’t sure where they would be married but she had a date range! Jessica and Matthew love Montana and had dreamed of getting married here. Through a several week search, we were excited to pick a location in the Paradise Valley in Pray, Montana. Chico Hot Springs, a popular event venue about an hour outside of Bozeman, has a stunning ceremony location up on the hill. I knew that if we hike up higher on that hill that it had amazing views and really felt like you are in the mountains without spending and hours hiking everyone up there. It was still a walk but so worth it! (easy for me to say in my comfy walking boots.)
Mountain Elopement
Being mid September, it was getting chillier, so our intrepid couple and their guests were real sports about it. I was thrilled about the rain and cooler weather because just a week before the smoke from all the wildfires was terrible. Summer 2017 in Montana was a terrible fire year, luckily southwest Montana didn’t get it as bad but the smoke had settled in for weeks! The cold weather and rain the day before really cleared it out and made for a fabulous view.
Their guests included Matthew’s daughter and both of their parents and little ‘ol me! It was so intimate and thoughtful. The bride was inspired by a bohemian look with a flowing dress and flower crown. (HELLO! Bride style right there!) After our awesome time up on the mountainside we went to the Wine Cellar at Chico Hot Springs for dinner. These two are so sweet, they invited me to join. It was delightful! I can’t thank these two enough for having me be a small part of their day, documenting their beautiful ceremony. This was one that will go down in the books as a damn good day. I am pretty sure Montana will always have a piece of their heart!
I am looking to do more adventure / mountain elopements and would love to hear all about your ideas. I am also happy to help you find the best vendors in the area to help dream become a reality. Planning from far away doesn’t have to be stressful when you have the right team!
P.S. Surprise Champagne toasts are always a good idea. At any shoot, wedding or not.
Vendors:
Venue – Chico Hot Springs & Resort
Flowers – Katalin Green
Dress –
Menswear- Brooks Brothers & Men’s Warehouse
See more adventure elopements > Elope in Montana
