Gosh, where do I begin with this incredible Glacier National Park elopement in the clouds?! From the moment that Macy and Zeb inquired with me, I knew it was going to be an incredible elopement to photograph, but I didn’t realize just how incredible it would be. Macy and Zeb traveled out to Montana from Atlanta, Georgia for their intimate Montana elopement. It was so fun to be surrounded by fellow Georgia natives and hearing their southern made me feel right at home. 😉
As a Glacier National Park photographer, I am used to Montana weather being unpredictable. You can have hot bright sun one minute, crazy rain the next, and end the day with a blizzard (okay, maybe that’s a bit extreme, but you get the picture)! I always tell my couples to not bank on what the forecast is saying because it can change at the drop of a hat. It’s always best to go into it with an open mind and embrace the elements that Glacier throws our way. And pro tip: always pack some extra shoes, a sweater and a rain coat! Better to be prepared for anything!
Well, in true Montana fashion, we were thrown a million curveballs with the weather on Macy and Zeb’s elopement day, but I truly think we got the best case scenario all around! We planned to start their elopement day at Belton Stage Park with their families for their official first look and family photos. Well, as I was driving to Belton Stage Park, it was DOWNPOURING. I’m talking sideways wind, dark clouds, and so much rain. If you know Belton Stage Park, you know that there is no “rain plan” or covering. It’s a big open field, so you are straight out of luck if it rains! I just kept hoping and praying the whole way there that the skies would clear….and wow did they! The rain left, the clouds parted and we got blessed with the bluest skies and brightest sun!
After their first look, we went over to Lake McDonald for some portraits and a quick champagne toast together. We spent some time walking the shoreline, sipping champagne and chatting about the day before we loaded up and made the drive up Going-To-The-Sun Road to Big Bend for sunset! Big Bend is one of my favorite spots in the park. It has epic mountain views and is easily accessible from the West entrance to the park, which makes it a popular spot for photos!
As we got closer and closer to Big Bend, it got cloudier and cloudier. I started getting nervous because Big Bend was THE spot. It was where we wanted too spend the majority of our time taking photos for those quintessential mountain photos. It’s what we drove all this way for and I was just hoping we wouldn’t get rained out!
When we arrived, all of Big Bend was literally in a cloud! I have never experienced that before, as it’s usually sunny or just a little cloudy like you can see here. It was truly breathtaking! The clouds surrounding us made the most epic backdrop for a truly unique elopement experience in Glacier National Park. The clouds moved in and out, encompassing us, then parting, still giving us the mountain views we came for. We danced in the rain, embraced the elements that Glacier gave us, adventured in the clouds and truly had the best time. I think these are some of my favorite photos I’ve ever taken and it took everything in me to not include every single image in this blog post, so I hope you enjoy Macy and Zeb’s moody Glacier National Park elopement in the clouds!
Vendors:
Glacier National Park is one of the most stunning and adventurous places to elope in the U.S. With its towering mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and diverse landscapes, it’s the perfect location for couples who want to get married in an epic and intimate setting.
Stunning Scenery
Glacier National Park is home to some of the most stunning landscapes in the country. From alpine lakes to lush mountaintops, every location in the park provides the most beautiful backdrop for your elopement. Seriously, you could just pull over on the side of the road in Glacier and get the most epic views! You can’t go wrong with any location in Glacier. It’s one of my favorite parts about being an elopement photographer in Glacier National Park!
Secluded and Intimate
Unlike traditional wedding venues that often come with large crowds and a structured timeline, eloping in Glacier allows you to have a private, stress-free experience. Many areas of the park are remote and quiet, ensuring that your elopement remains an intimate celebration between just the two of you (or with a few close loved ones). And I’m here to help you plan your elopement every step of the way!
Adventure
For couples who love the outdoors, Glacier National Park is the perfect spot for the adventure seeking couples out there! You can incorporate hiking, canoeing, or even horseback riding into your elopement experience. Imagine exchanging vows at sunrise after a short hike to an alpine lake or celebrating with a sunset picnic at a scenic overlook!
Unique and Unforgettable Memories
Every season in Glacier brings something unique, from vibrant wildflowers in the summer to golden colors in the fall. The ever-changing weather and landscape make every elopement unique and special. No two couples will have the same experience, ensuring that your elopement day is truly one-of-a-kind!
If you and your partner want a wedding day that feels more like an epic experience rather than a traditional event, a Glacier National Park elopement might be the perfect fit for you! I wrote a whole blog post on how to elope in Glacier National Park if you want to check out what the process looks like.
Let’s chat here! Or you can learn a little more about me and how I approach an elopement day here! 🙂
Glacier National Park // Kalispell // Whitefish // Flathead Valley
Sarah Joy Photo is a Montana based wedding, elopement and family photographer. Serving Glacier National Park and the surrounding area, but available for travel worldwide. Specializing in nostalgic imagery on digital + film, with a heart for telling your story in an honest and organic way.