Summer engagement session at Lake McDonald || Brynn and Corey

Brynn + Corey’s playful engagement session in Glacier National Park

Brynn and Corey’s summer engagement session at Lake McDonald was such a fun one! Brynn reached out to me last minute for their engagement session while they were visiting from Florida and I thankfully had some availability in my calendar! We planned their session for sunset on a beautiful August day at Lake Mcdonald. We adventured around together and had so much fun! During the session, Corey even surprised Brynn by re-proposing with an upgraded ring! After capturing some stunning photos along the lakeshore, they wrapped up the evening by getting in the lake for a few photos, which were so fun and carefree!

Lake McDonald is one of my favorite locations in Glacier National Park for an engagement session or elopement. Its combination of accessibility, stunning scenery, and variety of locations along the lake makes it a an easy choice! Below are a few of the top reasons why Lake McDonald is the perfect choice for your engagement session.

First, there is absolutely no hiking required! Unlike many areas in Glacier National Park that require long hikes, Lake McDonald offers incredible views with minimal effort. The lake is easily reachable by car, with multiple pullouts and parking areas providing direct access to the shoreline. The terrain is mostly flat, making it easy for anyone to navigate, whether dressed casually for an engagement session, or in formal attire for an elopement! 

Second, Lake McDonald is close to the West entrance of Glacier National Park, making it one of the most convenient locations in the park. This is especially helpful for those on a schedule or looking to fit a session into a busy day! The proximity also means easy access to parking, restrooms, and nearby accommodations.

Another great reason why Lake McDonald is a great photo session location, is that there are multiple spots along the Lake that you can stop to take photos at! For instance, this elopement was at a completely different area of Lake McDonald and just as stunning! The lake stretches for ten miles, offering a variety of stunning photo locations. Because there are so many location options along the lake, you can usually find at least one spot that isn’t too crowded! It also means that you have lots of backup location ideas if one spot is occupied.

One of my favorite spots along Lake McDonald, and where we chose to have Brynn and Corey’s engagement session, is 10 mile pull out (Aka Jackson Bay)! 10 Mile Pullout is a great location due to its accessibility and scenic backdrop. Unlike more crowded areas near Apgar Village, this spot is less populated, making it more private for your session or elopement! It’s also located a little further down Going-To-The-Sun-Road,  which means the mountains are closer, making for the most epic photos!

If you are visiting Lake McDonald and want a few fun activities during your trip, here are a few of my favorites!

• Boat Rentals & Kayaking – Rent kayaks, canoes, or paddleboards from Apgar Village and explore the lake at your own pace.
• Scenic Boat Tours – Take a guided boat tour for stunning views and historical insights without the effort of paddling.
• Picnicking – Relax at one of the lakeside picnic areas and enjoy the scenery.
• Short Hikes – Nearby trails like Rocky Point offer easy, scenic walks.

I am so excited to share images from Brynn and Corey’s engagement session! If you are looking for a photographer for your upcoming session or elopement, you can read a little more about me here and contact me here!