Katie and Adam

Katie and Adam’s Glacier National Park Elopement Full of Bold and Vibrant Details

Katie and Adam planned a Glacier National Park elopement that focused on spending time with their people and letting the day unfold naturally. From the beginning, their priority wasn’t a packed timeline or elaborate details. It was being present, together, in a place surrounded by beauty!

They traveled from Georgia (where I’m from!) and turned their wedding into a full Montana experience. Rather than flying in for a quick weekend, they made a full week out of it, filling their days with outdoor activities, shared meals, and quality time with close friends and family. It felt less like a single event and more like a meaningful gathering to celebrate their union!

The day started in Whitefish at a cabin on Big Mountain, where everyone got ready together. The morning was calm and relaxed. Katie, who is also a wedding photographer, was intentional about keeping the day documentary in nature, which is where I thrive! I was so excited when she told me she wanted minimal posing. She wanted real moments, not forced ones and she did such a beautiful job creating space to let things happen as they naturally would! One of my favorite memories was her sitting on the floor, in front of a mirror, doing her own makeup with her dress gently laying on the bench behind her. Something about it just felt so real and relaxed.

We got everyone dressed, including Katie and her stunning Anthropologie wedding dress, with delicate pearls hanging off of her shoulders. Katie and her girls did a first look together, before we moved on to Katie and Adam’s private first look and vow reading.

One thing that is always a toss up with Glacier National Park weddings is the weather! You never know what you are going to get and you have to be ready to roll with the punches. Katie and Adam’s day started with a steady rain. They were troopers and adjusted with ease, moving their private vows to the deck. We knew the weather could change once we entered the park, so we loaded up the cars and hoped for the best! Katie wanted her guests to experience Big Bend, so we made the drive up there (even saw a moose along the way!) and wow, it delivered! The rain moved out, but we still got the most perfect cloud coverage, creating the most perfectly diffused light. Katie and Adam were complete naturals in front of the camera. I swear I barely told them what to do!

The ceremony took place at Apgar Amphitheater, with Lake McDonald as the backdrop. The rain cleared, the clouds lifted, the sun came out, and they had the most beautiful ceremony surrounded by their friends and family!

After the ceremony, we all went down to the shoreline of Lake McDonald for a few more portraits before we called it a day! The brightly colored bridesmaids dresses and parasols popped against the sunny blue skies! I was so obsessed with all of the photos we took down at the lake. Direct light is some of my favorite light to play with! And with the blue skies, colorful dresses and flowers, it made for the most fun and artistic photos. I think they are some of my favorites I’ve ever taken!

Katie and Adam are two of the most kind humans I’ve ever met and I am so honored that I was able to be a part of their Glacier National Park wedding.

Vendors

Florals: Mum’s

Video: Weddings by Kaden

Dress: Anthropologie

Why Choose to Elope in Glacier National Park ?

One of the biggest reasons couples choose Glacier National Park for their wedding is the scenery! Whether you’re exchanging vows beside Lake McDonald, tucked into a quiet meadow at Cut Bank field, or overlooking the mountain peaks at Sun Point, every direction feels cinematic. 

Glacier is also ideal for couples who value experience over tradition. National park weddings tend to strip away the pressure of doing things a certain way. There’s no grand ballroom timeline or large guest list. It’s just the two of you (and maybe a handful of your closest people) choosing a place that feels meaningful and intimate! The day can unfold slowly: hiking to your ceremony spot, sharing a picnic, popping champagne by the lake, or watching the light change across the mountains. And getting married in Glacier National Park doesn’t mean you have to toss every traditional wedding aspects. Cake cutting, dinner with your friends and families, first dances…this and more is still an option for you. You can customize your wedding day to make the day feel completely like YOU! 

Glacier National Park is also perfect for couples who want their wedding to double as an adventure. From scenic drives along Going-to-the-Sun Road to hiking, kayaking, or simply exploring together, your wedding day (or weekend) can feel like a shared experience rather than a single event!

If you’re thinking about having your wedding or elopement in Glacier National Park, but aren’t sure where to begin, I would love to chat with you here! You can contact me here! And you can check out my blog post on “How to Elope in Glacier National Park” here!

Tips for Planning a Glacier National Park Elopement

Here are a few tips for you if you are planning a Glacier National Park elopement!

Apply for a special use permit.
All ceremonies inside Glacier National Park require a special use permit. Couples will need to apply through the National Park Service before their elopement day. The permit allows you to hold your ceremony at one of the designated locations throughout the park! If you book me as your photographer, I help with every step of this process!

Choose a location that fits your vision.
There are several approved ceremony sites throughout the park, each offering something a little different! Each location offers different views, driving distance, and logistical things such as how many people can be in attendance. You can see all of the ceremony location options here!

Plan for changing mountain weather.
Weather in Glacier is unpredictable and can change quickly, even during the summer months! Always bring an extra jacket, shoes, and socks just in case! Go into your day with flexibility and an open mind for plans to change.

Consider sunrise or sunset.
Sunrise and sunset are often the most magical times for a Glacier National Park elopement. Not only is the light incredible for photos, but these times of day are usually quieter in the park as well! Sunset gives you more of the day to get ready and relax, but your night will be long! On the other hand, sunrise gives you most of the day to be free after the elopement, but your day will start very early!

Work with vendors familiar with Glacier.
Choosing vendors who regularly work in Glacier National Park can make the planning process much easier. Choosing a local photographer (ahem…like me!) is beneficial because we know the best locations, lighting conditions, and permit requirements, and we help couples create a smooth and relaxed elopement day!

Now enjoy a peek into Katie and Adam’s stunning elopement day in Glacier National Park!