Kimmy + Josh

Magical September elopement along Going-To-The-Sun-Road in Glacier National Park

I cannot wait to share this incredible Going to the Sun Road elopement in Glacier National Park! Kimmy and Josh were one of the very first couples to book me after I moved to Montana, and I will forever be grateful for them. They secured their date far in advance, which meant I had months to look forward to their day…and let me tell you, the wait felt so long in the best way!

Last summer, I drove down to Hyalite Canyon near Bozeman to photograph their engagement session while they were in town. I’m so thankful we made that happen because it gave us the chance to connect before the wedding day! From the second we met, I adored them. They are genuinely some of the kindest, most relaxed, fun humans. Our session felt effortless, and by the time their elopement rolled around, I felt like I was meeting up with friends instead of clients!

We started their wedding day at the most epic treehouse Airbnb called the Montana Treehouse Retreat for getting ready photos and their first look. This spot is such a great airbnb option if you are looking for something unique for your getting ready space! It was tucked into the trees and felt so private and peaceful. Josh wore the coolest green suit jacket that added such a unique vibe to his look. I love when couples lean into personal style choices like that.

After we were all dressed and ready for the day, we piled into the car and began the drive toward East Glacier. We picked up my girl Kmac along the way, and having her there was the best decision ever! She shot film while I shot digital, and not to toot our own horn or anything, but we honestly made the perfect team haha!

And now let’s talk about what makes a Going to the Sun Road elopement so magical.

Going-to-the-Sun Road is one of the most iconic drives in the country! The road stretches roughly 50 miles across the park, cutting through mountain passes, valleys, waterfalls, and jaw-dropping overlooks. Every few minutes, the scenery offers something new changes, which makes it an absolute dream for an elopement timeline. The road offers so many different locations that you can stop at, from Sun Point, to Logan Pass, to Lake Mcdonald…just to name a few! Instead of staying in one location, you can turn your wedding day into an adventure! 

That’s exactly what we did for Kimmy and Josh’s day.

We spent the afternoon slowly making our way along the road, stopping at all of my favorite pullouts. They booked me for a full day of coverage, which allowed us to really take our time and enjoy each spot, never feeling rushed. We had a few spots that we planned for, and then a few more in the moment spots that we stopped at along the way! The variety you get during a Going to the Sun Road elopement is unmatched.

They chose to have their ceremony at Rising Sun, along the shoreline of  St. Mary Lake. They exchanged private vows, cut a small cake together, and spent time together just the two of them (well…and us!). It was simple and intentional in the best way.

And somehow (I truly don’t know how),  we timed the lighting perfectly at every single stop. I honestly think this was the best lighting I’ve ever had from start to finish on an elopement day. As golden hour approached, we made our way to Big Bend, and the sunset was unreal. A hazy, glowing, golden light wrapped around the mountains and made everything feel dreamy and cinematic. I’ve been to Big Bend a million times and this was hands down the most gorgeous light I’ve ever seen there!

Throughout the day, Kimmy and Josh continued to show how thoughtful they are. They packed the cutest lunches and snack bags for all of us, which, let me tell you, is elite elopement planning!

We ended the night at a local dive bar, grabbing beers and taking fun flash photos to close out the celebration. It felt like the most perfect, relaxed ending to a day that was equal parts epic and intimate. And then, because she is truly an angel on earth, Kimmy handed me the sweetest goody bag filled with thoughtful gifts. I will never forget that!!!

Kimmy and Josh’s Going to the Sun Road elopement was everything I love about photographing intimate weddings in Glacier National Park. Intentional. Adventurous. Relaxed. Beautiful. A full day experience filled with adventure and fun!

If you’re dreaming about a wedding day that feels like an adventure through the mountains, a Going to the Sun Road elopement might be exactly what you’re looking for. And I would be honored to document it! You can check out more of my work on the blog here, and you can contact me here!

Vendors:

Airbnb: Montana Treehouse Retreat

Hair: SG Bridal

Florals: Bison Floral

Second Shooter/Film: Photos by Kmac

Dress shop: Your Day by Nicole

Suit: Halbertstad’s Broadway