How to Plan the Perfect Elopement

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Include Family and Friends

There’s no reason you have to be the only ones there at your intimate wedding! Invite family and friends to join you, everyone is always looking for an excuse to visit Montana.  Then after the wedding (or before) you can have an amazing vacation together and make memories that will last a lifetime.  Plus, if you have family or friends there, one of them can officiate, no license necessary, Montana keeps it simple and easy.

If you want to keep it just the two of you, ask your parents, siblings or friends to write something that your officiant can read during the ceremony. A word of encouragement or advice from those you love most makes it personal and memorable.

Hire a videographer

Having a wedding video is always nice but having one of your small wedding is the perfect way to share it with everyone back home.

LoveLife Creative does excellent work https://www.facebook.com/lovelifecreativemedia/

as well as http://www.reidgmedia.com/?fbclid=IwAR17c3Td1icIYcxK9OjkAC84Rg3hgfYoUgWwnCynQ03chhs6SuKueR3KPo0

I offer ceremony videos, nothing fancy, but they capture the ceremony which is nice.

See example below:

Set the mood with music

So many people don’t think of doing this, but there is nothing like standing together against a mountain backdrop while live music plays.  The most special ceremonies I’ve photographed have had a live musician.

My favorites are Mike Murray, Luke Dowler, and Keoni Thompson.  I’ve also had a violinist accompany the ceremony and that was so amazing!

Take a tour of Glacier!

I can’t recommend renting a red bus enough! It’s the ultimate way to enjoy the park by yourself or with friends and family.  http://www.glaciernationalparklodges.com/red-bus-tours

Another super fun option is to rent a historic boat for a trip around one of Glacier’s amazing lakes.  http://glacierparkboats.com/

Don’t forget the cake and champagne!

Just because you’re having a small wedding doesn’t mean you can’t have cake and champagne! Plus, they’re some of my favorite photo ops ;) I love Bonjour Bakery and Fleur Bake Shop for cakes.

End the night with a romantic dinner to celebrate.

Whether by yourself or with family or friends, the perfect way to end the day is with an amazing dinner.  And there are so many fun, gorgeous, yummy options!

These restaurants have private dining rooms

Belton Chalet

Lodge at Whitefish Lake 

Wine Room at Grouse Mountain Lodge

Cypress Yard – Outdoor dining area, would need caterer

Glacier Raft Company – Large Pavilion, Small Pavilion, Lodging, as well as a riverside dining option!!

Snowberry Center at North Forty Resort, would need caterer

Glacier Park Lodge (East Glacier)

These are excellent restaurants that could accomadate a larger group.

Summit Mountain Lodge (East Glacier)

Many Glacier Hotel (Many Glacier)

Cattle Baron Supper Club (406) 732-4033 (Many Glacier)

You could also have a private dinner catered at your vrbo or a fancy picnic on the lake! Some of my favorite caterers are Cartwright Catering and Simple Chef. There’s a ton of other amazing ones!