Are you dreaming of an epic Montana elopement surrounded by stunning natural beauty? Montana is the place to go! I recently shot an elopement in Montana and was blown away at how magical it was. In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about where, when, and how to elope in Montana.
Why Elope in Montana
A Montana elopement is incredible for many reasons. Here’s why I love helping and joining couples eloping in Montana:
- Its natural beauty is jaw-dropping, with over a hundred mountain ranges, glacial lakes, rushing rivers, and more.
- There are countless picture-perfect Montana elopement locations, with something for almost every couple.
- Montana has 2 national parks and 9 national forests, which are ideal for outdoor adventurists.
- The marriage application process is relatively simple, and anyone ordained (including me!) can officiate the ceremony.
- There are tons of activities to enjoy after the elopement for an epic honeymoon experience.
When to Have a Montana Elopement
Montana is gorgeous all year long, so you can’t go wrong any time of year. With that said, each season offers a unique experience.
A Winter Elopement
While winters in Montana look like a wonderland, it’s very cold and isn’t for the faint of heart. If you and your love enjoy the snow and want backdrops that look like a storybook, you’ll love having your ceremony in winter. Elope at Glacier National Park, and you’ll be surrounded by snow-capped mountain views.
A Spring Elopement
A Montana elopement in spring can bring various experiences – all amazing! Early spring will likely still have some snow for beautiful surroundings without being as frigid as winter. Late spring gets a little warmer, flowers start to bloom, and the wildlife is abundant. The weather’s also great for an outdoor adventure elopement during spring.
A Summer Elopement
If warm, sunny days are what you’re looking for for your dream elopement, summer in Montana is perfect. It’s warm during the day with cooler evenings. The days are also longer, and there are so many gorgeous places to say “I do.”
A Fall Elopement
Montana offers a breathtaking colorful outdoor elopement during fall. Fall foliage and outdoor activities make this time of year incredibly special. There are also fun fall festivals for couples who enjoy local activities.
Let’s check out Montana’s weather by month:
| Month | Average Low | Average High | Average Precipitation |
| January | 15.1°F | 32.8°F | 0.81 in. |
| February | 20.1°F | 39.5°F | 0.57 in. |
| March | 26.4°F | 47.6°F | 1.12 in. |
| April | 34.7°F | 57.5°F | 1.74 in. |
| May | 44.0°F | 67.4°F | 2.48 in. |
| June | 52.5°F | 78.0°F | 1.89 in. |
| July | 58.3°F | 85.8°F | 1.28 in. |
| August | 57.3°F | 84.5°F | 0.85 in. |
| September | 47.1°F | 71.8°F | 1.34 in. |
| October | 37.2°F | 58.9°F | 1.26 in. |
| November | 25.6°F | 42.7°F | 0.75 in. |
| December | 17.7°F | 34.5°F | 0.67 in. |
For other adventure elopement locations, you might be interested in reading this article about a Colorado elopement.
How to Elope in Montana
If you’re interested in legally getting married in Montana, the steps are pretty simple:
- Apply for your marriage license online with the county clerk for the destination you want to elope. Some counties require you to print out a form and bring it in person when you arrive.
- Pick up your marriage license when you get to your elopement destination. If you’ve filled out your application online, you should be set with that. However, both parties will need to have additional documents in hand: driver’s license, birth certificate, and proof of divorce (if applicable).
- You’ll also need to check to see if your venue requires any permits to hold your ceremony. This is necessary whether you elope in Montana or not.
If you’d rather keep things all fun and skip the legal stuff in Montana, you can always just do the elopement ceremony and get married on paper in your home state.
To learn more about how to elope, check out this ultimate elopement checklist.
Montana Elopement Locations
One thing these elopement locations in Montana have in common is that they’re surrounded by natural beauty. From mountain ranges and glistening lakes to green grasslands and abundant wildlife, every location is special. Whether you’re looking for a simple ceremony or an adventurous experience, there’s something for everyone!
Some of the top spots to elope in Montana are Glacier National Park, Kootenai National Forest, Bozeman, Lolo National Forest, and Lone Mountain Ranch.
Glacier National Park
One of Montana’s most iconic sites, Glacier National Park, is an incredible elopement destination. This 1,583-square-mile wilderness area boasts glacier-carved peaks and valleys and more than 700 miles of hiking trails. There are countless gorgeous backdrops for an elopement in Glacier National Park, including Lake McDonald, the Logan Pass, West Glacier, and East Glacier.
Kootenai National Forest
Kootenai National Forest offers an exciting elopement experience in Northern Montana. With many outdoor activities and unique rugged beauty, this is the perfect spot for an adventurous couple looking for picturesque views. There are so many places to tie the knot around the forest that it’s easy to find secluded spaces for an intimate ceremony.
Bozeman
For more outdoor adventures and beauty, Bozeman is incredible for a Montana elopement. This vibrant mountain town is filled with dramatic mountain hikes, rock climbing opportunities, and gorgeous parks. I recently shot an elopement at Hyalite Canyon Reservoir, which was breathtaking! There are also tons of unique hiking trails popular for saying “I do” and hidden gem destinations.
Lolo National Forest
For a national forest elopement off the beaten path, Lolo is perfect. Lolo National Forest is situated in west-central Montana and covers two million acres. It’s an ideal destination for couples who enjoy hiking and camping. During the winter, there are also tons of fun winter sports.
Lone Mountain Ranch
For a convenient, romantic ceremony, Lone Mountain Ranch is an amazing place to tie the knot. Lone Mountain Ranch is in Big Sky, nestled between the Montana Rockies, rivers, and grasslands. Explore, say “I do,” and stay in a historic private cabin on-site.
Montana Elopement FAQ
Let’s take a look at answers to common questions to help you prepare for your elopement!
When’s the best time to elope in Montana?
Montana is beautiful all year long! Summer and fall offer the nicest weather and stunning scenery, while winter and spring are chilly but beautiful.
Do I need a permit to elope in Montana?
Some locations for eloping in Montana do require a permit. You can do a quick search for a specific location to find out, or you can work with a photographer/planner (like myself!) who can help figure out these logistics. If you do need a permit, the cost is usually between $50 and a few hundred.
How much does it cost to elope in Montana?
Your Montana elopement can be as affordable or pricy as you’d like! Since there are so many incredible locations to choose from, it’s easy to work with just about any budget. Your elopement cost will depend on many factors, including your location, vendors, activities, and time of year.
Ready to plan your Montana elopement?
Montana is gorgeous and offers some of the most incredible backdrops in the country! If you’re ready to make the wedding of your dreams a reality, Among the Pines would love to help.
I’m an adventure elopement photographer who can help you execute the perfect wedding day. Not only do I take photos to help you to remember your big day and share it with loved ones, but I also help assist with the entire planning process, including picking your location, sorting out the logistics, booking vendors, and more.
CHLOE + CONNER
Brooke is professional, prepared, and provides all the peace of mind that a bride needs on her wedding day. Because of our conversations leading up to the day, I had no doubt that she would capture every important moment and more. Throughout the day, she was present and helpful, but never overbearing or controlling. She beautifully captured the moments that happened naturally & her experience allowed for insight and ideas that I wouldn't have thought to ask for but that I'll now cherish forever! She is flexible, understanding, and patient, and looking back, we can't imagine our day without her. If you are looking for someone to capture your wedding day, or just any day, Brooke is your girl. She goes above and beyond to serve her clients, and she is absolutely gifted at what she does.
"SHE GOES ABOVE AND BEYOND TO SERVE HER CLIENTS, and she is absolutely gifted at what she does."
Linden + Brent
In the end, her creativity and our happiness totally shine through in every single photo. Brooke made both of us feel so at ease, from our individual sessions before we had our first look, to strolling through downtown Ouray, to our ceremony and in the scenic spots we visited afterwards. Her talent is beyond compare and we are absolutely thrilled with our gallery of photos we will treasure forever. We give Brooke our highest recommendation and can’t wait to work with her again!
"Throughout the entire planning process, Brooke was honest and flexible, and made it clear that her goal was for us to be 100% happy."
Emily + Nick
Brooke is hands down the most talented photographer I have ever met in my entire life. I gave her my inspiration and she took it and made it into something entirely unique and beautiful. Brooke was able to work with my budget and offer me options. Along with all of this, she was always there to communicate with me from ideas to concerns. The day of never goes as planned, she was thrown curveball after curveball and dodged them all with ease. The photos we received memorialized the best day of our lives and we are forever grateful for the beautiful artwork she created.
"we are forever grateful for the beautiful artwork she created."
ERICA & ZACH
Brooke was booked to do our wedding June 6th. However, the virus hit and we were afraid we wouldn’t be able to have our wedding in June so we decided to go ahead and get married with just our parents there. I called Brooke and told her our plans and literally we were getting married in a week and she was so quick to say yes and capture our day for us. She helped make our day very special. She was super fun and made Zach and I feel very comfortable. I got my pictures back and I felt so overjoyed to see the happiness and love I felt on that day. Even though we didn’t have our wedding like we planned, it was still very special and Brooke was a big hand in that. She truly captured some very special memories that I will have for the rest of my life.
"SHE TRULY CAPTURED SOME VERY SPECIAL MEMORIES THAT I WILL HAVE FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE."
Our wedding was in Kentucky in September. Brooke not only traveled for us but made a custom package for us because we had a unique situation. She took pictures the day before, and just seemed to be in the right place at the right time. She met with me before the wedding and we communicated a few times up to the wedding about my specific requests, and she hit the nail on the head. I am so very thankful for Brooke's story-telling, organic nature. She captured our wedding for exactly what it was and what I will remember it to be...full of joy, laughter, love and hope for the future!
"I AM SO VERY THANKFUL FOR BROOKE'S storytelling, organic nature."
JENNA + JOSH
KRYSTAL & BRANDON
She’s professional, creative, organized, kind, and just a blast to be around. She made my husband comfortable instantly in front of a camera so she’s a miracle worker too. We can’t stop staring at our photos! So many people keep telling us how amazing they are!
"YOU WON'T FIND A PHOTOGRAPHER BETTER rounded than brooke!"
Jessica & Robby
Brooke has a true talent. She is able to tap into and capture moments you didn’t even realize were happening. Absolutely 100% recommend Brooke and her beautiful pictures. We booked her services for our engagement pictures and then immediately realized we needed to have her for our wedding also. I’m already preemptively dreaming of the anniversary shoot I want!
"Brooke will make you feel comfortable and like a friend - she will take your ideas and inspiration and produce something better than you thought."
Rori + Eli
Brooke truly listened to what we wanted as a couple, our hopes, and took time to understand our "vibe," which came through in her work she delivered.
I can't thank Brooke enough for her amazing work - seriously the BEST decision we made and brings me to tears each time I look at these beautiful, photographic memories we'll have forever.
ALYSSA & HUNTER
Not only is Brooke an amazing photographer, but she is so fun and easy to work with! She made the whole process feel natural and comfortable for someone who typically feels awkward and weird while getting pictures taken! I love all of the pictures and I highly recommend Brooke as a photographer!
"SHE MADE THE WHOLE PROCESS FEEL natural & Comfortable."
ALI & KYLE
That's exactly what Brooke does, she captures a story. No words needed. You can see it and feel it. You can remember the exact moment and how you feel for that person and see how they feel about you. Her intuitive eye has only gotten sharper. I can’t wait to see what other adventures await for her to capture.
"SHE CAPTURES A STORY, NO WORDS NEEDED. you can see it and feel it."
Christy + Austin
Brooke is the absolute best. She truly went above and beyond for my fiancé and I to be able to get our engagement photos taken with the fall colors. Our engagement session with Brooke was such a special experience and a memory we will cherish forever.
Brooke is so sweet, fun, personable and incredibly talented. We could not be more in love with our engagement photos!
