A Guide To Planning Your Montana Wedding
Recently engaged and starting to plan your Montana wedding?
This is the place to start!
Montana is a beautiful state that boasts breathtaking landscapes and scenery, making it a popular location to tie the knot, both for destination weddings and locals. Planning a wedding in Montana can be an exciting experience, but it also requires extra considerations and important things to know about. Whether you are traveling from out-of-state, or have spent your entire life here, planning your dream Montana wedding involves everything from choosing the perfect venue, to navigating the state’s climate, and searching for local vendors within budget.
There are of course the standard steps to planning every wedding:
- Pick a date
- Set a budget
- Hire vendors
- Set your guest list and wedding party
- Take engagement photos
- Send save-the-dates and invitations
- Select your menu
- Finalize all the details
And so on…
This article is specifically geared to the additional things you should know when planning a Montana wedding!
Consider the Weather
The first step in planning a wedding in Montana is determining what season you’d like to get married in. Montana has a continental climate, meaning that it can be hot and dry in the summer and cold and snowy in the winter. It’s important to consider the weather when planning your wedding, especially if you want it outdoors. Your proximity to mountains will also affect the weather and severity of storms.
If you’re getting married during the spring, be prepared for a variety of weather conditions. Rivers are very high (and cold) melting snow, and rain is quite possible, sometimes even hail or snow in May. Sometimes you can get the most incredible warm weather while the mountains are still snow-capped. By June, temperatures are usually very pleasant, with very long days. If you are looking for sunset photos, you’ll want to have a later start to your day, as it doesn’t get dark until 10 pm in some areas! July and August tend to be very hot and dry, with little chance of rain. However, a venue with air conditioning may be important for you. This isn’t super common in older venues here, but if you are like me and hate sweating in formal clothes, I would try to find one. On the Western side of the state, forest fires are also possible, mainly later in the summer. Even if you are not near the fire, your mountain views may be obstructed by smoke.
In the fall, be ready for cooler temperatures and possible rain or snow. Fall can be absolutely stunning here, especially if you aren’t a fan of bright greens in the fields. Some years it snows, other years it is 65 and sunny. Fall is a gamble much like spring, but can be really wonderful if you luck out! If you’re getting married during the winter, make sure to have a plan in case of heavy snowfall. Winter weather can be very unpredictable, but also unbelievably beautiful. It is definitely possible to have a winter wedding in Montana, just be prepared with an accessible venue that has a gorgeous interior. If you guests are traveling, a venue near an airport with on-site lodging, hand warmers, and hiring local vendors are key for success!
Choose the Right Venue
Your next step is usually choosing the right venue for your needs. The state has a variety of stunning locations for weddings, from rustic ranches to extravagant lodges, and even fun downtown spots.
If you’re looking for old west charm, a ranch or barn venue could be perfect for you. Many of these venues include on-site lodging and fun activities, giving your guests a Montana vacation! Not all of these venues look rustic, and you can find some classic white, or more modern options throughout the state. Bozeman, Belgrade, Livingston, and Big Sky all have venues with ranch vibes (or even real horses) that feature a more updated style.
If you want a more elegant wedding venue, consider a newer lodge or resort with a stunning view of the mountains or on a lake. There are plenty of modern ski resorts in Big Sky, lakeside getaways in the Flathead area (Lake Como vibes anyone?), and unmatched mountain lodges in Paradise Valley. There are also plenty of what I call “summer camp” venues across the state that have all of the fun activities of the destination hotspots, but a more down-to-earth style, and budget-friendly price tag.
Did you know Montana has venues with city skylines? We sure do! What’s even better, is that beyond the skyline is usually some pretty epic mountain range. Bozeman and Butte both have venues within city limits for the downtown feel, without losing the Montana charm.
If you want to feel like you are eloping in a National Park, but not sacrifice the guest list and dance floor, both Glacier National Park and Yellowstone have wedding venues!
Planning a small wedding? There are lots of Airbnb’s, VRBOs, and other vacation rentals with breathtaking views and room for a celebration. The best way to find options is by reaching out to the listings that would work for you and explain your plan. Although you would probably be saving money on the multi-day booking in place of renting out a lodge or ranch, there are some added costs, like furniture and table setting rentals.
Whatever your preference, make sure you book your venue well in advance, as Montana is a popular wedding destination and venues can book up quickly. However, if you’re one of the lucky couples to have a family property fit for a wedding, we are all very jealous.
Hire Local Vendors
When planning a wedding in Montana, it’s important to hire local vendors. Montana has a strong community of talented wedding professionals who know the area well and can help you create the perfect day. The state is HUGE. You also want to make sure the vendors you are looking at actually service the area your wedding will be in. Some vendors will simply add on a travel fee, which is great if you really love their work! For example, I am based in Livingston, and service within a 3 hour drive for no additional charge. I am always happy to photograph weddings in other parts of the state, but do add on a travel fee for overnights.
Hiring local will also help you plan your day with less stress and have a seamless and personalized experience. The ability to get recommendations on other vendors, fun things for your guests to do, and supporting the local economy are all great reasons to hire within the area. A local vendor will also help you incorporate what makes Montana special into your wedding day. Your florist will know the best in-season and local flowers to give you that wildflower feel, your caterer will know how to perfectly cook your bison tenderloin, and your rental company will have all those little touches to make your decor fit your timeless, yet western style.
When it comes to your wedding photographer, knowledge of the area is extremely important. A Montana based photographer will know their area very well, helping you find THE BEST spots for photos. They will also be familiar with lighting conditions and how the mountains can affect sunset, as well as seasonal nuances that make the state so unique. Beyond the stunning landscapes, a local photographer’s established connections within the community can enhance your wedding experience. They can recommend trusted vendors, ensuring your day turns out the way you want. Additionally, their knowledge of local regulations can be very useful if you are planning a non-traditional wedding. Everything from what you can do in your ceremony location, required permits, and even how to get your marriage license are all important things to know.
Choosing a local photographer and other local vendors not only supports the community but also ensures that you have knowledgeable professionals who are ready to make your Montana wedding as perfect as possible.
Explore the Area – Stay Awhile
Montana is a stunning state with plenty of natural beauty to explore. Make the most of your wedding by extending the experience beyond one day. If you are staying at a venue with lodging, honeymooning here after your wedding, or are local but have plenty of traveling guests, there are some pretty amazing things to do here.
Fun activities for you and your guests, include hiking, fishing, horseback riding, soaking in hot springs, rodeo shows, museum and historical areas, National Parks and state forests, scenic drives, and so much more. If you are a bit more adventurous, try white water rafting, a multi-day backpacking trip on horseback, or a guided fly fishing trip!
Let’s Get Started!
Navigating the steps to plan a wedding in Montana is a journey that encompasses both the practical and the picturesque. From setting a budget to choosing the perfect local venue against the backdrop of Montana’s stunning landscapes, each step is a deliberate move toward creating a celebration as unique as the state itself. Finding great local vendors, embracing your ideal season, booking your dream venue, and experiencing what Montana has to offer all contribute to a wedding day that feels like more than just another Instagram wedding. You are picking this state for a reason, so your day and your guests’ experiences should showcase that! Your Montana wedding is not one singular event, it is an adventure encompassing the planning, the day itself, and all the surrounding experiences. I hope this information helps to ensure that every detail of your day reflects the charm and character of this incredible state. When it comes to capturing your day, your wedding deserves to be documented by someone who not only appreciates the unique charm of the state but also resonates with your vision, and I am genuinely excited about the opportunity to be that photographer for you. Check out my page on weddings, or head over to my contact page to inquire!
