Glacier Wedding Guide 2020

WEDDING PLANNING GUIDE

glacier, montana

wedding tips & inspiration

glacier wedding guide 2020 / rockymountainbride.com

1

2

rockymountainbride.com / glacier wedding guide 2020

Cinematic Wedding Filmmaker @whitefishproductions

|

|

www.whitefishproductions.com

Montana + Beyond

|

bz@whitefishproductions.com

L u x u ry ta b l e to p r e n ta l s fo r yo u r wedding, din n er or special eve nt.

BR I DE Glacier 2020

local wedding guide editor Tasha Tagliani

digital team

ONLINE STRATEGY MANAGER - Laura Osborn ONLINE CONTENT CURATOR - Savannah Reynolds SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER - Katie Mathe

canadian editorial staff EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Celynn Bowman ASSISTANT Carly Cooper

COPYWRITER Lily Harris

us editorial staff COLORADO + NEW MEXICO Brit Tucker Kline IDAHO + MONTANA + WYOMING Mackenzie Stevens UTAH + COPYWRITER Vanessa Walker

print graphic design Kiley Jack

operations ACCOUNTING Lynn Kiefer PUBLISHED BY RMB Media, LLC

PUBLISHER Erika Oltmann

DISTRIBUTION

• Ja c k s o n H o l e b a s e d • s e r v i n g t h e R o c k y M o u n ta i n s a n d b e yo n d .

X o w yo . c o m i n fo @ x o w yo . c o m @ x o w yo a n d c o B r o u g h t to yo u b y t h e t e a m b e h i n d x o w yo pa p e r + p r e s s

Disticor Magazine Distribution Services Storefronts in the U.S. & Canada shop.rockymountainbride.com

contact INQUIRIES - hello@rockymountainbride.com SUBMISSIONS - submissions@rockymountainbride.com ADVERTISING - rockymountainbride.com/advertise proudly printed in the rockies Rocky Mountain Bride Magazine is published by RMB Media, LLC. All rights reserved. No portion may be duplicated, in whole or in part, without the written consent of its publisher. We greatly appreciate those who have contributed to this publication. Contributors’ opinions are their own and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Rocky Mountain Bride.

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication. The publisher assumes no responsibility for accuracy of information or omissions from the material provided.

Rocky Mountain Bride cannot be held liable for the quality or performance of goods and services rendered by the advertisers published in this magazine. We reserve the right to refuse advertising.

FOLLOW ALONG WITH

ROCKY MOUNTAIN BRIDE /rockymountainbride

@rockymtnbride

@rockymtnbride

rockymtnbride

IN ORDER FROM TOP LEFT TO RIGHT @carlybutlerphoto | @haileylarsonphoto | @crystalcousinphoto | @carrie_patterson @mathildebresson | @lesleeuribephotography | @annaclairebeasley | @jacdodgephoto | @forthewestandwildphoto glacier wedding guide 2020 / rockymountainbride.com

5

alicia lucia photography

EDITOR’S LETTER

Being born and raised in Colorado, I found my love for the Rockies in a state that holds so many beautiful places. Through the years, I’ve been lucky enough to travel to many of the other states across the Rockies and have found a certain charm to all of them. Something about the fresh air blowing through the evergreens, or the sand blowing across the Southwest deserts, and the aqua blue lakes in the north, I couldn’t think of a better place to say “I do!” than the Rockies.

As I begin to plan my own Rocky Mountain wedding using RMB, I hope that within these pages you will find all the inspiration and tips you need to make your day everything you want it to be. We’ve scouted the best of the best in your area to provide you trusted local vendors. xo

Tasha @tasha_rockymtnbride

GROUSE MOUNTAIN LODGE

Rustic Meets Majestic on Your Big Day.

BOOK YOUR WEDDING TODAY

glacierparkcollection.com/weddings

GLACIER PARK LODGE

Begin Life Together on a Grand Scale.

BOOK YOUR WEDDING TODAY

glacierparkcollection.com/weddings

16.

32.

Table of Contents

LOVE STORIES beginnings

28.

courtney + brandon - Glacier National Park weddings

16.

mackenzie + blake - Columbia Falls

22.

allie + marshall - Many Glacier

22.

I N S P I R AT I O N 33.

lakeside elopement - Glacier National Park

INFO 12.

glacier 101 - Seasonal weather and activities

14.

make it official- Where to get your license

38.

rehearsal dinner spots

41.

venue guide - Where to tie the knot

clockwise from the top: jennifer mooney, macy spencer photography, j. vigil photo, macy spencer photography, kristann photo

33.

28.

Missoula, Montana | www.velvetbride.com

10

rockymountainbride.com / glacier wedding guide 2020

GLACIER “i’m in love with montana. for other states i have admiration, respect, recognition, even some affection. but with montana it is love. and it’s difficult to analyze love when you’re in it.” - john steinbeck j. vigil photography

j. vigil photo

GLACIER 101 Advice for a perfect Glacier trip featuring the weather and favorite spots of the area. Planning ahead can make all of the difference for your guests and you.

jennifer mooney weddings

S E A S O N A L W E AT H E R With its close proximity to snow dusted mountains and Glacier National Park, Glacier County and Whitefish shine as an ideal wedding location in the Rockies. From June to August, the weather is warm and sunny, making it the most popular time of the year to tie the knot. If you are looking for that summer wedding vibe and plenty of rays, July might be your best bet with average temps around the low 80s. On the other hand, if you are wanting a cozy and cool ambiance to your day, look to December when the area is often blanketed with snow. For a more moody day, check out January. While there is a chance of clouds, storms instantly add a dramatic feel, and they say rain on your wedding day is good luck, right?

12

rockymountainbride.com / glacier wedding guide 2020

kristann photo

W H AT T O P A C K Guiding guests on what to pack for your wedding can take a lot of the guesswork out of their decision. Feel free to add your wedding attire, whether it be cocktail casual or black-tie optional, to your wedding website. Here is also a great place to add little tidbits too, such as packing a shawl for the cooler months or sunglasses if you are having an outdoor summer ceremony.

ACTIVITIES Experience the jewel of Montana at Glacier National Park filled with evergreen forests, alpine meadows, snow capped mountains and pristine lakes. With more than 700 miles of hiking, there are trails for all levels of experience. Near Babb, Iceberg Lake Trail is a nine mile, out and back, moderate trail featuring stunning mountain views in every direction. Pack a picnic and head to Avalanche Lake. After a short two mile hike, you will be met with a breathtaking waterfall cascading into the lake.

If hiking isn’t your thing, jump in the car and take the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road. The road is open year round, but the most stunning parts are only open seasonally, typically from late June or early July to the middle of October. The 50-mile drive takes about two hours and offers countless opportunities for wildlife viewing and spectacular views, especially from Jackson Glacier Overlook between Logan Pass and St. Mary.

For local shops, art galleries and award-winning dining, head to downtown Whitefish, the gateway to Glacier National Park. Stroll down Central Avenue lined with shops and with views of Whitefish Mountain Resort in the distance. Pop into Whitefish Pottery for assorted stoneware and ceramics made by artisans from all across the state, then sit down for dinner at Buffalo Cafe & Nightly Grill with locally sourced specials and Montana brewed beers.

glacier wedding guide 2020 / rockymountainbride.com

13

14

rockymountainbride.com / glacier wedding guide 2020

Make it official In the state of Montana, you can get your marriage license at any county clerk’s office. Your partner and you must both be in attendance with proper identification. You will be asked multiple questions while you are there such as when and where are you getting married or if you’ve had any previous marriages. The state of Montana does not require you to be a resident or have a blood test, and Flathead County does not require witnesses. It will cost you $53 to be paid at issuance of the license, and the license is valid for 180 days but must be returned within 30 days.

Glacier County Clerk 512 E Main, Cut Bank, MT Flathead County Clerk 800 South Main, Kalispell, MT For further information call or visit: 406-873-5627 www.glaciercountygov.com

jeremiah & rachel photography

Makenzie + Blake w e at h e rw o o d h o m e s t e a d

While Makenzie and Blake technically met while interviewing for the same graduate program in St. Louis, Blake does not remember this meeting at all! However, fate knew this pair made a good match, and the duo reconnected later and started dating.

After three years of dating, Makenzie and Blake’s graduate school friends planned a reunion trip to St. Louis. Makenzie had a sneaking suspicion that Blake might propose, but the whole weekend took her by surprise. Blake proposed in front of the famous St. Louis Gateway Arch, and then the pair’s family and closest friends all came out of hiding to celebrate with the couple! Makenzie and Blake planned a modern rustic wedding for June 29th.

real wedding

glacier wedding guide 2020 / rockymountainbride.com

17

real wedding

18

rockymountainbride.com / glacier wedding guide 2020

real wedding

COMIC RELIEF

Makenzie and Blake’s ceremony was performed by Makenzie’s childhood Catholic priest, who postponed his retirement to marry the couple! The ceremony was also filled with unintentional comic relief starting with Blake forgetting one of the lines in his vows and ending with Makenzie dropping her engagement ring while trying to make room for her new wedding band.

glacier wedding guide 2020 / rockymountainbride.com

19

-VENDORSVenue Weatherwood Homestead | www.weatherwoodhomestead.com Photographer Jennifer Mooney Weddings | www.jennifermooney.com Videographer Caitlyn Cutler Films | www.caitlyncutler.com Caterer & Rehearsal Dinner The Cuisine Machine | www.cuisinemachinecatering.com Sweets Fleur Bake Shop | www.fleurbakeshop.com Florist Mum’s Flowers | www.mumsflowersonline.com Invitations Minted | www.minted.com Paper & Calligraphy Nat’s Paper Studio | www.natspaperstudio.com Chicago Factory | www.chicagofactory.com Bridal Boutique Nordstrom | www.nordstrom.com Gown Designer Amsale | www.amsale.com Bride’s Veil Toni Federici | www.tonifederici.com Bride’s Jewelry David Yurman | www.davidyurman.com Bridesmaid Attire Show Me Your Mumu | www.showmeyourmumu.com Groom’s & Groomsmen Attire Banana Republic | www.bananarepublic.com Groom’s & Groomsmen Accessories The Tie Bar | www.thetiebar.com Hair Melanie Hobus | @melaniehobus Makeup La Vita é Bella | www.lavitaebellamt.com Bride’s Ring Betz Jewelers | www.betzjewelers.com Rentals Empress Tents & Events | www.empresstentsevents.com Music & Entertainment M&T Productions | www.djmykey.net Lodging The Lodge at Whitefish Lake | www.lodgeatwhitefishlake.com Transportation Montana Trolley Co. | www.montanatrolleyco.com Mini-moon Banff National Park Officiant Father Tom Haffey

20

rockymountainbride.com / glacier wedding guide 2020

ADVICE FROM THE BRIDE

“Remember things are going to go wrong – undoubtedly. But they are moments and opportunities to learn more about your significant other and grow together through the stress.”

glacier wedding guide 2020 / rockymountainbride.com

21

Allie + Marshall g l a c i e r n at i o n a l pa r k

Allie and Marshall met while Marshall was attending military training. Right after his training ended, Marshall drove two hours to meet Allie at a little ice cream shop called Polly’s Freeze. The pair immediately knew that their connection was different and very real. Within two weeks, Allie and Marshal were head-over-heels in love with each other. After only one month into their whirlwind romance, Marshall proposed to Allie on vacation in the Dominican Republic with Allie’s late grandmother’s ring. Allie and Marshall planned an intimate elopement for August 23rd.

real wedding

WILD & FREE “We wanted this to be about the two of us and our love in a beautiful place where we felt wild and free. We just wanted to profess our love to one another and read personal vows in an intimate ceremony in the mountains. Our whole day was absolutely amazing, but our favorite moment was the very intimate vow ceremony surrounded by mountains where we both shared tears and beautiful words.”

glacier wedding guide 2020 / rockymountainbride.com

23

real wedding

24

rockymountainbride.com / glacier wedding guide 2020

ADVICE FROM THE BRIDE

“Do what YOU want for your special day. Your elopement/wedding is for you to share your love with your partner and not to impress guests. Be free, be wild, explore together, be raw, and be happy!”

-VENDORSVenue Glacier National Park Photographer J. Vigil Photo | www.jvigilphotography.com Florist Made by the bride!

Bridal Boutique David’s Bridal | www.davidsbridal.com Gown Designer Galina Signature Bride’s Shoes Merrell | www.merrell.com Groom’s Suspenders Natural Leather | www.naturalleathershop.com Bride’s Ring Wedding Band: Shane Co. | www.shaneco.com Engagement Ring: Bride’s grandmother’s ring Groom’s Ring Element Ring Co. | www.elementringco.com Groom’s Shoes Ariat | www.ariat.com Lodging Airbnb glacier wedding guide 2020 / rockymountainbride.com

25

26

rockymountainbride.com / glacier wedding guide 2020

GEMGALLERY.COM 402 EAST MAIN BOZEMAN, MT (406) 587-9339

glacier wedding guide 2020 / rockymountainbride.com

27

Courtney + Brandon g l a c i e r n at i o n a l pa r k

real beginnings

Courtney and Brandon originally met through their church, but the pair didn’t truly connect until they were both hanging out at a mutual friend’s house. The pair bonded over Brandon teaching Courtney how to properly throw a football, and their love story deepened over long country drives in Brandon’s Chevy as they talked for hours.

glacier wedding guide 2020 / rockymountainbride.com

29

real beginnings

DOUBLE PROPOSAL

After almost two years of dating, Brandon brought Courtney back to Lone State Park, where the couple had shared their first date. As the sun began to set, Brandon proposed to Courtney with a simple gold band. Just a few weeks later during their engagement session, Brandon surprised Courtney again with a second proposal with her dream ring!

30

rockymountainbride.com / glacier wedding guide 2020

real beginnings

kristiann photography | www.kristiann.photography ring riddle’s jewelry | www.riddlesjewelry.com

photographer

glacier wedding guide 2020 / rockymountainbride.com

31

inspiration

Lakeside Elopement

Lush green forests, hundreds of lakes and some of the most stunning mountain vistas around make Glacier National Park one of the most popular places in Montana to elope. Inspired by the natural beauty of the state, Macy Spencer brought in colors of blues, pinks and greens for the shoot to compliment the scenery.

inspiration

34

rockymountainbride.com / glacier wedding guide 2020

inspiration

HANDWRITTEN VOWS

Along the shores of Lake McDonald, the largest lake in Glacier National Park, say I do and share special handwritten vows and heartfelt words with your love. The crystal blue lake glimmers as high snow-capped peaks surround the shores for the ultimate, breathtaking elopement backdrop.

glacier wedding guide 2020 / rockymountainbride.com

35

C R E AT I V E T E A M Venue Glacier National Park Photographer & Planning Macy Spencer Photography | www.macyspencerphotography.com Videographer Jade Flanagan Films | www.jadeflanaganfilms.com Florist Mum’s Flowers | www.mumsflowersonline.com Bridal Boutique Velvet Bride | www.velvetbride.com Gown Designer Wtoo | www.watters.com/wtoo Hair & Makeup Kristyn Nicole Hair | @kristynnicole.hair Hair Accessory Lune + Stone | www.lunaandstone.com After Ceremony Drinks Big Sky Brewing Co. | www.bigskybrew.com Models Breanna & Dusty

36

rockymountainbride.com / glacier wedding guide 2020

B E LT O N G R I L L D I N I N G R O O M

rehearsal dinner spots

Inside the Belton Chalet, which served as the original gateway to Glacier National Park for over a century, find the Belton Grill Dining Room and Belton Tap Room. With an outdoor elevated deck and original 100-yearold fireplace, the restaurant features world-class cuisine in a warm and welcoming environment that shows off everything Montana summers have to offer.

12575 US-2, West Glacier | 844 868 7474 | www.glacierparkcollection.com

C Y P R E S S YA R D Nestled in between Whitefish Ski Resort and downtown Whitefish, Cypress Yard is a Mediterranean-inspired, farm-to-table restaurant.

Cypress Yard features three unique spaces for intimate indoor gatherings and summertime outdoor events. The Chef’s Table can seat up to 14 guests, while the outdoor patio tent can accommodate 50 guests. Finally, the Gallery can seat 50 guests or 60 guests for a cocktail party.

204 Wisconsin Avenue, Whitefish | 406 897 4772 | www.cypressyard.com

CASEY’S A mix of Whitesh’s history and today’s luxury, Casey’s is a landmark on Central Avenue. The reclaimed wood and brick evoke a rustic feel, while the kitchen serves up farm-fresh and Montana-first dishes. Breathtaking views can be captured from the rooftop Sky Bar during the beautiful Montana summers. Multiple floors and large, open spaces provide a flexible layout for any type of event.

101 Central Avenue, Whitefish | 406 862 8150 | www.caseyswhitefish.com

jennifer mooney photography

j. vigil photography

S U M M I T M O U N TA I N S T E A K H O U S E Just outside Glacier National Park in Summit Mountain Lodge, Summit Mountain Steakhouse prides itself on using fresh, local beef, produce, and making everything from marinades to salad dressings in-house. The food is rivaled only by the east glacier restaurant views. Inside the restaurant can seat 40 guests, while the newly expanded deck can seat an additional 36 guests.

16900 Highway 2 West Marias Pass, East Glacier Park | 406 226 9319 | www.summitmtnlodge.com

T H E L O D G E AT W H I T E F I S H L A K E The Lodge at White Fish Lake offers a variety of private dining spaces with stunning views featuring dishes from the property’s restaurants.

The Boat Club Private Dining Room showcases unmatched views of White Fish Lake and can seat up to 12 guests. For larger parties, the Regatta Room also features lake views in a cozy setting with a fireplace that can seat up to 50 guests.

1380 Wisconsin Avenue, Whitefish | 406 863 4000 | www.lodgeatwhitefishlake.com

BONFIRE Located in the heart of Woods Bay, just south of Bigfork, Montana, sits Bonfire serving up dishes that encourage sharing of stories and the day’s adventure. From classic favorites to eclectic combinations, the chefs at Bonfire create delicious, locally-inspired fare that packs a punch of flavor like the Bison Stroganoff, Korean Fried Chicken and Thai Duck Curry.

15300 Montana Hwy 35, Bigfork | 406 692 6026 | www.montanabonfire.com

glacier wedding guide 2020 / rockymountainbride.com

39

G L AC IE R WHI T E F IS H

B A RN

RES TA U RA N T

C H UR CH

C O U N T RY C LU B

T H EAT RE

PA R K

ES TAT E

M U S EU M

GL A MP ING

U RB A N

LO D G E

HOT E L

RES O RT

G A RD EN

RA NCH

Many Glacier Hotel

Lake McDonald Lodge

H U.

86 y4 wa igh

Lake McDonald

o ute S. R

3

9

Belton Chalet Whitefish Lake

The Lodge at Whitefish Lake

Glacier Raft Company

Grouse Mountain Lodge Firebrand Hotel

Great Northern Resort

Blue Star Resort

Green ValleyRanch Under Canvas Hungry Horse Reservoir

Weatherwood Homestead

ut

e2

Dimaond B Weddings

o U. S. R

Flathead Lake Lodge

Swan Lake

Flathead Lake

te 2 Rou S.

Big Mountain Ranch

Bar W Guest Ranch

U.

Star Meadows Ranch

Glacier Park Lodge

Izaak Walton Inn

glacier

V E N U E S

atanaha event center

29048 broken leg road

bigfork, montana

406 837 2231 www.atanahaeventcenter.com

bar w guest ranch

2875 us-93

whitefish, montana

406 863 9099 www.thebarw.com

belton chalet

12575 us-2

west glacier, montana

406 892 2525 www.glacierparkcollection.com

double arrow lodge

301 lodge way

seely lake, montana

406 677 2777 www.doublearrowresort.com

firebrand hotel

650 east 3rd street

whitefish, montana

406 863 1900 www.firebrandhotel.com

flathead lake lodge

150 flathead lodge road

bigfork, montana

406 837 4391 www.flatheadlakelodge.com

big mountain ranch

1876 voerman road

whitefish, montana info@bigmtnranch.com www.bigmtnranch.com

blue star resort

1840 tamarack lane

columbia falls, montana

406 800 1235 www.bluestarresortmt.com

glacier park lodge

499 state road 49

east glacier park village, montana

406 892 2525 www.glacierparkcollection.com

diamond b weddings

2909 danford lane

kalispell, montana

406 261 8622 www.diamondbweddings.com

glacier raft company weddings and events

106 going to the sun road

west glacier, montana

406 888 5454 www.glacierraftco.com

glacier camp

17482 o’neil road

lakeside, montana

406 844 2114 www.glaciercamp.org

glacier wedding guide 2020 / rockymountainbride.com

41

great northern resort

12127 us-2

west glacier, montana

406 387 5340 www.greatnorthernresort.com

lake mcdonald lodge

288 lake mcdonald lodge loop

west glacier, montana

855 733 4522 www.glaciernationalparklodges.com

green valley ranch

300 desert lodge road

coram, montana

800 698 0458 www.greenvalleyranchmontana.com

many glacier hotel

1 route 3

babb, montana

303 265 7010 www.glaciernationalparklodges.com

grouse mountain lodge

2 fairway drive

whitefish, montana

406 862 3000 www.glacierparkcollection.com

snowline acres

3315 us highway 93 south

kalispell, montana

406 752 1440 www.snowlineacres.com

holt stage hideaway

2053 holt stage

kalispell, montana

406 270 1258 www.holtstagehideaway.com

star meadows ranch

4750 star meadows road

whitefish, montana

406 862 8006 www.starmeawdowsranch.com

holland lake lodge

1974 holland lake lodge road

condon, montana

406 754 2282 www.hollandlakelodge.com

the barns at big mountain ranch

1876 voerman road

whitefish, montana info@bigmtnranch.com www.bigmtnranch.com

izaak walton inn

290 izaak walton inn road

essex, montana

406 888 5700 www.izaakwaltoninn.com

the barn at finley point

33213 south finley point road

polson, montana

406 887 2444 www.barnatfinleypoint.com

42

rockymountainbride.com / glacier wedding guide 2020

the lodge at trout creek

135 squire lane s

trout creek, montana

406 827 2700 www.thelodgeattroutcreek.com

under canvas glacier

101 under canvas road

Coram, montana

888 496 1148 www.undercanvas.com

the venue at montana 45

6000 state highway 35

bigfork, montana

406 253 0747 www.thevenueatmontana45.com

weatherwood homestead

931 kelley road,

columbia falls, montana www.weatherwoodhomestead.com

the lodge at whitefish lake

1380 wisconsin avenue

whitefish, montana

406 863 4000 www.lodgeatwhitefish.com

quinn’s hot springs resort

195 quinn’s canyon road route 135

planis, montana

406 826 3150 www.quinnshotsprings.com

Industry?

new to the

e m a i l : h e l l o @ ro c ky m o u n t a i n b r i d e .c o m

BR I DE VENUE GUIDE

Lily Ann Photography

whitefish

grouse mountain lodge 2 Fairrway Drive, Whitefish | 406 862 3000 | www.glacierparkcollection.com

Discover a Whitefish hotel that’s seconds from downtown and on the doorstep of Glacier National Park. Grouse Mountain Lodge, part of the Glacier Park Collective, pairs spectacular mountain views and unique cozy charm with modern, luxury lodge amenities. With nine banquet rooms and outdoors spaces, Grouse Mountain Lodge can accommodate any size of wedding. From the idyllic Outdoor Pavillion, which offers secluded forest views, to the Continental Divide room, which can seat up to 200 guests, Grouse Mountain Lodge is perfect for weddings in every season from summer to winter. If you are picturing a more intimate affair, the lodge offers special wedding packages for groups up to 30 guests and access to their private wine room as a reception option. With customized menus fitted to your tastes, allow the renowned culinary team and event staff to cater to your every need. Let nature be your witness as you say I do at Grouse Mountain Lodge.

venue spaces

outside catering

accommodations

Indoor + Outdoor Weather Backup

No

Yes

seating capacity

outside alcohol

pet friendly

Up to 200 Seated

No

Yes

curfew

coordinator required

10:00 p.m. for Outdoor 12:00 p.m. for Indoor

No

west glacier

glacier park weddings at great northern resort 12127 Highway 2 East, West Glacier | 406 387 5340 | www.glacierparkweddings.com

jennifer mooney weddings

Glacier Park Weddings at the Great Northern Resort is an outdoor venue offering beautiful views of Glacier National Park for your ceremony and a gorgeous, tented reception space that can hold up to 200 guests. The ceremony site is a grassy, tiered area where you can see the peaks of the park. The reception tent is strung with soft bistro string lighting and draped with beautiful ivory fabric throughout the tent offering a classy, yet, outdoorsy view. Since the venue is a blank slate, you can design the evening you have always envisioned. Whether you want to keep it simple with communal farm tables or have a more glamorous look with round tables and white tablecloths, the sky’s the limit. No matter if your guests are traveling clear across the country or just down the road, the property offers classic chalet lodging as well as activities like whitewater rafting and spectacular fly fishing.

venue spaces

outside catering

accommodations

Outdoor

Yes

Yes

seating capacity

outside alcohol

pet friendly

Up to 200 Seated

No

Yes

curfew

coordinator required

11:00 p.m.

Yes glacier wedding guide 2020 / rockymountainbride.com

45

west glacier

glacier raft company weddings and events 12400 Highway 2 East, West Glacier | 406 888 5454 | www.glacieroutdoorweddings.com

jennifer mooney weddings

Located just outside the west entrance to Glacier National Park, surrounded by meadows, mountains and ponds, sits the Parkview Pavilion at the Glacier Raft Company. The secluded wedding venue can seat up to 200 guests and includes a picturesque ceremony site with the mountains of Glacier National Park in the background. Between the stunning ceremony space and the gorgeous open air log pavilion for your reception, this is one of Montana’s most pristine wedding sites. Everything you need sits inside the 2,400 square foot pavilion, including tables, chairs, bathrooms, propane heaters, and a custom-made bar to host the wedding of your dreams. The venue also offers on-site catering and cozy accommodations for all of your guests.

Guests can also enjoy a variety of on-site activities like rafting, fly fishing, paddle boarding, horseback riding, and hiking to give you the full wedding weekend Montana experience complete with memories that will last a lifetime.

venue spaces

outside catering

accommodations

Outdoor

Yes

Yes

seating capacity

outside alcohol

pet friendly

170

No

No

curfew

coordinator required

10:00 p.m.

No

columbia falls

weatherwood homestead 931 Kelley Road, Columbia Falls | homestead@weatherwoodllc.com | www.weatherwoodhomestead.com

Specializing in private, custom Montana destination weddings and elopements, the historic Weatherwood Homestead sits on over 200 acres of preserved farmland, meadows and wooded grounds at the edge of the Columbia Mountain range in northwestern Montana. In true tribute to the area’s homesteading heritage, the original owners recovered logs from an ancient granary in the ranching and logging town of Demersville, Montana to build Weatherwood’s Main Cabin. Now two deluxe log cabins, each 100 years old, and a grand rustic event barn, await all Weatherwood Homestead guests. Each wedding package is unique and custom-crafted to suit the nature of the couple’s relationship and needs, including an extensive inclusion list, on-site wedding coordinator, accommodations and dedicated staff. Soon-to-be newlyweds can choose to hold wedding ceremonies at their location of choice on the estate. Favorite areas include the Weatherwood Event Barn and the Homestead Green. Say I do and begin your journey just moments away from Glacier National Park.

venue spaces

outside catering

accommodations

Indoor + Outdoor

Yes

Yes

seating capacity

outside alcohol

pet friendly

Up to 225 Seated

Yes

Yes

curfew

coordinator required

12:00 a.m.

No

whitefish

the lodge at whitefish lake 1380 Wisconsin Avenue, Whitefish | 406 863 4000 | www.lodgeatewhitefishlake.com

mary claire photography

Nestled between majestic mountains and pristine waters lies Montana’s only AAA Four-Diamond rated resort - The Lodge at Whitefish Lake. Inspired by the grand lodges of the past, The Lodge offers genuine Western hospitality to create cherished moments and lasting memories. With indoor and outdoor ceremony and reception spaces, The Lodge makes for a yearround wedding destination. The Lodge offers more than 8,000 square feet of indoor banquet space for receptions and winter weddings. During the summer months, the Lakeside Lawn and Pavilion are the ideal pair for an iconic Whitefish wedding with Whitefish Lake glistening as the backdrop for your big day. For smaller weddings, the Lakeview Regatta Room provides an intimate setting with a fireplace and views of the lake. The Lodge’s wedding sales and event manager will provide expertise to assist in planning your day, and the venue’s professional catering and special events team will ensure your wedding day flows according to plan.

venue spaces

outside catering

accommodations

Indoor + Outdoor

Yes

Yes

seating capacity

outside alcohol

pet friendly

Up to 200 Seated

No

No

curfew

coordinator required

10:00 p.m.

No

introducing

Q & A with

Jennifer Mooney By: Erin Mitschele What is your favorite part of the job?

Making peoples’ dreams come to a reality, and being able to make any wedding day beautiful.

What is your favorite tool of the trade?

Not quite a “tool”- but one of my favorite additions is a cathedral veil! Veils add so much story & impact to an image, and the creativity with a veil to capture a couples’ romance & intimacy is endless!

What is one thing you wish you could educate your clients on?

Invest in the right details. Especially, what you are wearing, your hair, makeup, and floral. Though beautiful photographs can be taken with beautiful elements surrounding- it takes team work between photographer & client to create a beautiful vision. The primary thing that compliments and takes a photograph to the next level is the level of investment in details.

Do you have a favorite wedding moment?

There was a couple eloping in Glacier Park a few years ago, and 2 weeks before their wedding date, the bride was diagnosed with cancer. My bride shared these intimate details with me so that I would understand their emotion on their wedding day, but she asked me not to tell her family who also would be there.

As they told each other their vows on Lake McDonals, they both started crying while saying “until death do us part”- and I could not hold back my tears behind the lense. I know the depth of this moment, and the family was smiling blissfully.

The best part of the story is that years later we have stayed in touch, and she is cancer free.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Trusting yourself, and not outside voices. Being absolutely content with your decisions, and knowing that you did the best; you know!

What is your favorite journey?

Hands down, traveling to Greece. It was my first venture to Europe- and my most recent trip back to Europe.

What are you saving up to buy?

Adventures. Beyond any car, house, camera, or expensive purse, I’m always saving up for the next adventure to go on! Travel is such fuel to my passion of understanding & inspiration!

What is your Astrology sign? Is it Accurate?

I’m a Gemini on the cusp of Cancer. They call this period the “Magic Cusp” and more often than not, I usually relate to being a Cancer, and not so much a Gemini. My conculsion is we are all such unique personalitites, and signs don’t always tell all.

Wedding Photographer & Planner

this - or- that

early bird

night owl

audible

real book

mountain lover

beach bum

spring

fall

band

dj

soup

salad

donuts

cake

hair up

hair down

natural makeup

bring on the drama

tulle

lace

dog

cat

you’re one in

3.7 billion

your ring should be just as original ....right?

No McJewelry here.

42 w. main | bozeman, mt 800.267.9104 alarajewelry.com

earth - conscious | evocative | ethical