Best Places to Elope in Montana

Best Places to Elope in Montana

I’m back! It’s your favorite Montana Elopement Photographer.  After my compelling arguments about why you should elope, I’m glad you agreed. I figured I should give you some options just to seal the deal.

Growing up in such a beautiful state, I may be slightly biased, but there’s no better place to get married.  There are endless places to escape, and there’s something for everyone and every situation.

So, without further ado, here’s the list of the Best Places to Elope in Montana

1. Glacier National Park
   1. Lake McDonald: Some say this is the most beautiful lake in the world.  And with that clear, glassy water and those stunning views, it’s not hard to argue that they are correct. No hiking necessary.
   2. Avalanche Lake: For those who want a hike (6 miles total, out and back) but don’t want to be covered in sweat for their photos.  The view at the end is pretty incredible as well. The most challenging part of this one: the parking.
   3. Iceberg Lake: A bit longer and a more demanding hike (9.5 miles out and back). Amazing views await you at the end; there’s a good chance for wildlife viewing along the way.
   4. Hidden Lake: The parking here is almost impossible, but if you can figure that out, wildlife viewing is a given (big-horned sheep, mountain goats, and marmots).  The hike (5 miles out and back) is easy, but you’ll also share the trail with about 1000 other hikers. 
   5. Grinnell Glacier/Lake: This hike (11 miles out and back) can be challenging with a more significant incline.  But the views and the giant glacier at the end make for a one-of-a-kind experience.  Who doesn’t want to jump into a freezing, glacial lake after “I do”?
   6. Cracker Lake: My favorite hike (12 miles out and back) that passes by a ghost town and ends at a turquoise lake.  You can also spy several mine shafts and places to camp once you arrive.
   7. Apgar Lookout: The steepest of the climbs on this list, the hike (7 miles out and back) winds you to a high point near the west entrance to the park.  The views of nearly the entire park (including Lake McDonald) make it all worth it.
   8. Sun Point: This is the one for you if you want to hike but not hike (.25 miles out and back).  Easy parking and a leisurely stroll to the rocky overlook make it an ideal spot.  Watch out for the wind!
2. Hungry Horse Reservoir, Columbia Falls: No hiking necessary, and “dam” cool views will surround you.  Easy access in the winter makes it ideal for a snowy wedding!
3. Big Mountain, Whitefish: Ever want to get married on a ski hill with amenities close by?  This is the way to go.  Hikes of all different difficulties and lengths, amazing views all around you, and a lounge at the top for after-wedding beers make this an ideal spot. Oh, and the town of Whitefish is only a ten-minute drive!
4. Holland Lake, Seeley Lake: This one is a bit confusing.  Holland Lake is the destination, and Seeley Lake is the town (although a beautiful lake in its own right).  A series of hiking trails, a lodge, and a quiet lake filled with camping spots make this a great spot for those who want an outdoor honeymoon after the vows.
5. Quinn’s Hot Springs: Newly renovated grounds and steamy waters make this a hot spot for those tired of winter and looking for a relaxing place to hang out.  Cabins and lodges on the property make for good options to stay after your ceremony.  Make sure to book well in advance, as Montanans quickly tire of the snow and cold weather.
6. Bannack Ghost Town: The first of the ghost towns on the list.  Montana is home to over 50 ghost towns from the Montana Gold Rush.  Bannack is unique in that it was renovated to preserve the town, but it is also preserved in a way that showcases the original city.  One hour and twenty minutes to Butte, MT.
7. West Yellowstone: This lovely little town is right outside the west entrance to Yellowstone Park.  Not a lot of hiking, but it is a picturesque town.  It’s also located close to Hebgen Lake if you want to camp or stay on a beautiful lake.
8. Virginia and Nevada Cities: The second and third ghost towns on our list are located within miles of each other.  These have been modernized and have modern accommodations and conveniences.  However, they are also modeled after the original towns.
9. Chico Hot Springs: A cute hot springs 30 minutes from Livingston, Montana.  It’s also very close to the north Entrance to Yellowstone Park.
10. Paradise Valley, Livingston: A beautiful valley with endless views and many hiking opportunities. Elope to Paradise Valley and stay at the…
    1. Sage Lodge: This modern yet rustic lodge is close to both Paradise Valley and Livingston, MT.
11. East and West Rosebud Lakes, Livingston: A short drive from Livingston, but the views, hiking options, and camping are worth it for the extra-adventurous couple. Added bonus: both are close to Granite Peak, Montana’s highest mountain peak.
12. Lava Lake, Bozeman: This six-mile out-and-back hike offers a moderate hike with a beautiful destination for a brief ceremony.
13. Mystic Lake, Bozeman: Another six-mile out-and-back hike is a quick trip from Bozeman with stunning views. Watch for announcements about the trail being closed for work and maintenance.  
14. Palisade Falls, Bozeman: This is another one of those “you like to hike but don’t want to be sweaty for the ceremony” hikes.  It’s considered an easy out-and-back hike of just over a mile.  But the Falls and the time outdoors make it an ideal spot for those who want to keep their makeup for the ceremony.
15. Beehive Basin, Bozeman: This trail filled with amazing views is our first round-trip, loop trail and is about 7 miles in length. It’s a little more challenging than some on the list, so perfect for a little more adventure and lots of great picture opportunities! 
16. Hyalite Lake, Bozeman: With a lake at the end well worth the views, this 11-mile out-and-back hike is significantly longer than most on the list and is somewhat challenging. The views and picture-taking at the end are worth the extra effort.
17. Fairy Lake, Bozeman: Find this beautiful location after an easy 1.2-mile loop hike, or drive right up to the jutting mountain lake views, but be aware – the road getting there can be very rough.  If you choose this one (for the name or the views), rent the right car!
18. Bridger Bowl, Bozeman: The second of our ski hills on the list, this one is close to Bozeman, with many options for places to stay in addition to the fantastic views and hiking/skiing options.
19. Big Sky, MT: This resort town is close to Bozeman and RIGHT by the ski hill.  Many incredible options for places to stay, trails to hike, and places to ski/snowshoe make this an ideal spot for an elopement.
20. Beartooth Pass, Red Lodge: If you love a good drive, this is the spot for you.  Stunning views abound on this scenic highway just outside of Red Lodge.  Many places to stop and take pictures along this route, but the winding road is not for those with motion sickness.
21. Red Lodge, MT: This scenic mountain town is perfect for a centrally located elopement.  With beautiful drives, many hikes, and unique places to stay, this is a special place on the list.  Stay at the Pollard Hotel for a memorable and rustic experience.
22. 4 Dances, Billings: A unique recreation area just outside Billings, this location provides river views, an easy 1.5-mile loop hike, and many options for places to stay, eat, and entertain yourselves after the ceremony.
23. Bighorn Canyon: A short drive from Billings, located near the Wyoming border, this recreation area has “unique-for-Montana” river and rock formation views. Not many people will be able to claim they took wedding pictures in a place like this. Be aware of the potentially long drive to anywhere with places to eat or stay.
24. Makoshika State Park, Glendive: This one slightly differs from most places on the list.  Located in the eastern part of the state, this state park is home to desert-like landscapes and several dinosaur digs that unearthed T-Rex and Triceratops skeletons from the prehistoric past.
25. Kendall Ghost Town, Lewistown: The last of the ghost towns on our list, this one is a bit different. Gone are most of the buildings and most vestiges of what used to be a town of 10,000 people.  Still visible are the bank vault and the town cemetery located just over the hill from the few standing walls that remain.
26. Augusta, Montana: Although small in size, Augusta is the gateway to the Bob Marshall Wilderness area.  If you love a big adventure, a long hike, and planning a backpacking trip to cool places like the Chinese Wall, this is the place for you!
27. Showdown Ski Hill, Great Falls: The last of our ski hills on this list, Showdown is considerably smaller and more quaint than the others. With that in mind, there would be many quiet places for a small, intimate ceremony.  Beware of the long drive to civilization from this location, but many places to camp and backpack make it a viable option.

Although the list looks extensive and exhausting, these are just a few of the options that await you and your elopement in Montana.  If you and your soon-to-be spouse find another place you’d like to try, you found the right elopement photographer to tag along for your adventure.  See you out there!