elopement + INTIMATE WEDDING
photography in montana and across the US.
est. 2012
photography
Kristina and Garrett are still in the newlywed phase and they are just so dang so cute together.
They were married in Salt Lake City and had a big, downtown wedding. Now the couple resides in Great Falls, Montana, and they decided that they wanted photos taken in their new home state.
Montana Elopements
We decided that it would be best if we met in Whitefish, Montana. It was a short drive for me, and it was also a place that Kristina and Garrett have visited before. They told me that they had fallen in love with the beauty of this specific area.
I rented a mountain condo so I could arrive the night before to do some location scouting.
When I awoke the next morning, I discovered snow, cold, and cloud-covered mountains. At first, I was bummed, since I was hoping to capture some photos with an epic mountain backdrop. However, I am always prepared for plans to change and was able to reroute the location to a backup spot.
Meet Garrett + Kristina
After about an hour of photographing at the pond, we decided to head out to the lake in hopes the mountains would make an appearance. Finally, the clouds broke away and we were able to capture some beautiful mountain and lake images. This couple was so natural and playful together, which helped to make the photography session amazing.
We had one more stop at this green, open field, filled with flowers to finish off the day. Barns and mountains were acting as our backdrop for the photos. As we began to wrap things up, the clouds rolled back in and the temperature dropped down. We were thrilled that the sun cooperated for at least a little while.
We also had some fun with hats and a cool white leather embroidered jacket. Having extra accessories was fun to add to the sessions. Not only do they create a new look, but they also can help with posing and bringing out someone's personality.
We were praying that the clouds would roll away long enough for the sun to shine.
The couple met me at the condo to touch up hair and makeup and get dressed. Kristina had found a beautiful boho-style dress that was just perfect. It boasts an open back, a gorgeous lace pattern, with a fringe on the end, completing the look. Garrett looked dashing in his Military uniform.
Garrett and Kristina's day
Resources for Eloping
Marriage license costs $53, payable by cash, money order, visa, or mastercard.
If one or both of the parties are not 18 years of age, there are special requirements.
Must each have a social security card number and a second form of ID such as Drivers License, Passport, an original or certified copy of a birth certificate.
Info needed for application:
Date of Birth of both applicants
City, county and state/foreign country of birth of both applicants
Father's first, middle and last name
Father's current city and state of residence
Father's state/foreign country of birth
Mother's first, middle and maiden name
Mother's current city and state of residence
Mother's state/foreign country of birth
If either party was previously married, the dates of previous divorce/dissolution or spousal death along with the county/state of the occurrence.
Something to consider about the seasons is the popularity of trails and traffic you may run into. Summer generally has higher traffic due to the warm weather, while you may see fewer people during the colder seasons. Another thing to consider is what day you want to have your elopement. Weekends typically see higher traffic, not only on the trails but also with vendors. Vendors get booked up on the weekends rather quickly, so choosing a weekday might provide the most flexibility.
Summer is the season for hiking in this area. And the sunsets and sunrises are always spectacular.
Hiking is easier in the summer, so if you are planning on trekking up mountains, this may be the easiest time of year to do so.
Summer
Gorgeous snowy backdrops. Cloudy days can make for AMAZING, dramatic backdrops in the winter, you can do fun activities such as build a fire, roast s’mores, have a snowball fight, enjoy a sleigh ride, and more!
It may be cold, but there is something about winter photos that are just pure magic.
Winter
Beautiful fall colors sweep this state in the fall. Be prepared for jaw-dropping yellow and orange backdrops. Shimmering aspen trees and waving meadows.
Fall
Springtime in Montana is all about new life, and the flowers that grow here grow in an abundance. They will create a fairy-like backdrop for your special day.
Another thing to consider about spring is trails will be rather mucky due to the melting snow and rain. In some places, the snow lasts well into the spring as well. Something to keep in mind when planning out your elopement.
Spring
GLACIER NATIONAL PARK
700 miles of hiking trails, mountain biking, fishing and more.
Entrance Fee $35.00/ 7 day car permit
Going to the sun road requires an additional online reservation and $2.00 fee from May 28th- September 6, 2022
Call for reservation at 1-877-444-6777 or visit www.recreation.gov
You may purchase a Glacier National Park Annual Pass for $70
There is also a 2022 America the Beautiful- The National Parks and Federal Recreational lands annual pass for $80 ( We went with this option!!)
Experience some of the best white water rafting in Montana, a world-class fly fishing tour, and unique lodging in Glacier.
Horseback riding, Mountain Biking, Sailing, lake cruises, wake surfing, kayaking, paddleboarding and more!
ANDY GUY OUTFITTING AND GUIDE SERVICE
Offering first-class fly fishing trips on the Swan, Flathead, Blackfoot, Clarkfork and Missouri Rivers
Additional Resources
inda's Bridal Images & Mr. Tux
bridalimagesmrtux.com
After 5 & Weddings
www.after5andweddings.com
J Scott Couture
www.jscottcouture.com
Montana Wildflour Baking Company www.montanawildflour.com
Fleur Bake Shop
www.fleurbakeshop.com
Miss Patti Cakes
www.misspatticakes.com
Bridal Bliss Hair & Makeup by Lana
www.bridalblissmt.com
Ty Nykole
www.tyleighsanykole.com
Montana Wedding Hair And Makeup
www.montanaweddinghair.com
Flathead Farmworks Kalispell Montana www.flatheadfarmworks.com
Conrad Floral Bigfork Montana
Rose Petal Floral Columbia Falls
www.rosepetalmt.com
Chanelle Carlin
www.chanellecarlin.com
Marry Me in Montana
Sally Hanger
sallyhanger@gail.com
Kate Berry with Elope Montana
Chrysta Bourne Kalispell Montana
406-890-3597
Reach out!
Close your eyes and visualize a day specially designed to be intimate, intentional and all about you. Do you see your day waking up in a cabin, getting your first look at sunrise and saying you're vows on a mountain top at sunset? Perhaps an intimate gathering of a few close friends and family in the woods? How about sharing your first kiss while being splashed by an ocean spray?
If this is your vibe, then an elopement + intimate wedding may be exactly what you are looking for. Use the form below to reach out to me to start planning your dream wedding day with Aspenglow Photography!
Issues with the form? Email me directly at anita@aspenglowphotography.com
