*shot on film and digital*

Let’s be honest: the first thing you picture when you hear “mountain elopement” isn’t “oooh, luxury”. Mountain elopements are often associated with lacing up some hiking boots and enjoying a trailside picnic. But as a Montana elopement photographer and full-service elopement planner, I’ve had the pleasure of documenting love stories in various settings. From being completely immersed in nature to enjoying candlelit dinners beneath towering pines… No two elopements are alike, which is truly such a beautiful thing in itself. So whether you’re in the market for some Montana luxury mountain elopement inspiration, or for ideas on how to elevate your adventurous elopement, you’re in the right place!

Montana Luxury Mountain Elopement

As elopements and intimate weddings have taken the world by storm, so has the idea of quiet luxury. Many couples are attracted to the idea of an elopement, but don’t want to sacrifice on the details. I am a huge advocate for encouraging engaged couples to lean into what feels right for them – whether that be an elopement or a traditional wedding. When couples find themselves faced with a “dilemma” that makes them feel like they can only have one or the other, they often feel like they have to sacrifice their desires to fit into a nice little box. Eloping is an opportunity for couples to ensure that their entire day (or weekend) highlights their relationship – whether that be along the shores of an alpine lake, or slow dancing beneath a glistening chandelier in an industrial venue space. 

Hosting a luxury mountain elopement can be as elaborate or as subdued as you and your partner imagine. If you’re struggling with overwhelm and executing a perfectly you, luxurious elopement, I’ve put together my best tips to take all the guessing out of the game. 

How to Plan a Luxury Mountain Elopement

Dream Together

As a past bride, dreaming with my (now) husband was key to executing our dream elopement. After we had soaked up the early parts of our engagement, we were able to sit down together and really start envisioning our elopement. While I understand firsthand just how overwhelming elopement planning can be, there’s just something about dreaming of big things and how you want your best day ever to actually look. 

Make a little date night dedicated to sitting on the couch, creating a Pinterest board, and having fun together imagining the day you say “I do”. Pull inspiration for apparel, dining, activities, locations, decor, etc. I also want to encourage you to not feel pressured to stick to one vibe at this stage in planning. If there are multiple color palettes or even location examples that you’re drawn to, lean into them until you start narrowing your choices down later. 

Additionally, if you’re not quite sure what the beginning stages of elopement planning look like, I have an entire blog dedicated to what steps you should take after popping some champagne. I walk you through what comes after the dreaming phase, how to set a budget, and when to secure your “must have” wedding vendors. You can check that blog out here!

Decide on a Location

There are several factors to consider when deciding on the perfect elopement location. Weather, activities, when tourist season is, how remote the location is, and accessibility are all factors to consider. I feel like I could probably write a novel about choosing the perfect elopement location, but I’ll do my best to keep this concise. Your elopement location is one of the biggest ways to make a huge impact.

Whether you’re leaning towards a budget-friendly luxury elopement or you couldn’t care less about the price tag, location is everything! While it might sound obvious, be cognizant of the typical weather for the time in which you plan to elope. If eloping in the Winter is up your alley, don’t be afraid to treat yourself to the best of both worlds. Perhaps you’re envisioning some snowy bridal portraits paired with a cozy studio space ceremony. Not to sound like a broken record, but the options are truly endless. 

Eloping in Northwest Montana

My best tips for finding the perfect elopement location, however, is to consider locations that mean a lot to you and your partner. Perhaps you two always stayed in a cute little mountain town every Winter with each other’s families growing up – wouldn’t that just be such a sweet, full circle moment? Alternatively, consider locations that are on your bucket lists! Eloping in a brand new place is exhilarating, and gives you a fun place to return to for your anniversary. Don’t be afraid to look at locations beyond a super “touristy” area. For example, while I love photographing Glacier National Park elopements, there are other locations in Montana that offer picturesque mountain views. 

As a disclaimer, be aware that the location you choose will affect what vendors are available for your nuptials. Remote locations can bring some unique challenges when searching for vendors! Pickings may be slim for florists, catering, or hair/makeup artists. Additionally, the vendors that are in the area may up-charge their services simply because of the scarcity and supply/demand. 

Choose an Elopement Photographer and/or Elopement Planner

When it comes to curating a luxury elopement, enlisting the expertise of a wedding industry professional is key. I highly recommend hiring an elopement photographer (and/or elopement planner) in the earlier stages of planning to ensure a stress-free experience. Not only are those professionals a great resource to bounce ideas off of, but they can actually help you make your dreams a reality. Between vendor connections and all the tips that only a wedding professional would know, the help is invaluable. 

Because I have been a bride who also just so happens to work in the wedding industry, I can confidently say that the insider tips from professionals alone is enough to make the investment well worth it. For elopements specifically, there are many factors to consider. From permits to prohibited decor on certain lands. The last thing a couple wants to hassle with is spending hours researching which location in a national park allows ceremonies, which roads are closed, or even what type of permit is needed to tie the knot. A knowledgable elopement photographer and/or elopement planner is that right-hand resource that is worth every penny.

Benefits of Hiring an Elopement Planner for Your Luxury Elopement

1. Communicates with preferred vendors who are vetted to ensure the best experience.
2. Incorporates unique design elements tailored to your tastes.
3. Keeps within budget to ensure complete peace of mind throughout the planning process.
4. Builds a timeline to keep your day moving smoothly. 
5. Makes your dream elopement a reality through design, coordination, and sourcing.
6. Researches restrictions, regulations, permitting information, and more to make sure no stone is left unturned. 
7. Scouts unique, “off the beaten path” locations for your “I do’s”.

It’s no secret that a full-service elopement planner is an investment. While I personally offer planning as an add-on to my couples, it’s not a cost that every couple is willing to splurge on. If you’re dreaming of a luxury elopement but also saving where you can, I highly recommend checking out my Northwest Montana & Glacier National Park Ultimate Elopement Planning Guide. Reap the benefits of my preferred vendors, exclusive planning tips, a tablescape lookbook, vendor contact email templates, packing lists, timeline mockups, and more! Your luxury mountain elopement is just a click away.

Book Additional Vendors + Activities

Spoiler alert: just because you’re eloping, doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice! Once you’ve secured your elopement photographer (or planner), book any additional vendors needed to bring your luxury mountain elopement to life. This is really where the “dreaming stage” comes into play as you start to reach out to elopement vendors. From lush florals to a luxury picnic for two, a live painter to a custom cake adorned with local blooms, there’s no shortage of vendors to make your vision a reality. 

When booking your additional elopement vendors, don’t forget to take care of your booking any reservations for activities. Montana offers a wide variety of elopement activities to fill your day with. From hiking through Glacier National Park to whitewater rafting down the Madison River, the biggest issue is narrowing the list down to fit within your timeline.

Consider Logistics

I like to call this step “Reason #193 to Hire an Elopement Planner”… As much fun as planning your luxury mountain elopement is, be sure to consider the logistics. Not only is an elopement timeline key to a smooth day, but so is taking care of the legalities to ensure you can get married! Between juggling what time your makeup artist arrives, a sudden road closure due to icy conditions, and when the cake needs to be picked up, it’s all too easy for things to fall through the cracks. 

No matter how grand or intimate your elopement is, the day really does fly by. You deserve to soak up every second of your day. Pass the metaphorical baton that is your “to do list” and focus on marrying your boo-thang. Period. 

Montana Luxury Elopement Photographer | Sydney Breann Photography

My biggest encouragement to you when planning your Montana luxury mountain elopement is to go for it. Book the vendors you’ve had your eye on for years. Splurge on the floral crown that has been pinned on your Pinterest board for at least a decade. Dance under a sky full of stars while your closest people sip champagne beneath string lights among the pines. 

Searching for more elopement planning resources? Check out some of my top elopement planning blogs below! And of course, be sure to follow along on my Instagram (@sydneybreannphoto) for sneak peeks, exclusive tips, and more. Until next time, are you ready to wander?

Montana Elopement Planning Resources

How to Elope in Montana
Top 5 Places to Elope in Montana
50 Activities to Do on Your Elopement Day
How to Elevate Your Elopement
Couple’s Guide to Preparing for Your Elopement
Splurge vs. Save: Elopement Edition

Vendor Team:

Planning and Design- Sydney Breann
Venue- Block Fifty
Florals- Flower Child Florals
Rentals- Empress Tents and Events
Cake- Bakes and Cakes by Brie
Hair and Makeup- Bridal Bliss
Gowns- Raw Golden Rentals