As a Montana elopement photographer, it’s not too often that I have couples in front of my lens twice. More often than not, couples come to me having already had their engagement photos taken elsewhere. Or on the flip side, couples visiting Glacier National Park will reach out for engagement photos, but get married elsewhere. So you can imagine my sheer excitement to see a returning couple pop up in my inbox requesting wedding day coverage! Lucy and Ben’s intimate church elopement in Missoula was an absolute vision that I couldn’t have been more grateful to document.

***photos captured in film and digital

An Intimate Spring Wedding in Missoula, Montana

I can’t not include a few of Lucy and Ben’s engagement photos, right?! On a chilly Winter’s day back in March 2023, these lovebirds visited Northwest Montana after just getting engaged. With Blundstone’s in tow (no pun intended 🤣), Lucy and Ben frolicked in the snow in Glacier National Park before cozying up on a rooftop brewery in Whitefish. It was such a fun Winter engagement session, but I’d be lying if I didn’t say how stoked I was for their intimate Spring wedding in Missoula! 

Lucy and Ben are just one of those couples that scream “effortless”. While they’re no stranger to long-distance, and moving across the country, they are just one of those couples that fit. All those miles traveled together and apart lead them to a brand new adventure – as one – in Missoula, Montana. Lucy and Ben’s vision for their wedding was two-fold; they planned to have an intimate Catholic ceremony in Missoula, before having a traditional reception back in Texas. 

The morning of Lucy and Ben’s intimate church elopement began with Lucy heading down to the farmer’s market to pick her own flowers for her bouquet! I still cannot get over just how much fun it must have been for her to be moseying through the market looking for her wedding flowers. Lucy chose some whimsical Spring blooms, tied in a blue ribbon, which created such a fun pop of color with her chic tea-length satin gown. But the real show stopper of her ‘fit was definitely her elegant bridal scarf. Ben looked the part of a classic Western cowboy with his bolo tie and cowboy boots – which are always a good idea.

Montana Elopement and Wedding Photographer | Sydney Breann Photography 

Lucy and Ben’s intimate church elopement took place at the most beautiful, unassuming Catholic church in Missoula. While the exterior of the church is grand, it’s nothing compared to the artistry and architecture tucked away inside. If I knew more about art, I would absolutely gush about it here… But luckily, my photos can do the talking in this department! Their ceremony was just stunning and full of the utmost intention as family took turns reading scripture. 

After Lucy and Ben officially tied the knot, and family photos were wrapped up at the church, we headed to Blue Mountain for bridal portraits. The mountains weren’t the only shades of blue, though! The sky was the most vibrant shade, with little peeks of sunshine here and there. I felt like I was photographing a luxury elopement for Vogue with the way the light bounced off the puffy white clouds. It was perfect. To end our time together for Lucy and Ben’s Missoula nuptials, they popped champagne before heading off to dinner with their people. 

Blue Mountain Elopement | Missoula Wedding Photography

Documenting Lucy and Ben’s intimate wedding in Missoula was such an honor. I think I’ll always feel like no amount of time with my couples feels like enough. Getting to hang out with these Lucy and Ben on the happiest day of their lives was a blessing that I don’t take lightly. Between the intimate glimpse into the beginning of their marriage, to celebrating them in the mountains, I was reminded yet again of just how much I love being a Montana elopement and wedding photographer. 

Searching for even more Montana love stories to swoon over? I’ve gotchu covered! Check out some of my recent musings below. And of course, you can always keep up with my travels, see BTS, and even score some elopement tips over on my Instagram (@sydneybreannphoto). So what do you say? Are you ready to wander?

Montana Elopement Inspiration

Intimate Destination Wedding in Kalispell, Montana
Big Sky, Montana Elopement
Moody Glacier National Park Elopement
2 Day Hiking Elopement
Sunset Elopement in East Glacier
Intimate Wedding Weekend in Northwest Montana