If I had to choose one word to describe Olivia and Tanner’s Glacier National Park elopement, it would be “happy.” Their smiles never wavered as they exchanged private vows, wandered through the mountains, and took in the endless views. Capturing their intimate sunrise elopement at Sun Point was a joyful way to wrap up summer in Glacier National Park. Between the morning alpenglow, a trailside picnic, and wildlife viewing in Big Bend, it felt like pure kismet.

Sunrise Elopement at Sun Point, Glacier National Park

Olivia and Tanner traveled from Missouri to Montana to cross off another national park on Olivia’s bucket list (and to tie the knot, of course). These lovers first bonded over a mutual love of nature—spending many of their first dates in the deer stand, stargazing, and picnicking. As they began planning their Glacier National Park elopement, they emphasized just how important their love of nature was. As a Montana elopement photographer and a fellow nature-lover myself, that was music to my ears! I will forever be grateful for the couples who come my way and share the same admiration for being immersed in all that Mother Nature has to offer.

On an early morning in late August, I met Olivia and Tanner in the parking lot at Sun Point. I’m no stranger to early mornings and late nights in the park, and I love every silent moment before visitors start buzzing about the trails. When Olivia and Tanner arrived from their Whitefish vacation rental, Tanner headed out to Sun Point to await his beautiful bride. Although they both had gotten ready back at their rental, Olivia still wanted to do a first look. So, with her hair and makeup done, she changed into her dress in the parking lot before heading out to meet her groom. With her wildflower-embroidered veil and wooden bouquet in tow, Olivia and Tanner made their way to their ceremony spot at Sun Point.

Eloping in Glacier National Park

The sun was just beginning to paint the mountaintops with a warm shade of orange as the couple exchanged their heartfelt vows to one another. Between happy tears and laughter, we were spoiled with a beautiful morning alpenglow. Olivia and Tanner’s vision of epic mountain views above a sparkling St. Mary Lake was almost too easy to achieve during such a perfect sunrise. After their Sun Point ceremony, we spent some time taking newlywed portraits as the sun continued its ascent into the blue sky. We then set out to find a little quaint alcove, where Olivia and Tanner perched up with their picnic basket. And what’s a morning elopement without a picnic of bagels!? Talk about a score! It was such a unique spin on your typical PB&J picnic (shameless PB&J lover over here).

After enjoying their breakfast picnic, we set out on a hike down to St. Mary Lake to bask in the warm morning sunlight. We spotted tons of wildflowers along the trails before making our way to Baring Falls for some more newlywed portraits. Although summer in Glacier National Park is peak season, we were still lucky enough to enjoy several stops throughout the East side of Glacier without a ton of crowds. Just another perk of a sunrise elopement!

Planning a Glacier National Park Elopement | Sydney Breann Photography

Our final stop during Olivia and Tanner’s intimate sunrise elopement took us to Big Bend to stroll through the picturesque meadow of fireweed. Just when I think GNP can’t get any more magical, the wildflowers prove me wrong. Olivia and Tanner were the perfect addition to the meadow, their wedding attire’s color palette complementing the beauty of Big Bend effortlessly. But the best part? The couple’s early days spent cuddled up in the deer stand back home came full circle when a whitetail deer casually strolled right behind them as we wrapped up portraits amidst the fireweed. Talk about a full-circle moment!

Before we said our goodbyes, Olivia and Tanner enjoyed treats from the iconic Huckleberry Patch with the most breathtaking views framing them. Their intimate sunrise elopement at Sun Point couldn’t have been more authentic to their love story if we tried. Capturing the true personalities of a couple is one of my favorite parts of an elopement. When it’s just two people, the laughter is a little bit louder, and the kisses are a little bit sweeter.

Vendor Team:

Dress – David’s Bridal
Bride’s Veil – Belle Botanical Creations
Groom’s Attire – Kohl’s

Adventurous Elopement Photography

If you haven’t already, be sure to check out the rest of the blog. I’ve been working hard at getting work out from this summer, and I can’t wait to continue to share as my “busy season” wraps up. Speaking of “busy season”, I haven’t chatted about my calendar for a bit. Looking ahead to 2025, I am fully booked from June through early October. However, I am still taking elopements beyond those months. Fill out an inquiry form before your date is snatched up! I’d love to adventure right alongside you and capture your love story.

Keep up with my latest announcements and travels over on the ‘Gram (@sydneybreannphoto). As always, until next time – are you ready to wander?