It’s rare that I find myself speechless, but breathtaking elopements have a way of leaving me without words. Makenzie and Hunter’s rainy and intentional Lake Josephine Elopement in Glacier National Park was no exception. Their entire day overflowed with joy, centering around Christ and the beautiful relationship they have built. No amount of rain could’ve dampened (hehe) Makenzie and Hunter’s heartfelt mountain elopement. 

These Midwestern lovers met in a business class while studying at Bethel University in Minnesota. Makenzie recognized that Hunter was one of the smartest kids in class, so she asked him for help on homework. What started as study-buddies blossomed into a friendship with long late-night drives sharing all their dreams and aspirations. As Makenzie recounted, their first date was to Minnehaha Falls, followed by ice cream and stargazing at Lake Johanna. A couple years later, Hunter popped the question at the same lake! 

Intentional Lake Josephine Elopement | Montana Wedding

After planning a traditional winter wedding back in Minnesota a few months later, Makenzie and Hunter decided to cancel it when they realized that it didn’t even feel like “them” any longer. Several months later, in early June, I received an inquiry from Makenzie (just two months) before their eventual elopement date! Her and Hunter were planning a trip to Glacier National Park in August and decided that there was no better time to commit to a lifetime together. Their intentional, Christ-centered wedding day was in sight as we began hashing out locations and timelines. 

On an overcast day in late August, Makenzie and Hunter began their day by getting ready at an Airbnb in Kalispell. Makenzie envisioned a slow morning of sipping coffee and getting pampered by her glam team before slipping into her gown. While Covet Beauty was adding finishing touches to sweet this Minnesota bride, I snapped some quick flat lay photos. I loved how we incorporated their wedding details with scripture from various books of the Bible.

Once I was done playing around with the details, it was time for some bridal portraits. Makenzie’s dress was absolutely breathtaking. The sheer bodice embroidered with lace and the sparkling beaded straps crisscrossing in the back flowed into a satin A-line skirt before giving way to a cutaway lace train. It completely embodied elegance and romance. Hunter wore a classic black suit, complete with a black bowtie. They were such a classy duo! 

Northwest Montana Mountain Elopement

Before the skies opened up and soaked us to our bones, Makenzie and Hunter shared a first look outside their Airbnb. They both had the brightest smiles as they laid eyes on one another before setting out to East Glacier. We stopped at an overlook along Highway 49 just before the rain began to come down. Once we made our way to the Lake Josephine trailhead, Makenzie and Hunter donned their rain gear and began the hike with clear umbrellas in tow. 

There were so many memorable, picturesque moments about their East Glacier elopement. But one of my favorites was Makenzie standing alone a bride, fully embracing the pouring rain. With her hair and makeup done up, and her dress already spotted in mud, it was just such a pure moment of bliss to witness. We finally ended up at Lake Josephine where Makenzie and Hunter exchanged emotional vows. After sealing their vows with a kiss, the newlyweds sang worship music with open arms as they took in the awe-inspiring views. I was so thankful for the rainfall, since it graciously disguised my tears. 

After dancing in the rain at Lake Josephine for a bit longer, we then trekked back to the car to warm up before we continued our adventure in Many Glacier for some moody bridal portraits. Many Glacier always delivers on the iconic Glacier National Park views. We then wrapped up our time together at Rising Sun Pizza for some pizza and cupcakes. Makenzie had requested that our evening concluded with “greasy food” (which is the best way to end a wedding day). 

Eloping in Glacier National Park | Sydney Breann Photography

Makenzie and Hunter’s rainy and intentional Lake Josephine elopement filled my cup. It’s so easy to celebrate alongside a couple who values their marriage, and its foundation in Christ, above all else. And celebrating a couple who doesn’t mind adventuring through the rain!? Even better. 

Planning your very own Glacier National Park elopement? Check out The Ultimate Montana Elopement Planning Guide. If you aren’t a DIY kinda gal, Sydney Breann Photography also offers optional full-service elopement planning for photography clients. You can fill out an inquiry here. And as always, be sure to follow along with my adventures on the ‘Gram (@sydneybreannphoto). Until next time, are you ready to wander?

Glacier National Park Elopement Vendors

Photography – Sydney Breann Photography
Videography – White Spruce Films
Beauty – Covet Beauty
Bride’s Dress – Wedding Shoppe (Blu by Morilee Darcy)
Bride’s Earrings – Azazie
Groom’s Suit – Macy’s