Who said you can’t have an elopement-style wedding and include your family!? As a Montana elopement photographer and planner, there is nothing I love more than when a couple is able to have the day that they envisioned — not one that they thought they had to have. So when Morgan and Adan reached out with a vision of an intimate wedding surrounded by their favorite people, epic photos, and celebrating their love story, I was stoked. Capturing this sweet Midwestern couple’s intimate destination wedding at Pray Lake was the best way to enjoy a warm sunny day in Glacier National Park.

Intimate Destination Wedding at Pray Lake | Glacier National Park Elopement

Morgan and Adan traveled to Northwest Montana from Illinois with their families in tow. They spent their morning getting ready at their vacation rental (with their crew, of course) before sharing a joyful first look outside of the Airbnb. Golden sunshine and blue skies bathed the area in warmth as Morgan and Adan shared their first look among the tall grass, and towering pines. After taking some intentional time to soak in the moment, Morgan shared a first look with her dad. 

When we arrived at Pray Lake, the sun was still shining down as Morgan and her dad walked down to the shore where Adan was waiting. Loved ones gathered around while Adan’s grandfather officiated the intimate ceremony. It was so special to witness the love of each person, from little kiddos to grandparents, pouring over Morgan and Adan as they said “I do”. Before parting ways with family for a while, we took family portraits and a few newlywed photos on the shore of Pray Lake. 

If you are an avid Sydney Breann blog reader, you know how unpredictable the weather in Glacier National Park can be at times. The sunniest days can end up throwing all kinds of weather our way, but Morgan and Adan’s intimate destination wedding at Pray Lake was an exception! I was blown away by the bright sunshine as we departed the lake to head to the East Side of Glacier.

Laidback Elopement in Glacier National Park

And if the weather was perfect, then the Fall colors were phenomenal. As we stopped at various pull-offs on Going-to-the-Sun Road, the golden aspens were out to play. Morgan and Adan had expressed that they wanted to keep their color palette simple, to let the environment and their love shine. And boy, they hit the nail on the head! Between Morgan’s crisp ivory wedding gown and Adan’s navy suit, they looked like an absolute vision strolling hand-in-hand along the road. 

After spending some time immersed in the aspens, we made our way to Sun Point to take in the breathtaking views above St. Mary Lake. The sun was just beginning to dip beyond a mountain peak, so the lake was an extra moody shade of blue below. Morgan’s romantic gown floated effortlessly in the soft breeze at Sun Point — a pleasant change of pace from the blustery winds so often experienced at this iconic look-out. With the sky painted in a a soft blue, we arrived at Logan Pass to the most incredible pink sky. Even if I was a poet, I couldn’t possibly describe the sheer beauty of this sunset overhead. While it was quickly fleeting, Morgan and Adan soaked in every moment of the cotton candy skies before blue hour emerged. 

Romantic Mountain Bridal Portraits | Montana Wedding Photographer

As if Morgan and Adan’s day hadn’t already been magical, our final stop on our drive back to their vacation rental was at Big Bend. I am huge fan of Big Bend, typically for the fireweed and incredible mountain views. Most elopements I photograph begin with bridal portraits at Big Bend, so it was a fun change of pace to wrap up a wedding day here. By this point, just a warm glow emitted above the distant mountains. And what goes hand-in-hand with impending darkness? You guessed it: lanterns. We broke out the classic camping lanterns for enchanting newlywed portraits in the mountains. I couldn’t get over the happiness spreading across their faces as they took in the views and reflected on their intimate destination wedding at Pray Lake.

Whether you envision an adventurous mountain elopement, a relaxed intimate wedding surrounded by loved ones, or a banger of a traditional wedding with a lit wedding reception, remember that you have full permission to do whatever feels authentic to you. When it comes to your happiest day ever, you deserve to have the day that feels like an extension of your love story. 

Montana Elopement Photographer | Sydney Breann Photography

Searching for inspiration for your own nuptials? Peruse the blog! And be sure to follow along over on the ‘Gram (@sydneybreannphoto) to keep up with my latest adventures as a Montana elopement photographer and planner. So what do you say..? Are you ready to wander?