A deeply in-love couple, emotional private vows, cowboy hats, wildlife, warm lantern glow, endless views, stargazing, and the Northern Lights. What more could anyone ask for out of a Glacier National Park elopement!? In the early days of planning Mary and Adam’s intimate Pray Lake elopement beneath the Northern Lights, we could’ve only dreamed of actually catching an appearance from the dancing lights. Experiencing the beauty of Northwest Montana through the eyes of Mary and Adam was so very special, and I couldn’t have been more grateful to document the sweetest chapter (yet) of their love story.

Intimate Pray Lake Elopement | Glacier National Park Weddings

Mary and Adam have hearts of gold. From the second we connected, I was overwhelmed with just how easy-going and laidback these Virginia-lovers were. They share a mutual love of the outdoors and wildlife, with many of their first dates spent driving around searching for deer. Traveling to Glacier National Park just felt like the perfect place for them to say “I do”.

When filling out the initial questionnaires and chatting back and forth, the couple had expressed how hopeful they were to catch the stars during their elopement. They were so hopeful, that their entire timeline was shifted to allow for as many chances as possible to do some stargazing. But little did they know, we would be absolutely spoiled by an appearance from the Northern Lights. It was truly pure magic, but I’m getting a bit ahead of myself, so let’s rewind to the beginning of Mary and Adam’s wedding day.

The day began at a cozy Airbnb in Columbus Falls. Mary and Adam got ready separately before sharing their first look out on the lawn. Because they eloped, their families were still hoping to catch a glimpse of the couple on their wedding day. So Mary and Adam had a tripod set up with a video call for their moms to see their first look in the mountains. It was such a sweet way to include their families from thousands of miles away! (PS – I have an entire blog about Including Your Family on Your Elopement Day!) After wrapping up a quick chat with their families, we made our way to Pray Lake to start our day.

Best Wedding Ceremony Locations in Glacier National Park

Once we reached Pray Lake, Mary and Adam moseyed down to the shore to begin their emotional wedding ceremony. I’m a big ole softy when it comes to a couple shedding tears on their wedding day, so this one had me fighting for my life! After sealing their marriage with a pinky promise, we took in the beauty of Pray Lake before heading over to the picnic area. Mary and Adam shared a picnic of cheese and crackers before toasting champagne. Then, they shared their first dance along the rocky shore of the lake, just as the sun began to peek out from the cloud cover overhead. 

We then went for a drive to find some gorgeous views for bridal portraits. Thankfully, there are no bad places to pull over and take in the scenery! Up in the higher elevation, we watched rain roll through the valley below while we basked in the sunshine. Before heading to Many Glacier, we obviously had to make a stop at Kyiyo Mercantile for some mandatory huckleberry pastries.

After arriving at Many Glacier, I mentioned to Mary and Adam that this was the location where we typically see bears and other wildlife. As we were taking romantics, I nearly jumped out of my skin! No, not because I saw a bear or a moose that was too close. Nope, a SKUNK scurried out towards us. So, good to know that I am more afraid of a skunk than I am of a bear or moose. PSA: No skunks (or people) were harmed in the production of these images. 😉

Magical Northern Lights Elopement in Northwest Montana

After composing ourselves again after #SkunkGate2025, Mary changed into a western-inspired boho gown and the couple donned cowboy hats. We headed up to Sun Point where we were greeted by a magical, moody sky. While I love the views at Sun Point when clear, blue skies hang overhead, I loved the thick cloud cover floating over the snow-capped mountains as we frolicked at the lookout. Somehow, the breathtaking views were just beginning at this time. Quickly, blue hour rushed in, so we broke out the lanterns for bridal portraits. I still cannot wrap my head around just how beautiful Mary and Adam looked, strolling through the meadow hand-in-hand. 

I don’t think Mary, Adam, or myself could’ve predicted what kind of night was in store, considering the day began with a thick, overcast sky. But wow, did God deliver or WHAT! The stargazing did not disappoint. Mary and Adam got their wish (plus something extra). As a Northern Lights-lover, I have an app that helps me track the lights so that I can see them whenever they are out to play. In fact, the night before Mary and Adam’s elopement, we met up because the lights were forecasted to appear. Despite the disappointment in them not showing up, it was worth the wait since they showed up just in time for the end of Mary and Adam’s wedding day! Blues, greens, and purples danced over the mountains in the distance, and we were in pure awe of our luck!

Glacier National Park Elopement Photographer | Sydney Breann Photography

No greater ending could’ve existed for Mary and Adam’s intimate Pray Lake elopement beneath the Northern Lights. Searching for more even love stories from Glacier National Park? Be sure to head over to the blog to binge to your heart’s content. And don’t forget to check out the ‘Gram (@sydneybreannphoto) for sneak peeks and BTS of my life as a Northwest Montana elopement photographer and planner.

Vendor Team:

Photography – Sydney Breann Photography
Groom’s Suit Jacket – Men’s Wearhouse
Bride’s Boots – Dingo