It’s not everyday that I get an inquiry for an elopement from a couple that isn’t even engaged yet, but when I do, my intrigue is instantly heightened! Just 18 days before Mallory and William’s epic day, they reached out to see if I was available. As a Montana elopement and intimate wedding photographer, Winter is my “slow season”, so I couldn’t wait to break out the camera and capture their nuptials. This impromptu winter elopement in Northwest Montana was one for the books!

Northwest Montana Winter Elopement | Sydney Breann Photography

Mallory and William’s love story is one that has withstood the test of time. Traveling from Tennessee, these lovers are high school sweethearts with over 15 years together under their belts. After waiting for Mallory to finish her doctor of pharmacy degree, they realized they no longer wanted a big wedding (and were just tired of waiting). Amidst planning a ski trip to Whitefish, they took a chance and started making everything fall into place. They even shipped a ring to Whitefish since they weren’t even engaged yet! By the grace of God, they were able to craft the most magical winter elopement complete with stunning mountain views. 

Their mountain elopement began at a cute little condo tucked in the snow-covered pines. Despite how impromptu Mallory and William’s elopement was, Mallory’s details were everything. She wore jewelry from her grandma and mom, had a sentimental broach, and even a custom engraved sign. But if there’s just one thing you need to know about Mallory and William, it’s that they are the definition of “adventure junkies”. They booked a helicopter tour with West Slope Helicopters in Kalispell for an incredible tour over the Flathead Valley. We took in breathtaking views of wildlife and a landscape blanketed in thick snow.

Belton Stage Park Elopement near Glacier National Park

When we landed, we headed to Belton Stage Park for their private vow exchange. While they originally planned to elope in Glacier National Park, permitting takes too long to get in place or approved, and with only a short timeframe, we didn’t want to risk not getting a permit (or go through the stress). So after their stunning snowy Belton Stage Park elopement, we headed to Lake McDonald for some snowy bridal portraits. You’d never guess due to the unfrozen lake that this was a mid-February elopement; we even found parts of the shore that weren’t blanketed in snow. It was pure kismet getting to enjoy such an unseasonably perfect winter’s day.

Eloping in Glacier National Park

After Mallory and William were officially husband and wife, Mallory changed into her bridal sweatsuit, and they both slipped on coordinating “hubby + wifey” beanies. Documenting their impromptu winter elopement in Northwest Montana was such a dream. From the epic bird’s eye view helicopter ride over Flathead Valley to the intimate vow exchange at Belton Stage Park, every part of Mallory and William’s day felt completely authentic to them.

Searching for more Montana weddings and elopements to swoon over? Check out the blog! And of course, be the first know about my latest adventures by keeping up with me over on the ‘Gram (@sydneybreannphoto). So what do you say, are you ready to wander?