What’s a surefire way to get me stoked to photograph an elopement? A couple that dreams of a relaxed adventure, centered around their authentic love story. To no surprise, when Abby and Nathan reached out, I was absolutely thrilled to start bringing their vision of a relaxed 2-day elopement at Lake Josephine to life. These Midwestern natives knew exactly what they wanted out of their day, which made my job so dang easy! With dreams of the saying “I do” amongst the mountains, and taking in the beauty of Northwest Montana, Lake Josephine was the perfect ceremony location.

Planning a 2-Day Elopement in Glacier National Park

Abby and Nathan’s love story is a tale as old as time. What began as a friendship blossomed into a beautiful relationship over several years. Before tying the knot, they tackled long distance for over a year as Abby was finished up her PharmD degree. While enduring the distance and grueling hours of schooling, they began planning their elopement.

While out to dinner one evening, they decided to choose their elopement location by each putting 3 locations in a hat. Whichever location remained would ultimately be the winner for their nuptials. Little did they know as they each scribbled their picks down that they would each put in the exact same states! It was between Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana. After tackling the task of choosing the perfect elopement location, it was decided. Abby’s love for the mountains coupled with Nathan’s appreciation for seclusion made Glacier National Park the perfect destination. 

Laid-Back Elopement Activities

From the beginning, Abby and Nathan wanted their elopement to focus on their authentic love and personalities. A 2-day elopement was the best way to bring their vision to life. Day 1 was spent doing exactly what the couple wanted to do: tattoos and a picnic in the mountains. Nathan got the letter ‘A’ tattooed on his ring finger at Studio 7 in Kalispell as Abby stood by his side, eagerly awaiting the rest of their day ahead. We then set out to a sprawling field amongst pine trees, with the mountains perched along the horizon.

As they sipped champagne and enjoyed their picnic, they spent time reading letters from their loved ones. There was no shortage of tears and laughter as the breeze drifted through the grassy field. The rest of the afternoon was spent exploring the area, skipping rocks, and dipping their toes in the lake.

Eloping in Glacier National Park | Sydney Breann Photography

Day 2 was just as sweet as the previous day. Every little detail selected for both the bride and groom held so much value. Abby’s earrings were custom made from stones that once belonged to her grandmother. And Nathan kept his dad’s money clip in tow. Abby chose a petite bouquet to keep in theme with June in Montana; her blooms were tied with a ribbon that held a little picture of her grandmother. It’s never lost on me how important a couple’s wedding day details are, so I love taking time capturing each little element. 

Following their sweet first look at the Airbnb, we headed out to Two Medicine Overlook for some mountain bridal portraits. It’s almost like Abby planned for a windy day, because her dress flowed effortlessly in the breeze. The shadows created by her gown were pure magic. Among the wildflower blooms and  snowy remnants along the mountains, Abby and Nathan strolled hand-in-hand before heading to Many Glacier.

If you’ve followed along on the blog or Insta, you’ll know that I’m a self-proclaimed professional wildlife spotter. We spotted moose and even a bear as Abby and Nathan wandered through the open field. It was important for them to spend time getting photos with a variety of scenery. The open fields and towering trees reminded them of the midwest, while the mountains and waterfront were what they were imagining for their ceremony. The magic we created in Many Glacier was just incredible; I’m still not over just how perfect Abby’s dress was for their adventure elopement!

Lake Josephine Elopement | Montana Elopement Photography

Before making our way to down to Lake Josephine for Abby and Nathan’s intimate ceremony, they enjoyed a charcuterie picnic from Graze Montana. On a classic red picnic table, they nibbled on the beautiful spread before packing up for the hike. Along the shore, Abby’s mentor officiated their ceremony as the golden sun continued to make its way back down the horizon. Abby and Nathan’s emotional vows were accompanied by deep belly laughs and happy tears. They popped champagne and danced along the shore, the alpine lake lapping gently. They enjoyed bourbon and honey cupcakes before we soaked up the magical window of blue hour. With warm glowing lanterns in tow, Abby and Nathan wrapped up their relaxed 2-day elopement at Lake Josephine beneath the crescent moon. As they swayed among the wide open fields, surrounded by majestic mountains, their Montana elopement came to a close.

Mountain Elopement Inspiration | Montana Wedding Photographer

Half the time, I feel like a broken record when it comes to recapping my couples’ love stories. Ultimately, I can’t even believe that I am lucky enough to be trusted in capturing such a pivotal moment for couples from all over the country. Relishing in the magic of the Montana and being trusted with documenting authentic love stories will never get old. 

Wanna keep being sappy with me? Check out the blog for more wandering weddings and elopement planning tips. And of course, keep up with my own adventures over on the ‘Gram (@sydneybreannphoto). But until next time, are you ready to wander?

Vendor Team:

Hair + Makeup – Bridal Bliss
Videography – Films by Aly
Charcuterie – Graze Montana
Florals – Two Kay’s Flower Farm
Dress – All Who Wonder from Marien Mae Bridal Boutique + Events
Suit – Kenneth Cole (Men’s Wearhouse) + Calvin Klein
Bride’s Shoes – Michael Kors
Earrings – Custom made at Solid Gold
Groom’s Shoes – Vince Camuto
Veil – Bel Aire Bridal
Cupcakes – Fleur Bake Shop