Do you ever have those moments where you have to pinch yourself because you can’t even believe the opportunities that arise after years of hard work? Well, buckle up, friend because Hannah and Bailey’s elegant multi-day elopement in Northwest Montana was exactly that kind of moment. From the intricate planning process to letting loose on the dance floor after two incredible days, it was such a surreal experience. I mean… It’s not everyday that you get the opportunity to photograph an NFL player’s wedding day! (I mean, except for Kasey and Andrew’s destination wedding last year) 😉

Planning a Multi-Day Elopement in Northwest Montana

From the moment Hannah and Bailey inquired, they expressed just how family-centric their lives were. These Texas natives were also dreaming of tying the knot in a place they had never been, and fell in love with the vast beauty of Northwest Montana. Eloping was the perfect way for Hannah and Bailey to bring their vision to life. In the early stages of planning, I asked them to describe in 3 words what they wanted their elopement to look and feel like. To no surprise, they were 3 of my favorite words to hear from a couple: family, easy-going, and intimate. With their mission and vision at the forefront of my mind, my role as their elopement planner (and photographer) was underway. 

When couples add my elopement planning services onto their photography package, they have the option to be as hands-on or hands-off as they desire. For Hannah and Bailey’s mountainside nuptials, we started off with a planning questionnaire and mood board to give us a solid starting point. Beyond the 3 priorities listed above, these college sweethearts were envisioning an elegant affair complete with white roses, baby’s breath, lush greenery, and gold accents throughout. I began brainstorming and reaching out to other Montana wedding vendors to bring this dreamy mountain elopement vision to life. 

Amongst the moving parts of designing tablescapes, finding accommodations, and creating a stress-free elopement timeline, selecting a location was easy. While Hannah and Bailey didn’t have a specific location in mind for their ceremony, they were searching for the rugged mountain views and stunning alpine lakes of Glacier National Park. Pray Lake would be the perfect ceremony location, with plenty of room for their group of 30. With the sparkling blue lake in the background and the rugged mountains brushed with towering pines, I was so excited to capture Hannah and Bailey’s ceremony. With vendors lined up, tables designed, and accommodations booked, this dreamy July elopement finally arrived. 

Northwest Montana Multi-Day Elopement

Elopement Day 1 – Hiking at Flathead National Forest

Day 1 was exactly what Hannah and Bailey had envisioned for experiencing Montana alongside their people. Their crew was welcomed to Flathead National Forest with warm, beaming sunshine. With big smiles and trekking poles in tow, the adventure was on. We took in the beauty that is summertime in Montana, enjoying the flora and fauna of the forest. Before we knew it, we saw some puffy clouds rolling in over the mountains. And wouldn’t ya know – it rained the entire second half of the hike. But this crew was just so happy to all be together, eating snacks beneath the canopy of trees overhead. Despite the muddy conditions, there were smiles all around! Once we all made it back to our vehicles, the rain subsided as guests dried off. It was a memorable day to wrap up day 1 of Hannah and Bailey’s Montana elopement. 

Elopement Day 2 – Intimate Ceremony at Pray Lake

If day 1 was “adventure”, then day 2 was “elegance”. Hannah and Bailey’s day began at a mountainside lodge near Whitefish. Early in the planning process, Hannah had expressed the importance of having “organic moments” captured. She wanted to be able to look back on these moments and actually see her people enjoying themselves. While my photography naturally focuses on those organic moments, I just kept carrying that with me throughout their entire multi-day elopement. From the emotional moments getting ready with their families, to the guests mixing up cocktails, it just felt like such a wholesome day. 

After Hannah and her dad’s sweet first look overlooking the forest and lake, the guests (all dressed in black) piled into shuttles to embark on the 2 hour drive into Glacier National Park. The guests shuffled down to Pray Lake to await Hannah walking down the ‘aisle’ with her dad. After the morning of off-and-on showers in the area, it was serendipitous that the sun came out just as Hannah strolled arm-in-arm with her dad. Bailey stood on the shore with a big smile, looking at his bride make her way to him. The ceremony was officiated by an old coach of Bailey’s, which was so special to witness. After sharing personal vows, it was official! 

Eloping in Glacier National Park | Sydney Breann Photography

I snagged Hannah and Bailey for some quick newlywed photos before we hopped into family photos. Photographing couples just after they are officially married is so much fun; the giddiness is always so apparent, between the giggles and “we’re married” comments, it’s just the best. We spent some time taking family and friend portraits down at Pray Lake before the crew headed back to the lodge. 

While I definitely sound like a broken record if you’ve read any of my other blogs, spending time in GNP with a couple who has never visited before is like rediscovering the magic of it all over again. Not to mention the pure fairytale vibes from Hannah’s intricate lace gown. I’m convinced that only the photos from this elegant multi-day elopement in Northwest Montana will properly convey just how stunning each moment was. Bailey’s ivory tuxedo jacket complimented the true white of Hannah’s gown, completing the timeless look they were both after. 

Intimate Wedding Dinner Party | Montana Elopement Planner

After we wrapped up bridal portraits in Glacier National Park, we made the drive back to Whitefish to enjoy a delicious meal. While we were still exploring, my team was back at the lodge setting up the beautiful tablescape. The long wooden tables were lined with lush white florals, candles, gold chargers, and gold flatware. Guests mingled and snacked on charcuterie as the sun began its descent beyond the stoic pines. With the last bits of daylight, dinner began – courtesy of Great Northwest Catering. The tomahawk steaks spoke for themselves (and yes, my mouth is still watering…) As dinner wrapped up, speeches and toasts were made. There was no shortage of laughter or tears as loved ones took turns sharing stories of the newlyweds. 

Before we knew it, the endless night sky took over above as Hannah and Bailey cut their cake. But the real show stopper was the Insomnia Cookies (insert more drool here). This elegant multi-day elopement in Northwest Montana came to a close with the bride and groom changing into sweats – dancing the night away. You can check out even more from Hannah and Bailey Zappe’s mountain wedding over in The Knot!

Searching for more Montana elopement inspiration, elopement planning tips, or just some beautiful couples to swoon over? Be sure to check out the blog! And of course, keep up with my latest adventures over on the ‘Gram (@sydneybreannphoto). Until next time, are you ready to wander?

Vendor Team:

Planning & Design: @sydneybreannphoto
Photo: @sydneybreannphoto
Florals: @flowerchildflorals.mt
Catering: @greatnorthwestcatering
Glam: @glacier_beauty_co
Rentals: @empress_tents_events
Cake: @bonjourbakeryandbistro
Shuttles: @wildhorselimo
Yard games: @celebraterentals
Late night cookies: @insomniacookies