Exploring Northwest Montana alongside a madly in love couple on a beautiful Fall day? Sign me up! Documenting Carley and Jon’s intimate destination wedding in Whitefish, Montana in late September was such a sweet way to take in the Fall colors. These Louisiana lovers visited Montana for the first time, accompanied by their families, to say “I do” among picturesque mountain views, golden aspens, and sparkling lakes. To say it was every bit as beautiful as one could imagine would be an understatement. 

Montana Destination Weddings | Sydney Breann Photography

Carley and Jon are an easy-going couple who met in college. While Carley is continuing her education in pharmacy school, her and Jon were so excited to embark on their best adventure yet. When they began planning their wedding, they envisioned something simple — an intimate ceremony surrounded by perfect scenery. Carley and Jon stumbled upon The Lodge at Whitefish Lake. The all-inclusive option was the best way to bring their destination wedding to life! 

Carley and Jon’s late September wedding day began with getting ready at The Lodge. Carley wore an elegant off the shoulder satin ballgown with a rhinestone belt and a dainty pearl veil. She looked like an absolute vision! Her florals were a lush Fall bouquet with varying shades of burgundy and burnt orange. After Carley was all dolled up, we headed out into the courtyard overlooking Whitefish Lake for her first look with Jon. His face instantly lit up when he saw his beautiful bride. When we first chatted about what was on their “wish list” for their wedding day, they were really hoping to spot some wildlife. With Carley’s dress floating in the breeze, we saw a little family of deer peering out behind the grove of trees. What a way to start the day!

Intimate Destination Wedding in Whitefish, Montana | Montana Weddings and Elopements

After a quick drive to Glacier National Park following their first look, we arrived to West Glacier for some bridal portraits. Carley and Jon were so giggly and content as they strolled along the rocky shoreline. The sky was a brilliant shade of blue, and the sunshine sparkled as soft waves rushed in and out. Golden aspens and larches further up the shore had their moment before we adventured further into the forest. Despite how often I explore Glacier National Park with my couples, it was such a fun change of pace to be immersed in the towering trees. With little sun flares shining through the trees, Carley and Jon danced along the trail before we emerged from the trees again. If we thought the sky was blue before, we were sorely mistaken! I hadn’t seen Lake McDonald quite so vibrant before; what a treat! Jon skipped a few rocks before we headed back to The Lodge at Whitefish Lake.

Back at The Lodge, Carley shared a heartfelt first look with her dad before walking arm-in-arm with him up the aisle to Jon. The picturesque views didn’t stop in Glacier National Park; Whitefish Lake was just as stunning and sunny. Carley and Jon’s intimate wedding ceremony was exactly what they were envisioning. Surrounded by their families, they said “I do” in the presence of perfect scenery.

Planning a Glacier National Park Elopement

After family portraits, we headed into The Lodge for an intimate family dinner, champagne, and cake. Carley and Jon’s intimate destination wedding in Whitefish, Montana wrapped upped with newlywed portraits on the lake. The sun had just set beyond the mountains, and we embraced the remnants of the bright sky above. The trees looked even more golden than earlier in the day… and it was just the perfect way to conclude such a special Fall day.

Searching for more Montana elopement and wedding inspiration? Head over to the blog to swoon over even more of my sweet couples. And of course, you can keep up with my adventures as a Montana Elopement Photographer and Planner over on the ‘Gram (@sydneybreannphoto). So, what do you say? Are you ready to wander?

Vendor Team:

Photography – Sydney Breann Photography
Dress – A-nets Bridal
Reception Venue — Boat Club at The Lodge