Me 🤝🏼 2 day elopements that include dogs. I am still trying to wrap my head around photographing Tori and Eric’s adventures dog-friendly elopement weekend in Glacier National Park in late June. This sweet couple drove all the way from Florida with their 3 pups in tow to have the adventure of a lifetime. They envisioned saying “I do” overlooking turquoise blue waters, hiking with their furry friends, and celebrating their beautiful love story surrounded by their loved ones. Safe to say we checked all their boxes (and then some). 

Dog-Friendly Elopement Weekend in Glacier National Park

If you’re an avid reader of the blog, you already know just how much I love love. When Tori submitted her inquiry and shared the story of her and Eric’s love, I was immediately smitten. These lovers met TEN years ago on a cruise while on vacation with their families. One night, Eric asked Tori to dance with him to “Poker Face” by Lady Gaga (iconic, right?). The rest of the cruise was spent stealing moments together between family time before heading back to their respective homes. Tori went back to Florida and Eric went back to Rhode Island, but their love story didn’t end there. They kept in touch and even visited each other a couple times before making it official. After a year and a half of long-distance, they moved to Richmond, Virginia to begin their life together.

For 5 years, they worked on their careers and hopped from rental to rental in Richmond before deciding to settle down in Tallahassee, Florida. They bought their first home in December 2024, and now have 3 dogs (and a cat) together. Because their love story has been full of adventure, it only made sense that their wedding day was exactly that, too! They packed up their van, piled their pups inside, and drove over 2,400 miles to their vacation rentals in Whitefish, Montana. 

How to Include Your Dogs in Your Elopement | Dog-Friendly Elopement Destinations

The first day of Tori and Eric’s adventurous dog-friendly elopement weekend began with the couple getting ready separately. While Tori sipped mimosas and got glam with the ladies (and pups), Eric was down the road spending time with the guys. The energy from the second I got to Tori’s vacation rental was HIGH — she emanated joy the entire time and it couldn’t have been more refreshing. Tori and her mom shared an emotional moment before it was time for the bride to share a first look with her dad out in the meadow. 

Then, it was time for a first look between Tori and Eric. They had the biggest smiles on their faces as they embraced and soaked in the moment. We were able to snag some bridal portraits among the daisies before we began the drive to Glacier National Park. Just as we reached Sun Point for the wedding ceremony, we were with a downpour. Rather than letting the rain get the best of us, we broke out clear umbrellas and sipped champagne at the picnic area. Before we knew it, the rain clouds pushed over the mountains and cleared just in time for us to make our way to Sun Point for Tori and Eric’s intimate wedding ceremony. 

Intimate Wedding Ceremony at Sun Point | Glacier National Park Weddings

Sun Point absolutely delivered with the turquoise blue waters that the couple envisioned for their mountain wedding ceremony backdrop. After heartfelt vows, kind words said by their officiant, and exchanged rings, they were officially pronounced husband and wife! We soaked in the endless views of the water below and bathed in the warm sunshine as it peeked from beyond cloud coverage. We strolled along some trails before making our way to a picnic area to graze on some snacks and take pictures. Each of the 3 dogs were dressed in their Sunday best, and were seriously so well-behaved. It was so much fun getting to see how beloved they were by each guest. 

After everyone’s bellies were full, I stole Tori and Eric away for the rest of the afternoon and early evening. We took our time exploring the park and taking bridal portraits. Eric wore a custom Indochino Paxton Glen Check brown suit and solid brown vest, embroidered with his last name and wedding date. To incorporate even more of their personalities into their wedding day, Tori and Eric wore matching custom Vans. As the evening chill began to creep in, Tori slipped an ivory wool shawl over her beautiful crepe sheath wedding dress. 

Adventurous Elopement Weekend in Northwest Montana

We embraced the evening chill, snagging cozy portraits with the dogs in the couple’s van before frolicking along Going-to-the-Sun Road. While taking in the magical mountain views, Tori and Eric were photo-bombed by bighorn sheep, which was such a dream situation! After geeking out over our luck, we continued making our way to Lake McDonald. The sun emerged beyond cloud cover and mountain peeks just in time to paint a beautiful blue hour on the lake. Illuminated by the golden light of lanterns, it was the perfect conclusion to day 1 of Tori and Eric’s adventurous dog-friendly elopement. 

As a fellow dog-mom, I know that there is no bond quite like the one with a dog. Having the opportunity to capture the sweetest, most genuine moments between Tori, Eric, and their 3 dogs on the hike to Stanton Lake was such a treasure. Because Glacier National Park is not the most dog-friendly park, we bypassed the park and headed to Essex, Montana where the views were still just as picturesque. Tori wore a casual white and green outfit and carried her wildflower bouquet.

When we reached the lake, the pups immediately headed for the water as Tori set out onto the lake in the Packraft. The dogs paddled out to her as Eric splashed around with them near the shore. We all enjoyed watching the dogs swim, cracked a couple beers, and enjoyed soaking in the sunshine before making the trek back to our vehicles. 

Glacier National Park Elopement Photographer | Sydney Breann Photography

Tori and Eric’s adventurous dog-friendly elopement weekend in Glacier National Park is one that I will carry with me for a lifetime. Their love story and joyfulness was so very deserving of being documented in its entirety. It was such an honor to be trusted with their best day(s) yet. 

Planning your own Glacier National Park elopement? Check out some of my favorite elopement planning resources below! And of course, don’t forget to follow along with my adventures as a Northwest Montana elopement photographer and planner over on the ‘Gram (@sydneybreannphoto). So, what do you say? Are you ready to wander?

The Ultimate Intimate Wedding and Elopement Planning Guide
How Much Does it Actually Cost to Elope in Glacier National Park?
Debunking Common Myths About Eloping
Splurge vs. Save: Elopement Edition
Why You Should Have a 2 Day Elopement
Ready to Wander Podcast EP12: Real Elopement Stories | Glacier National Park Elopement

Vendor Team: 

Photography – Sydney Breann Photography
Florals – Wilde Floral 
Bride’s Dress – Archive Bridal, Ines Di Santo (Passion)
Groom’s Suit –Indochino
Shoes – Vans
Cake – Bakes and Cakes by Brie
Catering – Montana Picnic Company