A Snowy Winter Elopement in Montana

Can you hear the snow coming?

Often times when you think of winter and snow, you think of serene peace and silence.... except when it's not that. April is considered the Spring months for most, however, in Montana, it's very much still wintertime. There is often ample snow on the ground and we get what are called snow squalls that come rolling in (similar to a passing weather cloud, but it drops snow instead of rain). "Snow squalls, often associated with strong cold fronts. They move in and out quickly, typically lasting less than an hour. The sudden white-out conditions combined with falling temperatures produce icy roads in just a few minutes." is a few sentences to describe what a snow squall is like, according to Weather.gov. Tessa and Tony got to witness a snow squall on their wedding day, actually right in the middle of their ceremony!!

We started their day at their hotel in Columbia Falls, MT. They were staying at the Cedar Creek Lodge, they got ready here and we departed to their ceremony location. Tessa and Tony said their vows in such a private space, not a single person was around, the perks of getting married in the off-season. It was so quiet... until it wasn't. As they said their vows, you could hear the weather rolling in. The wind gusted from miles away, making its way through the forest. We could see the white wall of weather approaching as they exchanged their vows. Elisheba (their officiant), had them plant a tree sapling as a union of their marriage and a keepsake to take home and plant, meanwhile the snow flew around them and we couldn't help but stifle a laugh together. As the snow squall passed we all took a deep breath, they said their I do's and kissed for the first time as husband and wife. What an experience Montana gave them!!

Winter Wedding Wonderland

Getting married in the winter has some serious perks if you ask me. Is it cold in Montana, of course! But, is it beautiful in the wintertime in Montana, Absolutely!! Between the months of December and March, you can typically expect it to look and feel like a winter wonderland. The rivers are still calm for the season, and depending on where you go you might find turquoise-blue water that's breathtaking. Like in the photos below, that's the real color of the water, I didn't enhance it at all! The Flathead River in Northwest Montana is so incredibly beautiful, such a treat to get to take photos near it!

If you plan to elope and have a wedding in a winter wonderland, here are some helpful tips to keep warm on a bitterly cold day;

Wear fleece-lined leggings under your attire, if it allows. They even sell skin-tone leggings, Amazon carries them for around $25.
Wear a shawl, faux fur or even a puffer jacket, whatever fits your vibe!
Bring warm liquids to sip on. Spiked cocoa or coffee, tea, or cider.
Skip the heels, and wear a comfortable winter boot. There's nothing worse than cold feet on a wedding day (get it? haha) but, really!
Take lots of car breaks to warm up between locations.
Keep hand warmers and/or boot warmers on hand, they come in clutch on really cold days.
Snuggle up close for those photos, swoon!

Look no further, I'll happily capture your winter wedding photos!

As someone who's lived in Northwest Montana for 20+ years, I am no stranger to handling the extremes that winter brings along with it. I am able and willing to trench through the snow with you and your loved one as you tie the knot. I am currently booking winter 2023/24 elopements and beyond. Montana is an exceptional place to have a winter wedding, blissful snow fall and snow capped mountains, what more could you want! Sumbit a contact form today to here more about my packages and availability!

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