Snowy photoshoots always give such a romantic vibe, I am truly smitten with the views and fresh snow covering West Glacier. Each winter season I anxiously await the arrival of our first snow, sometimes it arrives in December, sometimes in October. Montana weather can be crazy sometimes.
Peter had reached out to me via email to plan a surprise anniversary session with his wife, MJ. They were planning to visit West Glacier and celebrate over a long weekend, renting a treehouse Airbnb, spending a relaxing getaways enjoying the serenity of Montana in the winter. So we began planning our locations for the session, I provide a thorough location guide for my booked clients detailing what each location offers in the area, a perk of getting access to my knowledge since I have worked so long in Glacier. Peter picked out two locations that he loved, Belton Stage Park and Belton Bridge. I'll share a few details about each below and you can see why he chose them for their photo session locations!
Belton Bridge in West Glacier: A Scenic Starting Point for a Winter Couples Photoshoot
Something interesting that I like to share with my clients about Belton bridge, is that it was the original entrance into Glacier National Park. The bridge was the primary vehicle access to the park from 1920-1938, and while still in use for many decades, the historic flood of 1964 was was finally took the bridge out of commission for vehicle traffic. The bridge is constructed of a concrete arch and the flood nearly washed away the remaining parts of that bridge, but the arch remained after the flood and wash outs. To this day, the bridge is a popular location for swimming, fishing, and hanging out during the summer. Accessible during all seasons, the bridge is a popular spot to choose for a photo location.
At Belton Bridge, you'll find crystal clear river water that often shines a turquoise green color. There's rocky outcropping along the river and a sandy shoreline on the northern portion of the river during low water seasons. I love this location for its versatility throughout the seasons and ease of access.
MJ and Peter had fun admiring the water of the river, peeping over the bridge. The enjoyed the walking path that's tucked away by the trees. This spot is a hidden gem in the West Glacier area!
Belton Stage Park: An Iconic West Glacier Couples Photoshoot Location
Located just 5 minutes from Glacier National Park, Belton Stage park is a 10-acre county park that provides fields and mountain views from outside the park. This quant park has become a hotspot for photographers, capturing portrait sessions, elopements, and even weddings (permits required for groups >20 and if there's any set up involved). This location is a popular non-glacier location that still gives you Glacier vibes, without the entrance pass and heavy vehicle traffic. If you're at the park at the right time, you'll hear the local rail line blow their horn and come through, this is especially fun for train lovers and kids.
MJ and Peter loved Belton Stage Park, they had a snow ball fight, ran around in the snow, and simply enjoyed a fresh powder day with gorgeous mountain views. Don't miss out on this location for your engagement session!
Planning your own Winter Couples Photoshoot at Belton Bridge?
If you though these winter engagement photos were something out of a story book and want to book your own Glacier National Park engagement session, I'd love to help you start planning out the perfect session! I bring local knowledge from working in the park for 8+ years and living in the area for 24 years, a true expert on working in the park. I open my books for portrait session bookings 3-5 months in advance and take bookings year round (even in the cold months of Montana). So reach out via my Contact Form and let's start planning the perfect engagement session for you and your lover!
See more of MJ & Peter's West Glacier engagement session below!
More on the blog here:
The Ultimate Guide to Engagement Photoshoot Outfits in Montana
