hey hey

You can’t go wrong when you’re eloping in Glacier National Park, but choosing an exact elopement location can feel like throwing a dart at the map! Dakota + Zach had only been to Glacier National Park once, and knew it was their spot, so we chatted through their options and landed in the land of lakes with mountain views and look out points for days – East Glacier.

If you would have told Dakota + Zach that they’d be eloping in Montana in East Glacier last year, they would have laughed right in your face. Actually, someone *did* tell them they’d be getting married in the park this year and they did… well laugh in their face. Their families are long time pals back in Georgia and planning a group trip to Montana, which quickly turned into a let’s find love reality show. But guess what? IT WORKED. And these babes ended up right back where that first crush started less than a year later, with me photographing their vows and a pretty epic adventure for their Glacier National Park elopement. 

From their very first inquiry, I knew I was in for a treat. If you’ve read anything about me, you know I’m a sailor-mouthed elopement photographer who’s obsessed with my frenchie pup, and wants my couples to show their love in whatever way comes naturally to them! But the more ass grabs, the better in my opinion. Dakota + Zach immediately sent photos of their Boston Terriers and were quick to admit they’re handsy and lovey and all of the things, no matter where they are. (A match made in heaven?!?!) It took maybe two minutes for us to feel comfortable enough to be our true selves and the rest was history. They were making out, smacking booties, touching bodies, and loving on each other at their (very public) ceremony spot and every stop along the way. 

Armed and ready with my camera (and my dog, Bill), their elopement in East Glacier started at Sun Point, a designated ceremony site with crazy good views overlooking St. Mary Lake! After a quick ceremony with personal vows we scurried off from the crowds to find some more fun! Next stop was Wild Goose Island, with the sun dancing around fast-moving  clouds creating all kinds of lighting scenarios and variety (a wedding photographer’s dream tbh), we captured some sweet magic in their photos! 

Dakota pulled out a Pendleton blanket and shared a sentimental story about her family. Her grandfather was native and she always associated these wool tribal blankets with her grandparents’ house. Right before her grandmother died, she called up the family and said she was going to donate all of the blankets unless someone wanted them. Dakota and her brother snatched them up, of course! Flash forward to her wedding day and she’s wrapped up in a Pendleton blanket on native lands, a love-filled nod to her grandparents who were definitely there in spirit! *CRYING*

We ended their day with a wildly good view overlooking the Two Medicine Valley! For a summer elopement, the lake is full and this point gives the most picturesque views of the mountains against the water. It’s definitely up there in my favorite spots! As the air cooled and we prepped for our long car rides home, At Zach’s request swapped their wedding attire for some matching loungewear and AirForce 1’s, each pair inspired by their favorite rivaling college football teams back home in the south. A cute cap on a freakin’ gorgeous day in Glacier National Park! 

Looking to explore East Glacier for your own Montana elopement? This sunrise elopement might give you what you need or even check out this intimate wedding on the lakeshore!

Never has there ever been a more intentional national park microwedding than this! These photos are your typical shots but with true documentary style coverage of their personal twists on first looks, thoughtful ceremony traditions, and karaoke-filled reception. If you’re looking for inspiration for a personality-infused intimate wedding, you’ll wanna see this one! 

It’s no secret national park micro weddings are getting more popular each year. They account for around half of what I photograph, so it’s safe to say I’ve experienced so many different vibes, traditions, etc. You name it, I’ve seen it. So when I say Rachel + Will’s wedding was one of the most thoughtful days I’ve been a part of, you know it’s something special. 

These babes flirted with the line of a traditional wedding and a microwedding. Wanting a super intimate ceremony and a big ol’ party, they simply made it the best of both worlds ‘cause why not?? 

Rachel asked me when we were planning, “is it weird that we want to get dressed together?” I can’t even express how much I love when couples do this. While I am all for a classic first look, there’s something extra special about helping each other get ready, hyping each other up when you look good, and having an intimate experience rather than one big moment of excitement. 

So that’s exactly what they did. We picked a little trail on our way to the ceremony site, pulled off into the spot, and hung their clothes from the trees. Rachel put a blanket down and they set up a mirror, and together, they got dressed right there in the forest. Will sat down and immediately put his socks on, which quickly became the funniest inside joke when Rachel noted how freakin’ strange it was he went straight for the socks first HAHA! 

After that, we headed to the Fish Creek picnic area for family photos and then came my favorite part of the whole day. With microweddings, ceremonies tend to be short ‘n sweet, but not Rachel + Will’s. Their ceremony was packed with one personalized moment after another. Their aunt + uncle officiated the wedding. The did a ring warming, where they pass around the rings to let guests bless them with good energy and thoughts for the couple. Her uncle sang a song for them, them pulling out a flask for a funny moment. Their vows weren’t grand speeches, but flowing conversations, with impromptu banter back and forth. It was intentional and emotional. Absolutely perfec!. 

We ventured off for portraits before their Airbnb backyard reception with friends and family outside of the park. Rachel + Will had mentioned they had done shoots before that were absolutely beautiful, but didn’t feel like them with most of them posing + smiling at the camera. So for the rest of the day, I threw all of my direction skills out of the window and just let them be. And man was that freakin’ beautiful. They were skipping rocks and running around without shoes, making out in the lake. They aren’t your typical wedding portraits, but I’m all for the unconventional.

Even their rather traditional wedding reception was packed with bits of personality + customization that made it feel more like them. Custom koozies, super emotional toasts, a mobile bar to keep the drinks flowin’ as they sang karaoke all night. Yes, you read that right! Karaoke at a reception?? I was a little unsure of how that would be but turns out their friends + fam are karaoke pros and it was just the cherry on top of their love-filled day. 

Rachel + Will are the perfect example of how to have a sweet intimate ceremony for your microwedding in a national park with epic views, but still invite people you care about to celebrate. If that is your vibe, let’s talk babe! Where are we headed? Olympic National Park? Mount Rainier? Yosemite? SIGN ME UP!

Do the anniversary photoshoot. You’ll love it. Don’t ever stop photography your love story. Amanda + Shayne started the tradition of coming back to the place where they got married last year, which just so happens to be the same place they vacationed to celebrate their engagement the year before. The rugged mountainscape and fresh air of big sky country bring these two Texans right back to moments of so much love and how lucky am I to have gotten to capture those moments for them?! 

Springtime in Glacier National Park is always an interesting time for an anniversary shoot or any couples photoshoot for that matter. The weather is still unpredictable, thawing from our long cold winters. The Going to the Sun Road isn’t open just yet, eliminating some of the most infamous corners of the park. To add to it, in recent years construction has even caused havoc near Lake McDonald. 

But there’s calmness that comes in the shoulder season. The tourists haven’t arrived yet and a cool chill sting lingers in the air. The light is softer for longer, not quite as harsh as the summer sun. The lake is larger and the shoreline smaller because of runoff from the snowy mountains above. Each season brings its own type of magic and there are always beautiful places to explore. Amanda + Shayne’s anniversary session is perfect proof of that! 

Without access to the Going to the Sun Road, we were limited on where we could venture to on the west side. But that didn’t stop us from exploring every bit of forest and shoreline we could find. We were weaving through the trees, chasing that soft sunlight, winding along the creek trail, and eventually landed on the docks of the lake in Apgar Village. When I tell you I hadn’t seen light like that in this region forever, I mean it. It was a Montana photographer’s dream land. 

It’s crazy to think that these two lovers met over four years ago at jury duty. Freakin’ civic duty brought to life a sweet story of love between two people which led to an intentional wedding in a place they love most, and now year after year, they’ll come back to this place to relive it all. I’d photograph these babes and their anniversary photos until the end of time if they’d let me! 

So if you don’t take anything else from this blog post, remember these two things! 

1. DO THE ANNIVERSARY PHOTOSHOOT! Or the engagement photos. Or the couples photos. Or the vacation photos. Just do ‘em! You’ll share these moments with each other for the rest of forever and that’s seriously something special. Preserve it.
2. Don’t let shoulder season scare you. Glacier National Park is full of stunning spots, not just the ones with a million Tripadvisor reviews! Especially when you hire a local Montana photographer (oh hey, hi, hello,  let’s chat about your photos!). I can lead you to secret spots and unknown corners so that we can always capture something special. 

If you’re a big mountain person or a national park lover or just someone crazy in love that wants photos in some otherworldly beauty – let’s do it bb! The world is waiting. Where do you wanna go?! 

There are many magical spots for a hiking elopement in the US and abroad, but as a Montana elopement photographer, it’s easy to say Glacier National Park is a local favorite. Every year millions of tourists flock to bask in the beauty of the park, spot native wildlife, and explore the many valley meadows, peaks, and lakeshores that call Glacier home. And every year, adventure lovin’ couples come from far and wide to say I Do in the middle of it all.

Haley + Maverick met at the gym in Alabama, a little river city in the south, where they’re both from. They quickly became best friends before dating for three years. Finally an engagement sealed the deal, but they knew they wanted to steer clear of tradition and plan a day that was laid-back and full of adventure – just like them and their relationship. 

That idea brought them to planning a destination elopement in the mountains. Far from the flat fields of Alabama, they ventured to Glacier National Park to get married with views of snow-dusted peaks and soak in the stunning scenery with their closest loved ones in an intimate hiking elopement. 

Mav hiked in before meeting Hale for their first look in front of some falls. Rather than getting ready back at their accommodation, she brought along her dress, a lacey and textured long-sleeved beauty, and hung it from a tree, then dressed right there on the trail before walking down to meet Mav.

It was a stunning ceremony at Sun Point, where the Glacier winds blew in some extra magic for them and their guests. Afterwards, they chased the sunset through the park, exploring trails through the pines, and taking in the views as the smoke turned the skies hazy in the best way. 

It was the day they dreamed of – stress-free, scenic, stunning, and full of so much love. Take a scroll through their photos that tell the story of their day. From dressing in the trees to a first look as flowing water set a magical scene to hair blowing in the wind as they kissed for the first time as a married couple! A hiking elopement day for the books for sure!

Want your Glacier National Park micro wedding to feel like more like an elopement? Let’s make it happen! That was Devin + Blake’s request for their intimate national park wedding. Family and friends were in attendance for the ceremony, but we set off on our own adventure in the park afterwards for some elopement-inspired fun! 

Back during D+B’s fall engagement session in Glacier, we had soooo much fun together! So I knew I was in for a treat on their wedding day. They had visited different parts of the park during their visit and knew they wanted a wedding ceremony in Two Medicine Valley! The area is stunning and has a ceremony location that permits the amount of guests they have, so it was the perfect choice! 

They chose to keep it small and make it all about them, but felt that there were a few very important people that should be there on their day. It’s not uncommon for couples to feel this way! An intimate wedding in the park is the best of both worlds. 

D+B had their ceremony at Pray Lake, with gorgeous mountain views and the sunlight sparkling off of the water. Toasts were made, champagne was sipped, and her father gave such a sweet speech. They had first dance by the creek as the sun filtered through the trees all dreamy. The wedding portion of their day was wrapped up with some sentimental dances and a few family photos. 

Then we were off for their portrait photos! Two Medicine and Pray Lake are connected, so we ventured off for a little walk to Paradise Point for some different scenery. This is always my favorite part of the day, where the couple gets the chance to bask in the excitement of being married and just be together. The skies turned a little hazy from forest fires that started in the park that night. As awful as it is, it created a hazy glowy filter for the evening, and the photos luckily did not suffer one bit. In fact, that golden hour glow was just amplified! 

Based on their adventurous engagement photos where they were literally hanging over a cliffside at one point, I knew these two were up for anything! We headed for Running Eagle Falls as the newlyweds snaked through forests down trails, scampering out onto rocks, until we landed at an epic overlook for their final photos at sunset. 

To end their wedding day, Devin gave Blake one of the most heartfelt gifts I’ve ever seen (and that is saying something, my couples are freaking cuuuuute!) She had written him a letter every day for the past year in a journal, talking about different ways she loved him – including an entry from earlier in the day – their wedding day. It was the perfect ending to an absolutely magical Glacier National Park wedding day. 

So if you are dreaming of an elopement, but know you want to bring some of your closest loved ones along, let D+B be proof that you can definitely have it all. 

Xx, J

It’d be a lie if I told you that I wasn’t crushing hard on this national park elopement. Emme + Colton’s day was everything I love about elopements – carefree, simple, unique. It’s always so refreshing to walk into a wedding day without an ounce of stress in the air. Their energy was so calm, yet so excited for the adventure.

Obsessing over the mountains and the wildlife within them, Colton always dreamed of backpacking through Glacier National Park. So it’s no surprise that when it came time to marry the love of his life and fellow nature lover, Emme, they ditched a traditional wedding ceremony and planned an intimate elopement in Glacier instead. 

When Colton’s twin sister introduced him to her friend Emme, and to snatch her up while she was still single lol, no one could have predicted the life of love and adventure that would unfold. It took just weeks of dating each other for them to start planning a month-long road trip through the western US. Their admiration for each other grew as they explored the mountains of Montana and watched the bison of Yellowstone in awe. 

On the morning of their wedding day, there were no frills or set plans. No make-up artists or tables filled with the names of wedding guests. They arranged her own dried flowers in a bouquet and boutonniere in the cabin they booked 2 days before their ceremony. Emme didn’t even know which of the wedding dresses she’d wear, she had several, all purchased at the last minute. 

But there was morning coffee, sipped slowly by the creek. And there were hand-written vows spoken with incredible mountain views. They followed each other down trails to waterfalls and soaked in the beauty of the day. No set plan or places to hit + see just whatever felt right in the moment. Soaking up every minute together and Colten’s twin sister + her boyfriend along to celebrate them + officiate their ceremony. It was perfect.

It was so simple, so free-flowing, and stunningly true to them. 

Make sure to scroll through their national park elopement photo gallery below! It’s full of inspiration for Glacier elopement. And if you love E+C’s day, here’s a blog on exactly how to elope in Glacier National Park! There’s plenty of helpful tips and tricks to get your planning started! 

Xx, J

Who needs an actual lakeside wedding venue when you can just run around the Many Glacier Valley in Glacier National Park?! Haley + Jake’s elopement was a true outdoor adventure spent driving through the park, picnicking with views, splashing around in the shallows, and walking through the trees. 

Rather than a traditional wedding with all of the bells and whistles as people say, these two babes opted for something that felt more true to who they are. It started at a little Airbnb in the forest just a bit outside of West Glacier (you can check out all of the specifics or book it yourself right here). They had a first look while hanging out at the cabin, Haley looking stunning in her simple white gown + veil, Jake added a nice touch with his monogrammed tie with a topographic map the location of their ceremony design. These two were so laid-back and down to explore in whatever direction they day brought – the absolute correct attitude for an elopement day in the park! 

We started their adventure by driving through Glacier together, them taking in the sights and stopping for any view that caught their eye. Eventually we landed in Many Glacier, where they said their vows on a little hill by the lake with the classic Many Glacier landscape in view. Everywhere was so green and the sun was shining bright and it was such a pretty spot for a special lakeside wedding ceremony. 

In the spirit of having a slow day, just spent loving each other, they planned a picnic for themselves and brought it along for some post-wedding snacking! They sat right down by the lake with their cheeses and Triscuits and bubbly looking out on one of the most epic landscapes in the park. Then they danced on a rocky hillside. It was simple and stunning. A moment of pure freakin’ joy as they both beamed with happiness. 

The adrenaline of the day running fresh through her veins, Haley said she had to get in + dipped her feet into the cold waters of the lake. She yelled, in a joking tone, “what if I kept going?!” and then she did! Jake kicked off of his shoes and followed her in. They held each other as the sun set and it was just cherry on top for their perfectly chill lakeside wedding day in the park! 

It’s always an honor when my couples allow me to just hang out with them. When they aren’t focused on the photos or the fact that a stranger they have never met in person before is witnessing their incredibly intimate moments. That’s when the wedding photography magic really happens! Haley + Jake, you both were an absolutely precious couple to hang with! I can’t get over how much fun you all had that day in the park! Xx

Mountains and whiskey and bears – OH FREAKIN’ MY! These mountain engagement photos were a lot of fun with Sarah + Preston as we ran around the Many Glacier region in Glacier National Park. And it was anything but boring! From a late start because of a navigation mishap to ending the day taking shots straight from the bottle on a little overlook, you’ll want to see these inspo-worthy images. 

Preston is from Montana, so mountain engagement photos just made sense for these two. Even though they currently live in Cali, they love coming back and spending time with family, exploring everything epic and beautiful in Glacier! That didn’t stop Preston from taking the wrong way into the park and having to circle back around though HAHA! I drive in circles all the time. 

I can’t say much though because after they arrived, I hopped into their car, and off we went to shoot. Only to realize that I forgot my camera back in my own car after we drove all the way to the location. I was excited to hang out lol. But that’s okayyyyy because I always build in extra time for mishaps into the shoot. When you’re out in nature, no cell service, climbing rocks, and running through fields – mishaps are bound to happen. The only way to make it work? Roll with it! 

So that’s what we did! We headed back out to that sweet little spot in the field, with a crazy scenic backdrop for some mountain engagement photos. We were the only ones there when we pulled up, but after a bit, another car came, and then another. Before I really noticed what was going on Preston noticed more and more people eventually saying, “uh I think we have an audience?!” That prompted me to look at all the cars and I knew in an instant. 

BEAR! There’s a bear here. 

When you’re strolling through Glacier, soaking in all of the sights, and suddenly there is a traffic jam – you know there is a bear around. We call it a bear jam. Everyone wants a look! 

And sure enough, there was a huge black bear not too far away behind us. Sarah had never seen a bear and was ready to high tail it out of there! But Preston and I convinced her we needed to stay. The bear sauntered around a bit, but had no interest in us, the cars, or the road. So instead of packing up, we did what any one taking mountain engagement photos would do. 

We put the bear in the shot! And now Mr. Black Bear is forever documented in their story. 

After the excitement from the bear, I wasn’t sure we’d be able to top that, but the fun continued! We headed to the lake, chased a hidden waterfall, and got so much variety in their photos. They brought plenty of outfits, all chosen based on a guide I sent over, and it was just too freakin’ good!!! 
They finished off an epic day with some shots of Wyoming Whiskey, a fan favorite with my clients! Sarah + Preston saw it in Aly + Erik’s Teton elopement and had to bring their own. They can’t get enough of it! Rumor has it, they might even skip the champagne toast at their wedding and go straight to the shots of whiskey! I don’t know about you, but that sounds like a wedding I want to be a part of! Luckily I am. Stay tuned.

Normally not one to blog a bunch of couples photoshoot ideas, but this post-wedding portrait session in Glacier National Park has too many sweet moments not to share! The day spent with Ashley + James was everything I love about adventure sessions – laid back, full of exploring, and freaking FUN!  

First a little backstory about how these babes ended up in East Glacier for a couples shoot. I was actually supposed to photograph their wedding! Last year!  But the ‘Vid did what it does and got Ashley right before her wedding. So they did what they had to do and canceled. Flash forward a year and they finally made it out to Montana, after having a sweet wedding in Vermont. 

When planning couples photoshoot ideas, I always encourage my clients to plan an experience around their day. Don’t just show up to take photos! Bring along a picnic. A deck of cards. Some adult beverages. Maybe plan a quick hike or swim or paddle board. The goal? To capture you and your love while actually doing something you love. It’ll make your day way more memorable and takes the stress off of feeling comfortable in front of the camera! 

So when Ashley + James showed up with road beers (don’t worry, I was driving haha) and a plan to just explore, hike, and take dip somewhere in the Two Medicine Valley, I was stoked! They were up for anything and I knew it was about to be a damn good time. 

The wildflowers were finally in full bloom and Glacier was looking *whewwww* so stunning! It was a little cloudy, but we headed up to an overlook anyway. Then we hopped down to a trail headed for a waterfall, hung out in the flowers a bit, stopped for a much needed beer break, and found ourselves eventually on the shores of Pray Lake. 

And then…the water started to look a little too enticing. Was it freezing cold? Yes. Did they bring anything to swim in? Sure did not. Did they go in anyway? Of course they did! And it was pretty magical. 

My couples are the coolest I swear. Ashley + James were no expectation. I might not have been able to photograph their wedding, but that didn’t make their couples photoshoot in East Glacier any less special. They were just two kids in a big, beautiful place just doing what they do best – lovin’ on each other! 
So if you came here looking for idea, scroll through this sweet and adventurous gallery. Honestly I can’t get enough of these two! And if you’re ready to plan a shoot of your own, let’s dooooo it! Browse the blog for more couples photoshoot ideas and then head to my contact page and tell me what you are envisioning! We’ll make it happen.

I have a love affair with what we in the industry call intimate weddings. These small celebrations of the couple and their love. Just them and their family or really close friends. There’s just an energy about them. Sometimes they’re just as simple as gathering together in a location for a ceremony and then maybe dinner at a restaurant and some still want that mini wedding feel with seating, laid out dinner and details but still small and carefree. Everyone is really relaxed and the couples love is always the center of it and it’s so evident.

Kaitlyn + Chase wanted a small destination gathering with their family and chose to head to Glacier National Park and share their personal vows on the lakeshore in Two Medicine. Brought their family out on a trolley!! YAS! Chase told her she knew him better than everyone, and yet, she was still there. Haha! The wind was insane this day, and chilling off the lake. Kaitlyn even put a jacket on mid-ceremony. I loved standing back and seeing it in its imperfectness. I truly believe that’s where beauty is. Jackets on, hair flying everywhere and warm embraces from the ones you love.

They worked with one of my favorite planners, Field Wedding Studio, to create a ceremony space and put together a “picnic” dinner for their family. Nothing grand, just a space to gather. Although I’ve witnessed these girls create picnic dinners and they are another level. I knew Kaitlyn + Chase would freak when they saw it and they did. Kels and her team set it up in a little camp spot protected from the winds by the trees. Just one long table with all the touches and a personalized picnic box for everyone. I want her to make me a picnic dinner!!!

We finished off the night with photos and driving up to Many Glacier for more. Some of my favorite wedding images ever as they embraced all of the elements! Slamming down shitty roads and hopping out high fiving to how awesome that just was hahaha.

The next day Chase emailed me saying hey I lost my wedding band! He made his own ring and it has so much character I was in shock like when did he lose it! We went back through photos and I found a set of images where it was on his hand and without moving locations it wasn’t anymore. I was headed up there to shoot again and crossed my fingers he didn’t throw his arm or something and it went flying. But I found it in less than a minute thank you sweet baby Jesus!

Even as I type this out small things come back to me about their day. They are so incredible together. I had such a good time with them, one of the couples I hate saying bye to. So so lucky! Their images are killer, stoked to share them with you guys!!!!

XOXO,  J.