Summer Elopement in Glacier National Park

Mary Katherine + Austin │ West Glacier, Montana │ 07.20.2020

Are you an outdoor enthusiast whose planning to get married? Maybe an adventure elopement is the perfect wedding experience for you and your partner. If your dream wedding does not follow the traditional wedding rule book, take a moment to browse this post and get inspired by the adventure elopement of Mary Katherine and Austin in Glacier National Park. Their wedding day was unique and meaningful. It was a day filled with intention and some of the finest views that Montana has to offer.

I was so excited when Mary Katherine and Austin contacted me. They told me of their plans to travel 2,000 miles from Louisiana to Montana with a few family and friends in tow for a Glacier National Park elopement. When asked if I'd be interested in joining them as their adventure elopement photographer, there was no hesitation when I said, "yes." Having photographed numerous weddings in Glacier National Park, I helped them formulate a wedding timeline fitting for their adventurous personalities.

The day began before sunrise. Mary Katherine and Austin casually dressed in formal wedding attire at the Logan Pass Visitor's Center, and the three of us hiked up to Reynolds and Clements Mountains for epic pre-wedding pics. It was late July, and the early morning Montana temperature was a cool 45°F at 6,646 feet above sea level. During our 3-mile hike, we marveled at the beautiful vista encompassing the subalpine terrain. When we reached Logan Pass, the morning light was perfect for photographs.

From Logan Pass, we headed to St. Mary and Virginia Falls. We hiked through the forest, passing several gushing cascades along the way. Before long, we heard the thunderous crashing of St. Mary Waterfall, which drops 35 feet in three separate tiers. We stopped for pictures, then hiked another mile to Virginia Falls. Standing at the base of this 50-foot waterfall, Mary Katherine and Austin were on cloud nine. As temperatures rose, the cool spray from the waterfall helped prepare us for our hike back.

With our sunrise adventure behind us, it was time for Mary Katherine and Austin to prepare for their afternoon wedding. Their ceremony took place along the shore of Lake McDonald, Glacier Park's largest lake. With mountains surrounding the north, south, and east sides, Lake McDonald is a spectacular place for a wedding. Theirs was the sweetest ceremony, and I could tell Mary Katherine and Austin were completely relaxed and enjoying every moment of this day.

After the ceremony, Mary Katherine and Austin posed for fun-loving newlywed pics and family formals at the water's edge. We left Lake McDonald and regrouped at The Pine Lodge on the Whitefish River. The wedding reception was an intimate affair with plentiful smiles and laughter, a delicious meal, and a mouth-watering wedding cake. It was a memorable day, and I was happy to be part of it. Mary Katherine and Austin, if you're reading this, thank you so much for inviting me to join you and be your adventure elopement photographer.

Click here to view Mary Katherine + Austin’s full gallery, download full resolution images, & purchase prints

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