Attention Montana locals! This is a public service announcement just for you: When planning your wedding, don’t forget what’s in your own backyard! Here at An Epic Elopement, we help many couples plan their destination wedding at or near Glacier National Park. We know that getting married in a foreign place with a different landscape than what you’re used to is an intriguing idea. If you’re a Montana local though, we encourage you to remember just how amazing and awe-inspiring the natural landscape is here. Between the mountains, forestry, rivers, and wildflower meadows, there’s really no reason not to get married here!
One of our beautiful couples, Shasta and Jesse, recognized this and tied the knot at their purple wedding in Polebridge, Montana. They live in Whitefish and knew that they wanted to get married here because of the incredible beauty of the state that you just can’t get anywhere else. Being that they’re locals, they also wanted their intimate wedding to be a little different! They wanted to take advantage of Glacier National Park’s wonder, but also have a reception where they could celebrate with their family and friends.
In this post, we’ll walk you through how Shasta and Jesse pulled off their purple wedding in Polebridge, Montana. If you’re dreaming of a wedding in Montana off the beaten path, keep reading and take notes!
First Look at Bowman Lake:
On the morning of their purple wedding, Shasta and Jesse got all dolled up within the comfort of their Montana home. Shasta got her hair and makeup done and then slipped into a truly gorgeous wedding dress with beading all over the bodice and buttons cascading down the back. What really pushed this gown over the top though was the bridal cape fastened to each shoulder by a lovely floral and pearl detail. The cape flowed and trailed behind Shasta throughout the day, giving her an ethereal and goddess-like look.
For their purple wedding in Polebridge, Montana, Jesse’s attire consisted of a gray suit with a royal purple tie and handkerchief. His ivory boutonniere had a matching royal purple ribbon tied around the base, completing his look.
Our coordinator, Mari, picked up Shasta from their home and escorted her to Bowman Lake, where Jesse would meet them to hold the first look. This lake is situated just 6 miles from Polebridge, Montana, which made it the perfect spot for their first look and pre-ceremony photos. The site features a panoramic view of the lake with surrounding mountains and plenty of open sky. On a sunny day, the sunlight sparkles off the water, making this spot even more magical.
That day, Shasta clutched her purple wedding bouquet and walked up to the love of her life on the banks of the lake. When Jesse turned around, he was awestruck and overcome with emotion. We can’t blame him! Shasta was an absolute vision. Just see what we mean below!
Intimate Wedding Ceremony at Ford Cabin:
After capturing photos around Bowman Lake, Shasta and Jesse met their guests at the ceremony site, Ford Cabin. This cozy and rustic cabin sits within the Flathead National Forest and as such, is completely surrounded by towering pine trees and the mountains of Glacier. It is just steps away from the Flathead River and when you’re here, you might just encounter some Montana wildlife, from elk to moose!
It's no wonder that Shasta and Jesse chose to hold their purple wedding ceremony here. When it was time to get married, Shasta entered the ceremony site to the tune of “It’s Always Been You” by Phil Wickham. The ceremony backdrop consisted of the river, distant mountains, and the forest trees that positively glowed because of the golden sunlight reflecting off them. Nothing could be more beautiful!
Purple Wedding Reception at Northern Lights Saloon:
After Shasta and Jesse said “I do,” everyone headed over to Northern Lights Saloon in Polebridge, Montana for their purple wedding reception. There, guests enjoyed appetizers, such as smoked salmon roulade, blackened jumbo shrimp, and bison tartare. Later in the evening, they would indulge in a delicious wedding dinner that included filet mignon, salmon, papas bravas, and locally sourced, seasonal vegetables.
One of our favorite design aspects of this purple wedding was the dessert display! The newlyweds had a sweetheart wedding cake with ombre purple mountain details on the exterior and fresh floral on top. They also served their guests cupcakes with a huckleberry mousse on the inside as an homage to the famous flavor native to the area. We set these sweet treats on a table dressed in purple linens with bud vases and gold mercury votives. It was such a lovely focal point for this intimate wedding reception!
Wedding Adventure Photos:
Before this purple wedding was through, Shasta and Jesse captured sunset photos around the property. When we say that these photos are epic, that is an understatement! No matter which Montana wedding venue you’re getting married in, we always recommend that you have a wedding adventure photo session. Here are our top reasons why:
EPIC Wedding Photos: Montana’s landscape is revered nationwide for good reason! Our soaring mountains, grassy fields, and sparkling lakes make for downright gorgeous backdrops for your wedding ceremony and newlywed portraits. There’s a perfect spot for every taste! The photos you capture here are the ones you’ll want to hang on the wall of your home, send out on your thank you cards, and share on social media for years to come!
Quality Time Together: Going on an adventure session gives you and your new spouse a chance to be alone together and truly soak up the moment. Your wedding day, no matter how big or small, can fly by with all the excitement and festivities. Having built-in 1:1 time together allows you two to pause and savor the fact that you’re married!
Adventure Time: There is so much to explore here in Montana! Going on an adventure session with an experienced photographer can take you places that you may not have known about otherwise. Montana wedding photographers know all the best photo spots and all the logistics of getting there, and they’re more than happy to serve as your guides to Glacier National Park!
Shasta and Jesse, it was our pleasure and honor to be a part of your purple wedding in Polebridge, Montana! The day was absolutely beautiful and we were completely blown away when we saw your wedding gallery. Your joy and love for one another radiated out from the photos, just like it did in person, and we couldn’t be happier for you both! Congratulations!
Ceremony Venue: Ford Cabin
Reception Venue: Northern Lights Saloon
Coordinator: An Epic Elopement
Photographer: Jill Jones Photography
Florist: Mum's Flowers
Videographer: On the Fly Films
Baker: Miss Patti Cakes
Hair & Makeup: Melanie Hobus
Let's Plan Your Purple Wedding!
Based in Kalispell, Montana, An Epic Elopement specializes in all-inclusive elopements, micro-weddings, and intimate weddings. Here, you get the full experience of having a traditional wedding, but with a little more adventure included!
Are you ready to start your elopement journey? Send me a note describing your vision and let’s make it happen!