We’ve all heard the old adage that it’s good luck if it rains on your wedding day. While this may feel like a cheesy saying, we think it can be true! A little rain will definitely not spoil your Montana elopement. In fact, it can help you get the most stunning and unique images that you wouldn’t be able to capture otherwise! And with a stellar vendor team in your corner, we will always make sure that you are safe, happy, and as dry as possible (unless you want to dance in the rain!).
It did rain a bit for Heather and Travis’ Montana elopement, but this adventure couple didn’t let it get them down! We made the most of it by bringing a clear, dome-style umbrella and an extra jacket or two! They had a private Montana elopement at Bowman Lake and spent the rest of the evening trekking around Glacier National Park for their adventure session.
We all ended up having a blast in spite of the rain on their wedding day… Isn’t it ironic?
The Love Story:
Prior to their Montana elopement, Heather and Travis walked together through a beautiful love story! It’s no wonder that they are such an adventurous couple because they met during the craziest time: a global pandemic! They met through Match.com and talked on the phone every day for two weeks before they were able to meet in person. Travis told Heather later on that the first time they spoke on the phone, her voice sent chills through him: A sign of fate!
By the time they met in person, they had already learned so much about each other and grown so close. From the moment they met each other, they felt like kindred spirits. Heather said Travis felt like home.
Fast forward to a trip they took together to Lake Arrowhead in California. At this point, they were inseparable. One evening, they danced under the stars on their cabin’s porch. On the most perfect night, Travis dropped onto one knee and asked Heather to be his wife. Of course, Heather gave him a resounding YES!
Planning a Montana Elopement:
Heather and Travis are avid campers and hikers, so when envisioning their ideal wedding, they pictured a scenic Montana elopement. Naturally, Glacier National Park was the perfect locale! We understood that privacy was very important to this sweet couple. We immediately thought of Bowman Lake for their ceremony because this is more of a locals’ spot. If you don’t know it’s there, it’s difficult to find, which meant the most privacy we could get in a public national park.
Bowman Lake is also perfect for a Montana elopement because your ceremony backdrop features the serene lake and surrounding mountains. It can’t get more picturesque!
Since their Montana elopement took place in the fall, we selected neutral and timeless colors. Heather’s bridal bouquet would have light pink and ivory roses with baby’s breath accents. Travis’ boutonniere would be a light pink bloom to match.
As their Montana elopement day inched closer, we kept an eye on the weather. When we saw that there was a possibility of rain on the big day, we made sure to pack umbrellas and jackets, including a clear umbrella for epic rainy photos!
Officiating a Montana Elopement:
Here at An Epic Elopement, not only can we plan your Montana elopement with you, but we can also officiate the ceremony! Heather and Travis did ask us to officiate as well on the day-of and we were honored to do so!
When planning their ceremony, we discussed the possibility of including their own custom vows, any special readings or scriptures, and a unity ceremony. We always strive to personalize your wedding ceremony as much as possible!
Heather and Travis decided to keep it simple and forgo custom vows and a unity ceremony. However, it was important to them to include a Bible verse. We happily incorporated that into their ceremony script along with their love story.
With all the details wrapped up, we were ready for the big day!
Before the “I Dos:”
On the morning of their Montana elopement, Heather got all dolled up and then slipped into her white, A-line gown. The dress had lace details on the bodice and a long, flowing skirt. Travis wore a simple white dress shirt with gray slacks, suspenders, and our favorite, a bow tie!
After we picked up their bouquet and boutonniere from the florist, we met the nearly-weds and their photographer. We all then caravanned together to Bowman Lake in Glacier National Park.
When we arrived, we walked out onto the misty shores of the lake. It was slightly drizzling, so we decided to hold their ceremony underneath a tree on the banks of the water. With rain in the air, Bowman Lake was all ours, so it was perfect!
The “I Dos:”
We captured some photos of Heather and Travis individually before their Montana elopement. When they were ready to start the ceremony, we gathered underneath the tree, they joined hands, and we began.
It was so romantic and sentimental to reminisce on their love story during the ceremony. Heather and Travis gazed into each other’s eyes adoringly, as they reflected on their journey as a couple. We read aloud Corinthians 13:4-8 and then exchanged rings.
Then, we pronounced Heather and Travis husband and wife, and they shared their first married kiss followed by a long hug that seemed to say, “We can’t believe we did it!”
The Adventure Session:
After taking a moment to revel in the fact that they were finally married, the newlyweds signed their marriage license to make it even more official. Then, they got to explore Glacier National Park with their photographer to capture amazing adventure photos!
Thankfully, the rain had lifted enough by that point so they didn’t get soaked through their photos. However, it was still misty and cloudy enough to give the atmosphere a cozy look to it, perfect for fall wedding photos! They did whip out the clear umbrella at one point. We love the look of a clear umbrella on a rainy wedding day. Those images always turn out stunning!
Overall, Heather and Travis’ rainy fall Montana elopement turned out to be just perfect! The rain ended up making their elopement spot even more private and they basically got to explore the park with as few tourists as possible! Their Montana elopement was everything they dreamed of, and we were so honored to be a part of it all!
A Word from Katie:
Congratulations Heather and Travis! Thank you for inviting me into your Montana elopement. I so enjoyed working with you both and will never forget this day! Cheers to your future together!
-Katie
Venue // Glacier National Park - Bowman Lake
Planner // An Epic Elopement
Photographer // Amber Lynn Photography
Officiant // Katie Jimenez
Florist // Rose Mountain Floral
Hair & Makeup // Melanie Hobus
Lodging // The Firebrand
Let's Plan Your Montana Elopement!
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 elopement vision and let’s make it happen!