Autumn simply evokes coziness with the summer breeze turning crisp and the leaves on the trees transforming the Montana landscape into a golden wonderland. We love infusing natural cozy textures into the designs of our fall weddings, like lace table runners, rattan chargers, or wooden farm tables. Incorporating elements like these help celebrate the season, especially since this is a time for gathering around the table with loved ones and enjoying delicious food. It's no wonder so many of our couples want to elope in the fall!
One great example is Caitlin and Wesley, who had their fall wedding on a gorgeous autumnal day in Glacier National Park. This was a true elopement with just the two of them and they paired their ceremony with a breathtaking adventure session. Their boho fall wedding is the ultimate fall wedding inspiration! From Caitlin’s all-over lace dress to this couple’s choice of floral alternative, every aspect of this elopement was reflective of their personalities while leaning into the fall vibe.
If you’re considering a fall wedding or elopement, bookmark this post so you can revisit it whenever you need some inspiration. Trust us when we say that this is one autumn wedding you won’t want to forget!
Benefits of Having a Fall Wedding
While summer is peak season for us here in Montana, don’t overlook the benefits of having a fall wedding! Fall is a wonderful time to visit when there is just as much fun to be had. Here are our top reasons why you should have a fall wedding:
1. Fewer Crowds
During the summer, we see the bulk of our tourists for the year come to visit. People travel from all across the country to hike the trails of Glacier National Park, picnic on a mountaintop, and enjoy boating adventures on our lakes. While the summer season is a great time to come with the sun shining until almost 9pm or 10pm, visiting in fall means fewer crowds to contend with. It’ll be easier to book accommodations, get permits, and explore Glacier because there’ll simply be fewer people here. If privacy is a concern for your wedding ceremony in Glacier, fall is an ideal time for you!
2. Cooler Temperatures
There’s really nothing like fresh, mountain air! Whether you have a summer or fall wedding, you and your guests will enjoy the refreshing and clear atmosphere that Glacier provides. However, in fall, it is cooler outside with a crispness in the breeze that makes the temperature just right for grooms and guests in full suits. You won’t have to worry about sweating throughout your adventure session as well! You can even follow in the footsteps of our bride, Caitlin, who took advantage of the fall season by selecting a wedding dress with long sleeves. Fall creates the most ideal weather here that everyone will enjoy!
3. Seasonal Foliage
As you’ll soon see in Caitlin and Wesley’s fall wedding, the Montana landscape in the fall is jaw-dropping. As if the soaring mountains and lush meadows aren’t enough on their own, the trees turn red, yellow, orange, and gold in the fall, creating the most magical panoramas! You’ll be able to soak in the incredible views anywhere you go in Glacier, giving you wedding photos that look like paintings.
In the fall, you can also opt for seasonal floral, like pampas grass and mums, which is particularly perfect for our boho couples!
Achieving the Boho Look
Caitlin and Wesley’s Glacier National Park elopement had a boho feel to it. This couple created this aesthetic with just a few elements, including their attire and custom floral. Caitlin opted for a long-sleeved, lacey wedding dress while Wesley chose a camel colored suit jacket over dark wash jeans. They complemented one another perfectly and we loved the textures in both of their outfits!
Neither Caitlin nor Wesley were big into fresh floral and since they were having a fall wedding, they decided to have dried florals for their bouquet and boutonniere. Custom-made from a seller on Etsy, these had notes of mustard yellow, deep emerald, and natural tan with a velvet terracotta ribbon. Selecting dried florals for their fall wedding worked well for the newlyweds because not only did these fit beautifully with their autumn theme, but they also doubled as keepsakes from their elopement day.
Boho Fall Wedding Ceremony
This sweet couple’s fall wedding took place by the water’s edge at Ryan Beach within Glacier National Park. There, they had a wide open vista as their ceremony backdrop. With the water gently lapping at the shore and the amber mountains behind them, this view was hard to beat! What made it even better was the fact that it was just them at the site. They had tons of privacy and quiet for their ceremony, lending additional serenity and sacredness to the moment they officially tied the knot.
Fall Glacier National Park Adventure Session
Typically, New England is known for leaf peeping, but don’t underestimate Glacier National Park in the fall! After saying “I do,” Caitlin and Wesley took off with their photographer on an adventure session around the park, taking full advantage of the wondrous scenery. We timed it so they would take these pictures during golden hour.
When we talk about golden hour wedding photos, we usually mean capturing portraits just before the sun sets to achieve that magical, romantic lighting. Caitlin and Wesley though had more than just this incredible lighting. They also had the lucky privilege of having all the leaves on the trees be golden as well! This was a huge advantage to having their boho elopement in the fall. Just take a look at the images from their photo session to see what we mean!
A Word from Katie:
Caitlin & Wesley, huge congratulations on your boho elopement! This day was pure magic and I love revisiting your fall wedding day through your photos! It was an honor working with you both and I wish you all the happiness and love in the world!
-Katie
Venue: Glacier National Park – Ryan Beach
Coordinator: An Epic Elopement
Photographer: Photography by Brogan
Florist: Etsy - HBotanicsWeddings
Hair & Makeup: Bridal Bliss Hair & Makeup
Officiant: Best Day Officiants - Raul
Let’s Plan Your Fall 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!