Location, location, location!
So, you say you want to get married in Montana. That’s great! Where should we even begin?
Montana is a whopping 147,040 mi². Home to 8 (you read that right) national parks, including Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park. Along with having these amazing parks, they all come with incredible lakes, mountains, and views. I have searched high and low (no pun intended) for the top 5 best Locations for pictures in Montana.
Yellowstone National Park, Montana Yellowstone National Park
5. Yellowstone National Park
I had to put this one at 5 for one big reason. It’s VERY hard to actually photograph couples in the park. First of all, you have to work hard to get the right permits. I did a little research and your best bet is just googling (I will attach the link as well) how to get your permit in the park. Fortunately, this works for all national parks. They have different rules and regulations, so make sure you check that out first!
link: Film, Photography, and Sound Recording Permits
Back to the actual topic, look at those views. There is a reason people come from all over the world to visit Yellowstone. Mountains, hills, prairies, water, and hot spots provide nothing but the best for photos.
4. Makoshika State Park
Ooooh, this is a good one. I really never understood why so many people thought this place was a beauty, until I spent a little time out here. First of all, who doesn’t want to get married where the dinosaurs used to roam? (I know y’all put those hands up!) Makoshika offers scenic drives, hiking trails, picnic area, and an outdoor amphitheater. The amphitheater is my preferred spot to check out if you’re wanting a unique and picturesque place for a ceremony.
Makoshika State Park, Glendive, MontaMakoshikana
3. Bozeman & Hyalite Reservoir
If you’re looking for a location that’s incredible year round, Hyalite is the place to go. Located right outside of Bozeman, you’ll feel like you’re in another world. I have had photoshoots start at the bottom in fall and turn to winter once we make it to the top. Personally, my favorite time at Hyalite, is the fall season. You’ll be fortunate enough to experience the trees, the water, the mountains, and the gorgeous fall sunsets.
Additionally, you can finish up your pictures and trek back down to my favorite city in the state. Go Bobcats! Bozeman, Montana is truly a big city in a little town. Home to Montana State University, the entire area is worth the extra time spent.
Hyalite Reservoir, Bozeman, MontaHyalite Reservoirna
2. Glacier National Park
I might get some flack from this one, but I had to put Glacier as my number two. Yes, Glacier is abso-freaking-lutely amazing. It’s incredible. The views are OUT OF THIS WORLD. However, there are so many people. And as of 2020, it’s a lot harder to make it up to Many Glacier without a pass/permit. I personally love shooting in the park and I love exploring with my amazing couples, but I get a little tired of all the people. That being said, there really is no other place like this on earth. Like Hyalite, Glacier can be visited year-round in most areas of the park.
In my experience, late summer and fall are the best times to visit GNP. If you head to Glacier too early in the summer, you’ll most likely run into snow. If you wait too long into fall, you’ll also run into snow (yes, we get lots of snow). My top favorite places in the park are Many Glacier & Going-to-the-sun road, Apgar Village, and Lake MacDonald. Honestly, there isn’t a bad place to visit here.
Beartooth Pass
Drumroll, please! Located in both Montana and Wyoming, you’ll find the magical, amazing, and incredible Beartooth Pass. Highway 212 peaks out at 12,000 feet above sea-level. I have seen eagles, moose, sheep, and many other amazing animals on one of the hundreds of trips I’ve taken through the pass. Not only do you get to pass through Red Lodge, Montana, but you’ll also get to cross the 45 parallel. Fun fact, this is the exact halfway point between the North Pole and equator.
There are many hiking trails and pulls off along the highway that lead to even more mountain views and hidden lakes. Although the pass is only open from Memorial Day to Columbus Day (based completely on snow) you can never, and I mean never, go wrong with choosing the Beartooth Pass for your pictures.
Beartooth HighwBeartooth Highwayay, Montana
I really could have added a few other places to my list, however, I wanted to keep it to the top five. Obviously, this is all opinion and personal preference, so I decided to include a couple honorable mentions. Feel free to click the link and explore these places yourself.
Cheers to choosing your favorite location in Montana for your own incredible day.
(From left to right)
Phipps Park, located outside of Billings, Montana (https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/montana/phipps-park-trail)
Chico Hot Springs, located in Pray, Montana (https://www.chicohotsprings.com/)
Big Sky, Montana (https://www.visitbigsky.com/)
East Rosebud Lake, Montana (located outside of Red Lodge, Montana) (https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/custergallatin/recreation/recarea/?recid=60867)
