Two brides exchanging vows by a lakeside, surrounded by a mountainous landscape.

A Lakeside Elopement in the Glacier National Park

Stephanie (she/her) and Maria (she/her) always knew that they’d elope, and the mountains and colors for Glacier National Park in the fall was the perfect spot to bring their elopement with their dogs, their kids and their immediate family to life.

What inspired your decision to elope? 

We always dreamed that we’d have an elopement. After all, it’s a day to capture the love we have for one another rather than a traditional wedding with all the entertainment. 

Of course, we did want to include our dogs, kids and close family but felt as though most of our day was centered around us and our love. 

How did you choose the Glacier National Park to elope in?

We knew we wanted to be in the mountains, we fell in love with Montana and all its beauty without ever having been there – we’d seen some photos and they were breathtaking. We couldn’t resist. 

Did you share the news with your family and friends that you were planning to elope before the day?

We told our immediate family prior to the elopement but the majority of our other family and friends got the news after the fact – a total surprise! 

We will have a celebration with everyone eventually.

A white cowboy hat with "Bride" written on it, along with a bouquet of colorful flowers, two engagement rings in green velvet boxes, and a wooden keepsake box with names and a date.
A close-up of a bridal bouquet featuring white and red roses, and a black ornament decorated with two rings.
One bride in a white long sleeve dress, wearing a white hat smiles as she watches her bride walk towards her. The officiant is also in the photo, they’re wearing a black dress and is holding a book. They are also smiling.
A scenic view of a wedding ceremony by a lakeside with mountains in the background and a small group of guests watching.
A joyous snapshot of one bride toasting with a small crowd, including the other bride. They stand on a rocky lakeside, under the vast sky and before the mountain range.
Two brides exchanging vows by a lakeside, surrounded by a mountainous landscape.
Two brides laughing while one reads from a book during their lakeside wedding.
Two brides participate in a handfasting ceremony by the celebrant on a pebble lakeside with mountains in the background.
The brides continue to read vows to one another, the wind is blowing their dresses and hair wildly in the air.

Walk us through the elopement day. 

We made our way to the ceremony site with eyes on the storm that was lurking around. Amid Maria reading her vows, a wall of rain started forming behind her and the wind was picking up heavy. 

I was holding on to her and my hat hoping that we wouldn’t blow away! 

We took cover under the trees only to see the most stunning double rainbows to appear as it passed. How lucky could we get?!

Tell us about working with Jennifer Vernarsky Photography. 

Our photographer, Jennifer, was our rock. She helped so much with all the little details and in guiding us with all the vendors. 

We showed her some inspiration photos and were able to choose colors, cake flavors, etc. and she brought everything else to life. 

She is so much more than a photographer, this woman does it all. I’m so proud to say that we made a lifelong friend throughout this process. 

A serene lakeside scene with a wooden pier surrounded by mountains and autumnal trees.
Two brides run playfully under a vibrant double rainbow on a pebbly lakeshore.
One bride kisses the other under a rainbow at a lakeside.
Two brides hold hands and kiss on a pebbly lakeshore with mountains in the background.
A wedding cake with a mountain landscape painting, accompanied by a floral bouquet, on a table by a lake.
Guests, including young boys and adults, enjoy food and drinks at a lakeside wedding reception.
Two brides share a romantic kiss in the middle of a forested road surrounded by fall foliage.
Two brides joyfully lift their wedding dresses while running on a wet forest road amidst autumn trees.
Two brides wearing leather jackets that read "Til Death" stand back-to-back, overlooking a lake with autumnal trees.
A close-up of the brides' hands intertwined, displaying their wedding rings and holding a bouquet of roses and daisies.
Two brides share a kiss under a transparent umbrella on a rainy day, surrounded by vibrant autumn leaves.

Photography by Jennifer Vernarsky Photography

Cake Mountain Mama’s Cupcakery
Officiant Elope Montana
Florist Rose Mountain Floral
Hair & Makeup Studio RK
Venue Elope Montana

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