As many of you know my husband & I have fallen in love with Montana over the past 3 years, it’s become our premier vacation destination, our playground, an outdoor oasis & so much more. Maybe one day we will be lucky enough to call the treasure state our home! Also, it’s no secret that as far as work goals go for me shooting sessions & a wedding in Montana are at THE VERY TOP of my list of goals. I said at the beginning of this year that I wanted to shoot a wedding and or session in Montana AND I’m happy to say I’ll be doing both this year. I’m gonna sneak in a session while we are on vacation next week & in September I’m attending a wedding workshop at the gorgeous Foster Creek Farm which happens to be on my bucket list of wedding venues (checking that one off the list!!) Dreams are coming true y’all! I’m always up for traveling for weddings & sessions (or booking them while I’m on vacation). I want to do more destination work in the places that I love & y’all know Montana has my heart & soul! SO today I’m sharing a few of my FAVORITE venues in Montana, that I would ABSOLUTELY love to do a session or wedding at! These places are stunning on their own, but are also nestled in the most beautiful mountains & valleys in Montana. Something that I didn’t mention on my list, but that I would love to do is an intimate wedding or elopement in any of the National Parks in Montana or Wyoming. I think that speaks for itself, you can’t beat those views!!

So take a look at these breathtaking venues, be warned there are quite a few to scroll through, but head over to  their pages & show them some love!

 

Montana Venues: The Last Best Place

 

Foster Creek Farm – Bozeman, MT

I’m considering myself very lucky that I’m crossing this venue off my list in a  few short weeks. All you have to do is take one look at this venue & you can see why I love it so much – It’s STUNNING! The black framed floor to ceiling windows stand out on this beautiful white barn, it’s a little touch of Joanna Gaines meets Montana! Because of those gorgeous windows you can feel like you’re outside even when you’re inside because they let in all of the mountain views & those views of the Gallatin Valley & mountains create the most perfect back drop for any wedding or session. We all know how important the setting & views are at any venue! To keep you cozy on those cold Montana days & nights they have a 2 story rock fireplace (my favorite)! Let’s also talk about their history for a moment Montana is steeped in western history & this venue has it own past! Originally, it was part of a homestead in 1890  there has been extensive restoration to preserve the history & also update it to incorporate some modern amenities. Original log cabins restored & glamping tents make the perfect place to stay at this venue (I’m super excited to experience this as well). Go follow them now & see all this venue has to offer!

Headwaters Ranch- Three Forks, MT

This is probably one of the most unique venues on my list it’s a beautiful round barn with rough-hewn lumber & cathedral ceilings. There is 1400 square feet of mezzanine with views of the ranch & mountains! The outdoor patio is spacious with lots of room for guests to hang out & enjoy the scenery. The clubhouse is great spot for getting ready & just hanging out before the wedding. I also love that there are vintage campers, cabins & glamping tents for guests & the wedding party. They have acres of land dedicated to wildflowers (perfect place for photos)! This is truly an experience at Headwaters Ranch with many things to do & see while you’re there. That’s the great thing about this Montana venue you cans stay & play there!

 

Bootjack Farm- Whitefish, MT

This homestead property is the perfect spot for a small & intimate wedding. It’s rustic & lodge feel gives a cozy vibe! The views & surroundings are hard to beat! It’s a simple, but elegant venue combined into one! If you’re a couple who loves the outdoors & nature I feel like this is the absolute perfect venue for you! It is a little slice of heaven in Whitefish!

Green Valley Ranch- Glacier National Park, MT

This beautiful venue is at the edge of Glacier National Park (which is probably one of the most beautiful parks in the U.S.) It’s filled with grassy meadows, a vista of Desert Mountain making the best backdrop for photos. There is not a bad view here! It has this remote & wild feel making you feel like the only people in the world, how perfect is that for a wedding?! Dance the night away in the wilderness under the stars! Another cool thing about this venue is that it was rated the 8th most unique wedding venue out there in BRIDES Magazine ! Check out that article HERE!

White Raven- Alberton, MT

This venue has so many great locations for photos between the Clark Fork River, Lolo National Forest, and Natural Pier Bridge it’s a fantastic location to make magic happen! The venue is stunning with high ceilings, and elegant wood details. They have a massive stone fireplace which is a MUST in any Montana venue & makes this a perfect winter venue who said you can’t get married all year round in Montana!  The outdoor veranda is spectacular & makes the perfect spot for dancing under the stars in the big sky! As if there weren’t enough perfect spots for photos this venue also has stone cliffs, pines & wildflower meadows. It’s basically a photographer’s dream!

Wildlife Landing- Stevensville, MT

Another picturesque venue is Wildlife Landing, settled in the Bitterroot Valley between the Bitteroot Mountains & the Sapphire Mountains it offers panoramic views of both. It is a cross between luxury and wilderness provides the quiet & serene atmosphere of the wilderness, but all the luxury feels. The best news is it’s stunning ALL YEAR ROUND, why not have a winter wonderland wedding here?! It borders the Lee Metcalf Wildlife Refuge & Bison Ranch giving it even more opportunities for gorgeous views. We will be staying in this gorgeous valley & I can attest it has some of the best views around, the Bitterroot is quickly becoming one of my favorite places. Check out their website & see all that this stunning place has to offer.

Camelot Ranch – Billings, MT

If you’re looking for a ranch feel then Camelot Ranch is the venue for you! Just because it’s in Billings doesn’t mean the views are any less beautiful it’s the perfect private country setting with tress, ponds & wildlife. It’s large size allows you to fit numerous guests and it’s rustic charm makes it one of the best venues in Eastern, MT!

Rugged Horizon- St. Ignatius, MT

Tucked at the edge of the Mission Mountain Range is Rugged Horizon, this barn pops with the deep blue mountains behind it. It’s also not far from the National Bison Range & if you’re lucky you might just see bison & other wildlife in the evenings! If the scenery isn’t enough there are also gardens & meadows perfect for photos along with those mountain vistas! They have a loft that makes the perfect spot to relax or get ready for the big day! Anyone planning a wedding knows there are a lot of details & decor and at times that becomes expensive, the great thing about this venue is that they offer numerous decor & furniture items for rent. Anything from a wood burning fire pit, BBQ grills, linens, tables and more.

The Venue at Montana 45- Bigfork, MT

This venue screams Montana it has a wild, natural & rustic vibe. It’s cozy and lodge feel makes it the perfect spot for an intimate & romantic wedding! The timber & barn wood flow throughout the venue along with stone accents on the inside, the fireplace & stairs are stunning focal points! This is the perfect spot for a garden wedding in Montana! Heck, it’s perfect for any event!!

Sage Lodge -Pray, MT

This is one of those venues that leaves me speechless. Have you ever heard of Paradise Valley? It’s easily one of the most stunning & epic landscapes in Montana. So now add a wedding venue & now you have one of the most stunning & epic wedding venues in Montana. This backdrop is so serene and to top it off there are multiple venues to choose from here from Lodge Lawn, Yellowstone,  and more. Lodge Lawn is certainly one of my favorite spots for a ceremony with pond & mountain views! It has an expansive view of Emigrant Peak & Paradise Valley. This venue is luxurious, elegant with a touch of rustic formal.  It;s surrounded by grasslands, waters of the Yellowstone River and just the overwhelming beauty of the outdoors. There is more to the Lodge than just weddings you can even book it for a vacation! Check out all that they have to offer!

 

The 1915 Barn – Bozeman, MT

I’m in love with this barn and would seriously move into it if I could live there! It is absolutely the cutest barn! The architecture is that of old western Montana barns with the hayloft & accents, this venue had to be heavily renovated in 2003, but I’m so glad they did because it is just so pretty & would have been such a loss to loose something so stunning! The venue is full of old-fashioned charm & history it’s rustic, warm & cozy! It has beautiful mountain views & would be perfect for a small intimate gathering or wedding! This venue is worth checking out! You will not be disappointed!

320 Guest Ranch- Gateway, MT

The thing that is really neat about Montana are the guest ranches you can vacation there, go horse back riding, fly fishing & more. The other neat thing is that you can get married at these guest ranches. Why not vacation, play, stay & get married all at the same spot?! I think history is important & when a venue has history it only adds to it’s appeal. This ranch is 110 years old & was originally a homestead that began in 1898 want to know more about their history, head over to their website & click on the “About Us” section. They have luxury log cabins that will meet all of your accommodation needs. The open meadows & stunning views will win you over in a  heart beat. It is such a stunning little spot!

Rainbow Ranch Lodge- Big Sky Canyon Village, MT

Tucked in Southwest Montana is this stunning venue! There is no shortage of Big Sky views in the Gallatin Mountain Range & views of the Gallatin River. This Lodge is also an experience with so many options to play & stay! It’s also close to The Yellowstone National Park which provides even more options for things to do & see. Want a winter wedding here? It’s one of the top 10 winter destinations, the Big Sky Ski Resort along with others provides many options for winter activities. This is another venue steeped in history originally built in 1919  check out their about us page to find out more. This would be the perfect wedding venue for anyone that wants to relax and or adventure. Not to mention it’s beautiful!

Lone Mountain Ranch – Big Sky, MT

I don’t like to play favorites, but this venue is definitely at the top of my list. I love history & the western way of life and this lodge is completely authentic in it’s western feel for 100 years ! National Geographic called Lone Mountain Ranch one of the most unique lodges of the world. It’s located in beautiful Yellowstone country, among the Montana Rockies, surrounded by rivers & grasslands. Ranch weddings are my favorite & this is the PERFECT spot for a western ranch wedding!  Do you want to experience authentic western activities or stay in a historic log cabin all this & more is possible here!  The views of Lone Peak provide the perfect setting and the lodge look & appeal is stunning! They also offer Farm to Table cuisine which in my opinion can’t be beat I fully support supporting our ranchers & farmers! Want a Winter wedding?! I’m pretty sure whether it’s Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall this is a DREAM destination for a wedding!! CHECK this place out!!

The Silver Knot- Ronan, MT

Want  a venue that provides stunning views of the Mission Mountains indoors & outdoors? If the answer is yes, then this is the venue for you! That make is perfect for winter weddings (seriously, you can GET married during the Winter in Montana)! This venue has rustic beams & reclaimed dock wood from Flathead Lake! The floor to ceiling windows provide those stunning views & the high ceilings & chandeliers give this venue a rustic elegance!

 

Sky Ridge Ranch- Ronan, MT

This is another great venue tucked near the Mission Mountain Range it offers a rustic charm. The red beams on the barn mixed with the stone make this venue stand out on the 100 acre ranch. It offers multiple vistas for photo opportunities from the 1942 flatbed truck, the pond & bridges. It’s a quaint little space in Ronan & perfect for any event or wedding!

Firelight Farm -Bozeman, MT

The 100 year old barn provides the rustic charm and the mountains create the perfect backdrop for a wedding. The venue has warmth & a cozy vibe, it’s surrounded by meadows, views, & much more! It’s a hidden treasure in the Bozeman area.

 

Honorable Mention

Montana Wildflower