The Diary:

Resources for NW Montana and Glacier National Park Weddings & Elopements 

and beyond

Shayna Lloyd Shayna Lloyd

Full 7-Mile Pullout (Sandy Point) Wedding Guide | Glacier National Park Photographer and Videographer

7 Mile Pullout, also called Sandy Point, sits along the west side of Going to the Sun Road about seven miles from the west entrance. It’s one of the easiest Lake McDonald ceremony spots to get to and the views hit immediately. You walk a few steps from the parking area and you’re standing on a wide stretch of shoreline with the full length of Lake McDonald in front of you and mountains stacking up behind it. It’s simple, clean, and classic Glacier. Lake McDonald always looks good. Calm water. Wild reflections. Colors that shift all day. As a story-driven photographer and videographer with a vlog meets indie film style, this spot gives me a ton to work with in a really small area which means we get variety without wasting time driving. If you want something beautiful and straightforward with no surprises, 7 Mile Pullout is one of the strongest Lake McDonald ceremony options.

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Full Avalanche Picnic Area Shoreline Wedding Guide | Glacier National Park Photographer and Videographer

Avalanche Picnic Area Shoreline is a solid pick if you want that bright blue water and the rugged look of Avalanche Creek without committing to a full hike. The creek is wild, loud, and looks incredible on camera. It gives you a clean mix of forest and water with plenty of spots to tuck in for a small ceremony. As a story-driven photographer and videographer with a vlog meets indie film style, I love shooting here because the color of the water does half the work for us and the surrounding trees give everything a grounded feel. The only real downside is parking which is brutally limited in this part of the park. If you are choosing this spot for your ceremony, plan to arrive early or consider hiring a private shuttle for drop-off  to make the logistics easier. If you want a location that feels distinctly Glacier without going deep into the park, the Avalanche shoreline delivers every time.

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Full Avalanche Amphitheater Wedding Guide | Glacier National Park Photographer and Videographer

Avalanche Amphitheater is one of my absolute favorites. It’s fully surrounded by trees and sits right at the base of Trail of the Cedars which gives it that moody twilight forest vibe without needing to hike. It’s the perfect setup if you want to do your adventure session at Avalanche Lake first and then meet your people for the ceremony afterward since the amphitheater is right where the trail ends. You get the deep woods look for your vows and then we can hop in the car and head to Lake McDonald for group portraits which gives you two completely different backdrops in one afternoon. The only downside is parking which is a complete nightmare at Avalanche. Hiring a private shuttle or a small bus is usually the move. As a story-driven photographer and videographer with a vlog meets indie film style, this spot gives me everything I need to build a full narrative without overthinking it.

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Full Apgar Picnic Area Shoreline Wedding Guide | Glacier National Park Photographer and Videographer

Apgar Picnic Area Shoreline is one of my favorite ceremony spots on the west side of Glacier. You get the classic Lake McDonald foreground with mountain layers stacked behind it and you don’t have to drive far into the park to get it. It’s close to the west entrance, parking is easy, and the shoreline has plenty of room to spread out without feeling cramped. As a story-driven photographer and videographer with a vlog meets indie film style, I love this spot because the light hits the water in a way that makes both photo and video look clean and cinematic. It works for tiny ceremonies and slightly bigger ones, and it’s straightforward for guests who are coming in from out of town. If you want something simple, beautiful, and easy to access, this shoreline is one of the best choices on the west side.

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Full Apgar Amphitheater Wedding Guide | Glacier National Park Photographer and Videographer

Apgar Amphitheater is one of the most practical ceremony spots in Glacier, especially if you have a bigger group or guests who need easy seating and accessibility. The actual amphitheater isn’t the most beautiful backdrop in the park and most of my couples tell me that straight up, but the convenience is hard to beat. The best part is how close it is to the shoreline of Lake McDonald. You can hold the official ceremony in the amphitheater, keep everyone comfortable, then walk a few steps to the lake for portraits and bonus vows. Or you can reserve the amphitheater for the permit and just use the shoreline for the ceremony itself. As a story-driven photographer and videographer with a vlog-meets-indie-film style, this combo works well because you get structure and scenery without making your guests go too far into the park. Apgar is simple, accessible, and perfect for couples who want Glacier without the logistics headache.

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Full Big Bend Wedding Guide | Glacier National Park Photographer and Videographer

Big Bend is the spot almost every couple sends me as their first piece of inspiration. It’s one of the most iconic views in Glacier and the fact that it’s an approved ceremony location makes planning ten times easier. You park, step out, and you’re instantly surrounded by huge mountain views in every direction. It’s fully accessible and every slight turn gives you a different backdrop, which makes photo and video coverage way more dynamic. As a story-driven photographer and videographer with a vlog meets indie film style, Big Bend gives me endless options without needing to go far. It is one of the busiest pullouts in the park, so if privacy is the top priority I usually steer couples somewhere quieter. But if you love the look of this spot, I can frame out other visitors without it feeling forced. Big Bend is classic Glacier and always delivers.

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Glacier National Park Senior Photo Session | Dani Jordan from Lockwood, Montana

Dani Jordan’s senior photoshoot in Glacier National Park was all about capturing her laid-back vibe, style, and hobbies. She brought along her sister Shelby and best friend, and we explored some amazing spots in the park —  mixing in her love for basketball and Montana’s incredible scenery. Dani brought a shit ton of outfits and we had a blast hustling along Going to the Sun Road, changing fits at each stop. Keep reading for Glacier National Park senior photo inspo! 

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Why You Should Add a Best Friend Session Into Your Senior Photo Package

Senior photos are already a big deal—you’re capturing this time in your life before everything changes. So why not make the experience even better by bringing your best friend along? Adding a best friend session to your senior package means you’ll still get all of your individual photos, but you’ll also have some with the person (or people) who have been there through it all.

Think about it—showing up together makes the whole session more fun and relaxed. You’ll have someone there to hype you up and make you laugh, which means your photos will feel even more natural. Plus, you’ll get a mix of solo shots and pictures together, so you have something to look back on beyond just the usual senior portraits. If you want photos that actually feel like you and capture more than just your senior year—but also the friendships that made it unforgettable—this is the way to do it.

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How to Elope in San Antonio, Texas

If you’re considering eloping in San Antonio, Texas, you’re in the right place. This city offers the perfect mix of nature, adventure, and authentic experiences for couples who want something a little different. You’ll find beautiful outdoor spots where you can say your vows surrounded by nature, whether it's along the peaceful River Walk or up in the Texas Hill Country. Whether you're exploring hidden trails, surrounded by wildflowers, or taking in the sunset over the city, San Antonio offers a relaxed, beautiful setting for your elopement. Keep reading for everything you need to know about planning an unforgettable, laid-back elopement in this one-of-a-kind city.

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Whitefish, Montana Senior Photo Session| Hunter Wilson From Missoula, Montana

Hunter Wilson’s senior session in Whitefish, Montana, was the perfect mix of stunning backdrops, personal style, and a special family add-on to round it all out. Coming up from Missoula, Hunter wanted his session to capture this milestone in a way that felt natural and true to him. Whitefish offered the perfect setting, from classic Montana scenery to spots that let his personality shine.

Along with his senior portraits, Hunter’s family joined in for part of the session, making sure they had photos together before he heads off to college. The combination of solo shots and family moments made for a well-rounded session that felt both personal and meaningful. Keep reading to see how we made the most of Whitefish for Hunter’s senior pictures and why a family add-on is a great idea.

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