Gorgeous destination wedding at Summit Mountain Lodge in East Glacier National Park | Austin + Paige
Gorgeous destination wedding at Summit Mountain Lodge in East Glacier National Park | Austin + Paige
Introduction
Austin and Paige had the most incredible, emotional, gorgeous destination wedding at Summit Mountain Lodge in East Glacier National Park — they got married with their closest loved ones in attendance in Montana before partying hard with the whole crew back in California a week later. These two let their day unfold in the most beautiful way — in fact, Paige got DRENCHED during their first look at Two Medicine and it was the most cinematic, romantic, beautiful scene straight out of the Notebook…and she was unbothered hahaha, she just went back to her cabin after and her entourage blow dried her hair and dress before the ceremony. Coolest couple EVER. In this post you’ll find details about one of our fave venues right outside of Glacier National Park, tips about including friends and family in every part of the day, how prioritizing love + fun over perfection lead to the most stunningggg photos + videos, and more Montana wedding planning tips!
Romantic East Glacier Wedding Film Straight out of the Notebook:
The bride’s response to her Summit Mountain Lodge wedding film:
“Okay I’m literally crying 😭 you and Ahlani have made me ball this week lol I can’t thank you enough for this video it is beyond beautiful and something we will always cherish!!! I also want to thank you for everything on our wedding day you are an amazing soul and I’m so grateful you captured our day, you made everything so stress free!! Thank you thank you thank you!!”
-Paige Gandara
Austin + Paige’s Glacier National Park Wedding Timeline
Austin + Paige had a really great wedding timeline that allowed for special moments with their friends and family all morning, plenty of time for an off-site first look in Glacier National Park, a beautiful outdoor ceremony, portraits with friends and family, a delicious dinner with heartfelt toasts from loved ones, and partying alllll night. Let’s break down how they did it!
Getting ready in cabins at Summit Mountain Lodge
Austin and Paige's wedding preparations were filled with meaningful moments at the on-site cabins of Summit Mountain Lodge. As they readied themselves for the big day, Austin ensured he had plenty of precious alone time with his son, incorporating him into the final touches of his vows as they sat together on the porch. Meanwhile, Paige savored every moment with her family, cherishing the bond as her mom and sister helped her into her dress. Before the ceremony, Paige built in a special moment for a first look with her dad, a cherished memory that added an extra layer of sentimentality to their day. It was a beautiful blend of intimate moments and family bonds that set the tone for the celebrations to come.
Rainy First look at Two Medicine
Austin and Paige's first look at Two Medicine in Glacier National Park was a memorable adventure thanks to the POURING rain. It felt like something out of The Notebook, with the misty mountains providing a stunning backdrop. Despite the weather, their spirits remained high as they laughed the entire time we were out there. The rain added an extra layer of intimacy to the occasion, making it feel even more special and unique — and ICONIC, Ahlani and I were screaming the entire time about how beautiful it was haha. Upon returning to the cabins, the bridesmaids wasted no time in ensuring everything was perfect for the ceremony. They quickly attended to Paige's dress, drying it off with a blow dryer and touching up her hair. Remarkably, as they finished, the sun broke through the clouds, casting a warm glow over the landscape, signaling the start of a beautiful day. It was insane.
Ceremony at the outdoor wedding pavilion overlooking Glacier National Park
The ceremony overlooking the mountains was breathtaking. Austin and Paige's heartfelt vows had everyone bawlingggg. The flower garland and other floral arrangements, provided by Mums Flowers in Whitefish, Montana, added a beautiful touch to the setting. It was a memorable and emotional ceremony against the stunning backdrop of the mountains.
Wedding Party Portraits at Summit Mountain Lodge
After Austin and Paige exchanged vows against the stunning backdrop of Summit Mountain Lodge, they made sure to prioritize capturing memories with their loved ones. Following the ceremony, they carved out plenty of time for friends and family portraits, with the majestic mountains providing a breathtaking backdrop. Austin's son was a central part of these moments, ensuring that the day was not just about their union but about celebrating their family bond in the most beautiful setting imaginable.
Reception
After the ceremony, the reception took place right on site at Summit Mountain Lodge, held under their covered reception area. The food from Summit Mountain Lodge Grill was delicious, the toasts were heartfelt, and the dancing was non-stop with Treasure State Entertainment as the DJ. Paige changed into a white sweat suit and danced all night with her friends, making it a super fun and memorable celebration.
What to do when you get drenched on your wedding day
Getting drenched on your wedding day might not be part of the dream scenario, but it's certainly a possibility, especially if you're tying the knot in Montana!! The weather is so ridiculously unpredictable here — I get asked all the time about what we do when the weather is bad, and my response is “uhm…we go enjoy the bad weather…” haha!!
However, a little rain doesn't have to dampen your spirits or your celebration. Here are some tips to help you stay laid-back and go with the flow, knowing that everything will work out in the end:
Embrace the Moment: Instead of letting the rain ruin your mood, embrace it as part of your wedding day adventure like Austin and Paige did. Rain can add an extra layer of romance and intimacy to your special day, creating beautiful photo opportunities and unforgettable memories.
Have a Backup Plan: While you might have envisioned saying your vows with a mountain backdrop, it's essential to have a backup plan in case of inclement weather if you know rain will ruin your mood. Whether it's an indoor alternative or providing umbrellas for your guests, having a plan B will help ease any last-minute stress.
Stay Flexible: Remember that your wedding day is about celebrating your love and commitment to each other, regardless of the weather. Stay flexible and open-minded, and be willing to adapt to any changes that come your way.
Trust Your Vendors: Your wedding vendors are experts at what they do, so trust in their ability to handle any curveballs thrown their way. Whether it's your photographer and videographer capturing stunning rain-soaked shots like Ahlani and I did, or your caterer adjusting the timeline to accommodate the weather, trust that they have everything under control.
Focus on What Matters Most: At the end of the day, your wedding is about marrying the love of your life surrounded by your closest friends and family. Don't let a little rain overshadow the significance of the occasion. Focus on the love and joy that surrounds you, and everything else will fall into place.
Remember, the most important thing is that you're marrying the person you love, regardless of the weather. So relax, enjoy the moment, and embrace whatever Mother Nature throws your way. After all, a little rain on your wedding day is said to bring good luck… and cinematic, iconic Notebook vibes lol.
Unique, personalized aspects of the day
Honoring loved ones who have passed
In addition to displaying photos of their departed loved ones, Austin and Paige found other heartfelt ways to honor their memory throughout their wedding day. Alongside the charming photographs, Paige adorned her bouquet with a meaningful charm, keeping those dear to her close as she walked down the aisle. Other touching gestures could include dedicating a moment of silence during the ceremony, lighting a candle in their honor, or incorporating their favorite song into the reception playlist. These thoughtful tributes serve as a beautiful reminder that though physically absent, their presence and love continue to be felt on such significant occasions.
Gorgeous Montana wedding flowers and decor
Summit Mountain Lodge takes care of coordinating and most things that you would typically rent, so all Austin and Paige had to worry about was personal decor and flowers! They opted for flowers from Mum’s Flowers in Whitefish, Montana — and they were stunningggg. I love Mum’s for out of state couples because you can order everything online without even talking to a person haha, it’s super convenient
On-site cabins at Summit Mountain Lodge
One of my favorite things about Summit Mountain Lodge is that couples have to do a property buy-out for weddings, so ALL of Austin + Paige’s guests were able to stay at the venue in their on-site cabins!
All about getting married at Summit Mountain Lodge
Summit Mountain Lodge is STUNNING, and it’s also one of the only large venues near the Two Medicine Entrance in East Glacier. Here’s everything you might want to know about getting married at Summit Mountain Lodge.
How to get to Summit Mountain Lodge
Guests will want to fly into Glacier Park International Airport in Kalispell, Montana and rent a car. From the airport, the drive is 1 hr 12 min (66.9 mi) via US-2 E. Summit Mountain Lodge is right off the highway and the drive is STUNNING. Keep in mind that cell service is spotty to non-existent in Glacier National Park, so download your map before your drive while you still have service in Kalispell!
Weather info + best time of year to get married at Summit Mountain Lodge
Peak season for weddings in Northwest Montana and Glacier National Park falls between June and September due to the region's unpredictable weather patterns and lengthy snow season. During these summer months, couples can enjoy relatively stable and warmer weather, making outdoor ceremonies and receptions more feasible and enjoyable. With snow season extending well into late spring and early summer, June marks the beginning of more favorable conditions for wedding celebrations. By September, the weather begins to transition into cooler temperatures, but still offers pleasant conditions for outdoor events. Choosing to tie the knot during this time ensures a higher likelihood of clear skies and comfortable temperatures, allowing couples to fully appreciate the stunning natural landscapes and picturesque views that make this region a sought-after wedding destination — butttt, REMEMBER to stay flexible because Montana weather is super unpredictable, as you can see by Austin + Paige’s first look haha!!
Potential roadblocks to make backup plans for
When planning a wedding in Northwest Montana and Glacier National Park, it's crucial to prepare for potential roadblocks that Mother Nature may throw your way. From unexpected snowfall and rain to the threat of wildfires, couples should have backup plans in place to ensure a seamless and stress-free celebration. While the summer months typically offer more favorable weather conditions, it's essential to have contingency plans for inclement weather, such as securing indoor venues or renting tents for outdoor ceremonies. Additionally, staying informed about wildfire activity in the region and having evacuation plans in place can help mitigate any disruptions caused by natural disasters. By proactively addressing these potential roadblocks, couples can ensure that their wedding day remains a memorable and magical occasion, regardless of the challenges that may arise.
Venue info
At Summit Mountain Lodge, couples and their guests can expect an unforgettable wedding experience amidst stunning mountain views. Enhanced by a new man-made waterfall and perennial flower gardens, the setting offers a picturesque backdrop for unique and beautiful photos. With nine newly remodeled cabins on-site, accommodation is available for up to 47 family and friends. The private event space at the Summit Mountain Lodge Steakhouse is perfect for rehearsal dinners, while the timber frame lodge provides a cozy retreat with a fireplace. The kitchen staff is ready to cater to a variety of meal options, and the open-air pavilion can accommodate up to 100 guests, with indoor space available for smaller, intimate weddings of up to 25 people.
Getting married at Two Medicine in Glacier National Park: permits, passes, & legalities
Austin and Paige got married outside of the park and chose to do a first look and adventure session inside, so the permits, passes, and legalities were a bit different for them! We had to register for entry rather than getting in the park with a ceremony permit, butttt if you’re thinking you want to get hitched at Two Medicine before partying all night at Summit Mountain Lodge, then here’s what you should know:
Special Use/Activity Permits for getting married at Two Medicine
Glacier has a specific list of locations where you can recite your vows/hold your ceremony. You can apply for a ceremony permit at this link. When you are granted a permit, you and your wedding party will NOT need a Going-to-the-Sun Road Corridor Vehicle Reservation — Special Use Permits are considered a “service reservation” under the vehicle reservation system in 2023. The ceremony permit grants you access to the location for two hours. Click here for the list of wedding locations — keep in mind that we’re free to explore other locations in the park before or after your permitted time/location! It costs $125 to submit your application to get married in the park. Most locations can accommodate around 20 people, but the amphitheaters can accommodate way more! You and your guests will still need a regular park pass!
Entrance passes/parking permits at Two Medicine
Your permit will act as your vehicle pass, but you will still need to purchase an entrance pass for $35.
Montana State marriage laws/license info
Here is the Montana State marriage laws + license info!
How to Obtain Your Montana Marriage License:
Apply for your marriage license online.
Visit a County clerk’s office in person (both of you) to sign the application & provide a valid photo ID.
Once you sign your license, you will need to pay the $53 fee. Cash or card is accepted but there will be an additional feel for credit card.
Montana Marriage Laws
Is Montana residency required? No
Witnesses required? Yes, 2
Officiant required? Yes (Kind of!! You can self-solemnize, ask the courthouse for instructions.)
How long is the license valid? It will expire after 180 days.
Waiting period? No, you can get married the same day you obtain your marriage license.
East Glacier National Park Wedding Vendors
Austin + Paige picked a dream team for sure!! We had so much fun with everyone who pulled this off for the best couple — here’s a breakdown of every vendor involved.
Photography by Ahlani Bree Adamson
I LOVE THIS WOMAN. Ahlani Bree Photography is such a gem in NW Montana — we have such similar styles of documentation and communication on wedding days, and she’s such a joy to work with every time. I love the way she makes our clients feel and how she collaborates in a way that helps us both tell the best stories possible.
Austin + Paige’s Summit Mountain Lodge Wedding Vendors:
Videography: Montana Diaries
Photography: Ahlani Bree
Venue: Summit Mountain Lodge
Floral Design: Mum’s Flowers
Catering: Summit Mountain Lodge Grill
Bridal Gown: Grace Loves Lace
Your Glacier National Park Photographer and Videographer for the Adventurous and Laid-Back
Summit Mountain Lodge + East Glacier National Park wedding photographer and videographer
Heyyy, I’m Shay, your Summit Mountain Lodge and East Glacier National Park wedding photographer and videographer. If you love story-driven photography and videography, laid-back vibes, and dumb humor — head over to the info + pricing page to learn more about what I can do for you and fill out the contact form!! I can’t wait to hear all about your wedding.
