How to elope in Missoula, Montana and the surrounding areas

Complete Missoula Elopement Guide: Montana Elopement Photographer and Videographer

Missoula is a stunning city in Western Montana that is known for its historical charm and beautiful nature. In and around Missoula, you will find so many amazing elopement locations. From trendy and artsy downtown areas to tons of beautiful scenic nature spots, there are so many options for where to spend your elopement day! And better yet, do both!! Spend your elopement day hiking and exploring and then celebrate your new marriage with drinks and dessert in town! 

Whether you know you want to elope in Missoula or you’re still considering it, you’re in the right place. This Missoula, Montana elopement guide has everything you need to help you plan your elopement — from all of the elopement locations in and near Missoula, to the best places to stay, & more! 

Hamilton, Montana elopement

Table of Contents

• Best Elopement Locations in the Missoula Area

• Missoula Elopement

• Bitterroot Valley Elopement

• Philipsburg + Anaconda Elopement

• Seeley Lake Elopement

• Alberton Gorge Area Elopement

• Montana Marriage License & Laws

• FAQs About Eloping in Missoula

• Missoula Elopement Photographer

• Missoula Elopement Packages + Pricing

Parker + Jenna’s Spring Fort Missoula Wedding

Where to Elope in/near Missoula

Missoula Elopement 

Downtown Missoula is so ridiculously fun and has so much to offer when it comes to planning a fun and unique elopement! It is a super artsy college town with a fun downtown area but it also has so much cool nature as well in the surrounding areas. For an elopement in this area, I would highly recommend doing an adventurous out-of-town elopement in nature and then spending your evening/night in the city running around the downtown area. This is the perfect elopement day for the University of Montana alumni, especially if you met there!

Nature Locations for your Elopement Ceremony Near Missoula

• Waterworks Hill

• Patte Canyon

• Milltown State Park Confluence

• Clark Fork Riverside & Riverfront Trail

• The surrounding area —  it’s Montana; we’re down to drive an hour or two to get into some cool nature. Keep reading to learn more about the surrounding areas!

Fun Activities to Do in Downtown Missoula 

Now that you have officially gotten married, it's time to celebrate! Downtown Missoula has so much nightlife and it’s the perfect place to run around and make some lasting memories! 

• Go bar-hopping and enjoy some specialty cocktails at Montgomery Distillery or wine at Plonk

• Enjoy some live music at Top Hat or another local bar —  many local artists do a rotating schedule all over town! 

• Visit a local restaurant 

• Watch the river surfers surf Brennan’s Wave in the Clark Fork River 

• Ice Cream at Sweet Peeks

• Swing dancing in a dive bar

• Late-night drunk eating pizza at the Pie Hole

Missoula Area Engagement Photos

Best Bars in Missoula

• Red’s 

• Stockman (Dirty college bar haha!) 

• Mo Club (Also a college bar —  it’s poppin’ on a game day) 

• Create Art Bar

• Stave and Hoop Speakeasy

• Log Jam Presents

• Bar Plata

Best Restaurants in Missoula

• Top Hat

• Saketome

• 1889

• Tamarack (Casual, super good food and brews!) 

• Pangea Bar and Restaurant 

• Plonk Missoula

• The Camino

• Second Set Bistro

Best Places to Stay in/near Missoula

• Retro Revival: Your Stylish Stay

• Rustic & Intimate | Near DT, Mountain Views & A/C!

• AC Hotel by Marriott Missoula Downtown

Ryan + Lauren’s Wedding Outside Missoula, Montana

Bitterroot Valley Elopement

Bitterroot Valley is a charming area about an hour outside of Missoula. With its picturesque mountains and lakes, Bitterroot Valley is a stunning location for an elopement. If you and your partner are outdoorsy people, then this is a great place for adventure elopement. You can enjoy hiking, fly fishing, swimming, kayaking/paddle boarding, and so many more fun activities. And if you’re a fan of the show Yellowstone, that was actually shot here which is super cool and makes this location that much more unique!

Towns in Bitterroot Valley

All of the towns in Bitterroot Valley have those Montana small-town vibes. With rustic brick buildings and small historic chapels, this is the perfect area if you’re hoping for some charm and character in your elopement location. The cities in this area include Hamilton, Stevensville, Darby, Corvallis, Victor, and Florence. 

Best Nature Locations for your Elopement in the Bitterroot Valley

• Bitterroot National Forest

• Lake Como

• The Camp at Gash Creek

• Lolo Hot Springs

*For any wedding or elopement on Bitterroot National Forest land, you will need to obtain a special use permit. Information on that can be found here. 

Elopement ceremony at the camp at gash creek in victor, montana

Fun Activities to Do in the Bitterroot Valley

• Enjoy some flyfishing in the Bitterroot River

• Go swimming, paddle boarding, or kayaking in Lake Como

• Explore one of the several hiking trails 

• Visit Fort Owen State Park to learn about some of Montana’s history

• Go Horseback riding in Bitterroot National Forest

• Enjoy some food and drinks at Bitter Root Brewing

Best Restaurants in Bitterroot Valley

• Lolo Creek Steakhouse 

• Victor Steakhouse

• The Hops Montana

• The Spice of Life Cafe

• Bitter Root Brewing

Best Places to Stay in Bitterroot Valley

• Private&Cozy w/fireplace & hot tub backs to hiking

• Breathtaking views of the Bitterroot Mountains!! 

• The Bitterroot Cottage, enjoy the views!

• Bitter Root Ranch

• Triple Creek Ranch

• Camp at Gash Creek

Jora + Hannah’s Engagement Photos at Lake Como

Philipsburg + Anaconda Elopement

Philipsburg and Anaconda are two historic mining towns that are about 40 minutes from each other. Both of these towns are surrounded by idyllic nature views including Georgetown Lake and the Pintler mountains. This area is home to the Forbes 5 star resort The Ranch at Rock Creek, which is located on the famous Blue-Ribbon river Rock Creek. The Ranch at Rock Creek is the perfect place to stay if you’re wanting an all-inclusive dude ranch experience. 

Best Nature Locations for your Elopement in Philipsburg + Anaconda

• Georgetown Lake

• Discovery Ski Hill

• Pintler Mountains 

• Skalkaho Pass

Nick + Aimee’s Georgetown Lake Engagement Photos

Fun Activities to Do in Philipsburg + Anaconda

Philipsburg and Anaconda are two small towns surrounded by LOTS of nature. So, eloping in this area means that you and your partner are hoping for some adventure on your big day. Some activities you can enjoy include:

• Blue Ribbon Fishing

• Horseback Riding

• Hiking in the Pintler Mountains

• Skiing/snowboarding at Discovery Ski Hill

• Enjoy a day out on Georgetown Lake to go boating or kayaking

• Mountain Biking

• Enjoy a local beer at Philipsburg Brewery

• Visit the famous Philipsburg candy store, The Sweet Palace

Gavin + Michelle’s Philipsburg, Montana Engagement Photos

Best Restaurants in Philipsburg + Anaconda

• Barclay II

• The Lakehouse at Georgetown Lake

• O’Bella

• The Silver Mill

• Donivan’s 

Best Places to Stay in Philipsburg + Anaconda

• The Ranch at Rock Creek

• The Forge Hotel, BW Signature Collection

• The Cabins at Rock Creek

• Custom Built Tiny Home

Seeley Lake Elopement

Seeley Lake is a beautiful town about an hour outside of Missoula. When I say the views from this lake are absolutely breathtaking, I mean it. This place is stunning year-round. Whether you want to enjoy an adventurous day of cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, or ice fishing followed by a cozy night by the fire in the winter or enjoy some time on the lake during your summer elopement, Seeley Lake is a great option. 

Personally, if I were getting married in Seeley Lake, I would 1000% stay at The Green O. This is definitely a more boujee option for the area, but I think it would be so stunning for your elopement. The property is made up of 12 homes (some are even tree houses) that offer luxury and privacy for two! They offer luxury dining on the property so you don’t really need to leave the property unless you want to explore or do an activity. And when your elopement day is over, you can immediately start your honeymoon and enjoy your stay for a few more nights! 

Best Locations for your Seeley Lake Elopement

In this area, everywhere is beautiful, so my recommendation would be to find a private area on the lake for your elopement ceremony. Then, if you decide to stay at The Green O, head back there to take some photos in the forest and then head inside to take some more cozy and intimate photos. You’re also close to the Blackfoot River and Holland Lake, which are incredible options for your ceremony or fun activities! 

Jaz + Mason’s Seeley Engagement Photos

Fun Activities to Do in Seeley Lake

Like the other locations I have mentioned above, Seeley Lake is another great option for lovers of adventure and exploring. Some activities you can enjoy in Seeley Lake include:

• Enjoy a scenic drive on Highway 83. This drive is known as The Seeley-Swan scenic drive. 

• Hiking 

• Biking

• Boating, swimming,  kayaking, and paddle boarding

• Fishing

• Snowshoeing

• Snowmobiling

• Dog Sled Rides

Best Restaurants in Seeley Lake

• Lindey’s Prime Steakhouse

• Double Arrow Lodge

Best Places to Stay in Seeley Lake

• The Green O

• Tamaracks Resort

• The Lodges on Seeley Lake

• Double Arrow Lodge

Alberton Elopement

Alberton George is another stunning elopement location that offers stunning views and tons of options for adventure. This area is super well known for white water rafting and I think that this would be such an epic way to celebrate your new marriage. 

One of the stunning wedding venues in the area is White Raven Venue and Retreat which is situated in the most stunning mountain setting surrounded by miles of forest. This rustic but modern Montana wedding venue is perfect for the couple who is wanting to go all out with a bigger wedding in an idyllic nature setting. 

Best Locations for your Alberton Elopement

All of the hikes in this area are absolutely stunning so when it comes to picking your elopement location, you can base it on how far you are wanting to hike. All of the trails have very similar views so you won’t be missing out if you opt for a shorter hike. Most of the land is forested with mountains all around. Some of the popular trails in the area include:

• Grand Menard Discovery Trail: 1.3 miles long

• Teepee Ridge Trail: 1.1 miles long

• Petty Pasture Trail: 9.2 miles long

Fun Activities to Do in Alberton 

• White Water Rafting

• Hiking 

• Biking

• Enjoy a picnic on your hike

• Go camping

Best Restaurants Near Alberton 

Since Alberton is such a small town, there isn’t much to eat in the area but luckily you are only 30 minutes outside of Missoula. Some great places to eat in Missoula include:

• Pangea Bar and Restaurant 

• Plonk Missoula

• The Camino

• Second Set Bistro

Best Places to Stay in/near Alberton

• Riverview Ranch Retreat & Western Adventures

• Retro Revival: Your Stylish Stay

• Rustic & Intimate | Near DT, Mountain Views & A/C!

• AC Hotel by Marriott Missoula Downtown

Montana Marriage License & Laws

How to Obtain Your Montana Marriage License:

1. Apply for your marriage license online

2. Visit the County clerk’s office in person (both of you) to sign the application & provide a valid photo ID

3. 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

• How long is the license valid? It will expire after 180 days. 

Rainy Bitterroot Valley Wedding

FAQs About Eloping in the Missoula Area

What is the best time of year to elope in Missoula?

Missoula is a beautiful elopement location year-round so it ultimately depends on what you want. If you live winter sports like skiing, snowshoeing, and dog sledding, then December through March would be ideal. But, if you prefer to be a little warmer on your elopement day, then June through September would be the best months. And if you’re wanting to have some beautiful fall foliage in the background of your elopement, you cannot go wrong with a Fall elopement. 

What Airport should we fly into? 

Missoula International Airport would be the best airport to fly into. 

Should we rent a car?

If you’re wanting to explore outside of the downtown Missoula area then I would say that renting a car is definitely the way to go. This way you have the freedom to go whenever and wherever so you can enjoy as many activities as you would like. 

Montana LGBTQ+ Friendly Photographer + Videographer

Missoula Elopement Photographer and Videographer

Hi, I’m Shayna Lloyd, the lead creative and owner of Montana Diaries. We are your NW Montana + Missoula elopement photography and videography team — we serve adventurous, laid-back couples who want story-driven and experience based photos and videos from their elopements + destination weddings. I can’t wait to talk to you about your Missoula area elopement!

Shay - Missoula, Montana Elopement Photographer + Videographer

Missoula, Montana Elopement Packages + Pricing

INTIMATE, ADVENTUROUS, TRUE-TO-YOU

Whether it’s just the two of you, or you have 20ish stragglers tagging along to kick off your marriage with an incredible Arizona expedition, my hope is to craft an *experience* that feels like YOU GUYS. Think about your greatest adventure, your perfect date, the things you two do together that make you feel the most alive and authentic.

THE DETAILS:

Deliverables: Videography —  the highlight film, the full ceremony/vow reading, anything else important that needs a separate video; Photography — the full edited gallery hosted online with free downloads for you, your friends, and family!

You can find information on my pricing HERE!