How to get married in Bigfork, Montana | Flathead Lake Destination Wedding Guide
How to get married in Bigfork, Montana | Flathead Lake Destination Wedding Guide
Introduction
If you imagine your elopement day to be relaxed, romantic, and surrounded by a stunning lake and a charming town, then Bigfork, Montana might be the perfect location for you! Bigfork offers so many opportunities for couples who love adventure with its countless hikes and activities on the lake. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about planning your dream wedding or elopement in Bigfork!
Table of Contents
Why Should You Elope in Bigfork?
Best Time of Year to get Married/Elope in Bigfork
Best Locations for your Bigfork Elopement
Legalities of Getting Married in Montana
What to do in Bigfork: Fun Activity Ideas
Bigfork Wedding & Elopement planners/coordinators
Bigfork Elopement Photographer
Bigfork, Montana + Flathead Lake Wedding Inspiration + More NW MT Wedding Planning Resources
Where is Bigfork?
Bigfork is beautiful little town located right on Flathead Lake. With the Swan River flowing right through downtown and the Swan Mountain Range towering nearby, Bigfork has all the views you’d ever want.
How to Travel Around Bigfork
How to Travel Around Bigfork by Car
To get around bigfork you would most likely need to rent a car. Kalispell is close to Bigfork and would be the best place to find a rental car.
Why Should You Elope in Bigfork?
Bigfork is such a stunning place to have your wedding or elopement. There are so many activities to match whatever your vibe is. Hiking, nature trails, boating, swimming, biking, and all the outdoor activities you could want can be found all around town. Bigfork also has a live theater and local art all located downtown. Bigfork is such the perfect place for your dreamy, laid-back, and adventurous elopement.
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FAQ’s About Eloping in Bigfork
What airport should we fly into?
The Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) is the closest airport to Bigfork.
When is Bigfork the busiest?
Bigfork is a popular summer tourist town. If you're looking to escape the crowds, I would recommend the fall or spring, but if you don’t mind some extra people in town, the summers are so nice.
Best Time of Year to Get Married/Elope in Bigfork
Bigfork Seasons & Weather
Bigfork has all four seasons and they all offer unique experiences. Winter in Bigfork is definitely cold and filled with snow which is perfect if your dream elopement consists of a cozy cabin and some winter activities.The weather in spring is unpredictable but gorgeous with all the flowers starting to bloom. As for summer, the weather is hot and sunny for the most part; perfect for lake days. Lastly, fall is sooo pretty with all the leaves changing and the cool temperature.
Best Locations for Your Bigfork Elopement
There’s so many cute locations to get married in Bigfork and nearby towns. We highly recommend finding a Airbnb or rental wherever you're envisioning having your ceremony if you aren’t getting married at a designated venue, whether that be at the lake or downtown. It’s so hard to get a permit at the lake, so having private property removes a lot of planning stress! Be sure to inquire about the best photo/video options, we are local so we know all of the ins and outs!! :)
1. Flathead Lake
Flathead Lake is what Bigfork is all about. You can rent a boat, paddle boards, jet skis, or basically anything lol, to go explore the lake.
North Shore
The North Shore is a little “beach” on Flathead Lake. The shore is such a fun spot for pictures and is so picturesque with the mountains, sand, and lake all together.
Wayfarers
Wayfarers is the state park closest to Bigfork on Flathead Lake. It is stunningggg and one of the most popular destinations for a reason! Imagine an adventure session here before sharing fries and a shake at Burger Town — so freaking cute.
2. Small town vibes
Bigfork
Bigfork has all the small town vibes. There's local shops lining the street and art galleries and a play house displaying all the local talent. The Swan River runs right through town so you can see the rapids while enjoying a coffee on the patio of a local coffee shop like Fieldheads. Grab a drink at Oro, the Wine and Whiskey bar, or the Garden if you’re feeling a small town dive bar vibe. Sakatome has the best sushi!
Woods Bay
Woods Bay has some great restaurants and bars right on Flathead Lake perfect for grabbing some food and drinks after your ceremony. Grab a drink at Saddle Horn, the Sitting Duck, or The Raven.
Lakeside
Lakeside is another great place to access the lake and there’s some fun activities like the alpine coaster and a paint and sip class.
3. Best hikes for your Bigfork elopement
Wild Mile
The Wild Mile is a nature trail along the Swan River Rapids in Bigfork. The whole trail is 4 miles roundtrip and is super easy to access and walk.
Mount Aeneas
Mount Aeneas is a moderate to hard hike depending on which of the three available trails you choose and each trail is about 6 miles roundtrip. There are many little lakes to explore and the views are incredible from Aeneas.
Glacier National Park
Bigfork is around 45 minutes from Glacier National Park. Consider exploring the park during your stay or doing an adventure session for some sick pictures. Click here to learn more about eloping in Glacier.
Legalities of Getting Married in Montana
How to Get Your Montana Marriage License
Apply for your marriage license online
Visit the 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 fee for credit cards.
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.
Where to Stay In Bigfork
Airbnbs/VRBOs
Campgrounds
What to Do in Bigfork: Fun Activity Ideas
Fishing tour on Flathead Lake
See a play at the Bigfork Playhouse
Walk the Swan River Nature Trail
Get food and drinks downtown
Catch live music at the River View Bar
Take a boat out on Flathead Lake
Jump off the cliffs at Wayfarers
Have a romantic picnic at the lake
Where to Eat in Bigfork + Surrounding Area
Oro Y Plata - Tacos
Taco Mexico
Burger Town
Rosa’s Pizza
Bigfork Wedding & Elopement Vendors
Planners/Coordinators
Hair/Makeup
Venue
Florists
Photo/Video
Montana Diaries: We’re a full coverage photography + videography team!
Bigfork Elopement Photographer
Heyyy, I’m Shay, your Montana and Bigfork elopement wedding photographer and videographer for the laid-back and adventurous. I love traveling all over Montana capturing vlogs-mixed-with-indie-films for the coolest couples. Learn more about how to work with me for your Leavenworth wedding or elopement by clicking HERE.
Bigfork, Montana + Flathead Lake Wedding Inspiration + More NW MT Wedding Planning Resources
Check out some other posts around Bigfork and Flathead Lake for some more elopement and wedding inspo.
