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How to turn your Kalispell, Montana wedding celebration into a wedding retreat!
- Donna Langston
- Aug 4
- 7 min read
When you reserve The River House Wedding Venue near Kalispell, Montana for many days, the hardest thing is leaving. At The River House what we often hear from our couples and their guests is that they don't want to go. Because the wedding venue sits on 20 acres in the mountains with forests and wild rivers it's easy to forge an enchanted reality. Often we need a break from "the real world" and during your wedding celebration this is more important than ever.
Our wedding venue is unique in that it sits in one of the most pristine ecosystems in the world yet we have The Swan Valley Center, https://visitmt.com/listing/swan-valley-centre-15469, a country store, a half mile away with a bigger grocery store, Mission Mountain Mercantile, https://www.facebook.com/missionmountainsmerc/, 3 miles away. There's also a bar Liquid Louies, https://restaurantguru.com/Liquid-Louies-Swan-River-Tvrn-Condon-Montana#google_vignette,3/4 miles away. Looking for a full restaurant there's The Hungry Bear Restaurant,https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g45127-d3546303-Reviews-Hungry_Bear_Steakhouse-Condon_Montana.html, which is 5 miles away. The River House is private yet situated by the hub of downton Condon, Montana.
Picking a wedding venue that has aspects of wilderness yet creature comforts makes it easier to settle in for a joyous yet relaxing wedding celebration. So lets create a possible itinerary for what your wedding retreat could look like. This example is based on a happy couple who experienced The River House for their wedding week and left with their heels dragging.
We welcome you to our wedding venue situated between Missoula and Kalispell, giving guests two options for airports. The Missoula International Airport,https://flymissoula.com, is 86 miles away while The Glacier National Airport in Kalispell, https://iflyglacier.com, is 72 miles away. If your guests are lucky enough to stay at The River House, we accommodate 22 people, there are also numerous vacation rentals in the valley, https://www.airbnb.com/s/Condon--MT/homes?refinement_paths%5B%5D=%2Fhomes&place_id=ChIJc21uF_57XVMRJyFSeTSYrws&location_bb=Qj5FxMLjPsxCPe7NwuOGTg%3D%3D&acp_id=c185129c-ba34-4dc2-9bb4-3546053c63cc&date_picker_type=calendar&checkin=2025-11-10&checkout=2025-11-12&source=structured_search_input_header&search_type=autocomplete_click.
Most couples arrive at The River House with help in hand. With check in at 11am the day starts early so you can arrive, unpack and have fun. We have parking at the house then in our parking lots just down the road for up to 50 cars. For wedding couples needing more car space they can utilize vans or buses for hire,https://mtpartybus.com.
As the several cars roll in days before the wedding we witness food, alcohol or other drinks, wedding attire and hiking clothes being carried into the many cabins for storage and usage. At this point the couple and others gathered, go on a tour of the venue with all pertinent information being shared. Whether its where to plug in the many outdoor lights or how to work the huge speakers, the information is communicated for a seamless experience. Additionally information for where decor, coffee urns, table cloths and other practical information is also being dispersed. Having multiple people including the wedding planner receive information takes some of the stress off the wedding couple. Most of the wedding couples have been on several tours of the venue by now but we are happy to take them again to the ceremony areas and the forest trail that takes you to the Confluence, where the Swan River meets up with Glacier Creek. The Confluence is one of many special locations that offer pristine photos especially during the golden hour.
After the group, which usually includes the couple, parents, grandparents and some friends, have gone over all the information and had their questions answered, we, the owners, leave the venue to let the couple have The River House to themselves. We travel 9 miles down the road where we will be for any questions or help. The River House is unique in that we act like a airbnb on steroids. Of course everyone is expected to get event insurance, in fact we only use Nuptial Risk, https://nuptialrisk.com, for they have thorough protection for the couples and the venue owners.
This particular lucky couple rented The River House for six days; here's a glimpse as to how they enjoyed it. The bride brought 20 of her closest friends, including the bridal party, to enjoy days of fun and relaxation at the River House. The main cabin sleeps 8 with people doubling up on the two king beds and two queen beds. the Confluence Cabin sleeps 4 with two queen sleepers, the Gathering Space offers a pull out couch, a futon and 6 bunk beds. There's also a renovated Airstream right out of the 1960's with a queen bed and twin bed.
Having everyone situated, people can then start milling around and relaxing to discuss this week's activities. A favorite place is the large sectional and pool table in The Gathering Space or several outdoor sectionals situated under our many overhangs with your view of the Swan Mountains.
The groomsmen rented several cabins at Swan Valley Center which is .5 miles from us. this kept them close enough to join in everyday activities, The River House became the hub for everyone.
The many activities include numerous hikes in the valley including the infamous Holland Lake and the falls trail, https://visitmt.com/listing/holland-falls-national-recreation-trail-4564 Here you can go on a moderate hike and then go paddeling or swimming in Holland Lake. Another day can include golfing at Seeley Lake, https://doublearrowresort.com/golf-course/, which is 28 miles away. For nail spa the bridal party can go to Big Fork, MT to https://chicnailloungebigfork.com, 45 miles away. There are also local masseuse's that will come to venue to offer you the ultimate indulgence. There are numerous lakes to float and swim and our own Swan River where fly fishing is only 100 yards away. There is the Clearwater Canoe Trail which is about 20 miles from here, https://www.fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/regions/northern/ClearwaterCanoeTrail/index.shtml.
If staying all day at the venue is what you desire, then there's many places to socialize or solace for contemplation. Find a bench, rock or take a chair down to the river where you take in the smells, sounds, visuals and emotions of sitting by the flowing river.
DAY 1
-Unpacking and finding the space you want for the next 6 days
-Hiking around the venue, showing your guests all the beauty, privacy and group spaces
-Relaxing and laughing in The Gathering Space, seeing who will win at pool and ping-pong
-Dinner from the wonderful nearby woodfired pizza place, Bear Track Pizza, https://www.facebook.com/groups/2362116357/posts/10162665387256358/
-Evening bonfire at firepit, some guitar music and singing
-Sit in the 12 person Hot Tub overlooking the Swan River and gazing at stars
DAY 2
-Freshly brewed coffee enjoyed outside on a sectional under a overhang, gazing at the Swan Mountains
-Morning walk to the Swan River
-Preparation for couples bridal shower
-Feed the wedding couple
-Wedding couple takes a drive into the mountains while party is set up
-Bridal party with group of 25 in the Gathering Space
-Evening bonfire
-Hot tub
DAY 3
-Freshly brewed coffee enjoyed outside on a sectional under a overhang gazing at the Swans
-Hike to Holland Lake Falls, picnic lunch and swimming at Holland Lake
-Relaxing and planning for rehearsal dinner
-Start decorating with their desired decor
-Additional guests start arriving in the area and come to The River House to see everyone.
-Large group bonfire
DAY 4
-Freshly brewed coffee enjoyed outside on a sectional under a overhang gazing at the Swan Mountains
-Spa Day at The River House, arrangements for manicures and pedicures at the venue, there are also massage therapists in the area that could be arranged.
-Rehearsal at ceremony site
-Rehearsal Dinner set up with local food truck, Shipwreck Diner, 406-754-2212
-Music and drinks at the Bar Barn and Karaoke on the stage
-Hot tub
DAY 5- WEDDING
-Wake up to the bride and groom being waited on while wedding planner gets everything organized.
-Bride and bridal party in the main house pampering, laughing and dressing.
-Groom and groomsmen getting ready in the Gathering Space, talking, trying to calm the groom down with pool and music!
-First pictures
-Ceremony
-Cocktail hour while pictures are taken
-Speeches on stage
-Dinner
-Dancing
-Afterparty in Gathering Space
-Hot tub for some
DAY 6- THE DAY AFTER
-Lazy morning
-Relaxing.....more relaxing
-Clean up
-Playing in the river
-Eat leftovers
-People coming to The River House to say goodbye
-More Relaxing
-Evening Fire
-Hot tub
DAY 7-LAST DAY
--Freshly brewed coffee enjoyed outside on a sectional under a overhang gazing at the Swans.
-Finish clean up and packing up
-Walk to the river and realize what a great wedding and week long celebration you've had, one never to be forgotten! The realization that you have a life to be lived with the best person on earth!
Whether you come for two nights or six, the River House is here for your wedding celebrations. If you want an enchanted wedding celebration, please contact us to learn more and set up a tour, https://www.riverhousemontana.com/contact-8Â Â For more information on The River House Wedding & Event Venue check out our instagram and facebook pages:
 https://www.instagram.com/theriverhouseweddings/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564208978040
As a locally owned family wedding venue we recognize the value these types of venues bring to the wedding industry. We all work hard to offer our wedding couples the best experience for their wedding celebration. Below is a list of other locally owned wedding venues in different parts of the United States.
Thank you so much for your time we are here to help you have the best wedding ever.
       Donna Langston
       The River House Wedding & Event Venue
       Condon, Montana
       406-861-2873
About me: I'm a lover of mountains, rivers and trees and wish to share our beautiful place in Condon, Montana with others. As a mental health therapist, I understand the importance of making your dreams come true. I often use my skills to help the wedding celebration have minimal stress and maximum joy!
