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Planning a Montana Destination Wedding: What Couples Need to Know
If you are dreaming about getting married in Montana, chances are the setting is a big part of that dream. Mountains, rivers, open meadows and forests create a wedding that feels very different from a traditional ballroom or hotel wedding.
But planning a destination wedding in Montana also comes with some things couples may not think about at first. After hosting weddings at The River House in Condon, Montana, we have learned that the most successful weddings are the ones that embrace the setting rather than trying to turn it into something else.
Where is Condon, Montana?
Condon is located in Montana's Swan Valley, between the Mission Mountains and the Swan Mountains. It is a quiet, rural part of Western Montana surrounded by mountains, forests, rivers and lakes.https://www.riverhousemontana.com
The River House is a private 20-acre wedding property in Condon with two rivers, open meadows, mountain views, pine forest, and historic 1920s log cabins.
For couples looking for a Montana destination wedding, the Swan Valley offers something increasingly difficult to find: beautiful mountain scenery without the feeling of being at a large resort. We are family owned and offer an authentic Montana experience.
Why consider a destination wedding in Montana?
One of the biggest reasons couples choose Montana is that the location becomes part of the wedding. At The River House, ceremonies can take place outside with the Swan Mountains as the backdrop. Guests can walk through the property, gather near the river, sit around a fire in the evening and spend time together rather than simply arriving for a ceremony and leaving after the reception.
That is one reason we have come to love wedding weekends rather than single-day weddings. When family and friends are traveling a long distance to Montana, having more than one day together can make the trip feel worthwhile. It takes awhile for people to decompress and start feeling at ease. Incorporating 2 or 3 days allows everyone to have an experience not just a event. https://www.riverhousemontana.com/post/breathe-in-big-sky-how-to-keep-wedding-anxiety-low-on-your-outdoor-montana-wedding-day
Is a two-day or three-day wedding better?
For a destination wedding, we think three nights can completely change the experience.
The first day gives the couple and their closest family and friends time to arrive and settle in. The second day can include a rehearsal, casual dinner or gathering. The wedding takes place the following day without everyone feeling as though they just arrived.
The final morning can be simple: coffee, breakfast, goodbyes and a little more time together before everyone heads home. Instead of one very busy wedding day, the celebration becomes a long weekend. The three day packages allow the wedding couple to breath, celebrate and relax with those they love.
What is the best time of year for a Montana wedding?
Most outdoor weddings in Western Montana take place between June and September, and every part of the season has a different feel.
Summer brings long days, green meadows and warm evenings. September can be especially beautiful as the weather begins to cool and the landscape starts changing toward fall. Almost any month in Montana couples should be prepared for colder temperatures and more unpredictable weather. Montana weather can change quickly at any time of year, so outdoor weddings should always include a realistic backup plan.
Wildfire smoke can also occur during the summer and early fall. It is impossible to predict far in advance, but it is something couples planning a Western Montana wedding should understand.
What should you look for in a Montana wedding venue?
Beautiful photographs are important, but logistics matter just as much.
When comparing Montana wedding venues, ask how long you have access to the property, whether the ceremony and reception can happen in the same location, what tables and chairs are included, whether there is lodging on the property, what happens during bad weather, how vendors access the venue and how far guests will need to travel.
Privacy is another consideration. Some Montana venues host multiple events or have other guests on the property. Others, including The River House, are designed around having one wedding group using the property. For many couples, that privacy is part of what makes a destination wedding feel special.
Do you need a lot of decorations for a Montana wedding?
Not necessarily. One of the things we have noticed is that couples often need less decorating than they initially expect. When your ceremony already has mountains, water, meadows and trees behind it, there is no need to compete with the landscape. Simple flowers, beautiful tables, candles and thoughtful details can be enough. Some of our favorite weddings have been the ones that allowed Montana to be the decoration.
Should guests stay near the wedding venue?
Whenever possible, yes. Montana distances can surprise people who have never visited the state. A location that looks close on a map may involve a substantial drive, and rural roads can be very dark at night.Having some accommodations directly at the venue can be especially helpful for the wedding party and immediate family.
The River House has overnight accommodations for up to 22 people, allowing the people closest to the couple to stay together on the property. Other guests can stay in accommodations in the surrounding area.
What should guests know before coming to a Montana wedding?
Tell your guests that this is Montana. Even an elegant outdoor wedding may involve grass, gravel or uneven ground. Temperatures can change significantly between afternoon and evening. Comfortable shoes and layers are usually a good idea.
Guests should also understand that cell service can be limited in rural areas.
Providing clear directions and travel information before the wedding makes everyone's experience easier.
What makes a Swan Valley wedding different?
The Swan Valley is quieter than many of Montana's better-known destination areas.
That is part of its appeal. There are mountains in both directions, rivers running through the valley, enormous trees and very little of the commercial feeling that can develop around popular destination wedding areas.
Couples who choose this part of Montana are usually looking for something more personal: a beautiful place where their families and friends can spend several days together.
That is exactly what we wanted The River House to be.
We aren't trying to be a resort or a traditional event center. The River House is a private Montana property where people can gather, celebrate and have enough time to actually enjoy being together. For us, that is what a Montana destination wedding should feel like.
If you're interested in more information or want to set up a tour please contact us, https://www.riverhousemontana.com/contact-8
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