.png)
.png){kind=small}
What to bring to your outdoor Montana Wedding!
- Donna Langston
- Apr 5
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 8
By: Donna Langston, The River House Wedding & Event Venue
April, 8 2025
Here at The River House Wedding & Event Venue, riverhousemontana.com, we know how important your wedding weekend is. To make sure you're equipped to enjoy your wedding and time in Northwestern Montana we have compiled a list of what to bring.
Let's start with the wedding itself. Of course, start with all the wedding attire you want. Think of everything you're wearing on your wedding day and write it down. Having a bag specifically for your wedding day will help with organization. If you're flying, consider either shipping the items or having a carry-on to reduce any mishaps.
Examine all the accessories that go into your day such as jewelry, makeup and hair decor. If your having someone help with your hair and makeup check to see with them what you should bring. Many venues have hair dryers and makeup mirrors for your use. At the River House we offer boutique, high end toiletries to help your day be even more special.
As most wedding venues there are dressing areas for the bride and groom. At The River House the bride and bridal party have the access to the entire main cabin which includes 2 bathrooms, 3 bedrooms, living room and kitchen. Here you and your bridal party have the luxury of creating a pre-wedding gathering and turning the house into your retreat. Having ready made food, drinks of choice and preferred music helps to create the perfect environment of joy and excitement all with privacy and relaxation.
Have a list compiled of all the celebrations that will go into your wedding. If you're staying somewhere like The River House you get the opportunity to turn your wedding into a 3 day celebration. Make sure you have clothes planned for the rehearsal dinner, your wedding night and the day after.
Shoes, don't forget the shoes that accompany each event. Getting married at an outdoor wedding venue in Montana can take some extra consideration. Often the ground is uneven, rocky and dusty, for you could be in the mountains and forest. That doesn't mean you have to wear hiking boots for your wedding but maybe not stilettos either. Find a shoe that can handle different terrain, be somewhat comfortable and of course ones that make you feel happy. Giving yourself enough time to evaluate options would be advisable. It's wise to have another pair of shoes for the reception, ones that help you float through the many conversations, standing and dancing into the night.
Now let's review specific items for a wedding in Montana. First is clothing and weather. In Condon, Montana we do have a wide variety of weather any time of the year. A week before your wedding the forecasts can clue you into your wedding scenario. As it's not guaranteed, make sure you have something to keep you warm at night. Depending on your dress and wedding theme you have many choices. Anything from a down or fleece jacket to a shawl or poncho! Just know even if the days are hot once the sun goes down the mountain air can get cool.
We've already gone over shoes for the wedding but for recreation you'll need something different. When you marry in Montana hopefully you have time to have a hike to realign your nervous system with nature. Walking on trails requires at least a walking or hiking shoe, depending on distance and terrain. Here at The River House we have beautiful and many easy trails just up the road. The paths are often cleared and some are an easy walk towards the Mission Mountains. It's also good to bring water shoes for all the rivers and lakes we have in the area. The Swan River at The River House has great fishing holes and swimming holes.
Getting married in Western Montana also means you are immersed in nature. The River House is located in Swan Valley which is one of the most complete ecosystems in the lower 48. Being in Montana means you are sharing the outdoors with wildlife. The wildlife includes deer, elk, mountain lions, black bears and grizzly bears. It's an honor to recreate in such a beautiful and wild area but it comes with awareness and respect. No one should walk on trails or even in any forest or river area without bear spray. You can't bring bear spray onto a plane or across a border but many stores sell them. When you go grocery shopping put a few bear sprays onto your list. Here at The River House we have guidelines for how to use the spray. Because we are on the Swan River and Glacier Creek we take extra precaution when walking there. When in groups the noise will often deter an encounter. The other thing to mention is to make noise when walking alone and if camping do not take any food or drinks into a tent! Being aware of your natural surroundings so you can enjoy all that nature has to offer. Some people enjoy using hiking sticks so having a few for family and friends is a good idea. Be sure to grab your bathing suit so you go into our 12 person hot tub or go swimming in lakes or rivers. Add to the list bug spray, water bottle and sun protection and you're good to go adventuring in Western Montana
The unique outdoor opportunities Montana has to offer is just one good reason to get married here. Being knowledgeable about the area your venue is in will help you pack the right items. Starting to think of what to bring early will allow for more relaxation time previous to the wedding. Of course if you forget something there are stores! In Condon, Montana we have The General Mercantile Store which is a smaller grocery store but with many gourmet options and a deli that is 4 miles from The River House. There's also an eclectic store, Swan Valley Canter which is .5 miles from us. We are unique that we live in the midst of some of the wilder country in Montana with creature comforts. For clothes or bigger items, Kalispell, Montana is 64 miles away and Missoula, Montana is 95 miles away. So in Montana you can immerse yourself in the natural world and come back to your wedding venue to get spoiled with comfort and rustic luxuries.
We'd love to have you tour our facility so you can go to https://www.riverhousemontana.com/contact-8 to contact us. Visualize the wedding you want and if mountains, rivers and forests are what you see come to Western Montana to fulfill your dream wedding!
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 lovely attention, we are here to help you have the best wedding ever.
xoxo
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!
Dogs at trails by wedding venue near Missoula & Kalispell, Montana
Comments