You're engaged, now what? Get ready to create your dream wedding near Missoula, Montana!

Mountains and lake near a wedding venue by Missoula, Montana

Steps to Take When You Just Got Engaged in Missoula, Montana

1. Celebrate your engagement.

Take some time to celebrate your engagement with your partner. With the fall colors just starting to burst in the Montana mountains a drive and hike would be a perfect activity to celebrate your engagement. Here at The River House Wedding Venue, located between Missoula & Kalispell, we see couples driving into the Swan Valley and taking in gorgeous hikes. Pack your blankets and your cooler, grab your hiking shoes and Patagonia and head to your favorite mountain get away! This is the time to celebrate your journey that has landed you into a lifetime together! Your outing could also be a great opportunity for you two to take a selfie to accompany your announcement. Here's a list of some trails to consider in the Swan Valley Montana, https://www.alltrails.com/us/montana/condon

Fall trail by wedding venue near Missoula, montana

2. Share the News

Share your news with family and close friends. A phone call or in person carries the significance of this momentous news! After those closest know then announce your engagement on your favorite social media, or consider sending out engagement announcements.

3. Set a Budget

As you discuss your wedding make a priority list. Find the items that mean the most. Involved in this budget will be how many guests you want. Are you craving a small intimate wedding or a great party? The amount of guests will factor in greatly to the cost. Since overspending is very stressful find a number you can both live with and not overextend your finances or emotions! https://www.vogue.com/article/wedding-budget-planning-calculator-guide

4. Create a Timeline

Decide on a wedding date or a general timeframe. Have some flexibility in dates, think more about what season. If there's a particular date you want, finding your venue early will be more important due to the specificity. Consider factors like venue availability, season, and any personal commitments. When you pick your date, close your eyes and visualize what you want to see. Bright greens and wildflowers or rusts, goldens and crisper air or maybe snow, the cold weather and cozy fires? Most wedding venues in Montana encompass the outdoors so the season is a huge factor in deciding what you want your wedding to be like.

5. Start Planning the Wedding

• Choose a Venue: Explore local venues in and around Missoula. Finding a venue is like the foundation for all that comes next. If you're looking for a long weekend to celebrate in the mountains and want Montana authenticity check out the River House for spectacular views and a retreat like setting, riverhousemontana.com

• Compile a Guest List: Start drafting a list of who you want to invite to your wedding. This again goes back to the budget and your vision of how you both want the wedding to be. Be willing to make many lists as you refine the process.

• Hire Vendors: Research and book vendors such as photographers, caterers, and florists.

Video photo of bride & groom at a wedding venue near Kalispell, Montana

6. Consider Engagement Photos

Schedule a session for engagement photos to capture this special time in your lives. Look for local photographers who might know the best places to go. If you book The River House you can take any of your photos there free of charge, of course!.

Mountain trail by a outdoor wedding venue by Kalispell, Montana

7. Enjoy the Process

Take time to enjoy the whole planning process. It's a momentous time in your lives, so make sure to savor the moments together. This can start a lifetime of positive communication and compromise!

8. Attend Local Wedding Shows

Check out local wedding fairs or expos in Missoula for inspiration and to meet vendors. This can be a great way to gather ideas and make connections. Also talk to your venue and look at their website to see their preferred vendors.

9. Research Marriage Licenses

Look into the requirements for obtaining a marriage license in Montana. For Missoula Montana here is a link, https://webapps.missoulacounty.us/marriageapplication/index.php Ensure you have all necessary documents ready for when you're ready to apply.

Winter scene at a wedding venue by Missoula, Montana

10. Plan for the Honeymoon

Start thinking about your honeymoon destination. Research the places that make you both excited. Traveling together is the ultimate gift to each other. This could be the beginning of a lifetime of excursions with one another! Many couples opt for a later date than their wedding for their honeymoon. This way you can spread out the joy plus it sometimes helps to ask for money for your honeymoon as a gift.

To take a dream and turn into reality is a creative and soulful process. Don't lose sight of yourselves in the process. Whatever, whomever is dear to you make sure to envelope that into your wedding. This celebration should be a joyful acknowledgement of your love and life together. At The River House we would love to help you create your dream wedding. We have the beautiful views, the rushing waters and authentic log buildings to create a truly remarkable and cozy setting.

If you are looking for an authentic and beautiful wedding celebration, please contact us to learn more and set up a tour, https://www.riverhousemontana.com/contact-8  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.

• Berkshire Ridge of Blackwell, 

• Butterfly Kisses Pavilion,

• Prosperity Mansion, 

• Kinsey Events, t

• The Barn at Ballard Creek, 

• Leeric Lodge,

  • 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, riverhousemontana.com

    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!

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    Outdoor wedding venue near Missoula, Montana