A wedding is the ultimate symbol of love and commitment, a memorable send-off for two lovers into an incredible journey together that can span the rest of their lives. An unforgettable occasion that many (young women in particular) fantasize about from a very early age, the wedding sets the stage for this new bond. It can provide an unforgettable experience for both parties and their guests.
While many elements make a successful and indelible wedding, the venue is one of the most significant, as it sets the tone for the event. It should be personally appealing but also able to accommodate the chosen amount of attendees and satisfy their comfort.
Montana is a state with many incredible sites for weddings, some resplendent in natural beauty, others the epitome of architectural wonder that are sure to please and delight everyone involved in the proceedings. While Colorado’s mountain properties remain a desired destination for many couples to rent as a wedding venue, Montana’s landscape offers up the same gorgeous mountain-town backdrop while ensuring an intimate setting without interruptions from tourists and skiiers. Despite the numerous options available, a handful of sites are particularly well-suited for creating a lasting memory that will stand the test of time.
The Woodlands
If your ideal venue is radiant with natural beauty, The Woodlands at Cottonwood Canyon is the perfect choice for you. This site has everything you need to celebrate your wedding with its elegant Great Room for the reception, dancing, and other party gatherings, private dressing rooms, and an expansive patio for outdoor events. Montana is also home to many jazz groups for hire if you are looking to add a classy element to your elegant wedding experience.
There are two primary options for the ceremony, both immersed in the beauty of Montana nature. The Meadow stands in the backdrop of mountains and forest, with the smell of wildflowers in the air. There is an arch for taking vows and two rows of wooden benches that accommodate up to 175 people.
The other option is The Bridge, a rustic wooden construction that looks incredible during an evening ceremony, decked out with lights as the stars and moon shimmer overhead. It enjoys the same glorious backdrop of trees and an expansive sky view, creating the ultimate scene of tranquility for your special day.
White Raven Venue and Retreat
Continuing the rustic theme, White Raven Venue and Retreat adds a mesmerizing view of rocky bluffs and running water to the scene. The facility considers itself “Montana Modern,” which combines elements of a big city with that of a woodsy mountain lodge to establish an upbeat yet pastoral setting.
Overlooking the Clark Fork river, this beautiful environment creates a soothing ambiance, and there are multiple locations to choose from when planning the ceremony itself.
This venue can accommodate up to 125 people and has many features, such as an elegant ballroom, mountain-top gardens, myriad natural hiking trails, and plenty of covered verandas and patios. The ballroom and the luxurious foyer each boast large fireplaces to set a cozy mood, and there is a broad, concrete dance floor outdoors so everyone can have an excellent time under the sweet Montana sunshine.
Union Pacific Dining Lodge
Located in West Yellowstone, the Union Pacific Dining Lodge is the perfect place for a crowd, as its aptly named “Mammoth Room” can welcome up to 400 guests. Featuring a massive conical fireplace that stretches 15 feet tall, the room is made nearly entirely of wood and stone, with tall, expansive windows lining one wall. The fireplace is fully functional and must be, as it is the only source of heat for this indoor venue.
For a more intimate experience, they also offer a Firehole room, which holds 100 people. This room is akin to a log cabin, with a fireplace (albeit significantly smaller), and possesses a bar, making it an excellent choice for a smaller reception or cocktail room. A lobby connects this room and the Mammoth room, making it possible to use both in conjunction to fit your needs.
Chico Hot Springs Resort and Day Spa
When you plan on having a small or medium-sized wedding, and the weather becomes cold, Chico Hot Springs Resort and Day Spa is a great place to consider a ceremony, especially if you and your guests enjoy a relaxing soak in hot spring pools. Located in Paradise Valley, the name of the game at this venue is beautiful scenery and personal comfort.
At the foot of Emigrant Peak lies the Field of Dreams, the Chico Hot Springs outdoor wedding venue. With an expansive view of the open sky and mountains, outdoor ceremonies are gorgeous, especially as the sun begins to set, revealing a sky tinged with orange. If the weather is not in season or is otherwise unsuitable, they also have a more conventional convention center, which can hold up to 180 people and has all the amenities.
Firelight Farm
If your ideal vision of a wedding includes a barn, look no further than southwest Montana’s Firelight Farm. Surrounded by mountains, the rustic barn is over a hundred years old, but the owners have remodeled it to restore the original architecture while adding modern amenities. It can handle 130 guests and has two different levels. Farm-style tables and chairs are part of the wedding package, and the scenic landscape outside is also part of the package and spans the surrounding 100 acres.
This site offers yet another opportunity to enjoy Montana’s natural beauty with an outdoor wedding. The grounds include long stretches of plains, creating visibility for miles with a view that reveals the breathtaking Bridger Mountains in the background. This setting is the perfect way to make your dream a reality if you enjoy the simplicity of rustic life.
The Bottom Line
Montana’s natural landscapes and inherent beauty make it an ideal place to exchange vows. In light of this, there are bountiful wedding destinations that can make your matrimony dreams a reality, most featuring a gorgeous scenic backdrop to enhance the magic and make your ceremony one for the ages.
Whether you seek an indoor or outdoor venue, these facilities are ready and willing to accommodate your wedding, providing the amenities you need and various options to customize this important event to your tastes. From hot springs and elegant ballrooms to pastoral barns and gigantic fireplaces, these venues are some of the best choices for your marriage.
