Marissa & Carlos came all the way from Florida for their wedding. They could’ve chosen anywhere between Montana and Florida (literally anywhere), but they chose a Glacier National Park adventure elopement. These two love national parks more than anybody, so we host them in Glacier for their big day. And Glacier provided. She spoils them with an epic sunrise hike to Avalanche Lake, a drive up Going to the Sun Road, and a sunny ceremony at Logan Pass. Damn it really was an extraordinary day! Let’s get into it!
Glacier is the perfect place for these two national park junkies!
Picture this: a sunrise hiking elopement extravaganza that’s more epic than finding the last slice of pizza at a party. Marissa and Carlos, the dynamic duo of love and adventure, kicked off their day at the crack of dawn. It was so early even the birds were hitting the snooze button.
With headlamps blazing and backpacks filled to the brim with snacks (you know, the essentials of life), they embarked on a trek to Avalanche Lake. Yes, it was dark, but they were ready to conquer the trail and make it their own. Marissa and Carlos were hiking in the dark for the first time, and the excitement was palpable! The reason they eloped is for a relaxed, fun, lovely day spending time with just each other and with their loved ones in a beautiful location.
Glacier National Park adventure elopement = hiking
After a moody and mystical hike, they arrived at Avalanche Lake, wrapped in a dreamy mist. Marissa even thought it had Twilight vibes—cue the sparkles, but alas, no vampires in sight! They snapped some stunning pics by lantern light, a tale of love and lanterns, if you will. Although we didn’t see vampires, we did get to experience the most intimate vows next to the secluded lake. Check out the pros and cons of eloping in Glacier National Park.
On the hike down, we talk about how elopements used to be this thing where you ditch your job at lunch hour, run to the courthouse and get married. That used to be an elopement. Now, thinking about how far we’ve come and how truly beautiful, long, full days that elopements can be. it makes my heart so happy that our couples all around the world are saying “f*ck society” and getting married the truest way to them.
they soak in the Montana state of mind
The day was like a destination wedding on steroids, as they flew all the way from Florida to embrace the mountainous beauty of Glacier National Park. The Going to the Sun Road was playing coy with the clouds, revealing breathtaking views of mountains and glaciers that would make even the Grinchiest (yes, it’s a word) of hearts swoon. They decide to include their family in their elopement day. We meet the family in Saint Mary and get these two married. The wind whips as they seal the deal with a kiss. Their family comes with them on their elopement day and it was a blast!
So here’s a pro tip for all you lovebirds out there: an 8-hour day? Totally awesome. But hey, why not make it an epic 2-day fiesta of love, laughter, and a whole lot of adventure!?
In the end, we learn that love is as vast and wild as the mountains, and it deserves a celebration in a way that’s as unique as you are. Marissa and Carlos did just that, and we couldn’t be happier to have been a part of their extraordinary day.
click here for the ultimate glacier elopement guide
Brought a tear to my as I relived that day. May the memories be cherished forever as your love for each other grows stronger each day.
Daddy-O
Ahhh I’m so glad you loved reliving the day, Daddy-O! It was truly a joy photographing it!