There aren’t many things that I love in this life more than getting to explore my favorite place alongside a sweet couple and the people they love most. Documenting Sierra and Cord’s intimate wedding at Avalanche Lake Amphitheater was no exception. From their heartfelt, intentional ceremony to ending the day on Lake McDonald, it was pure bliss from start to finish (well…besides my car breaking down, but I’m getting a bit ahead of myself). 

Intimate Wedding at Avalanche Lake Amphitheater

High school sweethearts, Sierra and Cord, traveled to Glacier National Park with 25 of their closest friends and family to say “I do” among the picturesque, vast views. After becoming engaged in Yosemite National Park the previous year, it was only fitting to head back to some mountains for their wedding day— a “full circle” kind of moment. But if you’ve ever gotten married, been a wedding guest, or even a wedding vendor, you will know that it’s not too often that a day goes off without a hitch. And this time, it was me that experienced the “hitch”. 

I had just arrived at the entrance to Glacier National Park when my car broke down. Thankfully, I spotted Sierra driving in and immediately began running towards her vehicle…well, hobbling towards her vehicle since I was on crutches at the time. Thankfully, I have the best couples who are understanding when very real things happen. Sierra made room in her car, and I was able to travel with her for the rest of the day. I couldn’t be more grateful for couples like Sierra and Cord. 

Once we arrived at the Avalanche Lake Amphitheater, we took some separate group photos. Sierra and Cord’s crew couldn’t have been more supportive or stoked to be in Northwest Montana to celebrate the soon-to-be Mr. and Mrs. The love and hype energy in the park was contagious, which is what makes photographing weddings just the best job ever! 

Eloping in Glacier National Park | Wild Summit Photo

After taking group photos, it was time for the ceremony to begin, which absolutely had me choking up. As soon as Sierra started to make her way down the aisle arm-in-arm with her dad, Cord was a goner. As if that wasn’t enough emotion to have me fighting for my life, family and friends prayed over the couple during the ceremony. It was such a sweet way to celebrate the couple and cheer them on in their marriage. 

Following the ceremony, we were able to take care of more group photos (including the couple’s precious daughter, who napped through her time in front of the camera). It was then time to snag the newlyweds away for a little adventure in the park, while guests headed on their own way. Our first stop on our adventure through Glacier National Park was Sun Point. The views never disappoint here, no matter what the weather. We were spoiled with bright sunshine and a clear blue sky, filling St. Mary Lake with glitter below.

My time with Sierra and Cord concluded with a few stops along Going to the Sun Road before wrapping up at Lake McDonald. It couldn’t have been a more perfect end to such a beautiful day. The blue skies hung around to send the newlyweds off on their next adventure in their love story.

Glacier National Park Elopement | Northwest Montana Wedding Photographer

Documenting Sierra and Cord’s intimate wedding at Avalanche Lake Amphitheater was the sweetest way to spend an early Fall day in Northwest Montana. Because the weather is so unpredictable in Glacier National Park, it felt like a little treat to have a day full of warm sunshine and not a cloud in the sky. 

Are you planning to elope in Glacier National Park? Stay tuned to the blog for more love stories coming atcha. But if you can’t wait, be sure to follow along with my adventures as a Glacier National Park elopement photographer over on the ‘Gram (@wildsummitphoto). Adventure awaits!