How to Elope in Montana

This is always a hard one to give a direct answer to when couples ask it about their elopement location! When should we elope in Montana?

In general, I’d say that the best time of year to elope in Montana is between late spring and early fall, from May through early October. The weather and conditions totally vary by location, though, and on factors such as elevation, average precipitation, & uh, climate change. Some places in Montana make for AMAZING winter elopement locations, while there are other locations that you definitely do NOT want to elope at in the winter.

When you’re choosing what time of year to elope, here are a few main things to consider as far as your desired location goes:

• Weather: obviously you want to be comfortable during your elopement, so be realistic about what temperatures + conditions you’d be comfortable and uncomfortable in!
• Extreme conditions: look at what the potential is for extreme conditions such as windstorms, unexpected snowstorms/hailstorms, thunderstorms, wildfires, etc. at the time of year + locations you’re considering eloping at.
• Crowds: if you’re eloping at a popular location, consider that you won’t be the only ones there. “Peak” season for most Montana locations is the summer, while “off” season is the winter – except for skiing/winter activity locations. Consider eloping at more popular spots during the less-busy season, if you’re not planning to hike to a high elevation and are okay with cooler temperatures!
• Elevation: if you’re eloping at a high elevation location, you’ll want to elope in the summer in Montana, when snow is fully melted and you’re free to venture out on the trails. If you’re eloping at a lower elevation, you’ll be able to get away with eloping in the spring or early fall in Montana – just be prepared for the possibility of snow hitting earlier/later than expected!
• Activities: if you want to incorporate warm-weather activities into your elopement such as hiking, white water rafting, or swimming, elope in Montana in the summer. If you’re a winter person and want to hit the slopes, or enjoy some cross-country skiing, elope in Montana in the winter!

Here’s some general info about the seasons in Montana:

SPRING WEATHER: Spring in Montana is stunning, with many mountains (especially spots at higher elevations) still completely covered in snow, and the sun finally emerging from hibernation! Although the wildflowers start to bloom and the foliage begins to come back to life, spring does bring the most rain in Montana, so be prepared for potential rain and thunderstorms. Eastern Montana typically warms up quicker in the spring, whereas western Montana can often stay pretty chilly for longer.

SUMMER WEATHER: Summer is one of the best times to visit Montana if you’re okay with crowds + other tourists, thanks to the to-die-for vast, lush green landscapes and clear mountain views! You’re more likely to experience thunderstorms in the summer than in any other season, but I’d say the summer Montana sunshine is well worth the risk – and to be honest, who doesn’t love a good thunderstorm over an epic landscape?! Keep in mind also that although temperatures are fairly warm throughout the day, you’d be surprised at how much they can drop at night, even in the summer – and especially at high elevation locations.

FALL WEATHER: Fall in Montana is pretty hard to beat if you’re dying to see some stunning foliage changing colors across the mountain ranges and in the alpine valleys! It does get pretty chilly starting around late September, and can be a bit unpredictable as far as heat, rain, and snow go. Be prepared for chilly morning & evening temps, and the possibility of snowfall hitting earlier than expected (thereby closing off certain roads/trails that you may need to take to get to your ceremony location) – one of the reasons it’s crucial to have a backup location (or two) on hand going into your elopement.

WINTER WEATHER: Finally, Montana is famous for its extremely snowy winters, and is well-known for its world-class skiing opportunities! If you want to incorporate your fave winter activities into your Montana elopement and would rather stay at a cozy ski resort than sleep in a tent during the heat of the summer, winter is definitely the time for you. Keep in mind that temperatures get extremely cold in Montana in the winter, and the snow will limit the locations you can choose from, blocking off most mountainous & high elevation spots! It’s also important to note that western Montana gets a lot more snow in the winter, whereas eastern Montana typically gets less & is much windier.