Montana, A Destination Wedding

Montana, the vast distance between cities, mountains and their beauty as well as the landscape has drawn more than one couple to the state to make their vows known.

People say there are 9 months of winter and 3 months with no snow in Montana. The state is called the Big Sky state due to the clear ski that can be seen from horizon to horizon.

Montana spring and summer activities include whitewater rafting, fly fishing, golfing, hiking, rock climbing, biking, camping and horseback riding. Once the snow flies, activities include snowboarding, downhill skiing, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, snow coaches, dog sledding and sleigh rides.

You don’t have to be a Montana resident to get married in Montana. A marriage license is valid for 180 days and costs $53. There is no sales tax to drive up the cost of your wedding amenities.

Montana's beautiful Gallatin Valley is the perfect wedding destination for brides seeking an outdoor landscape. Dramatic mountain ranges with snow draped over them until late into the summer as well as colorful valleys of wild flowers and green forests catch the eye of anyone viewing the scenery. Fields of grain that move with the wind and flowing rivers and streams rushing over their beds make music in the background. There are hundreds of unique outdoor locations which include stream banks, lake shores, mountain views, mountain sides, waterfalls, prairies, western scenes (just like in the movies) and just about any location element that you can imagine. Bright full moonlit nights and long summer sunlit days give ample time for any event. Streams and rivers with bridges are perfect for string lighting and an entrance for the bride and groom to greet the wedding party and their guests.

Bozeman is located in the Gallatin Valley; just an hour's drive north of Yellowstone National Park. It is the destination for the bride and groom that desire something other than the city. Bozeman is fortunate to have a thriving arts and culture community and the world-renowned Museum of the Rockies. I like how the Montana State University website describes the city of Bozeman: 

Located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Bozeman is truly a remarkable community. The Bozeman area at large encompasses over 50,000 people with backgrounds and cultures as diverse as the Montana landscape. From cattle ranchers to high tech engineers, the area is home to a breed of people who have come to appreciate an unmatched quality of life. While retaining a small town feel, Bozeman prides itself on offering community activities and programs typically available only in larger, metropolitan areas. Combine the wide array of resources with an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities and it's easy to understand why Bozeman ranks as one of the nation's most livable cities.

Bozeman has a variety of unique shops that will assist any bride in her perfect, childhood dream of a wedding. The four businesses below are an introduction to what Bozeman can offer the bride and groom.

• HeyDay in downtown Bozeman is your first stop for creative inspiration and commitment to making life brilliant. This is the perfect destination for bridesmaid gifts, wedding décor, as well as home accessories. A bridal registry is offered.

• La Tinga in the center of downtown Bozeman is a perfect, fun and unique catering option. The proprietors create authentic homemade Mexican food daily from basic ingredients in their shop, even down to the hand rolled corn tacos. They offer catering services that are sensitive to the wedding party and satisfy all the guests. Friendly Bozeman people to the max.

• Alara on the corner of Willson and Main in Bozeman offers chic, high class, current fashion and sophisticated jewelry. Jewelry that is one of a kind, made to fit individual taste, on site, is their distinction. They have an intense passion, knowledge and creativity that shine through in their wedding jewelry.

 

Plan you wedding or next event in southern Montana.