BEST MONTANA WEDDING VENUES

I know what it’s like being a bride and just beginning to plan; the process is overwhelming. Booking your wedding venue is most often the very first thing to check off your wedding planning “to-do” list.

Choosing and securing the venue gives you a date to work with to book your other vendors, AND it sets the entire feel and style of your day. Is the venue a rustic western barn? Is it outdoors in a wide-open field with mountains in the backdrop? Is it a classy indoor hotel with a ballroom atmosphere? Settling on a venue helps determine SO many aspects of your wedding: the colors (bridesmaids dresses, groomsmen suits, flowers, etc.), what type of food will be served, the style of cake, what type of flowers, number of guests invited, and yes, the style of photographer you will choose.

Whether you’re looking for a lavish, luxury wedding venue in Montana or if you’re searching for small wedding venues in Montana, this guide has you covered!

LIST OF THE BEST PLACES TO GET MARRIED IN MONTANA

Below is my list of some of the top venues to get married in Montana as well as the cost of each venue (if cost was available). I’ve included links to each venue and pictures plus descriptions to give you a better idea of what’s available in this beautiful state. They are grouped by the major areas of western Montana.

 

BIG SKY, MONTANA WEDDING VENUES

 

Rainbow Ranch Lodge

Website (Rainbow Ranch Lodge Wedding Cost: $10,000-$18,000 venue rental + F&B minimum)

A Big Sky venue, so naturally it is hard to beat. Many amenities are included in their venue fee so that is one perk of having your wedding here! It is a rustic log building with beautiful mountain views. This venue has many similarities to the Lone Mountain Ranch described below, BUT this venue has Gallatin River frontage so it is THE very top of my list for my favorite venues to shoot at. I’ve photographed several weddings at this venue. Click below to see more full-weddings here:

✨ Colorful Summer Wedding at Rainbow Ranch Lodge (published in Montana Bride Magazine).

✨ Soft Neutral September Wedding at Rainbow Ranch Lodge

320 Guest Ranch

Website (320 Guest Ranch Wedding Cost: $18,000 +) 

This venue has a little more of a “Ranch” feel than the Rainbow Ranch just described. I’d say many of the other venues may tend to have more of a high-end feel while this venue and the others below are more casual in nature. It has an absolutely incredible location next to the river with open meadows and mountains in almost every direction. This would be an amazing location for someone wanting to incorporate western elements throughout their wedding. You’ll see this venue on almost every list of venues in the Big Sky area because it encompasses so much.

✨ 320 Guest Ranch Wedding Photos

Moonlight Basin

Website (Moonlight Basin Wedding Cost: starts at $50,000)

This venue encapsulates the ultimate Big Sky wedding experience. Really, if that is your goal or you are planning a destination wedding here, look no further. Moonlight Basin is known for its high-end amenities and sweeping mountain views. While on the higher end of the budget, it’s truly everything you could want for an epic Montana wedding. And being located just outside of Bozeman, it is convenient to travel to for guests while being in an epic mountain location.

Lone Mountain Ranch

Website (Lone Mountain Ranch Wedding Cost: $2800 elopement starting price)

A truly rustic Montana wedding venue. That is how I would describe Lone Mountain Ranch. Overlooking Big Sky’s landmark mountain peek, the ceremony location has stunning views while the log building offers a rustic, western vibe. With the right styling or event planner, this venue has so much potential to really be over-the-top in terms of table-scape designs inside and epic views outside.

 

 

Gallatin Riverhouse

Website (Gallatin Riverhouse Wedding Cost: $6,000 + F&B minimum)

Their website says it boasts a “backyard wedding feel” and I couldn’t agree more with that statement.  They can easily accommodate up to 600 guests so if you’ve had an issue with finding enough capacity in other venues, definitely check this one out. The views are expansive and the sound of the Gallatin River as the background to your ceremony is something you and your guests won’t forget.

Big Sky Chapel

Website (Big Sky Chapel Wedding Cost: $500-$1000)

The chapel in Big Sky is a quaint chapel with stunning views of Lone Peak behind it. I’ve photographed several weddings where the couple wanted an intimate, church ceremony but then a reception outdoors in the mountains of Big Sky and they chose the Big Sky Chapel as their ceremony spot.

✨ See this stunning >>winter wedding at Big Sky Chapel<<

PARADISE VALLEY & LIVINGSTON, MONTANA WEDDING VENUES

 

 

FLATHEAD VALLEY, WHITEFISH & GLACIER, MONTANA WEDDING VENUES

Whitefish Mountain Resort

Website (Whitefish Mountain Resort Wedding Cost: starts at $6,500)

If you are adventurous, love skiing, or simply just LOVE the mountains, look into getting married at the summit of Big Mountain. Stunning 360 degree views of mountains surround you while overlooking Flathead Lake, Whitefish, Glacier and the entire valley. Below is an image from a recent wedding I photographed at the summit. Guests rode the gondola to the top where the jaw-dropping ceremony took place. Guests (and wedding party) could then ride the Alpine Slide down to cocktail hour at the base lodge where the reception and evening festivities took place. It’s a great spot for adventurous, outdoor-loving couples!

✨ See this elopement at Whitefish Mountain Resort

Glacier Raft Company

Website (Glacier Raft Company Wedding Cost: Starts at $1,500)

I have photographed several weddings here and I must say that when I was compiling my list of Montana wedding venues, I had to include this one. If booking a venue where your guests can also stay is a priority to you, then definitely check out Glacier Raft Company. It is equipped with plenty of cabins for your guests and is located just minutes (maybe 2) from the entrance of Glacier Park. It boasts amazing views of Montana’s Mountainous landscape at the ceremony site and has an open pavilion for the reception. As I said, I’ve been lucky enough to shoot a few weddings here and each time we’ve been able to make a quick trip into the park for those jaw-dropping bride and groom portraits at Lake McDonald.  One of those weddings was featured on Montana Bride.

✨ See more of my favorite images of this Glacier, MT wedding here with wedding photos at Lake McDonald.

 

Lodge at Whitefish Lake

Website (Lodge at Whitefish Lake Wedding Cost: $6,000-$14,000)

If you’ve been searching for wedding venues in the Whitefish or Glacier, Montana area, it’s probably not a surprise that this one made the list. There is room for your guests to stay and the lodge itself is stunning. There are plenty of reception options as well from the lawn to one of the indoor ballrooms. If getting married on the shore of one of Montana’s picturesque lakes is your dream, then definitely get in touch with the staff at the Lodge at Whitefish Lake.

✨ Here is a gorgeous wedding I photographed at the Lodge at Whitefish Lake

Glacier Park Wedding & Events

Website (Glacier Park Wedding & Events Cost: $4,000 average)

Views of Glacier, Montana’s stunning mountain peaks as your ceremony and portrait backdrop, charming chalets… this venue really has it all. It embodies what it means to have a ‘True Montana Wedding.’ (I wish I would have gotten married here:) Being located just outside Glacier National Park’s west entrance makes it SO easy to sneak away for those stunning sunset photos on the shores of Lake McDonald just inside the park.

Green Valley Ranch

Website (Green Valley Ranch Wedding Cost: starts at $32,000)

You must check this one out if mountains and lakes are on your wish list. Seriously a stunning venue with an outdoorsy feel. Although this is on the higher end in terms of budget, it’s definitely worth it. The ceremony location is nestled in the mountains with beautiful aspen trees and meadows around you. Truly stunning.

Grouse Mountain Lodge

Website (Grouse Mountain Lodge Wedding Cost: starts at $2,500)

Not quite ON the water, Grouse Mountain Lodge is situated near Whitefish Lake making it fairly easy to grab pictures on the shore if that’s something you’re dreaming of. This wedding venue can truly be the best of all worlds when it comes to a Montana wedding. It really has a private, outdoor feel without being in a completely remote location. It really has the perfect balance of Montana’s outdoors with the convenience of the lodge and its facilities (including rooms to get ready and for guests to stay). This venue has a great patio for a tent set up and impeccable grounds for a ceremony as well.

 

Under Canvas – Glacier

Website (Under Canvas – Glacier Wedding Cost: estimated $9,000+)

Is glamping your thing? Are you looking for a completely unique “Montana” experience for you and your guests?  Definitely look at Under Canvas. You can plan an entire weekend event that FEELS like you are really experiencing the outdoors of Montana but with all of the amenities of a resort. The tents fully furnished with beds, wardrobes, seating and some even have their own restrooms.

 

Elope in Glacier

Website (Cost to elope in Glacier National Park: $125-$300 permit fee + officiant)

If you are the adventurous type and you’re wanting something simple but breathtaking, consider eloping in Glacier National Park. It really has become a desitination wedding location for mountain seeking couples over the last few years. Elopements really are some of my favorite to photograph as well. They have such an intimate, personal feel with just you and your fiance and maybe a handful of close family and friends. With Glacier as your backdrop, you really couldn’t ask for a more gorgeous wedding location.

✨ See what an elopement in Glacier looks like here: Glacier, MT Wedding Elopements

 

MISSOULA, MONTANA WEDDING VENUES

White Raven

Website (White Raven Wedding Cost: $8,000-$11,000)

Although this is on the outskirts of Missoula (in Alberton, MT), it is a newer venue that you definitely must check out. It’s really the best of all worlds. It’s near enough Missoula that it’s easy to line up transportation for guests to and from a hotel but it’s also far enough that you don’t feel like you are “in-town.” The ceremony location is in a beautiful treed area that has a that Montana feel. And the new building has a small rustic flair but not enough that you feel like you’d need to have a rustic-themed wedding there. As a wedding photographer, light in a venue is one of the top things I look for to make beautiful images. This venue has gorgeous windows available to bring in lots of natural light to the space not to mention great tables and wooden crossback chairs which elevate the style of a wedding in an instant. Definitely check this location out!

✨  See this casual but detailed wedding at White Raven here.

Gibson Mansion

Website (Gibson Mansion Wedding Cost: Starts at $1,000)

The Gibson Mansion is an absolutely classic small wedding venues in Montana on the south side of Missoula. As you can tell by the name, it is in fact a mansion. It is a gorgeous white structure with black trim accents giving it such a classic and timeless appeal. They have beautiful suites for the bridal parties to get ready that makes for amazing photos. The actual ceremony is held in their vibrant, lush garden in the back. They have a gazebo as the front of the alter and a well-manicured patio perfect for cocktail hour with passed hors d’evours. Although this venue is geared toward a smaller, intimate guest list, it is by far one of the top wedding venues in Missoula.

Heritage Hall

Website (Heritage Hall Wedding Cost: starts at $3,000 for peak season)

This is an ever-popular wedding venue. The hall itself can accommodate a larger guest list and while it can seem a bit dated in terms of décor, I’ve also seen it fit absolutely perfectly for a wedding a slightly vintage flair. The grounds are simple and basic but with the right event rentals and styling, this can be turned into a gorgeous space.

The Barn on Mullan

Website (Barn on Mullan Wedding Cost: starts at $5,000)

This venue books up quickly every year. It is located at the Ranch Club on the golf course off of Mullan. The building itself was built to look like an old rustic barn and it is just that but with great amenities! This venue is great because in many ways it’s a bit of an inclusive venue with catering and a bar provided on site. This eliminates booking multiple vendors and the chefs have a great reputation. The ceremony site is on the golf course. While the lawn is obviously well manicured, there are little to no trees that might provide shade to guests on a hot summer day.

The Keep

Website (The Keep Wedding Cost: $2,000 starting price + F&B minimum)

Much like the Barn on Mullan, The Keep is located on a golf course in the Pattee Canyon area. The building itself has a completely different vibe with its stone walls and cozy feel. I would recommend this venue for a smaller guest list if you want to have your reception inside the building. If you have a large number of guests, they will likely be split among the two separate rooms insides. This isn’t a huge drawback until it comes to the evenings festivities such as toasts, cake cutting and first dances. The location is set among the southeastern hills of Missoula with a great view from the golf course where most ceremonies are held. Wedding photographers tend to love unique venues such as this because of their different architecture and variety in shooting environments that it can bring.

 

The Ranch at Rock Creek

Website (The Ranch at Rock Creek Wedding Cost: $92,000 for 21 or more people)

While this is most definitely outside of Missoula, it is a MUST see if you are looking at wedding venues and have a larger budget for your wedding. I could not leave this off of my list of Top Wedding Venues in Montana. This is definitely a higher end venue with stunning western buildings ordained with rustic barnwood, cowhide upholstered furniture and grand lighting fixtures in some of their buildings. They have accommodations for guests as well as activities such as horseback riding for everyone to partake in. I would describe the venue as being everything that you would picture a classy Montana wedding to be.

Paws Up

Website (Paws Up Wedding Cost: starts at $8,500)

This is another high-end venue with a true Montana/western feel. It too is outside of Missoula, but if you’re looking for a true destination vacation get-away for your guests, it’s worth seeing. It’s a top destination resort known for it’s amazing hospitality, western activities and amazing chefs. It’s quite similar to the Ranch at Rock Creek. I would say the difference between the two is 1. the proximity to Missoula; the Ranch at Rock Creek is definitely closer and 2. The Ranch at Rock Creek might lend itself to feeling a bit more private. While Paws Up is technically a resort, I wouldn’t say it has an overwhelming amount of guests that would interfere with your day. Both venues are top choices for Missoula, MT wedding photographers!!!

✨ See this intimate wedding at the Ranch at Rock Creek

Holland Lake Lodge

Website (Holland Lake Lodge Wedding Cost: $20,000-$40,000)

Located on beautiful Holland Lake near Condon, MT. This intimate venue is to die for with gorgeous mountain views, ceremony on the shores of one of Montana’s most pristine lakes and a true ‘Montana’ feel in the rustic lodging for the bride and groom and their guests.

Daly Mansion

Website (Daly Mansion Wedding Cost: inquire with venue)

Located in the stunning Bitterroot Valley this historic mansion gives a classy and sophisticated feel to a wedding. Beautiful grounds with a botanic garden make for a truly unique experience.

 

BOZEMAN, MONTANA WEDDING VENUES

Chateau Event Center

Website (Chateau Event Center Wedding Cost: average $7,000)

A totally unique Spanish/Tuscan inspired venue in Montana! The Chateau Event Center has some of the classiest grounds equipped with a gazebo and stone bridge in the side yard along with a fountain at the front to greet your guests. It has an absolutely breathtaking bridal suite and outdoor patio great for cocktail hour.  Inside you’ll find wooden beams, massive front doors and an intimate dining space to hold your reception. Here is a recent Bozeman wedding that I photographed at the Chateau Event Center. If you’re looking for small wedding venues in Montana, definitely check this one out!

✨ See this wedding at one of Montana’s smaller venues: Chateau Event Center

Foster Creek Farm

Website (Foster Creek Farm Wedding Cost: $15,000)

Located in the Belgrade area is Foster Creek Farm and is a must see on this list of wedding venues in Montana. It is a newer venue with no detail overlooked. I would describe it as having a very chic Montana vibe. Starting with the getting ready portion of the day, they have a glamping tent available for the bride and her bridesmaids complete with a spa-like bathroom, canopy bed and front area for everyone to be together. The groom’s cabin is quaint but very well done and is located all in one central spot. The all- white remodeled barn adorned with chandeliers, a fireplace and wooden staircase and rafters is an absolute dream. There’s room to set up a huge tented reception if needed AND… mountain views. This spot has it all. If you are looking for something a little different than what everyone else has done and want your wedding to have an upscale but outdoor feel, look no further.

The Woodlands at Cottonwood Canyon

Website (Woodlands at Cottonwood Canyon Wedding Cost: $6,000-$7,000)

I have seen some STUNNING weddings photographed at this venue and all of them really have that true Montana feel. This venue has a more “tucked away” vibe among the trees which can be great for your pictures and guests because it offers plenty of shade to stay cool during mid-summer and avoid the harsh sun.

Headwaters Ranch

Website (Headwaters Ranch Wedding Cost: $11,000)

Outside of Bozeman about 30 miles in Three Forks is the Headwaters Ranch. It is a newer venue that truly did everything to perfection from their round barn  to their glamping tents and vintage campers for you and your guests to stay in. This venue gives “barn wedding” a whole new meaning with the unique architecture and clean interior.  Not to mention their in-house gourmet catering options. This venue is a MUST to check out. I love that it’s new and definitely up and coming and in great proximity to Bozeman.

Sacajawea Hotel

Website (Sacajawea Hotel Wedding Cost: starts at $4,000)

One of America’s Historic Hotels, the Sacajawea provides a ceremony site underneath the trees along with so many photo opportunities around it’s white exterior and dreamy front porch.

 

Firelight Farm

Website (Firelight Farm Wedding Cost: starts at $11,500)

Firelight Farm one of the newer venues to the Bozeman, MT area. While I haven’t had the chance to photograph here yet, it made my list of best wedding venues in Montana because it is a venue that appears to have done everything well. While it is a rustic barn venue, it is done very tastefully and doesn’t appear “over the top” rustic. Not to mention the GORGEOUS backdrop of mountains behind the venue itself.

HELENA, MONTANA WEDDING VENUES

Summer Star Ranch

Website (Summer Star Ranch Wedding Cost: Starts at $4,000)

If this venue wasn’t great before, it’s even better now! Summer Star Ranch just added a covered building to their grounds that can accommodate a large number of guests. The ranch is located just outside of Helena near York and is the perfect spot to say I do. Views of distant mountains, meadows and forest are found in every view from this location. AND this venue has it’s own farmhouse tables, benches and other charming rentals to help give all of their weddings a well put-together appearance.

✨ See this Summer Star Ranch Wedding

Cabin Creek Ranch

Website (Cabin Creek Ranch Wedding Cost: Starts at $3,500)

This is a private backyard type of venue. While “ranch” is in the name, it’s definitely not what usually comes to mind when you think of a Montana’s ranches. A log cabin, pond and groomed grounds give this spot it’s charm. I believe it’s also on the lower end of the budget for all of the couples planning their dream wedding without breaking the bank.

Shades of Green

Website (Shades of Green Wedding Cost: Contact Venue)

Shades of Green is a well-known name around Helena; but not for being a wedding venue. While being one of Helena’s gorgeous nursery’s on the edge of town, it just recently began hosting weddings at their beautiful location.  If you are looking for a venue with a convenient location that is in the city of Helena, something different than the typical ranch wedding or hotel reception, check out Shades of Green. It’s backyard, garden party feel can be seen in this featured editorial shoot for Rocky Mountain Bride. Being from Helena and having photographed weddings here, this is a new favorite venue of mine!

The Kleffner Ranch

Website (Kleffner Ranch Wedding Cost: starts at $4,000+)

One of the most popular and well-known wedding venues in Helena is Kleffner Ranch. It can accommodate up to 300 guests and the seriously GORGEOUS historic red barn is Montana perfection. The rafters and wooden floors are all original and have been restored. It’s really such a beautiful spot for a wedding. In addition, there is a secondary reception location in their pavilion which means that they can host more than one wedding there in a given day. Depending on your preferences to keep your event private, this could be either good or bad. My choice would definitely be to book the barn over the pavilion in terms of the choices for photography and accommodating all of your guests.

✨ Kleffner Ranch Summer Wedding

✨ Kleffner Ranch and Cathedral Wedding

✨ Spring Wedding at Kleffner Ranch

 

Have you made it this far?

This concludes my list of the best Montana wedding venues. I truly hand-selected all venues mentioned because I really feel they are the BEST in terms of their offerings for my couples and what they can produce in terms of wedding photography!

If you’re looking for a wedding photographer for your Montana wedding, simply send me a note here: CONTACT ME and I will let you know if I’m available for your date!

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