Full Day Glacier Elopement | Glamping Style

We’re taught it’s best to show your favorite images in the beginning of the blog in case you lose your viewers attention by the end. Well this full day Glamping Elopement at Glacier National Park is filled with favorites from beginning to end so I disregarded everything I learned and laid it out in story form so you can see real moments happening organically. It is so fun when there is enough time in a day to allow things to unfold naturally (with proper planning and guidance of course). It’s the best and sometimes the only way to capture “real” moments vs posed or “fake” moments. Yes, we professional wedding photographers get pretty good at making the posed look unposed, but when you’re cramming in a shot list in a few hours of time, you can be certain they are almost all posed to some extent. This story is different. We wanted to make sure everything planned for the day was both planned to be photographed AND enjoyed. Therefore the images created have a memory attached. Now that’s the kind of photography to be cherished!

P.S. Be sure to stay tuned all the way to the first dance in the rain. Yes…IN THE RAIN!!!

What does a full day Elopement Look like with ELOPE WEST?

We woke up at the crack of dawn. Nope take that back… We woke up BEFORE the crack of dawn to set up a sweet little coffee and muffin breakfast for the couple so they could enjoy it as the sun rose over Bowman Lake. What better way to start off a wedding day?! Then the couple had an intimate little ceremony as they shared their vows among the most incredible views in Glacier National Park. Maybe even the prettiest view in the US!! In my opinion;)
They swapped out their wedding attire for hiking gear and headed up, and I mean UP, on a 5.6 mile hike to Numa Ridge Lookout. There we took in the views, rested and felt the world’s problems disappear as we could only hear the sounds of nature and sit in awe of such beauty.
After we made it back to Bowman Lake Campground we swapped out our hiking gear for some comfy, lounging clothes. Then we had lunch at the campsite, which was so perfectly styled by Kari of White Loon Events.
The hike was amazing, but we all needed a little bit of relaxing at the lake so we headed down the path with lounge chairs, drinks and a hammock in hand
The water was cold, but Emily and Jonah braved it long enough to bathe in the lake. Of course they needed to get in their snuggles and kisses at this time as well. I mean, they needed to warm up somehow after bathing in the chilly Glacier water.
After the refreshing bath in the lake, they put their gear back on and headed to the lake for some fishing and more quality time.
We ended the evening with their first dance as we embraced the unpredictable weather mountains like to challenge you with. Trisha with XSPERIENCE PHOTOGRAPHY loves rain photos, so it maybe could have waited an hour until the clouds passed, but where’s the fun in that!!
Then off to the cozy Glamping Tent they went…and that’s where photography ended;)

Speaking of tent…Even if you are camping enthusiasts, you must agree that setting it up, and more particularly, taking it down is a pain in the butt. Well, with ELOPE WEST, we set it up and take it down. All you have to do is enjoy your time there!!

Why We Chose Bowman Lake in Glacier National Park, Montana…

Choosing to host your intimate wedding adventure or elopement at Glacier National Park is possibly one of the easiest decisions you’ll make. But making it a smooth, relaxing, enjoyable and legal event requires a bit more planning. That’s where ELOPE WEST comes into play. We take the stress out of the planning and provide you with a memorable experience and fine-art quality photography to ensure your story is told beautifully from beginning to end.

Glacier National Park is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in the United Sates, possibly even the world, but for that reason it is also one of the most visited. We wanted to avoid as many tourists as possible so we chose the road less traveled. Literally. It is not an easy route to Bowman Lake. It feels as though you’ve left civilization far behind as you drive up the mountain from the unincorporated town of Polebridge in Montana’s remote Northwest corner. Every inch of your vehicle will be covered in dust when you finally reach the campground. You may suffer from a bit of car-sickness from the curves and pot holes. But the view you’re rewarded with as you walk down the path from the campground to the lake is totally worth it!!

Bowman Lake is not for every couple. You need to be campers and nature lovers at heart. Plus a Bit of a risk-taker, because it’s first-come, first-serve. Sorry brides… no reservations allowed. (ELOPE WEST has your back though so your odds are looking up;) And you need to come prepared since the closest store is quite the drive away, and wildlife such as deer and BEAR are sharing the campground with you. Again, not for everyone, but if this sounds amazing, we will help with the “being prepared” part!!

Now sit back, relax, and enjoy watching this fun elopement story unfold…

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE ELOPING AT BOWMAN LAKE IN GLACIER NATIONAL PARK

You need a permit to legally be married in the park. Services can be slow so plan ahead for this one. If the permit is unattainable you can always legally sign outside of the park and still have your adventure and photos in the park as long as chairs aren’t set up and you have your heart set on a specific, sought-out location. You’re not allowed to ask tourists to move unless a permit is purchased to save a spot for you and your guests. It’s definitely an easier task when it’s just the two of you. So maybe just throw a big party when you get home;)
Drones are prohibited so that won’t be an option to start off your epic highlight video.
Dogs were allowed at Bowman Lake Campground as long as they were well trained, but not allowed on Glacier National Park trails.
Grizzly Bears are present. As well as black bear, but they tend to be less aggressive. If you plan on hiking, bring bear spray (or maybe 3) and know how to use it. Better safe than sorry! Food should never be stored in your tent or campsite. There’s a storage unit to keep it in or lock it in your car.
Wear hiking shoes, even if they’re not cute, if you plan on hiking. Usually your dress covers your shoes when stopping to pose, and if it doesn’t, well you’re hiking so they’re perfectly fitting for the occasion.
The water is cold. You can swim and hang out in a floatie in it, but be prepared to be COLD!
Campsites are first-come-first-serve. If you arrive in early morning or late evening after people have left you will have your best luck. Or be prepared to wait your turn. If you book with ELOPE WEST, we arrive 2 days early to ensure a campsite.
Bathrooms are on-site, but no showers or running water in the bathrooms. There is a water hydrant near the ranger station.
The road is narrow and curvy to get from Polebridge to Bowman Lake so large vehicles are not recommended.

Planning | ELOPE WEST

Photography + Video | XSPERIENCE PHOTOGRAPHY

Styling + Decor | WHITE LOON EVENTS

Couple | EMILY + JONAH EISENSCHENK

Location | BOWMAN LAKE CAMPGROUND in GLACIER NATIONAL PARK, Montana