An Intimate Winter Elopement in the Beartooth Mountains – A Perfect Celebration for Two Adventure-Loving Souls
For couples who crave adventure and intimacy, and aren’t afraid of the cold, a winter elopement with the breathtaking scenery of the snow covered Beartooth Mountains is an unforgettable way to say “I do.” Emma and Mitch’s elopement in the heart of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness perfectly reflected their love for nature, adventure, and each other.
Emma and Mitch have spent years exploring and adventuring in and around Red Lodge, making it home to some of their most cherished memories. When it came time to plan their elopement, there was no question—they wanted a location that reflected their deep-rooted love for the mountains. The Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, with its vast landscapes, hidden waterfalls, and quiet, snow-covered trails, provided the perfect backdrop for their special day.
With the Mountains as Their Witness
On a slow, laid back March morning, Emma and Mitch packed their wedding attire into their backpacks and set foot into the mountains to cement in their love and dedication to one another in probably the most fitting way possible– on a snow covered hiking trail, with their dogs in tow, and one of their closest friends along to officiate. We hikes several miles along until we came to a clearing where the trees opened and the mountains towered over us. Using the pine trees as a dressing room, and morning light to do her makeup, Emma truly embraced the spirit of simplicity and adventure. With the mountains as their witness, they shared a heartfelt first look before stepping into a ceremony filled with joy and laughter. As Emma and Mitch exchanged vows, I couldn’t help but laugh when Mitch said, “I’d posthole 30 miles for you.” If you know, you know—that’s a true testament to their love and relationship built on adventure, resilience, and a lifetime of chasing experiences together.
Following the ceremony, we made our way back down the trail to a stunning waterfall along the riverbed. We paused to take in the breathtaking views and capture a few photos of the pure joy that naturally follows an official “I do.” This place felt like something out of a movie– there is just a certain type of magic you feel in the mountains during the winter that you just don’t get in the summer, making the chilly morning and snowy trail all the more worth it.
After taking time to soak in the moment, and the mountains, we headed back to the trailhead where we met up with Mitch and Emma’s families to celebrate with them. This whole day was filled with so much love, intention, and joy it just really goes to show that you can (and should) make your day a reflection of your love in whatever feels the most true to you.
Is a Winter Elopement Right for You?
Winter elopements are not for everyone, but for the right couple, they are an unforgettable experience. Emma and Mitch are no strangers to cold-weather adventure—they backcountry ski, ice climb, and spend their winters chasing fresh snow and new experiences. Their willingness to embrace the elements made me certain we were going to have an amazing day, no matter the weather.
That being said, winter elopements require preparation. Here are a few things to consider if you’re thinking about tying the knot in the mountains:
- Be prepared for unpredictable weather. Conditions can change quickly, so layering and having the right gear is key.
- Choose a location that allows flexibility and freedom. National forests, like Custer National Forest, offer stunning scenery, fewer restrictions if rescheduling is necessary, and the ability to include your four-legged friends.
- Consider the solitude. If avoiding crowds and having a truly intimate experience is important to you, a winter elopement might be the perfect choice.
If you’re looking for milder conditions, I generally recommend June-September for elopements in the Beartooth Mountains. The weather is more predictable and there are more trailheads accessible, however, if you’re an adventurous couple willing to snowshoe out to a secluded spot, a winter elopement can be an unforgettable and one-of-a-kind experience and I am all for capturing it.
Ready to Plan Your Advenutre?
If Emma and Mitch’s story has inspired you to consider an intimate, adventure-filled elopement, I’d love to help you plan and capture your own unique experience. Whether you’re dreaming of a sunlit summer ceremony or a snow-covered mountain adventure, I’m here to make it happen. Reach out and let’s curate something unforgettable together!
