Tying the Knot; Montana Ski Areas Make Gorgeous Venues
Photo by Devin Archilla, courtesy Big Sky Resort
It’s peak wedding season here in Montana’s Yellowstone Country. The region has become a highly popular spot for destination weddings, and with good reason. It’s a fabulous place to vacation with activities for all ages and abilities, great food, live entertainment, and of course, Yellowstone National Park.
Depending on the season, Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport has non-stop flights to over 26 cities across the U.S. — where you can be almost anywhere in Yellowstone Country within a couple of hours.
Wedding venues are plentiful, but a growing trend is hosting the festivities at one of our ski areas. Big Sky Resort, Bridger Bowl and Red Lodge Mountain all offer on-hill ceremonies, with options for the reception.
Photo by Andrew Meier, courtesy Big Sky Resort
The top of Lone Peak at Big Sky Resort is a favorite for couples in both summer and winter. With 360-degree views that include three states and two national parks, it’s not hard to understand why. (Next summer, the Lone Peak Tram will be available for scenic rides, so even if you don’t hold your ceremony there, the experience is worth it!) The resort has seven different locations ranging from casual to elegant, with indoor and outdoor options, and rehearsal dinner spaces. For those who prefer a low-key affair, their elopement package includes a 2-night stay, dining credit, an intimate wedding cake, lift tickets or golf and a spa package for two!
Lone Mountain Ranch, one of the premier Nordic ski areas in the country, hosts both summer and winter weddings. Their 25 guest cabins can accommodate 120 people, and the team will help you coordinate guest activities such as fishing, hiking, yoga, horseback riding, Nordic skiing and private tours of Yellowstone National Park. Elopement and honeymoon packages are also available!
Bridger Bowl Ski Area in the Bridger Mountains outside of Bozeman is another stunning setting. Deer Park Chalet is located halfway up the mountain with large south-facing windows offering panoramic views. The venue also offers a 3,100 sq. ft. deck that can seat 200 people for an outdoor ceremony or dining service. Complete catering services are available.
Photo by madeyePHOTO, courtesy Bridger Bowl Ski Area
Red Lodge Mountain now offers on-mountain ceremonies at the top of the summit. The picturesque ceremony site overlooks the Beartooth Mountain foothills, and the Red Lodge Mountain Golf Course can host the reception following the ceremony. The golf course is another lovely option for the ceremony, featuring a lush lawn, aspen trees and a quiet, bubbling creek running through. The Grand Ballroom is rustic yet elegant, with vaulted ceilings, large windows and grand rafters. Full catering is available with flexible options, a full staff and set up and clean up included.
You won’t go wrong with any of the choices, but do plan to reserve them early, particularly during busy times of the year, such as summer and holidays. Lodging options are plentiful; you can find categorized listings on our website.
We would love to have you start your new chapter with us.