What is the best season to get married in Montana?

Thoughts …

‘Planning a wedding in Montana and choosing the best month to get married is more complex than just booking a venue, and honestly, it requires a deeper conversation between us to understand your vision, your interests, and your goals. But, to get you started, here are a few considerations that will help guide your decision.’

Winter weddings

here are a few thoughts …

(+) Winter activities —> Co-Create your wedding experience

Montana in winter is a dream for those who love the great outdoors, and the opportunity to blend winter adventures with your celebration. Imagine skiing with your guests at Big Sky Resort before your rehearsal dinner, or a sleigh ride under the stars after welcome drinks to a whole-group hosted sledding adventure followed by a night out to enjoy some of Montana’s local craft beer and cocktails. There really is no shortage of thrilling activities for your guests (and you!) to enjoy.

(+) Enjoy less crows and more Availability:   

Winter means fewer weddings in Montana, which can work to your advantage. You’ll likely have more flexibility with your venue and vendors. In peak wedding season (think summer), Bozeman alone can have up to 40 weddings within an hour of town on a single Saturday. So, booking your dream venue or getting your first choice of vendors may be easier in the winter. You might even score “off-season” rates, making it a more budget-friendly option.

(+) A fresh & Unique Vibe

Winter weddings feel special. There’s a certain freshness that comes from gathering loved ones when it’s cold outside, and people are generally a little more excited to celebrate. Wedding burnout is real, especially if you are between the ages of 25-35 years old.  In the winter, guests are often ready to shake off their winter hibernation and let loose. It’s an exciting time for everyone.

(-) Cold and Unpredictable weather  

Let’s be real: it’s cold in Montana during the winter. The months between mid-October and mid-April are considered winter by most locals as it’s when we see snow and temps tend to dive at night. While winter can provide snowy, dreamy landscapes, it also means unpredictable weather. I’ve worked weddings in temperatures as low as -35°F with wind chills dropping to -60°F. Yes, it was actually that cold, but you would be surprised, the guests still had an amazing time and the couple couldn't have been happier. With proper planning, we can prepare for any weather, and the show will always go on!

(-) Make sure your guests are informed/PREPARED  

Cold weather and slippery roads can be intimidating, especially if your guests aren’t used to Montana winters and don’t come prepared.  That’s why communication is key. I recommend giving your guests plenty of information about the climate and what to wear, ensuring they’re informed so they can determine how they can be most comfortable and ready for anything. The winter vibes are magical, but you want everyone to enjoy regardless of conditions.

(-) Timing and Travel  

Winter also means school is in session, and people might be less likely to take off work. But please, don’t let that stop you—if you’re planning a wedding during the winter, it’s just something to keep in mind. Many of your guests might need to plan their travel around school schedules or work commitments, so early communication is crucial.

Summer:  (Peak Season in Montana)

(+) Conditions and weather  

Montana’s summer is legendary—long, warm days with cool’ish nights and a stunning landscape that draws people from all over the world. The weather is perfect for outdoor events and honestly what most Montanians’ live for!  Our summer heat is much more tolerable than other parts of the country and creates an ideal outdoor-wedding where you are surrounded by mountain views and are treated to sunshine that can last well into the evening.

(+) Good Timing and easier to schedule

Hosting a wedding during the summer tends to be less taxing on your guest’s schedules and often encourages guests to “make a trip of it” (the wedding) since many people’s schedules tend to be more flexible during the summer months.  In addition, many Montana airports often add seasonal direct flights from major hubs around the US allowing your guests many flight options to choose from. 

(+) Outdoor Recreation galore 

Holy cow, there is so much to do out here!  I have lived in Montana my entire life and I still can’t get enough.  From National Parks and incredible landscapes, to world-class fishing, rafting, hiking, and biking, just to make a few.  There really is canvas available for all your guests to paint.  

(-) Busy Season = More Copmetition   

With all the wedding season excitement, there are a lot of couples vying for the same venues and vendors. This means it can be more difficult to book your preferred location and vendors. Hotels, Airbnbs, and transportation can get crowded, too, so your guests may have to make reservations earlier. Be prepared for the summer wedding rush!

(-) Wedding Costs   

Peak season sometimes does mean means peak prices. Venues and some vendors may charge higher rates in the summer, so if you're planning a budget-friendly wedding, this is something to consider. There is a silver lining however, Montana’s booming wedding industry also means we have a wealth of talented professionals who can bring your dream wedding to life.

(-) Wedding fatigue I.Y.K.Y.K

If your guests are between the ages of 25-35, there is a chance they could be attending their third, forth, and even fifth wedding that year.. Between taking off work, the travel, and the costs, it’s easy to burn out. That said, a summer wedding still offers a canvas to provide a unique experience that will stand out, especially if you plan for something special!

(-) The sun sets much later than you might think  

One thing that is often overlooked about summer weddings, especially June weddings, is the time that the sun actually sets!  Consider the month of June.  During mid/late June (summer equinox) the sun will not set until close to 10pm!   This regularly has an impact on how much/if at all guests will dance before it gets dark …no matter how good my musical set was. People really have a difficult time getting started dancing when it is fully light out, plus who wants to miss seeing the sunset!   

(-) Afternoon Showers 

Aafternoon showers are not uncommon during late summer months.  Their unfortunate timing also tends to coincide with the start time of many ceremonies.  Most Montana vendors are not too fazed by weather and do a great job at adjusting and coming up with solutions on the fly. Again… the show goes on! :-) 

Fall weddings

(+) fall weddings in montana: ideal Weather and lighting 

Fall in Montana is like a dream. It’s the most consistent weather we get, with fewer rainy days, mild temperatures, and cooler nights (amazing) that make for really comfortable weddings.  The scenery is spectacular, with fall colors painting the landscape and the longer sunsets taking over the sky making for some gorgeous ‘golden-hour photos!

(+) Lighting

The lighting in the fall is unmatched. The sun sets early enough to make for an easy timeline flow and perfect photos, while also creating a magical atmosphere for your guests as they dance the night away.  Often bumping up against the tail-end of dinner but before the main dancing starts, the timing allows couples to be pulled away for sunset photos without feeling like they are missing an important event.

(-) could wildfire Smoke affect your wedding?   

Montana’s primary season for forest fires tends to happen between mid-August through October.  We all collectively hope that is not the case, but the presence of smoke could have an impact on your visibility of our landscape and even cause health issues for some sensitive guests.  Don’t turn away from a fall wedding just because of this, it’s just one piece of the puzzle to consider.

(-) Recreation conflict  

This seems silly, but one final/unique thing to keep in mind: if you or your partner or guests are avid hunters, you may want to consider that fall is also hunting season for many states around the US. While this may be an unexpected concern, hosting a wedding during hunting season surprisingly does come up. Grooms/Brides that love to hunt, a piece of advice… choose your repeating anniversary date carefully.

Spring weddings

(+) Fresh and Energizing

Spring is a time of renewal and excitement, and spring weddings often reflect that.  It’s difficult to quantify, but I definitely have noticed a slightly different level of excitement and energy from guests compared to other seasons. After a long winter, you wedding could be their first big social event for the season and they’ll be eater to celebrate you!  

(-) Spring Weather (or Lack Thereof)

Montana’s spring weather can be tricky. Snowstorms, rain, and the unpredictability of mountain weather make it hard to plan an outdoor wedding. We could see days that bring beautiful and clear skies or a day where we might experience all four seasons in a few hour period.  The spring season offers beautiful views, just make sure you are prepared for any conditions so your focus can be on the wedding and not what's happening outside.   

(-) outdoor activity limitation

While everything in the lower elevations is vibrant and green, the Mountains still are loaded with snow.  Many outdoor activities (including much of Yellowstone National Park) may not be open quite yet due snow load and/or seasonal employees that have not arrived yet.  

Conclusion

Whether you’re thinking of a winter wedding in Montana’s stunning snow-capped mountains or a summer celebration surrounded by blooming wildflowers, each season offers something unique. The best part? I’m here to help guide you through all of the wonderful possibilities, ensuring your Montana wedding is unforgettable and seamless. Let’s chat about your dreams, your goals, and what feels right for you.