Wedding at Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park
Haley & Damon’s intimate two-day wedding was a beautiful example of the type of wedding that is possible in Glacier National Park. Their first day of celebrations involved an emotional ceremony on the shores of Lake McDonald, surrounded by their immediate families, and ending with one of the most incredible sunsets any of us had ever seen!
If I could only use one word to describe Haley & Damon, it would be cozy. These beautiful souls reached out to me about a year before their wedding, and they were both really just eager to explore a new place with their family by their sides. Haley is a wonderful artist, working for 1canoe2 and I’m sure Damon won’t mind me saying that he’s a total old man (in the best way possible!). They live in the mid west with their two dogs, and hiking is a huge part of who they are so we immediately knew Glacier National Park would be the perfect place for their beautiful intimate wedding!
Glacier National Park Ceremony Location
Because Haley & Damon wanted an intimate wedding where they could be intentional in their choices, and they wanted to celebrate their elopement with family present, it was important to choose a location within Glacier National Park that was accessible for their ceremony. At the same time, they wanted something that reflected their love of nature and exploring. A sandy beach on Lake McDonald was the perfect spot.
Their ceremony location had the most beautiful view over the lake and the distant Apgar Mountains, and there was enough space for their families while still feeling very intimate and personal. Their vows were hands down some of the best I’ve ever heard, and there wasn’t a dry eye amongst us – even I was shedding tears behind my camera! As the sun set, storm clouds began to roll across the sky and so we were all treated to the most beautiful alpenglow across the mountain ranges, making for spectacular Lake McDonald ceremony. The sky was changing every couple of minutes and it was just the cherry on top of an already perfect day.
Lake McDonald Ceremony
Haley & Damon wanted each aspect of their wedding day to have meaning, and to acknowledge how important their families are to them. It can be hard knowing how to celebrate your elopement with family, but they did it beautifully.
They both got ready for the day with their families, in separate cabins. It was so special seeing how they included everyone, including the sweetest hand-written guest list with a little note about each person, from their parents to their nieces. One of Haley’s brothers, Matt, officiated the wedding ceremony at Lake McDonald and her other brother, Brad, serenaded the newlyweds with his guitar. Even Damon’s brother, who unfortunately couldn’t be there, recorded his speech so that everyone could watch it together at their reception. At the end of their ceremony, the most BEAUTIFUL sunset appeared over Lake McDonald, making it even more special!
Ending the evening with their wedding reception just outside of Glacier National Park was a beautiful way for the two families to then come together. Haley & Damon rented a bigger cabin for their wedding dinner, and it was filled with candles and beautiful details to create a wonderfully cozy, warm space for everyone. The night was spent laughing, eating, drinking and dancing.
Intimate Wedding in Glacier National Park
I have to say, Haley & Damon’s wedding just proved to me again how special intimate weddings are. It was so important to both of them that they included their family and having less than 10 guests meant they were really able to devote time to each person. The speeches and toasts were all so sincere and filled with love, and it created the most beautiful atmosphere for Haley & Damon to begin their new family together.
And don’t worry, they didn’t miss out on the fun and epic beauty of wedding portraits together in Glacier National Park! By choosing to have a two-day elopement, they were able to devote an entire day to their families and their wedding ceremony, and another to spending time together while exploring one of the park’s breathtaking trails.
See day two of Haley and Damon’s Glacier National Park wedding here!
Are you thinking about an intimate wedding or elopement at Lake McDonald or elsewhere in Glacier National Park? I’d love to help you plan and photograph your unique wedding! Just fill out my contact form and let’s get the fun started!
Did you love Haley & Damon’s Lake McDonald Wedding Photography? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!