Getting engaged is one of the most exciting seasons of your life—and what better way to celebrate than with an adventurous Montana engagement session? Whether you and your fiancé are mountain lovers, river explorers, or just looking for an epic backdrop to capture your love story, Montana has everything you could dream of.
As a Montana engagement photographer, I get asked all the time how to plan a session that’s fun, stress-free, and results in stunning, genuine photos. So, I’m sharing my best tips for planning an adventurous Montana engagement shoot, PLUS a few of my favorite hidden gem locations that make for truly unforgettable photos!
Choose a Location That Feels True to You
Montana is full of breathtaking landscapes—mountains, lakes, meadows, rivers—you name it. But instead of picking a location just because it’s popular on Instagram, think about what feels like you as a couple.
Here are a few things to consider when choosing your location:
- Do you love hiking and exploring? Let’s find a trail that leads to an epic overlook, like Beartooth Pass or a quiet trail in Paradise Valley.
- More of a water person? Montana has some stunning lakes like Flathead Lake and riverside locations like Gallatin River where we can dip our toes in the water or set up a cozy picnic.
- Prefer cozy vibes and rustic charm? We can head to a ranch-style setting like Copper Rose Ranch or Clydesdale Outpost, where you can enjoy wide open fields, mountain views, and a peaceful, private experience.
Some of my favorite locations for adventurous Montana engagement sessions include:
- Glacier National Park (West Glacier): Epic peaks, turquoise lakes, and alpine meadows.
- Red Lodge: Small town charm + nearby trails for a mountain adventure.
- Paradise Valley: Rolling fields and dreamy mountain backdrops.
- Yellowstone National Park: One of Montana’s most iconic destinations! Think geothermal features, vast meadows, waterfalls, and wildlife sightings.
If you want something more private or less-traveled, I’ve scouted some amazing hidden spots we can explore—just ask when we chat!
Plan for the Best Light (Golden Hour is Your Best Friend)
Lighting can make or break your photos, and Montana has some of the most beautiful natural light I’ve ever worked with. If you’re after soft, glowing, romantic photos (who isn’t?), timing is everything!
Golden Hour
This is the hour right after sunrise and just before sunset. During golden hour, the light is soft and warm, creating that magical, glowy vibe that makes skin tones look incredible and landscapes even more stunning.
Sunrise vs. Sunset
- Sunrise sessions: Perfect for avoiding crowds in popular locations like Glacier National Park. Plus, there’s often a peaceful stillness in the early morning, and the light is crisp and clean.
- Sunset sessions: Great for those dreamy, warm tones. The evening light can feel more golden and romantic, especially with Montana’s expansive skies and wide-open views.
💡 Pro Tip: Let’s plan for at least 90 minutes of shooting time so we can take full advantage of the shifting light, and capture both sunlit and twilight moments!
Dress for the Adventure (While Staying True to Your Style!)
Outfit choices play a huge role in how your photos turn out—especially in outdoor, adventurous settings. The right outfits complement the landscape and add movement and emotion to your images.
Here’s What to Keep in Mind:
- Comfort is key: If we’re hiking or walking through fields, you’ll want comfortable shoes (trust me, we can swap them out for cute ones once we get to our spot!). Long dresses and flowy skirts work beautifully in Montana’s wide open spaces because they move with the wind.
- Colors matter: Neutrals, earth tones, and soft pastels tend to photograph best against Montana’s natural backdrops. Think sage green, dusty blue, cream, blush, rust, and deep greens.
- Layers are a must: Montana weather can change on a dime, even in the summer. A denim jacket, oversized sweater, or blanket can keep you warm, and they add texture to your photos!
- Coordinate, don’t match: Choose outfits that complement each other rather than wearing the exact same colors. A good rule of thumb: pick a color palette of 2-3 colors and mix solids with subtle patterns or textures.
💡 Bonus Tip: Bring an extra outfit if you want a variety of looks! We can start casual and finish with something more dressy and dramatic—whatever fits your vibe.
Embrace the Adventure—No Matter the Weather!
One of the best parts of planning an adventurous Montana engagement session is embracing the unexpected. Weather in Montana is unpredictable (hello, mountain life!), but sometimes it’s those imperfect moments—wind whipping your hair, a sudden rain shower—that create the most raw and beautiful photos.
What Happens If…?
- It rains? Bring a clear umbrella! Rain can add a cozy, romantic mood to your photos.
- It’s windy? I say embrace it! Wind brings movement and life to your photos, making them feel dynamic and candid.
- It’s cloudy? Clouds act like a giant softbox, giving your photos an even, diffused light. Perfect for close-up shots and moody vibes.
- It snows? YES PLEASE! Falling snow creates a dreamy, fairytale feel, and Montana’s winter landscapes are a stunning backdrop for any love story.
I’ll always keep an eye on the forecast and communicate with you, but I promise—some of the most incredible sessions happen when we go with the flow.
Bring Personal Touches to Make it Yours
Adding something personal to your session makes it even more meaningful. Whether it’s an activity you love or bringing your four-legged friend along for the ride, these touches tell your story.
Ideas to Make Your Session Personal:
- Bring your dog(s)! Montana is super dog-friendly, and I can help wrangle your pup while capturing those sweet moments.
- Plan an activity: Fly fishing on a river, having a picnic in a meadow, or sitting around a campfire with s’mores. It adds fun and tells a story.
- Include props: A blanket to snuggle in, a bouquet of wildflowers, or even your favorite drinks for a cheers moment at sunset.
These small details make your gallery feel like you—not just a pretty picture, but a true reflection of your relationship.
Ready to Plan Your Adventure?
Montana offers endless opportunities for adventurous, breathtaking engagement sessions. Whether you want to hike to a lookout, explore Glacier’s alpine lakes, or run barefoot through a field in Paradise Valley, we’ll plan an experience that’s as fun as it is beautiful.
If you’re ready to create something epic (and have a blast doing it), I’d love to be your Montana engagement photographer!
👉 Contact me here to start planning your adventurous engagement session!
And follow me on Instagram @adyamariephotography for location ideas, session tips, and more Montana wedding inspiration.
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