Planning your dream Montana wedding? Whether you’re saying “I do” in front of the mountains at Moonlight Basin or lakeside at Holland Lake Lodge, one thing is for sure—you’ll want wedding photos that capture every incredible moment.
But with so much happening on your wedding day, it’s easy to wonder:
👉 “What photos should I make sure I get?”
👉 “How do I make sure my photographer captures all the moments I care about?”
As a Montana wedding photographer, I help my brides feel confident knowing they’ll walk away with a gallery full of the images they’ve always dreamed of. Today, I’m sharing 7 must-have wedding photos for every Montana bride—and how to make sure they happen!
1. The Epic Mountain Backdrop Shot
When you’re getting married in Montana, you need that iconic photo with the mountains behind you! Whether it’s the Absaroka Range in Paradise Valley, Lone Peak in Big Sky, or the Tobacco Valley near Eureka, this is your “we got married in Montana” moment.
✔️ How to Make It Happen:
- Schedule extra time in your timeline to explore your venue or sneak away to a scenic spot nearby.
- Plan for golden hour (that hour or two before sunset), when the light is soft, golden, and incredibly flattering.
💡 Pro Tip: Your photographer should scout the best locations at your venue ahead of time! I always arrive early to find the perfect spots for those dreamy, wide-angle shots.
2. Candid Moments with Your Favorite People
Some of the most emotional and memorable photos aren’t posed—they’re the candid moments in between. Your dad seeing you for the first time. Your best friend fixing your veil. Your grandma wiping away tears.
✔️ How to Make It Happen:
- Build in downtime where you’re not rushed—this allows for real moments to unfold.
- Trust your photographer (hi, it’s me!) to focus on those quiet, candid moments as they happen naturally.
💡 Pro Tip: Let your wedding party and family know to relax and enjoy themselves! Those genuine laughs and tears are the photos you’ll treasure forever.
3. Golden Hour Newlywed Portraits
Golden hour is pure magic in Montana. The soft, warm light makes your skin glow, the mountains look surreal, and every photo feel romantic and timeless.
✔️ How to Make It Happen:
- Plan 15-30 minutes during golden hour for newlywed portraits (typically an hour before sunset).
- Trust your photographer to guide you through natural, relaxed poses so you can just focus on being in the moment together.
💡 Pro Tip: You only get one sunset on your wedding day—take the time to step away and soak it in as newlyweds. Your future self will thank you!
4. The First Look (or First Touch) Moment
Whether you do a traditional First Look, a First Touch behind a door, or wait until the aisle, this is a huge emotional moment—and one you’ll want captured forever.
✔️ How to Make It Happen:
- Discuss with your photographer how you want this moment to feel—private, intimate, or surrounded by loved ones.
- Give yourself time and space to be fully present (no rush!).
- If you’re skipping a First Look, your photographer can still capture the reactions when you walk down the aisle.
💡 Pro Tip: First Looks can also help calm nerves, get some portraits done early, and give you a sweet, quiet moment before the day kicks into full gear.
5. Details That Matter (And Tell Your Story)
You’ve spent time choosing meaningful details—your rings, invitation suite, bouquet, heirloom jewelry, and even your shoes. These details help tell the story of your day and deserve to be documented beautifully.
✔️ How to Make It Happen:
- Gather all your details in one place before your photographer arrives: rings, dress, shoes, jewelry, perfume, vow books, etc.
- Ask your florist for extra blooms or greenery for styling flat lays.
- Make sure your photographer has at least 30 minutes for detail photos at the beginning of the day.
💡 Pro Tip: At venues like Clydesdale Outpost or Copper Rose Ranch, I love using natural elements from the landscape (wildflowers, wood textures) to style your details and make them feel uniquely Montana.
6. Your Ceremony from Every Angle
Your ceremony is the heart of your wedding day. From your walk down the aisle to your first kiss, these are the moments you’ll want to relive again and again.
✔️ How to Make It Happen:
- Choose a ceremony location with great light—ideally with the sun behind you or off to the side to avoid harsh shadows (I’ll help guide you on this!).
- Discuss with your photographer where they’ll be positioned to capture both of your reactions during key moments.
- If possible, consider unplugged ceremonies, so guests aren’t blocking your photographer’s view with phones and cameras.
💡 Pro Tip: Ceremony photos with a mountain or lake backdrop are some of the most iconic Montana wedding shots. Venues like Green Valley Ranch and Holland Lake Lodge offer stunning ceremony views that can’t be beat.
7. The Grand Exit Under the Stars
End your night with a bang! Whether it’s sparklers, glow sticks, confetti, or a vintage getaway car, your grand exit makes for an epic photo—and the perfect ending to your wedding album.
✔️ How to Make It Happen:
- Schedule your grand exit for later in the evening (around 10 or 11 PM).
- Make sure guests have plenty of time to line up and explain what’s happening.
- Bring extra sparklers or props to have on hand (they go fast!).
💡 Pro Tip: At a venue like The Timbers Event Center or a ranch setting, the open sky creates the perfect backdrop for a glowing, starlit exit photo.
Final Thoughts: Trust Your Photographer (And Soak It All In!)
While having a shot list is helpful, the best wedding photos happen when you’re fully present, soaking in every second of your Montana wedding. When you trust your photographer (that’s me!), we’ll make sure every moment, big and small, is captured beautifully—so you can relive it for years to come.
Ready to Plan Your Picture-Perfect Montana Wedding Photos?
If you’re dreaming of an iconic Montana wedding gallery that captures your day in all its beauty, I’d love to be part of your team!
👉 Contact me here to chat about your wedding photography, or follow along on Instagram @adyamariephotography for more tips and Montana wedding inspiration!
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