A Dream Come True: Photographing My Sister’s Love Story at Glacier National Park
By Rocky Ridge Photography – Montana Wedding & Elopement Photographer
There are some moments in life that feel like pure magic, and photographing my sister’s love story at Glacier National Park was one of those unforgettable chapters. As a Montana wedding photographer, Glacier has always been one of my dream locations for engagement photos, surprise proposals, and elopements. The sheer beauty of the mountains, the turquoise lakes, and the untouched wildland create the perfect backdrop for couples who want their photos to feel timeless, emotional, and alive.
But this wasn’t just any session—this one was deeply personal.
A Surprise Proposal at Lake McDonald
My sister’s proposal took place at Lake McDonald, one of Glacier National Park’s most iconic and breathtaking locations. The mirror-still water, colorful rocks, endless mountain reflections—it was straight out of a dream. When her now-fiancé dropped to one knee, everything felt still except the beating of our hearts. I had the honor of capturing that moment, every teary smile and every embrace reflected in the glistening lake.
Shortly after, my sister turned to me and asked the question I will remember forever:
“Will you be my Matron of Honor?”
My answer was an immediate and emotional yes.
This moment sparked the idea of planning a trip back to Glacier to photograph their pre-wedding session, and that journey led us to some of the most stunning locations in the entire park.
Running Eagle Falls: Where the Adventure Began
Our first stop was Running Eagle Falls, a serene and powerful location tucked into the Two Medicine area. The sound of the waterfall echoing through the trees created the perfect atmosphere for their romantic portraits. The lush greens, rushing water, and towering cliffs made every image feel like a page from a storybook.
As a Glacier National Park wedding and elopement photographer, Running Eagle Falls quickly became one of my top recommended locations for couples who want a mix of adventure and romance without a strenuous hike.
Two Medicine: Reading Vows Surrounded by Mountains
Next, we traveled to Two Medicine, one of the most striking and underrated regions in all of Glacier National Park. The mountains feel impossibly large, the water impossibly blue, and the silence impossibly calming.
Here, surrounded by the raw beauty of Montana, they exchanged personal vows—an intimate moment that I was honored to witness through my lens. They read their vows on vintage-style love newspapers, a unique and sentimental touch that added personality to their session.
Afterward, we celebrated with wine glasses raised high, echoing laughter into the mountains. These are the kinds of candid moments that make destination wedding photography so meaningful—real emotion, real connection, and real memories frozen in time.
Sun Point: A Blue Hour Masterpiece
By the time we reached Sun Point, the daylight was slipping behind the mountains. The last golden rays kissed the sky, melting into a moody and magical blue hour. We arrived just in time to catch the tail end of the sunset—a soft, romantic glow that wrapped this happy couple in warmth.
Blue hour has a way of bringing out a different kind of magic. The deep blues, the gentle purples, the stillness of evening—it all created a cinematic ending to a day filled with love, adventure, and breathtaking views.
Every frame from Sun Point felt like a painting.
A Touching Surprise at the Wedding Reception
Fast forward to the wedding day.
While decorating the reception, my sister revealed a surprise for me and everyone else in the room. She had printed and displayed several of the Glacier National Park photos we took during their pre-wedding trip. Seeing those images framed and glowing among the florals and candles was incredibly touching. It was a reminder of why I love being a wedding photographer: photos become heirlooms, and moments become memories you can hold.
We already can’t wait to capture their anniversary photos back at Lake McDonald and revisit the place that holds so much meaning for all of us.
Bucket List Wedding & Elopement Destinations for 2026
If you’re planning a destination wedding, elopement, or proposal at any of these dream locations, my bags are already halfway packed!
Pay my travel, lodging, and meals, and I will happily photograph your wedding for FREE in 2026.
Yes—FREE wedding photography at any of the following bucket-list destinations:
• Glacier National Park
• Italy
• Iceland
• Ireland
• Rome
• Greece
• Fiji
• Hawaii
• Bahamas
• Mexico
• Caribbean
• Dominican Republic
If you’ve been dreaming of adventurous, emotional, or scenic wedding photos in any of these iconic places, this is your sign.
Planning Your Glacier National Park Wedding or Elopement?
As a Montana wedding photographer who has spent countless hours photographing in Glacier, I help couples with:
• Location scouting (Lake McDonald, Many Glacier, Two Medicine, Logan Pass, Sun Point, and more)
• Required permits for photography and ceremonies
• Best lighting and timing for sunrise or sunset sessions
• Posing and candid prompting so your photos feel natural and emotional
• Timeline planning to maximize your Glacier adventure
Whether you’re dreaming of a surprise proposal, intimate elopement, engagement session, or full wedding day—Glacier National Park offers some of the most breathtaking wedding photography in the world.
Let’s Capture Your Love Story in the Mountains
Your wedding photos should feel like you: emotional, timeless, joyful, and full of story.
If Glacier National Park or any destination on my 2026 bucket list is calling your name, I would be honored to document your day.
📍 Based in Butte, Montana — available worldwide
📸 Rocky Ridge Photography
💌 Let’s start planning your dream wedding photos.
