Last updated on February 7th, 2024 at 08:09 pm

Planning a Micro Wedding in Montana

When my wife and I got married in June of 2020 we had to scale back our wedding to a micro wedding due to COVID-19. While it was a bummer not being able to invite all of our friends and family, a micro wedding was actually really special! Having been there before I have put together a complete guide to having a micro wedding in Montana to help you on your planning journey.

What is a micro wedding?

Micro weddings rose to prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic due to gathering restrictions but, a micro wedding is nothing new.

Simply put a micro wedding is an intimate wedding celebration that typically includes fewer than 50 people, with a focus on quality over quantity. This means just because the wedding is small doesn’t mean it is cheap. Couples tend to invest more money into each of their guests since more funds have been freed up due to the smaller size.

Even now with gathering restrictions being lifted, Micro weddings in Montana, are just as, if not more popular! One of the main reasons for the popularity of micro weddings is the desire to have a more meaningful and authentic wedding experience. By reducing the number of guests, couples are able to spend more time with each person, and the overall atmosphere is more relaxed and intimate.

I have seen micro weddings in Montana become even more popular with the rise in destination weddings coming to the state. Couples will invite their best friends and family and make a vacation of their Montana wedding.

While this might not be true for everyone, another reason micro-weddings have grown in popularity is the cost. Food is usually one of the number one costs for couples. Fewer guests mean less food. Less food means a less expensive wedding. This allows couples to allocate more of their budget towards the things that really matter to them, such as a stunning venue or a world-class photographer. ( like me 🙂 )

Choosing a Micro Wedding Venue in Montana

There is a lot to think through when planning a wedding, even if it is a micro one. Here are a few tips when thinking through venues.

1. Size: As the guest list for a micro wedding is typically smaller, you will want to ensure that the venue is the appropriate size for your group. You want the space to feel intimate and not too empty or too cramped. Some venues that advertise themselves as Micro wedding venues only hold 25-30 people.
2. Location: Think about the location you want to have your Montana micro wedding. This is a big state and has many beautiful options such as mountain views, lakefront properties, and rustic barns. Are you thinking of going to Glacier? Check out venues around Kalispell, and Whitefish, or even have the wedding at Glacier National Park (this may lower your guest count further). Want to hit up Yellowstone or Big Sky? Consider Paradise Valley, Bozeman, Red Lodge, or Billings.
3. Availability: This sounds like a no-brainer, but make sure the venue can accommodate your wedding date.
4. Amenities: See what the venue has to offer. Some venues include tables, linens and decor. Even if the venue is more expensive, this can really free up funds in your budget.
5. Photography opportunities: Montana is a stunning, arguably the most beautiful state in the US. Make sure your venue features some of this beauty and isn’t just a wide open space up on the Highline. (the highway that runs the northern length of the state.)
6. Climate: Are there indoor and outdoor options? Montana weather is wild. If you are having a micro wedding in Montana, make sure you have a backup plan!

Micro Wedding Venues in Montana

White Raven Weddings and Events

Located just 25 minutes to the west of Downtown Missoula, White Raven offers a picturesque setting on a beautiful mountain plateau overlooking the Clark Fork River in northwestern Montana. Majestic pines and stone cliffs contrast beautifully with the wildflower meadows, providing the perfect backdrop for your wedding day. The venue can accommodate up to 125 guests.

The Lodge at Whitefish Lake

As the name would suggest the Lodge at White Fish Lake overlooks Whitefish Lake. This stunning hotel is an excellent place venue since it gives you and your guests access to onsite lodging and dining, vastly simplifying the day. My biggest piece of advice with this venue would be to avoid a winter ceremony. I have noticed it can get a bit windy and with the lake being frozen it takes away some of the magic of the venue.

Tips for planning a micro wedding in Montana

Hire a wedding Planner!

Often couples think just because their wedding is going to be smaller this will make everything way simpler negating the need for a wedding planner. While things are a lot simpler than a “normal” sized wedding, I HIGHLY recommend getting a wedding planner who knows the area especially if you are having a destination wedding. You have enough to worry about on your wedding day. A planner has been there and done that many, many times before. They offer invaluable experience and insight that will allow you to relax and have the best micro wedding in Montana. I so thoughtfully believe in this that I often offer discounts to couples when they have a planner since it makes my day way easier and allows me to be a better photographer. Below are my recommendations for some great wedding planners.

Wander North Events

Events by Killian

Your Vision Weddings & Events

Tips for reducing the cost of your micro wedding in Montana

One of the main reasons couples will choose to have a micro wedding in Montana is to cut down on cost. For every couple what this means will look vastly different. I have met couples who consider the $2500 they spent for their wedding expensive and others who consider a $25,000 wedding inexpensive. The following tips should help no matter which camp you are sitting in.

Have your Montana micro wedding on a weekday or in the offseason

This right here is the number one way to save money on your wedding. It’s basic supply and demand, weekends are highly sought after and there are very few of them in the summer. By choosing a weekday wedding your cost on almost all your vendors will drop. I know I am always thrilled to book a wedding during the week since I will have a free weekend to spend with my wife or I can make some extra money I wasn’t planning on! If you are having a weekday wedding let’s talk!

Keep the guest list small

Just because you are having a micro wedding doesn’t mean you need 50 people there. You can invite 25 or even fewer. The beauty of a micro wedding is that you can have your favorite people there to celebrate with you.

Consider an Alternative Venue

As I mentioned before an Air BNB can be a great option for a micro wedding in Montana! With a smaller guest list, you don’t need the space a traditional venue has to offer.

Skip Dinner

Not every wedding needs to have dinner. With a micro wedding in Montana, your could choose to have an early morning ceremony and a brunch with family and friends. Or have a late ceremony followed by desserts and cocktails. Food will be one of your biggest expenses so look for ways to do something different!

Custom Collections for Micro Weddings in Montana

Micro weddings are probably my favorite type of wedding to photograph. Since they don’t fit the normal wedding mold I offer customized collections designed for your wedding day. I would be honored to be a part of your day!