Rustic and rugged, with touches of elegance and sophistication. These words perfectly sum up The Rainbow Ranch Lodge in Big Sky Montana. Located on the Gallatin River just outside of town this timeless lodge features incredible cuisine and lodging sure to impress any of your guests. This is why this was an easy choice to include in my list of the best venues in the Bozeman area.
Why choose the Rainbow Ranch Lodge?
One of the big appeals of the Rainbow ranch lodge is the onsite lodging. If you are planning a destination wedding or have many guests coming out of state, this is a great way to simplify your wedding by having all your guests stay in one place. That way you don’t have to worry about guests driving up Gallatin canyon (one of the most dangerous roads in the state) or getting stuck in the constant road construction during the summer months. If you have at least 14 guests stay on site you will also receive a complimentary one-night stay in the lodge.
Outside of Rainbow Ranch’s practical benefits, the views are absolutely stunning. Just outside you will see a beautifully manicured lawn backed by the Gallatin river for an outdoor ceremony, with a gazebo and tent to host your big day. Just over the river you and your guests will have access to multiple hiking trails and incredible views for the perfect wedding portraits.
Rainbow Ranch Lodge’s Amenities
Rainbow Ranch is a full-service wedding venue, meaning they offer a wide range of options for your wedding day. Some of these amenities include:
- Access to the Reception facility for up to six hours
A One-hour rehearsal time (based on availability)
Customized room set-up of ceremony and reception (does not include flowers/additional lighting) - Wooden wedding chairs
- White floor-length linen
- China
- Tables for guest books and gifts
- Dance floor (barn only)
- Bartender services
- Wedding Event Planning Manager
- Customized menu tasting
Cuisine
Couples can choose from a variety of serving options for their wedding day including buffet, family style, hors d’oeuvres, and plated meals. All these options are created onsite by their incredible staff.
Facilities
With four event spaces to choose from, couples can utilize a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces to make the most of this unique location. The barn is connected to a contemporary event tent that creates additional space for your celebration. The tent is the ideal space for hosting your meal and reception while enjoying the beautiful scenery with its transparent walls. Just outside the tent, you will find a gazebo bar perfect for cocktail hour and a fire pit for your guests to relax around.
Ceremony Location
As I mentioned earlier the ceremony location features a sweeping lawn and an archway. Directly behind this archway is the Gallatin river. I think my favorite aspect about this setup is 1) the space it provides, and 2) the ambiance of the ceremony location. Often ceremony locations tend to feel cramped, but the wide open lawn allows your guest to feel comfortable during the ceremony and not feel trapped after the ceremony is completed.
They can mingle, play yard games, or walk along the riverside. As for the ambiance of the space, there is something truly Montana about getting surrounded by pine trees, with views of sweeping mountain ranges and the sound of a rushing river. This is really the perfect venue for a Montana wedding.
Rainbow Ranch Venue Costs:
According to wedding wire, getting married at Rainbow Ranch starts at $16,500 during peak season and at $15,000 during the off-season. Additional costs will depend on what options you choose to add from here. Click here to contact Rainbow Ranch for more information.
