Joy and tears as family watched the bride and groom recite their vows in the mountains
Gratitude and tears from the bride's mother and sister during their small ceremony at Albino Lake.
Over the 4th of July weekend, I had the pleasure of photographing the 320 Ranch backcountry horseback wedding of Addie and Nate.
Back in 2017, these two hired me to photograph their wedding at Bridger Bowl Ski Area with 100 guests. They wanted to celebrate their community of loved ones in the mountains – rain or shine.
They were so excited.
Over the next couple of months, the couple discovered that the addition of planning for their big wedding day had become a bit too much to juggle.
Between the busyness of finishing school and working demanding jobs, Addie and Nate made the decision to postpone their wedding day to a later date.
Enter Spring 2020.
While the rest of the world was shutting down, most of my wedding clients were being rescheduled for 2021. Addie and Nate, to my surprise, reached out and let me know that despite the challenging circumstances, the time had come. They were going to make their wedding happen…with a twist.
Rather than the big wedding celebration they originally planned for, they instead decided to ride horses into the backcountry with their immediate family members for an intimate wedding ceremony at Albino Lake south of Big Sky, Montana.
It was a wonderful alternative to a large group gathering that ended up being a unique, more personal solution.
Their enthusiastic group met up at The Nine Quarter Circle Ranch. After horses were assigned, we loaded up our gear and the wedding party rode out on horseback for a wedding ceremony in the wilderness.
For Addie and Nate, being together in the mountains is such a restorative, important aspect of their relationship.
Under warm blue skies with puffy, white clouds against a gorgeous mountain lake backdrop, they said “I do”.
After exploring and making photos around the lake, the group descended down the mountain. We then drove over to the 320 Ranch, just down the road, for a small outdoor reception. There we connected with a few other family members and friends who joined for a BBQ, cake, and cold libations.
Everyone had such a great time celebrating these two newlyweds.
There’s no better reason for a group of folks to gather than to celebrate love and the union of two great people. I think all guests in attendance missed the feeling of being around others. I think these photos show all the love that surrounds Addie and Nate.
The bride and groom take an adventurous horseback ride to Big Sky's remote Albino Lake for an elopement ceremony
Addie and Nate make the 6-mile horseback ride to the remote Albino Lake for their elopement ceremony in Big Sky, Montana.
The bride is lovingly surrounded by her family at Albino Lake, Montana, as they help her get dressed
Addie gets into her dress with the help of her mother, sister, and mother-in-law at Albino Lake in Big Sky, Montana.
Moms embrace with joy, marveling at the Albino Lake's remote ceremony location
Mother of the bride and mother-in-law embrace with excitement before the start of Addie and Nate's remote mountain elopement at Albino Lake.
The guests' hand archway frames the bride and groom's remote mountain elopement in Montana
The few guests in attendance make a hand archway for bride Addie and her father to walk under during the start of their remote Albino Lake wedding elopement ceremony.
The newlyweds exchanged vows at Albino Lake, Big Sky, creating a beautiful, everlasting memory
Addie and Nate say their vows during a small wedding elopement ceremony at Albino Lake in Big Sky, Montana.
The Montana sun illuminated the couple's intertwined hands, a timeless image of their mountain elopement
Details of the newlyweds hands during their mountain elopement ceremony at Albino Lake in Big Sky, Montana.
Bride and Groom joyfully celebrate after elopement ceremony in Big Sky
Newlyweds raise their arms in celebration after the conclusion of their small wedding ceremony at Albino Lake in Big Sky, Montana.
The brides horse grazes after her elopement in the MT mountains
Bride Addie let's her horse feed on grass before heading down the mountain after their elopement ceremony at Albino Lake.
The happy bride and groom cut the wedding cake at the 320 Guest Ranch in Big Sky, Montana
In front of a small group of family members, newlyweds Addie and Nate cut their wedding cake at the 320 Guest Ranch in Big Sky, Montana.
What is the overall atmosphere of a backcountry horseback wedding?
A backcountry horseback wedding offers a unique and rustic feel as the ceremony takes place in the great outdoors. The natural scenery of the backcountry adds a charming touch to the event, and the sound of hoofbeats as you ride to your ceremony site creates a romantic ambiance. The simplicity of nature bring a sense of calm and intimacy to the ceremony, creating a special and unforgettable experience for the couple and their guests.
What can one expect from an equestrian adventure wedding?
An equestrian adventure marriage event is an experience unlike any other. It combines the beauty and majesty of horses with the romantic setting of a wedding. Guests can expect to be surrounded by stunning landscapes and have the opportunity to ride horses into the backcountry for the ceremony. The overall feel of this type of wedding is one of adventure, freedom, and natural beauty. The decor and details often incorporate rustic elements, such as hay bales, lanterns, and horseshoes, creating a whimsical and charming atmosphere. It is a truly unique and unforgettable way to exchange vows and celebrate love.
