Hey friends!
Really excited to share what I’ve been digging into with you guys. This guide is broken up into two parts- lodging and cool scenic spots. Some lodging spots will have corresponding scenic spots, and some are more stand-alone options that will need more research in the area.
Excited for your feedback and to start making some plans!
xxHaley
Average weather for different areas
LODGING
These are notable places to stay that I found, that were worth planning a ceremony location around because I felt like they had something special about them that you guys would love. I did some preliminary research on the areas each one is located in to make sure that each spot would have some great options in terms of scenery for the ceremony. If you end up feeling really drawn to something in the location section, I will do more digging into lodging in that particular area!
Colorado Cabin
Location: Near Silverton and Ouray Colorado, you could fly into Telluride, Denver (longer drive), or Grand Junction. It looks like you can get a passenger car up there but a little clearance is helpful.
Information: Airbnb that is located at the end of a long and scenic drive, tucked away in the mountains and really private. There are nearby options for the ceremony, around Engineer Pass, or we could even do the ceremony on site.
Cons: Weather in October can be dicey in this area, which is the only time they have bookings available. Road is difficult.
Draws: SPECTACULAR views, Engineer Pass looks amazing.
Montana Treehouse
Location: Near Whitefish Montana, close to Glacier National Park. Going to be a bit of drive to get to this area no matter what!
Information: There are two cabins that sit on a 5 acre property, so remote and secluded, while still somewhat close to town. They have availability in September and October.
Cons: This part of the country is remote, but I don’t really think that’s a con!
Draws: The pictures of this cabin make it seem very fantastical! I love that it’s close to Glacier, which will give us those other-worldly views.
Washington Treehouse
Location: Near Bellingham
Information: Treehouse overlooking the water, that has really amazing views and is surrounded by nature. Close access to a state park and lots of trails. I can do more digging into ceremony spots if you’re really drawn to this as a lodging option.
Cons: You have to use the families restroom in their house, and the hot tub is shared with the main house as well.
Draws: The views!
Oregon Coast House
Location: Halfway between Canon Beach and Tillamook
Information: You can walk to the beach from the house, and it’s close by to town. I don’t think the house itself is really the vibe we are going for, but I thought it was a pretty option if you end up being drawn to getting married in a location near here.
Cons: Too…Modern?
Draws: Location
Columbia GOrge Hobbit House
So…There isn’t availability until November, but I of course had to include it. :)
Glacier National Park
Location: Northern Montana
Information: Glacier does require a permit for all weddings, even elopements, even if we are not doing the legal portion inside the park. I have reached out to a couple of photographer friends who work in this area to get a little more clarity on timing, as far as when crowds are less, and what locations within the park offer the most seclusion. Typically with national parks, sunrise or sunset is the only way to avoid crowds, as of this year. People are just going outside in record numbers, which is amazing, but something to be considered when seclusion is a priority.
Cons: Permit process seems as if it does not guarantee a location. Crowds.
Draws: The VIEWS! Very otherwordly. There are waterfalls, Luke! I think it would be very with the sorting of logistics that would need to happen. If we want to go this route, we should get a permit submitted ASAP, I can help you guys with that process.
Black Sand Beach- Lost Coast
Information: Lost Coast, Northern California. Could fly into any airport in Northern California, or drive down the Oregon coast if you’re wanting to roadtrip.
Information: This is the first location that came to mind when we talked! It’s pretty remote, and reminds me a bit of Iceland or somewhere else wild with the black sand. There are lots of coves that can be accessed, and redwoods nearby.
Cons: Remote
Draws: Black sand! Redwoods! Ocean!
God’S Thumb
Location: Lincoln City, Oregon Coast
Information: This hike leads you out to this beautiful formation over the ocean. I came across this and it reminded me of something in Scotland or Ireland. The hike does seem a little convoluted, so I would definitely get there a couple days early to scout it out.
Cons: Long hike, not well marked
Draws: Seems like it has a really cool feeling that doesn’t quite feel “Oregon Coast.”
SAmuel H. Boardman State Park
Location: Near Brookings, Oregon. On the coast
Information: A really expansive state park, with tons of beautiful views. I am trying to nail down permit information, so I will keep you posted on that! I love that this state park has soo many beautiful points. I know you guys said that you have loved roadtripping the Oregon Coast together, I think it would be so fun to drive along the coast and stop at spots, have a little picnic, and take in all of the views!
Cons: Could be crowded, trying to get a better read on that.
Draws: So beautiful. Otherwordly. You guys have a sentimental attachment to the area already, which I love.
Hobbit Beach Trail
Location: South of Tillicum, about halfway down the coast
Information: I hope I haven’t been too literal here, but I of course was so excited when I came across this trail. It’s a mile out and back, and takes you through a really dense beautiful forest, out onto a beach. Reminded me of you guys and naturally thought the name was too fun.
Cons: Can’t think of one. Haha!
Draws: Fun name, fun walk together, beach and forest.
Natural Bridge FAlls- Montana
Location: About an hour from Livingston, a couple of hours from Bozeman
Information: A really cool waterfall (for you Luke!!) In a quieter part of Montana. I recently came here and have tons of photos I can share. In the photo on the left, you can barely tell but there are rocks at the base of the waterfall. You can walk down to those, which is really fun to feel the spray of the waterfall, and feel how loud it is.
Cons: We would probably want to do this earlier in the season, if the trail down to the waterfall was muddy at all, I’d be a little nervous about safety. I did this trail in Chacos, but you’d probably want decent shoes to be as safe as possible! While it is somewhat crowded, we didn’t see any one else other than rock climbers down at the bottom. Also. this is a pretty remote part of the world, but I do have some airbnb recommendations within an hour.
Draws: Has that sense of awe feeling when you’re at the bottom. Luke likes waterfalls.
Stanley, Idaho
Location: North of Salt Lake about 5.5 hours, about 3 hours from Boise
Information: One of the other first spots to come to mind. This is one of my favorite corners of the world. Stanley Lake is what’s pictured here! There are so many amazing things in the area, but I thought you two would really be drawn to the drive in (the mountains!!) and then once you’re in Stanley, the views of the Sawtooth mountains are just absolutely unreal, and from many spots, the Salmon river is winding underneath them. If you’re drawn to the Tetons, I think the Sawtooths offer that same BIG feeling, while being a little more remote, and not having quite the crowds. (Although this year, it seems there are more people than usual everywhere!) I also love that there are lots of hot springs near town and along the river, if you guys are into that. Redfish Lake sits right at the base of the mountains, and you can take a shuttle from the lodge to the other side of the lake. I think that would be such a fun way to get to a spot, throw on your wedding clothes and get married!
Cons: Sort of in the middle of nowhere. Going to be a little cooler than the coast, depending on if we do September or October. VERY small town, only a handful of places to eat and lodging can be limited.
Draws: VIEWS. Lots of things to do if you make a honeymoon out of it.
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/idaho/fishhook-creek-trail
https://www.wandervans.com/blog/2021/3/30/7-reasons-why-stanley-idaho-is-the-ultimate-road-trip-town
Honorable Mentions- Add’L Thoughts
San Juan Mountains- SW Colorado. I’m a bit hesitant to recommend this area because once you’re in higher elevations, weather can be such a wild card in September and October. For this area, I would recommend either renting a Jeep or hiring a guide to take in some high elevation/above the treeline views. I have tons of spots saved for this area, so if you’re interested, we can explore more of this as an option.
Yellowstone NP- The most otherworldly thing I can think of is hot pots at Yellowstone. However, weather and crowds kind of deter me from wanting to suggest this, but it’s such an amazing place, I thought it was worth mentioning, and we can delve more into logistics if necessary.
Teton NP: Basically the same as above, and what I had mentioned for Glacier. If you LOVE the Teton mountain range, there is some beautiful forest service access outside of the park that’s really beautiful that overlooks the Tetons. 100% happy to make this location work, I just want you to be aware of potential crowds. The best way to mitigate that in any national park is sunrise and/or a weekday, which we area already planning on!
San Juan Islands- Not sure if this has quite the epic feel you’re after, but it did pop into my head.
Olympic National Park- Basically everything I’ve said about every other national park. :)