Ceremony chairs set out under a lone ponderosa pine in the meadow, with forested mountains beyond

Outdoor wedding ceremonies in the Montana mountains

Say your vows in an open meadow with the Bitterroot Mountains behind you, beside the West Fork, or under the ponderosa pines. Then walk over to the hangar for dinner.

  • Meadowwith mountain views
  • Riverclearings on the West Fork
  • Pinestall ponderosa shade
  • Coveredhangar for the reception

Where can we hold an outdoor ceremony at Alta Ranch?

There are four kinds of ceremony sites on the 340 acres: open meadows with the mountains for a backdrop, riverside clearings on the West Fork of the Bitterroot, stands of tall ponderosa pine, and open ground facing the mountains. The full-day and weekend packages include every site, and The Meadow micro wedding includes one of your choice.

The reception happens in the historic open-air hangar, which has a roof, electricity and string lights already hung.

Guests gathered for a ceremony under the big pine in the meadow at Alta Ranch

The meadow, under the big pine

The classic spot: chairs in rows on open grass, the big pine overhead, and forested mountains filling the background of every photo. It's big enough for 200 guests and still feels close with 20.

A couple dancing among the ponderosa pines at Alta Ranch

The pines and the river

The ponderosa stands give you shade and soft light through the branches, good for summer afternoons and smaller groups. The riverside clearings on the West Fork are quieter still, with the sound of the water behind your vows.

Fog lifting off the forested hills above the ranch meadow

What if it rains?

The ceremony sites are outdoors, so weather matters, and we won't pretend otherwise. The hangar is open-air but covered, so the reception always has a roof overhead. If weather is on your mind, come walk the land with us and we'll talk through your date and a backup plan.

The ranch looks different every month: green meadows in summer, color in the fall, mist in the pines and snow on the benches in winter. Ask us what to expect for the date you have in mind.

Which packages include which ceremony sites

Extra hours and camping are priced on request. Outside caterers are welcome at every package.

PackageThe MeadowBitterroot CelebrationMountain EscapeMontana Legacy
Price$2,750$4,000$6,500$8,500
Days on the ranch1123
OvernightNoneNone1 night, all 3 cabins2 nights, all 3 cabins
Event time8 hoursFull dayFull weekendFull 3 days
Guest limit50200200200
Exclusive use of the ranchNo, cabins may be rented to other guestsYesYesYes
Ceremony sites1 of your choiceAll (meadow, river, trees)AllAll
Getting-ready cabinAdd-on1 cabin, daytimeIncludedIncluded

See every package in full

Outdoor ceremony questions

If yours isn't here, call (406) 349-2142 or send us a note.

Book your wedding date
What are the ceremony sites at Alta Ranch?

Meadows with mountain views, riverside clearings on the West Fork of the Bitterroot, stands of ponderosa pine, and open ground facing the mountains. The pond is not a ceremony site.

Do all packages include every ceremony site?

Bitterroot Celebration, Mountain Escape and Montana Legacy include all of them. The Meadow micro wedding includes one ceremony site of your choice.

Is there a covered space if it rains?

Yes. The historic hangar is open-air but has a roof, electricity and string lights, and holds receptions for up to 100 guests.

How many guests can an outdoor ceremony hold?

The ranch can accommodate up to 200 guests. The Meadow micro wedding is for up to 50.

Can we see the ceremony sites before booking?

Yes, and we encourage it. Come walk the land and stand where you'd say your vows before you choose a date.

Come walk the land, then pick your date

We host a limited number of weddings each year. Tell us your date and a rough guest count and we'll tell you what's open.

Book your wedding date Or call (406) 349-2142