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 rising behind you, beside the rushing West Fork, beneath the ponderosa pines or at the edge of the pond, then walk hand in hand to the hangar as the string lights come on 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: the open meadow with the mountains for a backdrop, riverside clearings on the West Fork of the Bitterroot, stands of tall ponderosa pine, and the trout pond. The full-day and weekend packages include every site, and The Meadow micro wedding includes one of your choice.

After the ceremony, everyone gathers in the historic open-air hangar, where the roof, the power and the string lights are already in place, waiting for your tables and your florals.

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

The meadow, under the big pine

This is the spot couples fall for first, with rows of chairs on open grass, the big pine standing over your aisle, and forested mountains filling the background of every photo. It holds 200 guests easily, yet with just 20 of your closest people it still feels wonderfully close.

Benches and two white drapes set for a ceremony among the ponderosa pines

The pines, the river and the pond

Under the ponderosa pines, soft light filters through the branches and the shade keeps summer afternoons cool, perfect for a more intimate gathering. The riverside clearings on the West Fork are quieter still, with the sound of the water carrying beneath every word you say. And at the trout pond, still water and that soft end-of-day glow make a backdrop you'll treasure in your photos forever.

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 changes with every month, from lush green meadows in summer to golden color in the fall and mist drifting through the pines in winter. Tell us the date you're dreaming of and we'll describe exactly how the land will look for your day.

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?

The meadow with mountain views, riverside clearings on the West Fork of the Bitterroot, stands of ponderosa pine, and the trout pond.

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