Abbott Valley Homestead - Montana wedding photography on film

Just south of Glacier National Park and northeast of Flathead Lake is a Montana wedding venue called Abbott Valley Homestead - perfect for couples who want a private celebration that feels like a summer camp. The homestead has 7 rental cabins that can accommodate up to 36 guests, and a sheltered pavilion for your ceremony or reception.

Cheyenne and Keith started their intimate Montana wedding with the people closest to them. While Keith got ready with his friends in one cabin on the Abbott Valley Homestead, Cheyenne had a quiet morning with her parents in another cabin nearby. Cheyenne's dad painted her nails while her mom did her dad's hair. I love slow wedding mornings like this - no better way to spend the morning before your ceremony.

The cabins on Abbott Valley Homestead are surrounded by 270 acres of meadows, creeks, woods, and gardens. A short drive down the road leads you to mountainous lake views, perfect for private vows or family portraits. Cheyenne and Keith did first looks and private vows in front of the lake. Their families watched from across the road nearby as the couple exchanged their hand-written vows through tears and hugs.

Honestly I love a private vow moment - although the couple also did a vow exchange during the main ceremony - having the opportunity to take a moment for just the two of you (and a photographer) is such a nice way to commemorate the occasion without the pressure of hundreds of eyes watching.

This was such a fun newlywed portrait session because Cheyenne and Keith were up for anything (and I love a bride who's not afraid to get their dress a little dirty). We found a field with little white daisies growing up through the tall grass and ran through the meadow and laid down with the flowers to create some of my all time favorite newlywed portraits on film.

In the backyard of the cabins is the homestead's ceremony space, which can accommodate up to 250 guests, with Montana's natural scenery as your wedding backdrop. They created a "fairy circle" with wildflowers and leaves in front of the center aisle. The fairy circle symbolizes eternity, nature, and a portal to the otherworld - which makes it perfect for a wedding altar.

This was such a unique and whimsical wedding altar - I love it when a couple leans into an untraditional wedding design, especially one that highlights the natural beauty of the venue. And Abbott Valley Homestead has plenty of natural beauty.

This was one of my favorite Montana weddings - one of those perfect celebrations where you feel totally removed from the outside world and get to live fully in the moment.

I'm a Montana and Portland film wedding photographer, booking weddings for 2026 and 2027. If you're looking for wedding photos that are warm, fun, and nontraditonal - let's chat!