Bitterroot Wedding Association Networking Event

At the end of April, we hosted our second Bitterroot Wedding Association networking event.  It was a beautiful day at the Daly Mansion, and a great group of BWA members got together to talk weddings, trends, and ideas to grow the wedding business in our Valley.  The Association's first priority is to provide vendor resources for all Bitterroot weddings, but our secondary goal is to grow business through networking opportunities, and education.  And this event did just that!  If you're interested in joining our association, please click HERE! 

Please enjoy the pictures we took from the most recent event, and thank you to our event sponsors:

VENUE:  The Daly Mansion, Suzanne Casteel

ENTERTAINMENT:  Harpist, Janice Mineer

BEVERAGES:  The Rhino Bar, Kevin Head

LINENS, CHINA & FLATWARE:  Hamilton Party Rentals, Samantha Fife

DOOR PRIZE BASKET: Montana Basket Bistro, Dede Adams

FOOD & SETUP:  Events by Autumn, Autumn Kozimer

7 Reasons to book a Bitterroot Valley wedding

We just wanted to take a quick minute to list a few of the reasons why you will LOVE booking your wedding in the Bitterroot Valley! 

1.  THE VIEWS.  

We're surrounded by mountains, and the Bitterroot River runs right through it!  It's a sight to behold - frequently the mountain tops are covered in snow until early July, and in the spring months, the whole countryside is green and full of life!  And at night, the sky is so big and full of stars - you really have to see it to believe it.  There is nothing more romantic than a night sky in Montana! 

2.  THE BANANA BELT.

The Bitterroot Valley is known as the “Banana Belt” of Montana as the weather is far less severe than in other parts of the state.  We're able to grow more produce due to the moderate temperatures as compared to the rest of the state.  Bitterroot Valley weather is known for ideal summer conditions with daytime high’s normally in the 80′s and cool, crisp evenings that dip into the 40′s and 50′s.  Spring and fall are also mild and tend to be drier and warmer than the rest of Montana, and are excellent times to visit the area.  Some of the cities in Montana, like Missoula and Kalispell are known for their cloud inversions, which sit over the Valley for extended periods of time.  We typically don't see that weather pattern down here, and the sun shines almost all summer long!

3.  WILDLIFE.

In order to get to the Valley, you have to drive by one of the larger bison herds in the area.  You're almost guaranteed to see deer, and other wildlife like pheasant, fox, coyote, bald eagles, and elk are often visible out in the fields along the highway.  On rarer occasions, you may even see a bear, mountain lion, or moose!  If you or your guests are coming in from out of state, seeing these animals is a pretty awesome, and it's a uniquely Montana experience.  You won't see much wildlife in the cities of Montana, but head southwest to our Valley, and see it all! 

4.  GREAT ATMOSPHERE.

If you've seen a "River Runs Through It, you'll also know that Norman Maclean was quoted as saying:  “The world is full of bastards, the number increasing rapidly the further one gets from Missoula, Montana.”  Part of the valley (Lolo, MT) is located in Missoula County, so we're a stone's throw away.  Need we say more about that?

5.  ALL THE VENDORS YOU COULD NEED.

If you need it, we can get it!  It may be small town Montana, but we are wedding professionals!  We can get those Chiavari chairs you want, that teepee lookin' tent, and a fancy 5 course meal.  You just have to know where to look!  And if you don't find it through our association website, call one of our listed wedding planners.  They know exactly who the perfect vendors are for your needs!

6.  MONTANA LIFESTYLE

No need to book that super expensive rustic venue in the big city.  We have the real deal!  Vintage barns galore, or custom log cabins, or antique homes that were built over 100 years ago.  Our venues are all reasonably priced compared to larger cities, very well maintained, and loved by brides! 

7.  ENJOY ANNIVERSARIES HERE.

If you get married here, there are SO MANY activities to enjoy when you return to celebrate an anniversary!  From hot springs, to fancy restaurants, to hiking, snowmobiling, skiing, floating & fishing the river, attending rodeos, and more.  Get married here, but enjoy coming back with your partner for many years to come.  

Montana Wedding Venues

Here in the Bitterroot Valley we have some great wedding venues, depending on what your wedding style and budget is!  Take a look at our listing below, and feel free to click where mentioned to visit their websites.

Alta Ranch, Darby, Montana

Flat acreage, up the West Fork in Darby, with accommodations for up to 45 people in log cabins surrounding the property.  Wooden pole barn as a great reception location, and a beautiful river front ceremony area.  For more information, click HERE

Angler’s Lodge & Cabins, Hamilton, Montana

A new, rustic outdoor pavilion, perfect for a wedding of 100 or so.  Nestled right off of highway 93 in Hamilton, Montana, with stunning views of the Bitterroot mountains.   The property is centered on a beautiful pond, with cabins surrounding it, perfect for guests to stay and play!  This is one of the newest venues in the valley, and we just love the serene environment.  For more information, click HERE

 Bitterroot Barn Wedding at the Teller Wildlife Refuge, Corvallis, Montana

If you’re looking for a barn wedding, this venue is perfect for you!  The beautiful red barn is a true antique, and the neighboring Slack House provides a great area for the wedding party to get ready.  Get married under the huge hundred year old trees on the property, and take pictures behind the barn, with amazing views of the mountains.  There’s plenty of flat space for an additional tent as well.  The loft of the barn is large and can accommodate up to 200 guests.  For more information, click HERE

Bitterroot River Bed & Breakfast, Stevensville, Montana

This private bed & breakfast is situated on a property which borders the Bitterroot River.  Their flat lawn is perfect for a tented reception of any size!  And you can get married riverside!  The bed and breakfast is owned and operated by a family who raises chickens and geese on property, so you really get a feel for country living!  They only book limited weddings each year, but love entertaining.  For more information, click HERE

The Daly Mansion, Hamilton, Montana

Located on 46 acres of lush landscape, the Daly Mansion is the historic home of 19th Century American industrialist Marcus Daly.  The mansion itself is now a museum, but the property is beautifully landscaped and maintained for outdoor tented weddings.  They can easily accommodate larger groups, and have a permanent tent on site throughout the summer.  Majestic trees line the driveway and provide lots of shade and natural cover for the lawn.  For more information, click HERE  

First Interstate Event Center, Hamilton, Montana

A year-round event facility at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds.  The First Interstate Event Center is a modern facility with amenities built for entertaining large crowds -  15,000+ square feet of event space, 650 sq. ft. attached catering kitchen,  large stage, and  4 acres of on-site parking.  The space is truly a “blank slate” where you have endless possibilities for decorating!   For more information, click HERE  

Flying Horse Montana, Corvallis, Montana

Situated on a 30 acre estate just east of Corvallis, Montana.  Flying Horse MT is a unique location that will exceed all of your expectations.  As you enter the property, you’ll be amazed by the massive fountain, beautifully manicured lawn, and large rustic wood “barn.”  But don’t be fooled by its rustic exterior, the interior of the barn is quite modern and light, leaving you with a great space to add color and décor!  Also on the property are a large log home, perfect for a bridal ready room, and smaller guest accommodations.  For more information, click HERE  

Rye Creek Lodge, Darby, Montana

Nestled into a quiet valley in Darby, Montana, Rye Creek Lodge features more than just log guest cabins.  The view of well-known Trapper Peak is one you have to see with your own eyes to believe!  Each cabin is situated to provide privacy for each guest, but the way they’re structured around the open field is ideal for a wedding celebration!  Guests can stay on property in cabins, RVs, or at nearby hotels, and the open field provides a blank slate for any style of wedding you want – from rustic, to elegant, to country, to vintage.  For more information, click HERE 

Stonetower Estates, Stevensville, Montana

This private residence features a large home and heated event barn, made entirely of local stone.  With old world charm, this venue is one of a kind.  Many of the custom elements in the home were hand crafted by the owner.  Kitchen facilities in both the home and barn provide easy access for caterers, and a beautiful rose garden surrounded by stone fencing and archways transport you to another time and place.  Not to mention there are great views of the mountains and valleys which surround Stevensville, Montana.  For more information, click HERE 

Sula Community Clubhouse, Sula, Montana

Originally built in 1915, this quaint log venue in Sula, Montana, features seating capabilities for over 60 people.  The Sula Community Clubhouse was built through generous donations and volunteers from the area. You’re likely to see mountain goats on the hillside behind the clubhouse, and it can be booked any time or day of the year!  For more information, click HERE  

Wildlife Landing, Stevensville, Montana

A truly “Montana style” private residence!  Wildlife Landing offers overnight accommodations as well as facilities for your outdoor wedding.   Beautiful landscaping and flat lawns provide a great space for a tented wedding, and a large pond on property provides the perfect backdrop for your ceremony.  The home itself is rustic but elegant with a great deck for cocktail receptions.  Featuring great views of the Bitterroot Mountains as well!   For more information, click HERE 

Please note, these are NOT all of the venues located in the Bitterroot Valley, but these are all members of our Association.  If your venue would like to be listed, please email us at bitterrootweddingassociation@gmail.com!