Sky's the Limit

Words by Courtney Kellar

One of the biggest perks of choosing a destination wedding is being able to completely customize you and your guests’ experience. For some couples that means spending a week lying on a beach somewhere - but relaxation isn’t for everyone. For those of you looking for some outdoor adventure adrenaline-pumping fun, Big Sky, Montana is a tantalizing option.

My boyfriend and I escaped the summer heat of Arizona to bask in the beautiful weather of Big Sky. Their summers are temperate and sunny, while their winters are famous for heavy snowfall, freezing temperatures and world-class skiing. Our days began with cool, misty mountain views and our afternoons were spent enjoying sunshine and temperatures in the mid-seventies.

Big Sky is a self-sufficient mountain resort, and perfect for a destination wedding. They are accustomed to hosting business conferences for thousands of guests simultaneously, so your 75 person wedding is a no-brainer and you’re virtually guaranteed a stress-free experience. While packed in the winter, the resort is still relatively slow in the summer. With a larger destination wedding it may feel as if you have the entire mountain town to yourselves!

This Montana retreat has the friendly residents of a small town, but the high-end luxury of a big city. The best of both worlds, right? Our accommodations were impeccable and boasted sumptuous studded leather sofas, thick velvet curtains and a full-kitchen complete with stainless steel appliances.

Perhaps the biggest perk is that everything is within walking distance, meaning your guests can stay in any of the many accommodations and still be within convenient reach of each other and activities. For a destination wedding, the Black Eagle Lodges are ideal. I was stunned by the attention to detail put into each and every room. These private, deluxe lodges can easily sleep 10 people and feature a private garage, hot tub and fully appointed kitchens.

Big Sky encourages their guests to enjoy the fabulous summer weather by offering dozens of outdoor activities, all of which can be arranged for you in advance and at a discounted group rate. I enjoyed a round of golf, a heart-pumping white-water rafting trip, and a zip-line course through the forest. Among other options, your guests can also stay busy learning to fly fish, skeet shoot or horseback ride. Best of all, the world-famous Yellowstone National Park is just a short drive away.

This wonderful mountain town is a fabulously kept secret which means you get anything and everything you and your guests could desire, at prices which can’t be beat. So, if you’re going to pass on the beach, spend a few days in the mountains of Big Sky, Montana!

Photos courtesy of Donnie Sexton (1st, 2nd, 3rd) & Glennis Indreland (4th)