When is the wedding?
Wedding day is Sunday, September 1st, 2024. Guests are provided on-site lodging in the cabins beginning Friday, August 30th and checking out Monday, September 2nd.
Where is the wedding?
Whitefish, Montana! The wedding venue is Star Meadows Ranch and their address is 4750 Star Meadows Rd. Whitefish, MT, 59937. Visit the venue website here: www.starmeadowsranch.com
How do I get to Whitefish, Montana?
In our experience, flying from Ft. Lauderdale (FLL) into Bozeman (BZN) has been most cost-efficient ($250-$350 per roundtrip ticket). The easiest flight for those in SWFL would be Ft. Myers (RSW) into Kalispell (FCA). The latter is typically more expensive but only 30 minutes from the town of Whitefish whereas Bozeman is about a 5-hour drive from Whitefish. That said, the drive is absolutely beautiful and a great way to see all Montana has to offer; eye candy all the way! (This may be a good option for those who wish to visit Yellowstone National Park or the legendary ski-town Big Sky while in Montana). We haven't flown into Missoula (2.5 hour drive) but go for it! We've even flown into Spokane, Washington and drove 5 hours that way. If choosing the Bozeman route, we recommend taking the eastern-most route through Helena and up through the National Flathead Forest (MT 83), passing through Seeley Lake and Swan Lake. Upon departure, you have the option of driving down MT 35 which rides along the entire eastern edge of Flathead Lake among the cherry farms, or you can return the same way you came through the forest. Western route (MT 93) of Flathead Lake is also fine but not recommended. Lastly, try carpooling for a "road-trip"-like experience with friends/family while splitting the costs!
How will Wedding Day go?
Flawlessly, with your help! Paige and Adam set this day with three key milestones in mind; Detailed wedding timeline and execution, guest comfort and hospitality, and, of course, the celebrations! Please enjoy yourselves, everything is in place!
Can I make payments on airfare?
Yes! And we do it all the time! Most, if not all travel booking websites offer this option at checkout. Affirm, Klarna, Afterpay, etc are all great options with little to no interest on purchases. We know airfare/vacations can get expensive and we definitely don't encourage racking up credit cards to make it to the Big Day, and this is a great option to break it down without opening a new line of credit. These can also be used for lodging, rental cars; virtually any purchase.
Do I need a hotel or Airbnb?
No! Lodging is provided by the bride and groom for three nights beginning Friday, August 30th and checking out Monday, September 2nd. The venue consists of four large family-style cabins within short walking distance to each other. You will receive room details after RSVP is received.
There are also three private A-frame style cabins on the property that are available for purchase at $500/night and four intimate "glamping tents" on the property available for purchase ranging between $250-$350/night depending on size. Please let us know if you are interested in booking.
While we encourage everyone to take part in the paid-for provided lodging to create a memorable experience, you are more than welcome to book off-site at your expense. We are happy to recommend cabins we have stayed at in the area, just ask!
**UPDATE: One A-frame cabin remaining.**
What do I need to bring?
Pack for a fall Montana vacation! Adam and Paige encourage exploring, wandering, and getting lost in the Montana wilderness (except on Wedding Day!). Don't forget your hiking boots! Any mementos, keepsakes, gifts or anything of the sort can be purchased in town. **NOTE: Bear spray is highly recommended and can be purchased in town as well.**
What can I expect the weather to be like?
Warm days and cool nights. Local forecaster Adam Bailey predicts a high of 75 and a low of 45 with minimal cloud coverage. It should be noted it is not uncommon for wide temperature variations although arctic patterns are not typical this time of year.
What's the dress code?
Formal. There will be a lot of pictures taken. Dress like your mother told you.
Where can I find details about the venue?
Visit the "Venue" tab at the top. Star Meadows Ranch is a remote, 360-acre family-owned ranch 30 minutes West of Whitefish. Visit the venues' website here: www.starmeadowsranch.com
What can I do before or after wedding day?
Relax. Reflect. Embrace. Find solace in this profound place where Paige and Adam have grown to love. Look up! You're in Big Sky Country! The community of Whitefish offers a free S.N.O.W. bus that runs to and from various locations in Whitefish and Whitefish Mountain Resort. Ask Paige and Adam for recommendations in Downtown Whitefish. **Reservations highly recommended! National Park entry and camping books out far in advance!**
PLACES: Glacier National Park, Flathead Lake, Flathead River (three different forks), Downtown Whitefish, Bob Marshall Wilderness, Downtown Bigfork, Hungry Horse Reservoir, Whitefish Mountain Resort, Yellowstone National Park (Southern Montana), Downtown Big Sky (Southern Montana), Downtown Bozeman (Southern Montana), Downtown Missoula (Western Montana).
RESTAURANTS: Tupelo Grille, Great Northern Bar and Grill, The Firebrand Hotel, The Lodge at Whitefish Lake, Craggy Range, Mackenzie's Pizza Company, Buffalo Cafe, Amazing Crepes, Loula's Cafe.
THINGS TO DO: Rafting, Whitefish Mountain Resort (Summer Activities), Hiking, Camping, Fly-Fishing, Kayaking, Shopping.
What do I need to get into Glacier National Park?
If entering from the West side (the venue is on the West side), you will need an entrance pass. This can be purchased anytime on the park website (listed below). If you plan on driving your own vehicle through the park, you will ALSO need a vehicle reservation (not the same as entrance pass). Vehicle reservations are required if entering from 6AM-3PM and the park website releases reservations the night before at 7PM MST. Example: If you want to go September 3rd, you need to get your vehicle reservation at 7PM September 2nd. Do this QUICKLY as the park only releases a limited amount of reservations, we recommend setting an alarm. Also, you need to make a login account to purchase the entrance pass and vehicle reservation. We recommend doing this beforehand so you can access a reservation immediately at 7PM. Below is the park website. Don’t hesitate to ask Paige or Adam any questions you have!
https://www.nps.gov/glac/index.htm
What do we do for meals?
TBD. Dinner will be provided Wedding Day, Sunday, September 1st. All cabins include a full kitchen with cooking essentials.
Other Things To Note
This is the Great Northwest! Please do be weary of critters anywhere from bugs to grizzlies. 4-Wheel drive is recommended though snow/ice is not expected this time of year. Fire season and restrictions typically come to an end this time of year but please check the State website prior to any open flame. Reservations are required to enter state and national parks along with a vehicle fee. Bear spray highly recommended. Airport parking fee sucks when you get back. Keep in mind the first and last day of your trip are all-day travel days with layovers.