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When you’re both backcountry skiers, members of ski patrol, and fully in love with high-elevation adventure, your wedding day probably won’t take place in a ballroom. For Florence and Spencer, it was never a question, they knew they were going to ski on their wedding day. In fact, skiing wasn’t a postscript to the festivities, it was the celebration.
From exchanging private vows high on Beartooth Pass, to bombing down snowy slopes in wedding attire with their dog and closest friends, their day unfolded like the perfect backcountry run: full of energy, unexpected beauty, and wild, unforgettable joy. Captured by Neal and Alicia of Off the Beaten Path Wedding, this elopement was as bold as it was heartfelt.
Their day ended with a mountain-side reception filled with dancing, glitter, and community, but it started, like all the best days do, with a sunrise and a campsite full of friends ready for an alpine adventure.
Meet Florence & Spencer
Photography by Off The Beaten Path
Florence and Spencer are the kind of couple who actually live the adventurous lifestyle so many aspire to. They’re active on ski patrol at their local resort, spend their free time backcountry skiing in Montana’s rugged wilderness, and truly value shared experience over traditional trappings. They have an enviable fervor for life so that they can live fully and memorably.
So when it came time to plan their wedding, they threw out the rulebook and built something entirely their own. Their priorities? Adventure, authenticity, and spending time with their favorite people in a place that’s defined their love story.
“Many couples say they’re low-key,” Neal shared. “But Florence and Spencer are that. They didn’t care about anything performative. They wanted to spend their day doing what they love with the people they love—no fluff.”
Their echoing dispositions set the tone for their unforgettable elopement.
Deciding to elope is exciting and freeing, but you might still be wondering: What exactly can we do during our elopement? Check out our top 25 unique elopement ideas to help you dream bigger and plan a day that feels truly you.
Their Vision & Planning Process
Photography by Off The Beaten Path
Florence and Spencer’s vision was crystal clear: a celebration that honored who they are, what they love, and where they’ve built a life together.
They brought on Off the Beaten Path Wedding for not just photography, but planning, coordination, and officiating.
“We’re a husband-and-wife team,” Neal shared. “So we help with everything—location scouting, building timelines, creating a personalized ceremony, and vendor recs. For Spencer and Florence, pulling together a timeline that balanced backcountry skiing, vows, and a big reception was no small feat—but it flowed beautifully.”
Their timeline looked something like this:
- Morning: Getting ready at Westminster Spires Church Camp, where guests camped together in the foothills.
- Late Morning: Drive up Beartooth Pass for private vows at 10,000 feet.
- Afternoon: Ski down in full wedding attire, joined by friends, family, and their dog—ending in a tailgate champagne celebration.
- Evening: A full reception with 125 guests, dinner, and a glitter-filled dance party back at the camp.
Every piece of their day reflected intention, connection, and community. From start to finish, it felt less like a wedding and more like the ultimate mountain weekend with their best friends and family.
If you’re wondering how to create a smooth and stress-free elopement timeline that fits your unique day, we’ve got you covered. Check out our guide to crafting the perfect elopement timeline for tips and examples to help your day flow effortlessly from start to finish.
Getting Ready at the Campground
Photography by Off The Beaten Path
The morning started in the foothills of the Beartooths, where Florence and Spencer had spent the night with their favorite people at Westminster Spires Church Camp. This wasn’t your typical “bridal suite” moment it was more like “Ski team basecamp” before an epic adventure.
Friends and family slowly emerged from tents and truck campers, clutching mugs of coffee and gathering around the fire. The air was cold, but the mood was warm. There was laughter, that kind of quiet morning buzz, and a sense of something really special about to unfold.
Florence got ready with the help of Brianna King Cosmetics (@briannakingcosmetics), who created a natural, windproof look, because yes, 10,000 feet comes with its own kind of beauty standards. Florence laced up her boots, ready to hike. Spencer layered his ski gear under a tailored suit jacket. Every detail was intentional, functional, and full of heart—just like their day.
Planning your own elopement adventure? Make sure you’re ready for every moment with The Ultimate Elopement Checklist (Updated for 2025). It’s packed with tips to help you stay cozy, practical, and true to your vibe.
Vows with a View (and a Goat Cameo)
Photography by Off The Beaten Path
At nearly 10,000 feet, Florence and Spencer stood on a ridge above the world, sharing private vows surrounded by wind, snow, engulfed in sweeping Montana peaks and their sweet dog right beside them. The Off the Beaten Path Wedding team kept a respectful distance to create an intimate, private space for the couple while still capturing all the magic. It was quiet, sacred, and utterly wild.
During planning, the couple joked that they hoped mountain goats might make an appearance.
“We’d never seen goats in that spot before,” Neal shared. “But when we arrived, a mama and her baby were already there—like they’d been waiting for us.”
It’s funny how a little wishful thinking turned into a truly unforgettable moment.
With endless views and that surprise wildlife cameo, their ceremony felt like a quiet blessing from the mountains, and those mountain goats too.
Photographer's Advice
"The Beartooth Pass is absolutely stunning and one of Montana’s secret gems. Understand that you will be in the mountains at over 10,000 feet and plan your footwear and hair style accordingly. If you’re prepared for the terrain and inevitable high winds, you’ll have a much better experience. When brides wear boots instead of heels, we have way more fun!"
Have you ever dreamed of eloping in Montana? Big Sky Country is full of breathtaking spots, from rugged Rocky Mountains and sweeping great plains to enchanting forests just waiting to be explored.
Whether you’re planning a quiet ceremony for just the two of you or a small celebration with your nearest and dearest, Montana provides the ideal setting for a memorable, stress-free adventure you’ll cherish forever. Check out our Montana Elopement Packages to get started planning your own epic adventure.
Skiing in Wedding Attire: The Ultimate Downhill Love Story
Photography by Off The Beaten Path
Right after saying their vows, Florence clipped into her skis with her dress trailing softly behind her. Spencer straightened his suit jacket, flashed a big grin, and the two of them pushed off together—ready to ski down the mountain as newlyweds. They carved turns down the slopes like it was any other spring day, but of course, it wasn’t. It was their wedding day.
Their playful pup raced down alongside them, while their parents and best friends followed close behind. One guest’s suit jacket even ripped, but he was totally prepared with a backup, because that’s how this crew rolls.
Waiting for everyone at the bottom was a champagne spray celebration and a tailgate party that kicked off the night perfectly.
“These two didn’t just want photos skiing,” Neal explained. “They wanted to ski. That moment—Florence’s dress flying, Spencer throwing a fist bump at the end of the run—it was all so authentic.”
Their day was exactly what they wanted: true to who they are and what they love.
We absolutely love when couples bring in little details that really reflect who they are—whether that’s skiing down the mountain in wedding clothes, sharing a champagne toast at the base, or anything that feels true and personal.
If you’re looking for ways to add meaningful touches that make your day uniquely yours, check out this blog with 25 elopement ideas for your adventure wedding. It’s full of ideas to help you create moments that are perfectly you.
Permits & Leave No Trace in the Beartooth Mountains
Photography by Off The Beaten Path
Tucked away in southern Montana, the Beartooth Pass feels like a hidden world. Think dramatic peaks, alpine lakes, and sweeping views, all without the crowds.
Sounds pretty epic, right? Just remember, this kind of beauty comes with a responsibility to tread carefully.
Couples eloping here don’t need permits for groups under 75 people, but they do need to understand how fragile the alpine ecosystem is.
“Even a few footsteps off trail can cause lasting damage,” Neal explained. “We always remind couples to stay on informal paths, avoid stepping on vegetation, and leave the area better than they found it.”
Florence and Spencer really took that to heart. They came prepared, stayed mindful of the terrain, and made sure their day didn’t leave a mark on the place that meant so much to them.
Photography by Off The Beaten Path
Pro Tip:
This landscape is truly wild. There’s little to no cell service, and you won’t find many conveniences nearby. It’s important to come fully prepared—bring what you need, be ready for sudden weather shifts, and respect the land by following Leave No Trace. It’s the best way to help protect the beauty that makes this place so special.
Advice for Future Couples
Photography by Off The Beaten Path
Neal’s top advice echoes Florence and Spencer’s approach:
“Think about places or activities that are meaningful to you and plan your celebration around that, rather than just searching out a place that looks beautiful on Instagram. You’ll have a much more memorable experience if you’ve crafted an elopement day that’s unique to you!”
This couple knew exactly what mattered. They planned with intention, embraced weather and terrain, and stayed true to themselves from the first run to the last dance.
Practical tips for others considering a Beartooth elopement:
- Expect wind. Secure your hair and bring layers.
- Footwear matters. Boots = fun. Heels = regret.
- Hydrate. You’re above 10,000 feet.
- Scout your locations. Especially if skiing or hiking is involved.
- Bring backup gear. Looking at you, extra suit jacket.
Final Reflection
Photography by Off The Beaten Path
Florence and Spencer’s wedding wasn’t just one for the books, it was one for the soul. A windswept, snow-kissed celebration carved into the heart of the Beartooth mountains.
This day wasn’t about perfection. It was about presence. About choosing adventure over expectation, and writing vows that echoed louder than any tradition ever could.
They didn’t just say “I do.” They chased it down a mountain, hand in hand—fearless, free, and fully themselves.
If you’re dreaming of a day that feels like home in the wild, let Florence and Spencer’s story be your permission to make it your own.
The Vendor Team
Photography, Coordination & Officiating | Off the Beaten Path Wedding | @offthebeatenpathwedding
Beauty | @briannakingcosmetics
Catering:| The Wild Table | @thewildtable
Floral | The Flower Garage | @flowergarage19
Rathvinden Flower Farm | @rathvinden
Reception Venue | Westminster Spires Church Camp
Rentals | Tents for Events & More | @tentsforeventsmore
DJ: Groom’s brother
Photos From This Elopement
