BIG SKY, MT, May 28, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Big Sky, Montana is fast becoming the most popular wedding destination per capita of any mountain resort town, with some venues booking as far as 18 months in advance for couples whose destination wedding requirements include a stylish wedding with a jaw-dropping natural setting.
"Big Sky's available venues are as varied as the brides we serve – from rustic guest ranches to chic mountaintop resorts – but the commonality among all of our couples is that they choose to incorporate the natural beauty into their special day that can only be found at Big Sky," said Kitty Clemens, Executive Director of Visit Big Sky. "Likewise, family and friends love being able to spend time with the bride and groom before the 'big day,' enjoying activities together such as whitewater rafting, ziplining, or visiting Yellowstone National Park."
Wedding venues such as the historic 320 Guest Ranch are now booking as far out as 18 months for spring-summer weddings. In the 2013-2014 season, weddings nearly doubled at 320 Guest Ranch compared to the previous season.
Unlike most wedding venues in the country, many of Big Sky's venues provide all inclusive services – lodging, an onsite coordinator, the rehearsal location and wedding site all at one facility - making the big event easier on the couple.
Popular Big Sky wedding locales include:
The all-inclusive 160-acre Lone Mountain Ranch is fast becoming a favorite among couples who want to strike a balance between luxury and a ranch experience for their wedding. The ranch's in-house chef can customize a wedding menu for up to 100 guests featuring creative farm-to-table cuisine. With wranglers, naturalists, and fly fishing guides on staff, guests can take full advantage of the Montana outdoor experience from Big Sky all the way to Yellowstone National Park. The ranch features a collection of historic cabins that can accommodate 100 overnight guests or can host as many as 300 for an event. Private homes are also available.
The 320 Guest Ranch – so-named for its 320 acres of pristine ranch land – can accommodate all wedding events and lodging in one place for as many as 250 guests. Couples frequently choose to exchange vows outside at the Brask Lawn or Riverside Lawn along the Gallatin River with the Spanish Peaks Mountain Range as a backdrop. Receptions are typically held at The Tent where guests can relax as the Gallatin rushes by on the riverside deck. Indoor wedding receptions are available at the Banquet Hall, which can accommodate up to 170 guests. All weddings are customized and an onsite coordinator handles all aspects of the wedding day and details leading up to it.
Like the 320 Guest Ranch, the Rainbow Ranch Lodge provides an onsite wedding planner who coordinates all aspects of the "big day." Built in 1919, the Rainbow Ranch was originally named the "Halfway Inn" and has undergone several changes over the past 90 years. Located along the Gallatin River, the Lodge can accommodate up to 300 guests and ceremonies can take place throughout the property. The most popular location is along the Gallatin River on the beautiful green lawn under their custom built wedding arbor composed of reclaimed wood from a local bridge.
A historic barn which features a wooden dance floor and full, dual-sided bar adjoins a large white tent that can seat up to 175 guests. Indoor receptions are also available in Rainbow's beautifully restored Main Lodge. For smaller parties, The Bacchus Room, a small private dining space in the Wine Cellar, is ideal for wine tastings or a private moment with some family before the "I do's."
When it comes to weddings, Big Sky Resort can accommodate as little as 25 guests or as many as 750 for an unforgettable wedding at one of six unique venues. Big Sky Resort's new Everett 8,800 restaurant, at the peak of Andesite Mountain (8,800 feet in elevation), is one of the newest options as a wedding venue, seating up to 100, where guests ride the Ramcharger chair lift to the restaurant with jaw-dropping views of Lone Mountain. Another stunning outdoor option is the elegant Lone Peak Pavilion. The Resort's full service Solace Spa and Salon is available onsite the day before and the day of weddings. Big Sky Resort also offers outdoor activities such as ziplining tours, high ropes course, archery, golfing, bungee trampoline, climbing wall and much more. The Resort's variety of lodging properties are discounted for guests, and are decorated to give that sense of western flair with a rustic sense of "cool."
Established in 1946 as a hunting camp, Buck's T-4 was one of the first properties in Big Sky, later transforming into a dancehall, 72-room lodging facility and one of the top wedding venues in Big Sky for the past 12 years. Buck's T-4 typically books a year in advance for weddings and is seeing an increase in the number of winter wedding bookings as well. Couples usually will exchange vows in the private outdoor wedding garden, which is one of the few locations where couples can get married outside in winter.
Buck's T-4's all-inclusive venue makes wedding planning easy for couples since lodging, rehearsal dinner venue, ceremony, catering, and onsite coordinator are available. The Montana room can hold up to 180 for a buffet dinner and up to 250 for a heavy hors d'oeuvres reception. Buck's T-4's food has also earned a reputation in the Big Sky area.
A complete list of venues, wedding photographers, caterers, florists, transportation services and more can be found at www.visitbigskymt.com/big-sky-weddings.
Photo Credit, Tori Pintar Photography
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