FAQs

Question

Where is the wedding venue?

Answer

Our wedding will be held at Grizzly Creek Ranch—a breathtaking spot nestled in the folds of the Gallatin Range on the northwestern edge of Yellowstone National Park. Located about 90 minutes from Bozeman, Grizzly Creek Ranch is a true escape from the everyday, offering 1,676 acres of open spaces, clear streams, and mountain views that will leave you in awe. As John Muir said, “The winds will blow their freshness into you.” Address: 533 Tom Miner Creek Rd Emigrant, MT 59027 We can’t wait to welcome you to this incredible place!

Question

Are you having a Welcome Party?

Answer

Yes, we are! We’re excited to invite all of our guests to a hosted lunch and river float with Wild West Rafting. We’ll kick off the day with lunch at the Wild West Rafting Office at 11:00 AM, followed by a scenic 2-hour rafting trip starting at 12:00 PM. Expect to return to the office around 3:00/3:30 PM. During this 6-mile guided float down the Yellowstone River, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking scenery and might even spot some local wildlife like Osprey, geese, deer, and maybe a Bald Eagle! With the Gallatin and Absaroka mountain ranges as your backdrop, it’s going to be an unforgettable adventure. We can’t wait to float the river with you!

Question

Is there a dress code?

Answer

Yes, there is! We're going for a "Black Tie Optional with a Western Flare" theme. Think classy meets cowboy! We kindly ask everyone to wear black, so dust off that tux or your best black dress and feel free to add a hint of western style—maybe some cowboy boots, a bolo tie, or a stylish hat. We can’t wait to see your fabulous and fun outfits as we celebrate together!

Question

When Should We Plan to Arrive / Leave Montana?

Answer

We recommend planning your trip around these key dates and events: Thursday (9/4/25): Arrive in Montana if you plan to join us for Friday’s river float. Friday (9/5/25): Our hosted river float will begin at 12:00 PM. Plan to join us for lunch beforehand. Saturday (9/6/25): Wedding day! More details to come, but the ceremony will begin in the afternoon. Sunday (9/7/25): Feel free to depart Montana or extend your trip to explore. We highly recommend visiting Yellowstone National Park or Grand Teton National Park to experience the stunning natural beauty! We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Question

Do you have any hotel recommendations?

Answer

Yes, we have plenty of recommendations! Please visit the travel section of our wedding website for a detailed list of Airbnbs, VRBOs, and hotels in the area. Our wedding venue is in the beautiful Tom Miner Basin, and the rental homes listed are the closest to the venue. Since North Yellowstone is a popular destination, we recommend booking your accommodation in advance. Also, note that the driving times to the hotels will be shortened once the Carbella Bridge, connecting Tom Miner Creek Road to Highway 89, is rebuilt this fall. We hope this makes your planning easier and your stay more enjoyable!

Question

Will there be transportation to and from accommodations to the ceremony?

Answer

Due to the remote location of our wedding, we will do our best to secure transfers for all our guests. We want everyone to have fun responsibly! To ensure roundtrip transportation, we kindly ask that you book your accommodation in Emigrant, Pray, or Gardiner. Once you have secured your stay, please send us the name or address of your accommodation so we can coordinate with our drivers. Please note that Uber and Lyft are not reliable options in this area. While we will make every effort to provide rides for everyone, we appreciate your patience as we work out the logistics.

Question

Is there parking for the ceremony or reception?

Answer

Yes! If you choose to drive, please follow the signs to the designated parking area. Please note, the road up to Grizzly Creek Ranch is not paved. If you're driving at dusk or night, we recommend driving slowly as wildlife may cross the road.

Question

Are kids welcome?

Answer

As much as we love your little ones, our wedding is going to be an adults-only celebration. We appreciate your understanding and can't wait to party with you!

Question

It’s Friday Night in Emigrant, MT — What Should We Plan to Do?

Answer

For a perfect Friday night in Emigrant, we recommend starting with a delicious dinner at one of the local favorites: Follow Yer Nose BBQ, the Old Saloon, or Sage Lodge (be sure to make reservations in advance for Sage Lodge). After dinner, head over to the Old Saloon for some live music and a great Montana vibe. It’s the perfect way to kick off your weekend in the area! Another great option is to head over to Chico Hot Springs for dinner and a relaxing soak. After a delicious meal, you can unwind in the natural hot springs. These springs are formed when water heated deep underground by the Earth's molten rock rises to the surface through cracks, creating the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the serene Montana surroundings. It’s a wonderful way to end your evening!

Question

Should we plan to visit Yellowstone National Park?

Answer

Absolutely! We chose to get married in Emigrant, MT not only for its beauty but also for its proximity to Yellowstone National Park. It’s a must-see if you're in the area, offering breathtaking landscapes, wildlife, and natural wonders like geysers and hot springs. If you have the time, we highly recommend adding it to your trip!

Question

What’s the Bison Rut & Elk Rut in Yellowstone?

Answer

Two of Yellowstone’s most thrilling wildlife events occur in August and September: the bison and elk mating seasons, known as the rut. Here’s what you need to know to safely enjoy these incredible natural spectacles: During the bison rut, massive, 2,000-pound bulls strut across the landscape, bellowing deep, guttural roars to showcase their strength and compete for the right to mate. The best places to witness this ancient ritual are the Lamar and Hayden Valleys. While bison can be seen throughout the day, they are most active in the mornings and evenings. At the same time, the elk rut takes place, with eerie, otherworldly bugles of bull elk echoing in the frosty pre-dawn hours. Elk herds gather into larger groups, and this is one of the most captivating sights in the park. Be sure to keep a safe distance and enjoy these incredible wildlife spectacles from afar!

Question

Should I Be Worried About Grizzly Bears?

Answer

The Northwest is home to both black bears and grizzly bears, so it's important to be mindful when exploring their territory. As human recreation and bear populations overlap, it’s essential that we coexist with respect and caution. Here are some key tips to ensure both your safety and the well-being of the bears: Stay Alert: Look out for bear signs like tracks, droppings, and scratch marks on trees. Carry binoculars to scan ahead. Plan Ahead: Let someone know where you're going and when you’ll be back. Stick to the Trail: This helps protect both you and the habitat. Hike in Groups & Avoid Dawn, Dusk, and Night: Bears are most active during these times, but traveling in a group of three or more makes you appear more formidable. Make Noise: Talk or sing to announce your presence—bears are naturally wary of humans. Avoid relying on bells, as they don't distinguish you as a human. Speak loudly, especially when visibility is low or when near streams and waterfalls. Steer Clear of Carcasses: If you spot a dead animal, report it to a ranger. It’s dangerous to approach, as a bear might be guarding it. By following these precautions, you’ll be able to enjoy bear country safely and respectfully.

Question

What's Bear Spray?

Answer

Bear spray is a specially formulated pepper spray designed to deter aggressive or attacking bears. Bear experts, outfitters, and guides recommend the following performance standards for bear spray: Spray Distance: A minimum of 25 feet, giving the bear a chance to stop or divert its charge. Canister Spray Duration: At least 6 seconds. Expanding Cloud: The spray discharges in an expanding cloud, creating a barrier between you and the bear. Aim for the Face: When charging, a bear's face will be close to the ground, so direct the spray there. Bear spray is a non-lethal way to protect yourself and the bear, giving both a chance to avoid a dangerous situation. Always carry it when in bear country, and make sure you know how to use it! Please note, if you purchase bear spray during your stay in Montana, you cannot fly home with it.

Question

Where Should I Buy Some Western Attire?

Answer

If you’re in Bozeman, we recommend checking out Boot Barn or Murdoch's for some authentic western wear. If you’re looking for something unique, don’t miss our fantastic local vintage shops like Head West and Bozeman Vintage. They offer some great finds that will add a special touch to your western look!