February 15, 2022

Winter Engagement Portraits in West Glacier, Ashlyn & Patrick

Ashlyn & Patrick were recently engaged and in the area so naturally, they wanted some portraits taken in and around Glacier National Park. February weather and all. And like the vast majority of people that find themselves in front of my camera, they claimed to be totally helpless in photos. I had to vehemently disagree, however, as they absolutely nailed their session, especially the in-between moments where I simply take photos while not necessarily giving any direction at all. Just them being their natural selves. Which is actually a big pro tip. Just be yourself if you're having portraits taken, pretend the camera isn't there.

November 5, 2021

Austin Engagement Photographer, Emily & Logan

Another benefit of being in Austin this fall was the serendipitous nature of being in the same general area as one of my couples for this upcoming summer. Emily and Logan had booked me for a July 4th weekend wedding here in Montana and happened to live in the Austin area. It was the perfect opportunity to meet up, knock out an engagement session and get to hang out before the big day in the coming year.

October 13, 2021

Glacier National Park Engagement Photographer, Cassandra & Justin

The Eastside of Glacier National Park is typically far windier than the Westside. Surely it has something to do with geography and the presence of the continental divide running more or less vertically through the park. Regardless of the reason, whenever I have portrait sessions scheduled over there I try to suggest that "flowy" or "breezy" attire be worn. Cassandra very much understood the assignment. Had so much fun traipsing around the park—from East to West—with these two this fall.

September 8, 2021

Glacier National Park Engagement Photographer, Niva & Vishal

While Northwest Montana—and Glacier National Park in particular—do have a tendency to make the lives of photographers rather easy at times it doesn't mean this vocation isn't without its challenges. For instance, we make up for our lack of sunshine and short days in winter with extremely long summer days. That means scheduling your sunrise session that starts on the East side of Glacier means a 4:00 am or earlier alarm clock wake-up.

All of that said, even when contending with uncooperative weather, and hazy, smoky skies Glacier rarely disappoints. This August morning with Niva and Vishal was no different. I got to hang out with these two for a couple of hours early one morning starting on the East side of the park and heading West and we had a great time discussing Taylor Swift, the differences between Texas and Montana, and the unreal scenery we were surrounded by.

September 4, 2021

Kalispell Engagement Photographer, Sarah & Dom

This was a really special engagement session for me. While they wanted to naturally get photos of just the two of them for their engagement, it was also important to Sarah and Dom to include Sarah's son in the portrait session as well, and he made it so fun. It was an unseasonably hot day here in Northwest Montana, even for July, but he was a real trooper, and was super happy to cooperate, especially after he got to play art director for some of the photos. We met up at Lone Pine State Park and then headed over to Woodland Park closer to downtown Kalispell.

August 21, 2020

Glacier National Park Engagement Photographer, Meredith & John

Meredith & John came all the way from New York to escape the crowds of the city and to document their engagement in the last best place, Montana. It's a shame they only had a few days in Whitefish, as we could've spent so many more hours traipsing around to Glacier National Park's copious amounts of epic views. Alas, with the limited time we had to "make do" with sticking to West Glacier and Lake McDonald. I don't think anyone will take pity on them for that 'restriction.' Meredith and John, thank you so much for choosing me for your engagement photos, and best of luck as you begin the in-depth process of wedding planning. And if that gets overwhelming come on back to Montana and elope! 🙂

August 8, 2018

West Glacier Engagement Photographer, Holly & Eric

I was lucky to receive a "last minute" email from Eric days before he and Holly would be venturing into Glacier National Park for several days of hiking, where he was planning on popping the question. Even better, I got the email the day after their final hike proclaiming "She didn't say no!" and the reason he requested she bring a dress on a hiking trip was made clear. We met up early on their final morning in Montana for a quick engagement mini-session and they couldn't have been more sweet, friendly, and fun to work with. Congratulations to you Holly & Eric and thank you so much for letting me document your Glacier engagement.

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Matt Wetzler is an editorial, motorsport, portrait, and destination wedding photographer based in Whitefish, Montana.

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