Ghost Town Elopement; Dillon, Montana

Bannack Ghost Town, nestled in the surrounding hills of Dillon, Montana. It is a captivating relic of the American West frozen in time. Seriously, when you start walking up the road you can just picture a town bustleing with people and horses, it really sets the scene. Established in 1862, Bannack is renowned as the site of Montana’s first major gold discovery. Today, the town stands as a well-preserved testament to the gold rush era, offering visitors a journey into the past, and the perfect place for a photoshoot.

The buildings are so well-maintained for their age and construction. The slightly weathered structures that line the dusty streets just capture your attention. These buildings, were constructed with the optimism of the gold rush, and include the iconic Hotel Meade pictured above, the Methodist Church, and the Masonic Lodge.

Elopement Details

This elopement took place on a crisp September morning. As the town opens at 8am we contacted the office earlier and they were so accommodating to open up a few buildings early for us, allowing the town at sunrise and all its views to ourselves. The soft golden light of the rising sun cast an enchanting glow on the buildings, creating a warm visual of shadows and highlights that was just gorgeous. Ceremony took place in the Church, followed by a stunning session around the town. We wrapped up about 9:30 AM and they headed off to their Montana hunting adventure for the rest of the day. It was short, sweet, and absolutely worth the early alarm. I stopped in Dillon for a cup of coffee at Sweetwater Coffee and a lap around the Patagonia outlet.