Swan River Wedding at the Nest in bigfork Montana
Right on the banks of the Swan River in Bigfork, Montana, intimate wedding venue: The Nest on Swan River, is all about serenity and connection. Tall pines, open lawns, and the gentle flow of the river set the tone. It is peaceful, welcoming, and easy to imagine spending an entire wedding weekend here with your favorite people. Ceremony and celebration spaces are tucked close together, so everything feels intimate, natural, and rooted in the landscape.
Nate and Madison’s wedding at The Nest was alive with laughter, honesty, and the kind of chaos that makes the best memories. Their vows were heartfelt and real (complete with a few swear words), and their four-year-old son, Townes, leapt right into the moment during their kiss. Everyone rolled with it in the most joyful way.
The Nest is one of those venues that makes a wedding weekend feel easy and complete. With a ceremony outside under the trees, dinner and casual celebrations in the day before and after in the adjoining lodge-style spaces, and on-site housing for family and friends, everything can happen in one place. For Nate and Madison, it meant their families from Florida, New York, and California could stay close, share meals, and actually experience Montana instead of just visiting for the event.
WEDDING DAY HIGHLIGHTS
One of my favorite moments came at the very start of the ceremony. Madison realized her bouquet had been left behind, so we had a brief pause while their coordinator grabbed it. When she finally had it, she immediately handed it to her dad, who ended up holding it during a grounding meditation. By the time it was “officially” time to hand it over, the job was already done. Lighthearted, a little imperfect, and completely them.
Special touches included Nate’s green suit and wood-oval bolo tie (matched by son, Townes), Madison’s sleeveless white dress with pockets and a full skirt perfect for twirling, and the warm, relaxed presence of family and friends experiencing Montana together for the first time. The whole day felt genuine, unpolished, and full of love.
“Most of our vendors were close friends, and you still ended up being our favorite of the weekend! We honestly couldn’t dream up a concern if we tried. Our only regret? That this isn’t a repeat-hire situation… hopefully ;) You got us, you understood our chaos and our laughs, and it was a perfect match. Everyone — our family, our friends — loved your ceremony and your presence. If it sounds like we’re gushing, it’s because we are!”
Madison and Nate’s SWAN RIVER WEDDING TEAM
Officiant: Bespoke Ceremonies Montana
Day-of Coordination: Wedding Well (Kim Walters + Marti)
Photographers: Andrew Franciosa & Nicole Nero
Makeup: @mallorykrollbeauty
LET’S PLAN YOUR WEDDING AT THE NEST ON SWAN RIVER!
If you’re dreaming of a wedding that feels relaxed, real, and full of heart, The Nest on Swan River is the perfect backdrop. I love helping couples create ceremonies that honor who they are — the laughs, the chaos, the love — and I’d be honored to help craft yours.
READY TO BOOK?
Let’s create a ceremony as unforgettable as your love story. Contact me here to start planning your Montana wedding at The Nest on Swan River.
