Guest Author: Kat Simecek of Salt & Stone Adventure Photography
Some weddings just hum with energy—that palpable feeling that something ancient and sacred is unfolding beneath your feet. That’s exactly what we all felt at this intimate, Middle Earth-inspired wedding at Haymoon Resort, tucked among the trees in Whitefish, Montana.
As an elopement and wedding photographer who thrives on nontraditional love stories, this day was pure magic from start to finish. From the earthy rituals to the candlelit dancing, the entire event was a beautiful blend of old-world intention and modern joy—set against the perfect backdrop of Haymoon’s forested seclusion and warm, luxurious spaces.
Haymoon Resort Wedding Venue: A Forested Retreat for the Wild-Hearted
The couple’s love of medieval tales, especially Lord of the Rings, brought them to Haymoon Resort because the space truly felt like the Shire from Tolkein’s lore. Haymoon is one of those rare venues that feels like a private retreat and a luxury lodge all at once. For a wedding like this—intimate, mystical, and a little medieval—it was absolutely perfect.
From the moment guests turned onto the long, winding driveway, it was clear this was going to be a beautiful, unique wedding. The drive itself felt like an invitation to slow down, breathe deeper, and step into something sacred. The property is expansive yet cozy, with quiet corners, forest groves, and a layout that fosters connection and wonder.
The couple shared a private first look in a shaded grove of towering trees behind their lodge. Later, the ceremony space—tucked within a quiet pocket of trees near the pond—offered both seclusion and intimacy. It’s the kind of place that feels set apart from the world, yet totally welcoming.
The spacious patio was thoughtfully designed with overhead string lights, lush gardens and colorful flowers, and enough seating and standing spaces to comfortably host the couple’s 40 guests. And then the reception hall, with its vaulted ceiling and perfectly round space, brought everyone closer together as the party moved indoors to The Shire.”
And the staff at Haymoon? Truly phenomenal. Kind, attentive, and genuinely excited to help this couple bring their unique vision to life. You could tell they cared about the details—about creating an experience, not just hosting an event. That makes all the difference.
An Elegant Ceremony Surrounded by Nature
The couple exchanged vows in a handfasting ceremony, surrounded by their closest loved ones in a sun-dappled forest grove while the pond fountain babbled gently in the background. The air smelled like pine I couldn’t help feeling completely at peace in nature.
In a powerful and personal gesture, the bride walked herself down the aisle—a shy smile sneaking out through pursed lips—while the groom’s eyes glistened. Yes, this was a fairy tale moment. The couple joined by bridesmaids and a best man dressed in taupe earth tones that echoed the soft hues of the surrounding forest. The scene felt grounded, heartfelt, and entirely authentic.
Brittney from Marry Me in the MT officiated with warmth and presence, guiding a ceremony that was simple, sincere, and deeply connected to the couple’s values. The handfasting was intimate and honest—just quiet reverence, meaningful vows, and a sense that everyone was witnessing something truly special.
A Wedding Rooted in Fantasy and LOTR-Inspired Joy
The couple’s love of medieval fantasy—especially The Lord of the Rings—brought them to Haymoon. “We wanted it to feel like the Shire,” they said. And it did. They leaned into the theme with cast pewter goblets, elf ears for guests, a wooden shield guestbook, and décor that would have made Tolkien proud.
The bride wore her hair long and braided, with golden elven earrings and a gown Arwen herself would envy. Following the ceremony, the couple signed their marriage license atop a wine barrel and donned embossed leather gauntlets and cummerbunds that completed the look.
After dinner and dancing in Haymoon’s stunning rotunda space, the entire bridal party took off for a joyful frolic around the pond—laughing, singing, and skipping beneath a golden hour sky. It was the kind of celebration that felt completely unfiltered and free.
A Dream Vendor Team for a Tolkien-Inspired Wedding
- This wedding was the definition of collaborative magic, and it wouldn’t have been the same without the creative team behind it:
- Officiant: Marry Me in MT brought wisdom, grounding, and spiritual depth to the ceremony.
- Cocktail Service: Grain and Grove Experiences Mobile Bar fit perfectly inside the patio space, serving up the couples favorite themed cocktails.
- Catering: Chef Star Ironside of The House of S&M in Flathead County, MT who pulled off a wonderful gluten-free meal complete with LOTR-inspired titles
- Dessert: Gluten-Free Cookies from Kooky Cookies
- Videographer: Penny Arcade Films captured the day with a cinematic eye and a documentary heart.
- DJ: Michael Booshay curated the perfect soundtrack for a night of dancing and delight.
And I’m Kat Simecek of Salt & Stone Adventure Photography—a Montana-based elopement photographer who lives for the offbeat, the sacred, and the wildly joyful. Whether it’s a Tolkien-themed forest handfasting or a barefoot beach elopement, I’m here to help you craft a wedding day that feels like you.
Planning a Magical, Meaningful Wedding at Haymoon Resort?
It was an honor to document this celebration—and an absolute joy to work with the incredible team at Haymoon Resort. If you’re dreaming of a wedding that blends nature, magic, and meaning, you won’t find a better venue.
Learn more about weddings at Haymoon Resort.
And if you’re still looking for a photographer who sees the world the way you do, you can find me at Salt & Stone Adventure Photography.
Whether your love story lives in the mountains, the forest, or somewhere entirely your own—let’s make it unforgettable.
