Gabe and Stephanie’s Snowline Acres wedding was my first time photographing a wedding at this beautiful Kalispell venue, and it did not disappoint. With its historic wood architecture, views of the Swan Mountains, and plenty of space for both indoor and outdoor celebrations, Snowline Acres offers a beautiful mix of Montana character and modern amenities.
Their October wedding was also the perfect introduction to the venue, complete with meaningful family touches, a packed dance floor, and an incredible harvest supermoon rising over the mountains at the end of the night.
Gabe & Stephanie
Gabe and Stephanie have known each other since middle school and even went to homecoming together, so yes, this wedding had been a long time coming!
Snowline Acres also had a special connection to Gabe’s family. They had previously gathered there for his uncle’s memorial, and because his uncle was a logger, the venue’s ties to the old Kalispell Lumber Company (more on that below) made the location especially meaningful.
About Snowline Acres
Snowline Acres is a 30-acre property along Highway 93 South in Kalispell, about two hours north of Missoula. The wedding and event space is called the Ashley Creek Historic Venue, and it has an interesting backstory.
The building is an actual piece of Kalispell history. The original Kalispell Lumber Company, a 22,000-square-foot structure erected in 1939 in what was once the industrial heart of the Flathead Valley, was dismantled from the west side of town and carefully rebuilt on the Snowline Acres property. The result is an event space full of character, with historic wood throughout and views of the Swan Mountain Range out back. It photographs beautifully, both inside and out.
The property also includes The Collective, an 8,800-square-foot gift shop with curated furnishings, local goods, and Montana-made gifts; Snowline Coffee Co., a drive-through coffee shop on site (genuinely clutch on a wedding day); and the Snowline Guest House, a renovated farmhouse that sleeps up to eight adults. There’s even a growing apple orchard with six varieties in the works, and an annual Christmas Market that kicks off in mid-November (which I can’t wait to attend myself!).
Getting Ready at the Snowline Guest House
Stephanie and her bridesmaids got ready at the Snowline Guest House, just a short walk from the main venue. Think wood floors, white walls, great natural light, and a clean, neutral palette. It’s a photographer’s dream and required no fuss or rearranging before shooting. It was the perfect backdrop for pajama photos and candids, as well as detail shots of Stephanie’s dress and shoes.
First Looks & First Touch
After spending the morning at the Snowline Guest House, the group made their way over to the Ashley Creek Historic Venue to get dressed and add the final getting-ready touches. The bridal suite is spacious and well designed, with beautiful furniture and mirrors. It has a luxurious feel, photographs beautifully, and the stylish decor really elevates the getting-ready photos. It was also the perfect place for Stephanie to have her first looks with her mom and bridesmaids. The venue had even set out cold water and snacks for us, along with a card and gift for Stephanie to open.
Gabe and Stephanie also did a first touch just outside the bridal suite, in the upstairs area overlooking the ceremony space below. They held hands around the corner without seeing each other, giving them a chance to connect while saving that special moment of seeing one another for the first time for the ceremony. We also took a few staged portraits of them upstairs without letting them see each other, saving their first look for the ceremony.
The Ceremony
The ceremony was held indoors in the main event space, which is absolutely gorgeous. There are essentially floor-to-ceiling windows that let in plenty of natural light (which is always good for photos), and the very high, exposed wood ceilings with string lights give the space a grand feel. The historic wood throughout the building adds warmth and texture and photographs beautifully.
Their day was full of personal touches, including a candy bar for guests and a thoughtful memorial to their beloved late dog, Kado.
Reception & an Uninvited (but Very Welcome) Guest
After the ceremony came first dances, speeches, and dinner. Gabe and Stephanie added some fun and personal touches to the reception, including a candy bar for guests. They also found some really special ways to include their beloved late dog, Kado, in their wedding day. They displayed his photos, collar, tags, leash, and paw print alongside their guest book, and Gabe and Stephanie each had a special paw-print necklace in his memory.
Then, as it got dark, a harvest supermoon rose over the Swan Mountains out back. Nobody planned for it. It just decided to show up and steal the show a little. We headed outside for portraits with the moon rising over the mountains, then worked around to the front of the building for more portraits against the historic facade.
Sometimes the best things on wedding day are the unexpected ones that aren’t on the shot list.
The rest of the night was filled with dancing, laughter, and a really great group of people having an absolute blast together.
What Gabe & Family Had to Say
“Carin is the most professional and fun photographer we could have asked for. Her attention to detail was second to none and she captured every single amazing moment of our special day from beginning to end. We would recommend her to anyone who is looking for a photographer in the area and we would not hesitate to work with her again in the future. Thank you again for a lifetime of memories!!” — Gabe, Groom
“Thank you for being such a pleasant, thoughtful, and amazing photographer at our son’s wedding. You captured the joy, love, and little moments that made the day so special. It was such a pleasure visiting with you — your calm, kind presence made everyone feel comfortable, and your work truly reflects the heart of the day.” — Rae H., Groom’s Stepmother
Thinking About a Snowline Acres Wedding?
If you’re planning a Snowline Acres wedding and looking for a photographer, I’d love to hear what you have planned. I’m based in Missoula and photograph weddings throughout Western Montana, including Kalispell and the Flathead Valley. Get in touch and tell me a little about your wedding celebration!
FAQ: Snowline Acres Wedding Venue
Where is Snowline Acres located?
Snowline Acres is at 3315 Highway 93 South, Kalispell, MT 59901, about two hours north of Missoula in the Flathead Valley. It’s also just 30 minutes from Glacier National Park, which is a pretty great bonus if you have guests visiting Montana for the first time (or the second or third time!). If you’re thinking about turning your wedding into a full Montana vacation for your guests, this location makes that very easy to do.
What is the Ashley Creek Historic Venue?
It’s the wedding and event space at Snowline Acres. The building was constructed using materials from the historic Kalispell Lumber Company, originally built in 1939. It’s warm, rustic, full of character, and has great views of the Swan Mountain Range.
Can wedding parties stay on site?
Yes! The Snowline Guest House is a renovated farmhouse on the property that sleeps up to eight adults. It’s a great spot for bridal parties and a really solid space for getting-ready photos.
Do you photograph weddings at Snowline Acres Kalispell, MT?
Yes! I’m a Missoula-based wedding photographer and photograph weddings throughout Western Montana, including Kalispell and the Flathead Valley.
What else is there to do at Snowline Acres?
Beyond the venue, there’s The Collective gift shop, Snowline Coffee Co., the Snowline Guest House, and a growing apple orchard. They also host an annual Christmas Market starting in mid-November, a summer concert, and other community events and workshops.
Vendor Team
Venue: Snowline Acres — Kalispell, MT
Photographer: Carin Rene Photo — Missoula, MT
Day-Of Coordinator/Mobile Bar Service: Treasure State Hospitality — Northwest Montana
Officiant: 406 Officiant — Montana wedding officiant Reid Copeland
Catering: DeSoto Grill — Kalispell, MT
Dress: Weddings With Joy — Olympia, WA
Cake: Miss Patticakes — Kalispell, MT
DJ: RMF Entertainment — Missoula, MT
Stephanie’s Ring: Zales
Gabe’s Ring: Manly Bands
HMUA: Glacier Beauty Co — Kalispell, MT
Save-the-Dates: Minted
Invites: Zola
