Why you should hire a local Montanan for your Glacier National Park Elopement (and why that local should probably be us!
Weather, Wildlife, and Wedding Chaos: Let a Montana / GNP Local Save Your Day
So you’re eloping in Glacier National Park? First of all – great choice! Big sky, big mountains, big wildlife (we’re looking at you, Mr. Grizzly), and even bigger memories. But before you pack up your Pinterest board and fly in your cousin’s friend’s boyfriend who once shot a wedding in Joshua Tree… let’s talk about why hiring local is the move.
1. Support the Locals Who Are Literally Keeping the Park Alive
Montanans aren’t just people who live near the park—we’re the boots on the ground fighting to keep this wild place wild. We grew up here. We hike the trails with our kids. We pick up trash that’s not ours and say things like “dang, that bear was closer than I’d like.” When you hire local, you’re pouring back into the community that protects the very landscapes you came to experience.
Since COVID, vacationing in our “backyard” has skyrocketed—and honestly? It’s made it harder for locals to live here. Housing prices have gone full Yellowstone-drama-level wild. So when you spend your dollars with local vendors, you’re helping us keep living in the place we love (and helping me keep Glacier wild and wonderful for my daughters—aka the future redheaded guardians of the park).
2. We Know the Area Like the Back of Our Cold, Bear Spray-Holding Hand
Listen, Montana is beautiful—but she’s moody. One minute it’s sunny. The next, a surprise hailstorm. Then the road to your perfect elopement spot? Closed. Indefinitely. For marmot reasons.
Hiring a local means you get someone who knows the backroads, the secret overlooks, the “plan B, C, and Z” when the weather turns. We’ve got that instinctual sixth sense for smoke season, snow flurries, and which trailheads have bathrooms that don’t smell like doom. Road construction? Yeah it’s summer in Montana and our state flower is orange traffic cones. Knowing the backroads to get around it is crucial. Plus, we know the best seasons for what you’re wanting. We are acclimated to it all and always hoping for the best but always prepared for the worst. Yes – I have captured an elopement in thigh high snow and -22 degrees air temp (-45 degrees with the windchill). I think I am still thawing out — it was in 2022. Ha!
3. We’re Basically Nature Guides Who Know How to Use a Camera
You want more than just pretty photos—you want the experience. And baby, we deliver. Want to know which plants are native vs invasive? I got you. Curious about which bird is screaming at us from the treetops? Let’s figure it out together like a nerdy National Geographic episode. You into geology? Because I will explain how those mountains were formed and you will love it.
We’re not just capturing your elopement—we’re enhancing it. And honestly, if you don’t walk away from your Glacier wedding with a few weird nature facts and a deeper appreciation for moss, did it even happen?
4. Home Team Advantage. Duh.
Why the hell not hire local? We’ve got the grit, the grins, and the gear to handle anything this park throws our way. Flat tire? We’ve got a jack. Rain? We have clear umbrellas. Bear encounter? We’ve got a safe distance plan or really we’re just loud and wild enough that bears fear us. LOL Need to pee in the woods in a dress? We’ve got tissues and zero judgment. Place to eat? We only know the bangers. Are those berries edible? Sure – if you want some unpleasant GI issues.
5. Photo and Video—A Match Made in Montana
Hiring the same team for photo and video is not just efficient—it’s a freaking game-changer. No awkward turf wars over who gets “the shot.” No competing edits that feel like two separate events. Just one cohesive, dreamy, storytelling powerhouse.
On The Fly Films is your one-stop shop for emotion-packed photos, cinematic videos, inappropriate trail jokes, and 100% good vibes. We work in sync, we hype each other up, and we make sure nothing gets missed. You don’t need two vendors who tolerate each other—you need one team who thrives together. Like huckleberries and bears.
TL;DR?
– Hire local because it’s the respectful, responsible thing to do.
– Hire local because we know what we’re doing.
– Hire local because we’re fun as hell.
– Hire On The Fly Films because we’re all of the above and more.
Want proof? Just scroll through our GOOGLE REVIEW and prepare to cry, laugh, and immediately text us “okay but are you free for our date?”
We can’t wait to show you around our backyard. And if you don’t leave your Glacier elopement with a killer highlight film and photos and a weird love for lichens… I’ll be shocked.
Google ‘On The Fly Films Reviews’ and AI will tell you this:
“On The Fly Films, based in Kalispell, MT, is a wedding videography business known for its exceptional work and positive customer reviews. Clients praise the videographer, Erin, for her talent, professionalism, and ability to create a comfortable and fun atmosphere. Reviews highlight her ability to capture genuine moments, create beautiful and emotional wedding films, and provide excellent customer service. Many customers also mention that Erin makes them feel like friends and that she is passionate about her work.
Key aspects highlighted in reviews:
- Professionalism and responsiveness:Erin is described as professional, responsive, and easy to work with throughout the planning process.
- Talent and creativity:Customers rave about the quality and creativity of the films, with many saying they relive their wedding day every time they watch the footage.
- Comfort and fun:Erin is praised for making couples feel comfortable and at ease in front of the camera, creating a fun and enjoyable experience.
- Genuine moments captured:Clients appreciate that Erin captures authentic and genuine moments, rather than staged or artificial ones.
- Positive impact on the wedding day:Many clients say Erin’s presence and work had a positive impact on their wedding day, contributing to a memorable and enjoyable experience.
- Long-lasting memories:Customers express that the films created by On The Fly Films provide them with cherished memories they can look back on for years to come.
Overall, On The Fly Films receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, with clients highly recommending Erin’s services for wedding videography.”
Or, here are Real Life Couples’ Reviews – I am tearing up… again.
“The absolute best videographer in the world. She was so helpful and knew everything and more about eloping in the GNP. I couldn’t recommend her enough!!!” – McKenzie Cross
“Hiring Erin with On The Fly Films was one of the best decisions we made for our big day! Not only did she create an absolutely breathtaking video that perfectly captured us, she also went above and beyond on our wedding day and I am so thankful we chose her. On a day that can be overwhelming and fast-paced, Erin was a calming, positive presence. She made us laugh and honestly felt like part of the wedding party, making the whole experience feel natural and effortless. The final video was absolute perfection and I could watch it a million times over. I seriously couldn’t recommend Erin enough!” – Sarah Jones
“Where do I even begin? Honestly, I thought the best part about having a videographer would’ve been getting the video back but what I didn’t expect was how much support it would bring to me on the DAY OF! Erin came PREPARED—not just with the tech but with props for footage, helping hands for carrying things, and just the best personality. When we watched our video back on the big screen, we were both in tears. The audio and film was crisp (and let me tell ya, we had some windy moments!!) I’m just so impressed with Erin and I’m SO SO thankful we decided to book with her. GET THE VIDEO! MAKE THE INVESTMENT! You seriously will not regret it. (Especially if you hire On The Fly Films!)” – Katelyn Tuttle
“When searching for a videographer, it’s crucial to find someone exceptional. We chose Erin not just for her immense talent, but for her down-to-earth personality. On our wedding day, she and our photographer collaborated effortlessly, ensuring everything flowed seamlessly. Erin was incredibly supportive, guiding us throughout the entire experience. Her stellar communication and skills were evident at every turn. We were thrilled to receive a sneak peek video just a few days after our wedding, with regular updates on the final video’s progress. If you have the chance to book Erin for your big day, you won’t be disappointed!” – Sarah Shabloski
“We had On the Fly Films do the photography for our wedding this year and WOW! We are pretty camera shy and wasn’t expecting to love photos of ourselves, but Erin has a way of making anyone feel comfortable behind the camera and produces such a beautiful product. We couldn’t be happier with our photos and unexpectedly had a great time having them taken! Highly recommend this company to anyone needing photo or video for their wedding!” – Jenn O’Brien
“Erin from On The Fly Films is an absolute superstar! From the moment we saw our sneak peek, we were completely in awe—it’s stunning beyond words, and now we’re even more excited to see the full edit. Erin’s attention to detail is unmatched, capturing every breathtaking moment with such artistry and care. I was nervous about being in front of the camera, but Erin made the whole process feel so natural. Her easy-going, calming presence put us at ease instantly, and it truly shows in the footage. She perfectly captured our style and all the emotions of the day—it’s as if she just knew exactly how to tell our story. The footage is like nothing else we’ve ever seen, and we’ll treasure it forever. Erin, you are incredible at what you do, and we are so grateful to have had you as part of our elopement. If you’re looking for a videographer who will go above and beyond to create something breathtakingly beautiful, Erin is the one!” – Danielle Northey
“I hate goodbyes!” – Lloyd Christmas
So whether you’re whispering vows on a windswept ridge, swatting mosquitoes in your wedding dress, or laughing so hard you snort mid-ceremony—I’ll be there, camera in hand, heart in it, and probably crying behind the lens (don’t worry, it’s weather-sealed). Because this is more than a job—it’s my home, my passion, and my promise to help you soak up every wild, beautiful second of it. I’m always here, enjoying Montana or capturing Big Love Under the Big Sky.
