When it comes to unforgettable weddings in Montana, there’s one venue that continually rises to the top: Sage Lodge. Tucked into the heart of Paradise Valley with sweeping views of the Absaroka Mountains, this destination balances rustic elegance with thoughtful design potential—and it’s why we’re highlighting it in this month’s Transforming a Space series.
We asked three experts—event designers Lauren Schoenborn of Beautifully Born Events, Leslie Lukas of Wander North Events, and Sara Offutt, Director of Sales at Sage Lodge—how they help clients turn this naturally stunning venue into something deeply personal and completely unforgettable.
The Venue: A Natural Canvas With multiple event sites, cozy lodge accommodations, spacious Ranch Houses, and access to outdoor adventures, Sage Lodge is more than a wedding venue—it’s an immersive experience. Whether you’re planning an intimate elopement or a full weekend celebration, Sage offers the perfect canvas to bring a vision to life.
Sara Offutt says it best:
“It’s not just the scenery—it’s the heart. Our guests feel the magic in the views, but it’s the people who make the difference. Around every corner, there’s a team member ready to make your experience memorable—whether it’s sharing a local story or capturing that sunset photo just right.”
And while Sage Lodge could easily stand alone as a breathtaking backdrop, it also welcomes transformation—inviting planners and rental partners to create something entirely new with each celebration.
Designing Around a Couple’s Story At the core of any great event design? The couples themselves. Lauren Schoenborn of Beautifully Born Events believes every wedding should be a reflection of her clients’ style and the spirit of the place they choose to celebrate.
“Our couples are the inspiration! We design with their personalities in mind, but we also take cues from the venues. At Sage Lodge, it’s easy to embrace the surroundings while weaving in meaningful touches that make it feel one-of-a-kind.”
Lauren worked with Chloe and Will to bring their dream day to life. “They were so trusting and excited about the design process, and it was an honor to create something that truly reflected them as a couple.”
She loves the venue’s versatility—especially in spaces like the Yellowstone Room and the Lodge Lobby. These areas are inherently beautiful, but also incredibly adaptable. “They feel like a blank canvas,” she says, “ready for brushstrokes of texture, color, and imagination.”
A Montana Dream Come True For designer Leslie Lukas, Sage Lodge was the perfect setting for Giovanna and Mark, a couple inspired by the TV show Yellowstone who dreamed of giving guests an authentic Montana experience. From a PBR Rodeo in Bozeman to line dancing under the stars, their wedding weekend was built on big vision and even bigger trust—they never even saw the venue in person before the big day.
“They wanted it to feel like a cozy living room where everyone felt embraced,” Leslie explains. “We were able to transform Sage into that and more, with the help of thoughtful planning and the right rentals.”
With its ability to flow between multiple entertaining spaces and its natural beauty, Sage provided the flexibility to make each day of their three-day celebration feel distinct, warm, and personal.
The Role of Rentals in Transformation Both Lauren and Leslie agree—event rentals play a critical role in transforming a space. Linens, lounge furniture, lighting, custom builds, and tabletop pieces introduce shape, texture, and mood that elevate the entire guest experience.
“Team BBE loves a rental!” Lauren says. “They’re essential to breathing life into a space—whether it’s through a cozy lounge with comfy couches or a burst of color with custom linens.”
“Rentals allow us to go deep with the details,” says Leslie. “It’s how we move from ‘beautiful’ to ‘unforgettable.’”
A Place That Stays With You From sweeping skies to intimate corners, Sage Lodge offers an emotional connection that lasts long after the final toast. As Sara Offutt puts it, “There’s something truly magical about standing outside the Yellowstone Room, looking out at the mountains and the river. You feel it—it’s not just a venue. It’s a feeling.”
At Montana Party Rentals, we’re proud to help create that feeling—again and again—by collaborating with planners and venues to transform spaces into something extraordinary. And at Sage Lodge, the possibilities are as big as the sky.