Alright, we're getting married on a ranch. Its a real ranch, meaning it has cows. Big healthy looking cows. There's a rodeo arena, ponds, a barn...ranch things. Now we didn't come up with the idea of getting married on a ranch so that we could force you to tie a bandana around your neck, wear a pair of chaps, or look like a dude. By all means, if that outfit floats your boat, do it.

We're getting married on a ranch because it is just downright pretty up there. Eagle Ridge Ranch sits on a south facing slope of the Continental Divide, seperating Idaho from Montana. To northeast you'll find Yellowstone National Park, about 30 miles away. To the east, Henry's Fork, a stretch of river famed for fly-fishing. South of the ranch is Island Park Lake. Farther to the south, and sweeing towards the west, are the great plains. The ranch itself is full of lodgepole pine, and some other trees that have needles and are green and brown, but whose names I don't know. Meadows are scattered about and spinkled with wild flowers, with a few clear streams wandering through. And yes, there are cows. Big, healthy looking cows.

It is a working ranch, but in addition to your ranch amenities (think barn, rodeo arena, dirt roads and fire pits), it also features many of the modern pleasures: cabins, jacuzzis, electricity, and porcelain toilets. We don't plan on doing any sort of ranch work while there, and neither should you.

Throughout the entire ranch are beautiful views, from sweeping vistas to tree-framed vignettes of sunlight on a log. It's a beautiful place, its a big place, and that's why we're getting married there.

We've reserved the entire ranch, so we will only have to share it with our family, friends, and of course, the cows. We invite you to come early and stay overnight at the ranch, because there's plenty to do there. We've counted close to 19 grills, two ponds (catch and release fishing allowed, as well as canoeing), horse-riding is available, there's camping, fire pits, hiking trails, and a whole lot of clean air. At the least, you shouldn't plan to leave early after the ceremony.