Perhaps the most underrated lake in the entire state of Idaho is Priest Lake. Located in the far north of the Panhandle, this lake is surrounded by National Forest land that offers peace, quiet, and natural beauty. Priest Lake is a beautiful elopement location for adventurous couples looking to get off the beaten path for their wedding experience!

As a North Idaho local and an adventure elopement photographer, I don’t think there’s a better spot to elope if you want old-growth forests and complete solitude while you celebrate your wedding! Today I’m sharing all about this beautiful place to help you plan a unique elopement at Priest Lake.

Ready to get started? Let’s go!

An Introduction to Priest Lake

Priest Lake is actually made up of two lakes: Priest Lake and Upper Priest Lake. At 19 miles long and 300 ft. deep, Priest Lake is one of Idaho’s most beautiful lakes! The lake is home to an Idaho State Park and borders virtually endless National Forest Land, providing loads of adventure opportunities all year round!

The lakes are surrounded by the Selkirk Mountains, which reach into Idaho, Washington, and up into Canada. This area is truly wild and a peaceful elopement location for couples wanting a beautiful, natural, and remote setting for their wedding experience.

Afternoon sun hits the mountain behind Priest Lake in Idaho

How to Elope at Priest Lake

Eloping at Priest Lake is actually quite easy, and I’m going to walk you through everything you need to plan your day!

  1. Narrow Down a Date
  2. Book Your Elopement Photographer
  3. Decide on a Location
  4. Plan the Details of Your Day
  5. Have an Amazing Elopement at Priest Lake!

Best Time of Year to Elope at Priest Lake

One of the beautiful things about Priest Lake is that it’s accessible year-round and there’s really no “bad” time to elope here! Here’s a rundown of the weather here to help you decide what’s going to be the best fit for you.

Spring

Cool and dry with snow at higher elevations, Springtime is when you can start to get outdoors! Late Spring is a great time because the weather begins to warm up but visitors are still few and far between, meaning privacy is easy to come by.

Summer

The snow is gone, the trails are open, and everything is lush and green. This is the perfect time if you want to explore the mountains or get out on the water! This is also going to be the busiest season, but you can still find a quiet spot if you’re willing to wander off the beaten path.

Autumn

As the weather begins to cool off, snow will begin to fall on the surrounding mountains and you may even get views of some colorful larch trees. Early Autumn is a beautiful time at Priest Lake due to the comfortable temperatures, snow-free trails, and less crowds.

Winter

With an average snowfall of 72” each year, Priest Lake is a winter wonderland! If winter activities such as snowshoeing, snowmobiling, or even curling up next to a cozy fire is your vibe, then you’ll love Priest Lake in the winter time!

Read my full guide to planning a winder elopement!

Book Your Priest Lake Elopement Photographer

Your first really big decision you’ll need to make is choosing an elopement photographer. I always recommend working with a photographer that helps with planning and booking them as early in the process as possible.

As an Idaho elopement photographer local to Priest Lake, I would love to help not only document your day but help you plan it as well! I include customized location recommendations, a custom made timeline for your day, permit assistance, and more in all of my photography packages. Sound like something you’re interested in? Send me a message and let’s chat about your plans!

Take your time in researching your photographer until you find someone who not only takes beautiful photos but is also someone you get along with. Hop on a phone call with them and get to know each other. You’ll be spending your entire elopement day together, so it’s important that you get along easily and like their approach to posing and photographing your day.

Wedding rings sitting in the needles of a pine tree.

Priest Lake Elopement Locations

Next you’re going to have to narrow down a location for your elopement. A big decision, I know! I’ve compiled a list of some of the best elopement locations on Priest Lake to help you out.

Priest Lake State Park

There are actually two parts of this Idaho State Park: Priest Lake State Park and Priest Lake State Park Lionhead Unit, both offer beautiful lakeshore access, wooded campgrounds, and panoramic views of the lake. Intimate weddings are allowed in the park with the option of renting an indoor building for winter weddings.

Best Time of Year: Anytime of year!

Permit Information: No permit is needed for weddings with less than 25 people, but you do need to let the Park Manager know about your plans by calling them at 208-443-2200. An Idaho State Parks Passport is required for all vehicles entering the park.

View Location on Google Maps: Priest lake State Park; Priest Lake State Park Lionhead Unit

Tip: Book the day-use area to have a private spot if you’ll be eloping in the summer, as the park can be busy this time of year.

A sandy beach shimmers in the morning sun - A Priest Lake elopement location

Ledgewood Picnic Area

A day-use area, the Ledgewood Bay Picnic Ground has its own private beach on the sandy shores of Priest Lake. There are a dozen picnic spots available on a first-come, first-serve basis. This is an especially beautiful spot for a sunrise ceremony!

Best Time of Year: Summer or early Autumn

Permit Information: No permit is needed for elopements, however a  Nominal Effect Letter will need to be signed by the District Ranger for ceremonies taking place here.

View Location on Google Maps

Tip: Get there early because parking is limited and will fill up on a sunny day!

Hanna Flats Cedar Grove

Surround yourself with old-growth cedar trees on this easy trail. The Hanna Flats Cedar Grove Trail is a short and easy 0.5 mile round trip trail that will make you feel like you’re walking into a magical forest!

Best Time of Year: Any time of year!

Permit Information: No permit is needed for elopements, however a  Nominal Effect Letter will need to be signed by the District Ranger for ceremonies taking place here.

View Location on Google Maps

Tip: Add this spot to your day if you want an easy, scenic hike!

Other Locations

There are lots of other beautiful elopement locations on and around Priest Lake. In keeping with Leave No Trace, I don’t share all of my best spots online to help keep them beautiful, but if you work with me, I’ll send you a customized list of locations based on the specific requirements you’re looking for in your day. Contact me and let’s find your perfect location!

A waterfall running through a mossy forest near Priest Lake in Idaho

Start Planning the Details of Your Elopement

Now we get to start on the really fun part, filling in the details of the day. This is where you get to decide what fun and meaningful moments you want to include in your day! Remember, how you celebrate this day is completely up to whatever is fun and important to the two of you!

In addition to your wedding ceremony and portraits, what would make this the best day ever? Maybe it’s watching the sunset over the lake, going on a hike to an alpine lake, or maybe it’s celebrating with your family at the beach. Start writing down all of the fun things you want to include in your day!

Learn how to plan a first look.

Elopement Day Activities to Inspire You:

  • Go on an ATV ride in the mountains
  • Take a scenic hike among ancient Cedar Trees
  • Have a picnic on the beach
  • Backpack on the shores of Priest Lake
  • Stargaze around a bonfire
  • Take a guide snowmobile tour

Need more inspiration? Checkout my guide to 50+ elopement day activity ideas!

An eloping couple walks through a forest of pine trees on their wedding day.

How to Get to Priest Lake

If you’ll be coming from out of town for your elopement at Priest Lake, you’ll want to fly into the Spokane International Airport. From there, I recommend booking lodging in Idaho near the lake, which I’ll go into next.

Lodging for Your Priest Lake Elopement

Priest Lake is a couple hours drive from Coeur d’Alene and Spokane, which is why I recommend booking your overnight accommodations for your elopement at a location closer to the lake. That way you can spend less time driving and more time exploring and celebrating! Here are some of the best accommodations for your Priest Lake elopement:

Elkins Resort

Located on the shores of Priest Lake, the Elkins Resort is the best place to stay if you’re eloping on the lake! The resort offers cozy cabins, each with a unique layout and rustic vibe. They also have on-site dining and activity rentals available. This is a popular wedding venue for larger weddings, but perfect for intimate elopements as well!

Hill’s Resort

The Hill’s Resort is in the town of Priest Lake, also with lakeside beach access. They offer a variety of accommodations ranging from cozy intimate cabins to their lakefront chalets, which is perfect if you plan on bringing family and friends along to celebrate with you! They also provide on-site dining and a variety of activities throughout the year.

The Inn at Priest Lake

Perfect for couples wanting simple accommodations, the Inn at Priest Lake offers hotel style lodging in Coolin, which is on the south end of Priest Lake. 

Vacation Rentals

If you want something truly unique or need more space, a vacation rental such as an Airbnb might be the best fit for you. Here are a few of the best cozy rentals near Priest Lake for your elopement:

Create a Timeline for Your Day

Once you have a list of everything you want to include in your day, you’ll need to organize it into a timeline. This is something I do for all of my clients and include in all of my elopement packages. Creating timelines is an artform, and it’s important to leave enough room in your day to keep everything running smoothly and stress-free.

Priest Lake Elopement Timeline examples

Having a hard time getting the bigger picture? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Below are two example timelines to help you envision your own elopement day and how it might flow.

12 Hour Elopement with Family on Priest Lake
  • 9:00am – Meet up at cabin. Getting ready with family at the cabin. Take detail photos.
    11:00pm – First look between the bride and groom
    11:30am – First look with family
    11:45am – Drive to trailhead..
    12:30pm – Arrive at trailhead. Family stays behind to set up for the ceremony while bride, groom, and photographer hike and take photos.
    2:30pm – Regroup with family and finish getting ready for the ceremony.
    3:00pm – Wedding ceremony and vow exchange.
    3:30pm – Celebrate being married! Pop some champagne and take a few “just married” portraits.
    4:00pm – Private time for the bride and groom to celebrate alone.
    4:30 – Regroup for family portraits
    5:00pm – Picnic dinner on the beach
    7:00pm – Sunset portraits
    7:30pm – Bonfire with family. Games and more good food!
    9:00pm – Photography coverage ends.
8 Hour Winter Adventure Elopement at Priest Lake
  • 6:30am Arrive at ceremony location. Scout out the perfect spot and set up.
    7:00am – Sunrise wedding ceremony
    7:15am – Celebrate being married!! Take some gorgeous sunrise photos!
    7:45am – Head to Elkins Resort for breakfast
    8:30am – Breakfast at Elkins Resort
    9:30am – Finish breakfast. Get dressed for the next adventure.
    10:00am – Rent snowmobiles explore the beauty of Priest Lake
    2:00pm – Finish snowmobiling.
    2:30pm Photography coverage ends.

Get Your Idaho Marriage License

You’ll need to apply for your marriage license in-person at one of the County Recorders offices. The closest offices are in Sandpoint and Coeur d’Alene. You will need to appear with your partner and bring approximately $30 cash (or you can pay with card, but there will be an additional processing fee), your social security numbers, and proof of identification and age (this can be a drivers license or passport).

Bonner County Recorder’s Office

1500 US-2 #335, Sandpoint, ID 83864

Kootenai County Recorder’s Office

451 N Government Wy, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814

You will receive your marriage license the same day, and there’s no waiting period in Idaho, which means you can get married the day you receive your license! Idaho also doesn’t require any witnesses, which makes the state ideal for elopements.

Have an Amazing Elopement at Priest Lake!

All that’s left now is to get married and celebrate! Hooray, it’s going to be such an amazing day!

A Priest Lake elopement is such a beautiful way to celebrate your wedding in an intimate and meaningful way. The natural beauty is awe-inspiring and you’re going to love every minute of your day!

Priest Lake Elopement Packages

Ready to start planning an amazing wedding on the sparkling shores of Priest Lake? I would LOVE to help make it happen! As a North Idaho local and elopement photographer, I can help you plan your day as well as document it.

What You Get When You Elope with Me:

  • A customized list of location recommendations for your day. I’ll help you find your ceremony location, the perfect spot for portraits, and even find the best hikes for your day!
  • A custom made timeline for your elopement day to help your day run smoothly and stress-free!
  • ALL the photos from your elopement experience! They’ll be delivered through an online gallery for you to download and print.
  • Sneak peeks delivered within 48 hours of your elopement day to share with anyone you want.
  • GIFs and polaroid photos from your elopement day
  • Permit assistance to help research and obtain any necessary permits for your day.
  • Optional officiant service in case you need someone to sign your marriage license.
  • No travel fee’s!

Ready to start planning the best day ever?! I can’t wait to hear from you!

Happy eloping!

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