Want to elope somewhere with mountain landscapes, solitude, and endless adventure? Then you should elope in Idaho! Home to some of the most underrated beauty in the country, Idaho is the perfect place for an adventurous wedding experience.
Home to beautiful pine forests, jagged mountain peaks, and an epic canyon deeper than the Grand Canyon itself, Idaho is home to some pretty spectacular scenery!
As an Idaho local and an elopement photographer, Idaho elopements are my specialty! I wrote this guide to help couples like you elope in Idaho. You’ll find everything you need to plan your wedding here, from the best locations to tips and tricks to planning an amazing day!
If you’d like a partner to help you plan an epic elopement in Idaho, I would love to help you plan and document your day! Contact me to start planning your Idaho elopement!
Ready to learn all about eloping in Idaho? Let’s go!
You Should Elope in Idaho if…
If you haven’t had the privilege of visiting Idaho yet, let me reassure you that the state has more to offer than farmland. For instance, did you know that Idaho is home to Hell’s Canyon, which is deeper than the Grand Canyon? And that there’s mountains over 12,000 ft. tall in the Sawtooth’s? Yep! There’s a lot more here to experience than just potatoes!
How to Elope in Idaho
- Choose a Location
- Choose an Elopement Date
- Book Your Elopement Photographer & Other Vendors
- Obtain Your Marriage License
- Plan your Idaho elopement day
- Have an epic elopement in Idaho!
Choose A Location For Your Idaho Elopement
One of the first big decisions you’ll need to make is to decide where you want to elope. If you’re working with an elopement photographer that also helps with planning, then you can ask them for guidance in this area.
Take a moment with your partner and envision your day. What kind of scenery do you want to be surrounded by as you share your vows? Do you want to include some exciting activities in your day like a hike or would you rather keep it simple? Keep these things in mind when choosing a location.
If you’re looking for inspiration and help narrowing your location down, I’ve got you!
The Best Idaho Elopement Locations
Stanley
If you want to elope somewhere with epic mountain views, then Stanley is the place! Situated in south-central Idaho, the Sawtooth National Recreation Area is over 765,000 acres with 3 mountain ranges with peaks over 11,000 ft. high. It contains over 750 miles of hiking trails and more than 300 lakes. With its jagged peaks, alpine lakes, and wildflower meadows, the Sawtooth Mountains are a stunning sight.
Best Locations To Elope In Stanley
- Redfish Lake on the North Shore Picnic Area
- Sawtooth Valley Pioneer Park
- Stanley Lake
Best Time Of Year To Elope In Stanley
While Stanley is accessible year round, the best time of year to elope here is June through early October if you want the most access to the mountains. The area is very popular in the peak of summer, so if avoiding crowds is important for your elopement, stick to the shoulder seasons.
Where To Stay Near Stanley
Permit Information
You’ll need to apply for a Special Use Permit for your elopement if your ceremony location takes place within the Sawtooth National Forest.
Getting To Stanley
The two closest airports to Stanley are the Friedman Memorial Airport (SUN) in Sun Valley and the Boise Airport (BOI). While the drive from Sun Valley is only 1.5 hours to Stanley, compared to the almost 3 hour drive from Boise, airfare can be a bit pricey for flights into Friedman Memorial Airport.
Tips For Eloping In Stanley
Book your accommodations early if you plan on eloping in the Summer! Hotels and lodges book up quickly in this area, so it’s best to book as soon as possible.
I also recommend choosing a weekday and either a sunrise or sunset ceremony for your elopement to avoid crowds in the summertime.
Check out my full guide to eloping in Stanley!
Sandpoint
Sandpoint is one of North Idaho’s charming lake towns. Sitting on lake Pend Oreille (pronounced pon-der-ay), this area is filled with beautiful and remote elopement locations!
Best Locations To Elope In Sandpoint
Best Time Of Year To Elope In Sandpoint
Summer through early October is the best time of year to elope in Sandpoint, but if you love the snow, December through March is perfect!
Where To Stay Near Sandpoint
Permit Information
If you opt for a more remote elopement location in one of North Idaho’s National Forests, you’ll need to apply for a Special Use Permit for your elopement. But there’s no special permit needed for weddings in Farragut State Park or Round Lake State Park!
Getting To Sandpoint
Sandpoint is a 1 hour drive from Coeur d’Alene, and a 1.5 hour drive from the Spokane International Airport (GEG) if you need to fly to the area.
Tips For Eloping In Sandpoint
Farragut State Park is an amazing elopement location! The park has 2 day use areas that you can reserve for your elopement, which I highly recommend if you plan on bringing guests with you to have your own space for the day.
McCall
McCall sits on the southern shores of Payette Lake in west-central Idaho, offering beautiful views of the lake and surrounding mountains for elopements. Sitting on the lakes shores is Ponderosa State Park, named for its old growth forest of Ponderosa Pines sitting at 150 feet tall, and a great location for weddings of a variety of sizes!
Best Locations To Elope In McCall
Best Time Of Year To Elope In McCall
Late spring through early Autumn is the best time to elope in McCall for sunny weather and snow free trails.
Where To Stay Near McCall
Permit Information
A permit may be required if you decide to elope in Payette National Forest, you may need to apply for an Event Permit for your day.
Getting To McCall
McCall is located off of Highway 55, about a 2.5 hour drive from Boise.
Tips For Eloping In McCall
Opt for a week day elopement or the shoulder months to avoid crowds. McCall is a very popular destination in the summer, so if seclusion is important you need to plan appropriately.
Coeur d’Alene
At the heart of North Idaho, on the lake of the same name, sits the town Coeur d’Alene. It is a popular destination for weddings of all sizes for couples around the world. Known for its natural beauty and small town charm, Coeur d’Alene is close to several National Forests, ski resorts, and has easy access to the surrounding mountains for year-round recreation opportunities, making it the perfect elopement location for adventurous couples.
Best Locations To Elope In Coeur D’Alene
- Tubbs Hill
- The Coeur d’Alene National Forest
More elopement locations in North Idaho.
Best Time Of Year To Elope In Coeur D’Alene
July through September will give you the best, warmest weather, but if you’re looking for snow, January through March is your best bet!
Where To Stay Near Coeur D’Alene
Permit Information
A permit will be required if you decide to hold your elopement in Idaho Panhandle National Forest. Make sure to research any requirements for your chosen elopement location.
Getting To Coeur D’Alene
Coeur d’Alene is easily accessed from anywhere in the world thanks to having the Spokane International Airport (GEG) 40 minutes away.
Tips For Eloping In Coeur D’Alene
Choose a ceremony location in a National Forest for a remote experience! North Idaho is filled with beautiful and remote locations with mountain views, alpine lakes, and beautiful rivers.
Priest Lake
In case you haven’t noticed by now, Idaho is filled with beautiful lakes. Priest Lake is no exception! Remote and serenely beautiful, this lake is surrounded by forests and mountains and makes for a beautiful remote elopement location. Half of the lake sits on National Forest land and it is surrounded by several charming small towns.
Best Locations To Elope At Priest Lake
- Priest Lake State Park
- Elkins Resort
- The Selkirk Mountains (I can help you find an epic trail!)
Best Time Of Year To Elope In Priest Lake
June through early October is a great time to elope in Priest Lake! The snow will be gone, making trails accessible, and the weather warm and enjoyable this time of year.
Where To Stay Near Priest Lake
Permit Information
A permit may be required if you decide to elope in the Idaho Panhandle National Forest. Make sure to research your location and acquire any necessary permits.
Getting To Priest Lake
Priest Lake is a 2 hour drive from Coeur d’Alene, and a 2.5 hour drive from the Spokane International Airport (GEG).
Tips For Eloping At Priest Lake
Priest Lake can be quite busy in the summer months, so if you’re looking for seclusion on your elopement day, I highly recommend looking at an elopement location that requires some hiking. There are dozens of beautiful trails for all levels of hikers in the area! I would love to help you find a hidden gem for your elopement day!
In Summary, The Best Idaho Elopement Locations Are…
For Mountain Views:
For Lakes:
Choose an Elopement Date
The next piece to planning your elopement is going to be narrowing down a date. Remember, you’re not limited to weekends when you elope. I actually recommend avoiding weekends if you can to have the best odds of solitude during your elopement.
The Best Time of Year to Elope in Idaho
Idaho is a big state, which means the weather varies from one region to the next. Overall, June through September is going to be the best time for your elopement if you want warm, dry weather. If snow is what you’re after, then January and February are going to be your best bet. There is so much beauty in this state no matter the season you choose for your elopement!
Wildfire Season
During the Summer, it’s common for wildfires to be active across Idaho and it’s not uncommon for August and September to have smoky conditions, even if miles away from any active fires. If this is a concern for you, I would recommend opting for a date early in the season.
Crowds
Idaho isn’t as crowded as some other states, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be other people around! Certain locations are very busy in the summer months. With that said, there’s still plenty of remote locations in this state to avoid crowds and find solitude for your big day.
If you do decide on one of Idaho’s more popular areas for your elopement, here are some tips for finding solitude for your day:
- Choose to elope on a weekday instead of a weekend
- Elope in the off-season
- Have a sunrise or sunset ceremony
- Hike at least 3 miles to escape the crowds
Book Your Idaho Elopement Photographer And Vendors
If you haven’t done so already, you want to start booking your vendors, especially your photographer! Most elopement photographers (such as myself) also help with planning. I include planning assistance, location scouting, a custom made timeline, and more in addition to photography in all of my elopement packages.
A good photographer is an invaluable resource for planning because they will guide you through the process, help you find locations you might never of known about, and help you choose the best time of day for your ceremony and portraits to get the best light. All on top of documenting your day!
It’s important that you choose a photographer whose work you love, because the photos you’ll receive will be in the same style. It’s also important to work with someone familiar with the area you’ll be eloping in so they can provide you with specific information to help your day run smoothly.
In addition to your photographer, you’ll want to start considering what other vendors you want to include in your day and get them booked. Just because you’re eloping doesn’t mean you can’t have a day catered to you!
Some of the most popular elopement vendors you can consider booking include:
Obtain Your Marriage License
Now, let’s get into how to legally get married in Idaho. Idaho is one of the easiest states to get married in and I’m going to walk you through everything you need to get married here!
How to Get Married in Idaho
- Apply for Your Marriage License
- Have an Ordained Minister Sign Your License
- You’re Married!
How to Apply for an Idaho Marriage License
Marriage licenses are applied for in-person at the local County Records. Some counties require an appointment to apply for your marriage license, but many allow you to walk-in any time.
What You Need To Apply For Your Marriage License:
- To appear together at a County Recorder’s Office.
- Approximately $30 in cash.
- Your social security number for both you and your partner. Non-U.S. residents should also bring identification from their home country.
- You will also need to bring proof of identity and age. This can be one of the following:
- Current driver’s license
- State-issued identification card
- Passport
- Original birth certificate or certified copy
Visit Idaho.gov for more information.
After you receive your marriage license, you can use it immediately and it will be valid for one year. This license is valid for weddings taking place anywhere in the state of Idaho.
If you are traveling for your elopement, I recommend you plan on arriving at least one day before you plan to get married to obtain your marriage license since you have to apply for it in-person. While there’s no waiting period once you receive your marriage license, it’s always best to have extra time so your wedding day can run smoothly and stress-free.
Do You Need Witnesses to Get Married in Idaho?
Nope! Idaho does not require you to have any witnesses to get married. The only person required to be there is your officiant.
Do You Need to be an Idaho Resident to Get Married in Idaho?
No, you do not need to be a resident of Idaho to get married here.
How To Get Ordained In Idaho
If you want a loved one to marry you on your elopement day, they can easily get ordained online for free! You can become ordained through Universal Life Church for weddings in most states, including Idaho, and it’s a very easy process. Just fill out the form, submit it, and your application will be reviewed and should be approved quickly.
Plan Your Idaho Elopement Day
Now’s the fun part, you get to start planning the details of your adventure elopement! Think about what traditional elements you want in your day (like your ceremony, a first dance, or even cutting a cake), but also think about ways to celebrate that are unique to the two of you. Eloping is all about creating a day that is fun and meaningful, which means you can include just about anything you want in your day!
Read my full guide to planning a meaningful wedding.
Some Activity Idea’s To Include In Your Elopement:
- Hike to your ceremony location
- Rent a cozy cabin
- Have a bonfire and roast marshmallows
- Go on a picnic
- Have an intimate dinner with your closest relationships
- Watch the sunset together
- Go horseback riding
Check out this list of 50+ elopement day activities for more ideas!
Book Accommodations For Your Idaho Elopement
Find and book your accommodations for your trip. Great lodging can make a good trip into a great one, so make sure to find the perfect place to stay to make your elopement that much more special! Check out these unique Airbnb’s in North Idaho! Make Your Travel Plans.
Make Your Travel Plans
Once you’ve started planning your day, you need to start making travel plans! This may include booking airfare if you’re flying in from out of state, reserving a rental car, and/or a shuttle to get from the airport to your hotel.
Flying Into Idaho:
Idaho has several large airports and is easily accessed from anywhere in the world! Here are Idaho’s most easily accessed airports and the regions they’re closest to:
Boise Airport BOI – Boise, Idaho
Best for accessing West Idaho and the Sawtooth’s.
2.5 hour drive to McCall, Idaho
3 hour drive to Stanley, Idaho
Friedman Memorial Airport SUN – Sun Valley, Idaho
Best access to Central Idaho
1 hour to Craters of the Moon National Monument
1.5 hours to Stanley Idaho
Idaho Falls Regional Airport IDA – Idaho Falls, Idaho
Best access to Tetonia and West Wyoming
1 hour drive to Tetonia, Idaho
2 hours to Grand Tetons National Park
3.5 hours to Stanley, Idaho
Spokane International Airport GEG – Spokane, Washington
Best airport for accessing Coeur d’Alene and North Idaho
45 minutes to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
1 hour to Farragut State Park
2 hours to Priest Lake
Create A Timeline For Your Idaho Elopement
Once you’ve decided on what activities you want to include in your day, put together a timeline for your day. Ask your photographer for help with this, as they can help you arrange your day to give you enough time for everything, as well as suggest the best times for photos to get the best lighting.
Check out my guide to creating an elopement timeline.
Idaho Elopement Packages
Want to take the stress out of planning your elopement? I offer elopement packages that include a whole lot more than just photography! Every single one of my packages offer unlimited planning assistance to help you find that perfect location you’re dreaming of, helping research and obtain any required permits for your day, assistance creating a timeline for your day, and more all on top of documenting your adventure! Contact me to get started!
Get married!
The day is here and all of your planning comes together! You get to have the best day every while your photographer documents it. Take your time and enjoy the day!
Eloping in Idaho offers the perfect opportunity to create an intimate, meaningful wedding experience surrounded by the beauty of nature. With the right location, a bit of planning, and some assistance from your photographer, your day will be a magical, stress-free experience that will become the adventure of a lifetime!
If you’re looking for someone to help you plan and document your day, I would love to help you! Contact me to start planning your adventure elopement.
Happy eloping!
