How to Elope in Island Park, Idaho
Located in the eastern corner of Central Idaho, Island Park is home to some of the most beautiful and remote landscapes in the West. Its rugged beauty and access to virtually endless Public Land make this little corner of Idaho a perfect wedding destination for couples who want to surround themselves with virtually untouched landscapes.
Plus, it’s located just a short drive from Yellowstone National Park, which means you have even more options for epic views to explore on your big day!
As a local elopement photographer who has lived in Idaho for almost a decade, I think this corner of the state is perhaps my favorite. There are so many secluded views and adventure opportunities, and I’m excited to share my best tips for planning an incredible elopement in Island Park!
Why Elope in Island Park?
If you’re in the early stages of planning your elopement and haven’t fully decided on Island Park as your elopement location, let me provide you with some of the best reasons to get married here!
Variety of Easy-to-Access Landscapes
Whether you’re looking for mountain views, pine tree forests, or clear rivers, Island Park has a little bit of just about everything. And much of it is easy to access, with little to no hiking required.
Adventure Opportunities
Whether you want to get out on the water, frolic through the mountains, or elope in a winter wonderland, there are so many fun ways to explore this wild place year-round! In typically Idaho fashion, Island Park is rugged and wild. Which means there are plenty of opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, 4x4ing, horseback riding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and just about any other outdoor activity you can imagine.
Close Access to Yellowstone National Park
Perhaps my favorite part about having your wedding in Island Park is that you are close enough to Yellowstone to pop over for part of the day.
How to Elope in Island Park
- Decide on an Elopement Date
- Choose a Ceremony Location
- Book Your Travel & Accommodations
- Plan the Details of the Day
- Get Your Idaho Marriage License
- Have the Best Wedding Ever!
Keep reading for a breakdown of each step, with tips and tricks to plan the best possible elopement experience!
When is the Best Time to Elope in Island Park?
Each season in Island Park comes with its own pros and cons for elopements. Summer is going to be the best time overall for an outdoor wedding in Island Park because the weather is the warmest and driest. However, this is also the busiest season for the area.
Below is a breakdown of the seasons in Island Park to help you find exactly the right time of year for the type of elopement experience you want to have.
Island Park in the Spring
March, April, & May
Here’s what you can expect in Island Park during Spring:
- Gushing rivers
- Snow at higher elevations
- Lots of wildlife
Island Park in the Summer
June, July, & August
Here’s what you can expect in Island Park during Summer:
- Wildflowers and green foliage
- Peak crowds.
- Hot temperatures during the day and cool evenings.
Island Park in the Autumn
September, October
Here’s what you can expect in Island Park during Autumn:
- Abundant wildlife
- Fall colors of yellows, golds, and browns
- Fewer crowds
- Snow at higher elevations
Island Park in Winter
November, December, & January
Here’s what you can expect in Island Park during Winter:
- Lots of snow
- Winter recreation, including snowmobiling and snowshoeing
- Freezing temperatures
- Limited access due to road closures from the snow
Tips for Choosing the Best Elopement Date
The Best Time for Warm Weather
If you want warm weather and access to the mountains, my recommendation is to choose a date in June through September. July and August will be the busiest, hottest time of year, but with some careful planning, you can avoid any potential crowds and beat the heat.
The Best Time for a Winter Wonderland
January and February have the most snow, and most trails should be well-groomed at this time of year if you plan to snowshoe or snowmobile.
Sunrise or Sunset?
The best way to avoid crowds, no matter what time of year, is to hold your wedding ceremony around sunrise or sunset. Plus, the lighting is gorgeous this time of day! You can’t go wrong with either option, though lighting may be better at certain locations in the morning vs. the evening. Ask your photographer for their recommendation once you have an exact location chosen.
Want to learn about how to plan a sunrise wedding? I have a complete guide!
Island Park Elopement Locations
These are some of the best wedding ceremony locations in and around Island Park.
Henry’s Lake State Park
This State Park has water access, hiking trails, and mountain views. It is easy to access, which makes it perfect for intimate weddings with loved ones.
Best Time of Year: May through October
Wedding Size: Best for weddings between 2-50 people
Permit Needed? Not for elopements. A permit may be required for larger weddings.
Big Springs
This spring is the headwaters of the Henry’s Fork of the Snake River, and a peaceful spot. There are short walking paths and access to the river nearby.
Best Time of Year: May through October
Wedding Size: Best for elopements with 10 or fewer guests.
Permit Needed? A permit may be required.
Harriman State Park
This is another beautiful State Park with lake access, rivers, and pine tree forests. This is a great option for intimate weddings because it is easily accessible.
Best Time of Year: May through October
Wedding Size: Best for weddings with fewer than 50 people.
Permit Needed? A permit may be required for weddings.
Caribou-Targhee National Forest
The Caribou-Targhee National Forest is over 3 million acres of public land. Here you’ll find scenic and adventurous locations including waterfalls, dirt roads, remote mountain views, and winding rivers.
Best Time of Year: June through September
Wedding Size: Best for elopements with 10 or fewer guests.
Permit Needed? Not for elopements. A permit may be required for larger weddings.
Yellowstone National Park
Located just a short drive in the neighboring state of Wyoming is Yellowstone National Park. Wedding ceremony locations range from lake views to wildlife-filled valleys.
Best Time of Year: June through September
Wedding Size: 2-250 people
Permit Needed? A permit is required if you plan to share vows in the park.
If you want to learn more about eloping in Yellowstone, check out my complete guide!
More Island Park Wedding Locations
While I’ve listed a few of the highlights, there are so many more locations here! To keep with Leave No Trace, I never share the most secluded locations online. During the planning process, I’ll send you the best ceremony locations.
Send me a message to start planning your elopement!
Island Park Wedding Venues
Looking for a more traditional wedding venue? I’ve got that covered too!
How to Get Your Idaho Marriage License for Your Island Park Elopement
Whether you live in Idaho or will have a destination wedding here, you will need to obtain an Idaho marriage license to get married here legally.
For destination elopements, I usually recommend adding an extra 1-2 days before your elopement so you can relax and have time to get your marriage license. If you live in Idaho, you can get your marriage license at any time within one year of your elopement date that is convenient for you.
You aren’t required to have any witnesses during your wedding ceremony in Idaho, and you can use your marriage license the same day you receive it. All you need is an ordained minister to sign the license, which makes Idaho one of the easiest states to get married in.
1. Find the County Recorder’s Office Nearest to You
A quick Google search will tell you where the nearest county recorder’s office is. Find the county you are in or will be passing through for your wedding, and find that County Recorder’s Office.
In this case, it’s probably going to be the Fremont County Recorder.
2. Bring the Necessary Documentation
Typically, you will need to bring the following to get your marriage license:
- $26 cash (or a credit card; however, a processing fee will be added).
- Your Social Security numbers. If you’re from outside of the U.S., you should also bring identification from your home country.
- Proof of identity and age. This can be a current driver’s license, state-issued ID, Passport, or your birth certificate.
Make sure to check the website of the County Recorder’s Office you’ll be visiting for specific information on what’s required and if an appointment is needed.
3. Fill out Your Marriage License Application
Some offices require you to pre-fill your application online, and others allow you to do it in person. Again, check the requirements for your specific office.
4. Receive Your Marriage License
Once you receive your marriage license, you can use it the same day, and it will be valid for one year. Your license will be valid for your wedding, which can take place anywhere in Idaho.
5. Have an Ordained Minister Sign Your Paperwork
On your wedding or elopement day, all you need is an ordained minister to sign your marriage license, and you’ll be legally married!
Your minister can be anyone who’s ordained, which could mean hiring an officiant, having your photographer sign it if they’re ordained, or having a loved one get ordained and sign it.
Plan the Details of Your Elopement
Filling in the details of your day is one of the most fun parts of planning your elopement! In addition to your ceremony, start thinking about how you want to celebrate your wedding day.
Remember, this day is all about doing things that bring you joy, so get outside the box of tradition and feel free to include your favorite hobbies or things that have special meaning to the two of you.
Island Park Elopement Activity Ideas:
- Go waterfall chasing
- Explore Yellowstone National Park
- Go boating on Henry’s Lake
- Float the Henry’s Fork
- Drive to the top of Sawtelle Peak
- Snowmobiling
- Snowshoeing
- Star Gaze
- Backpack
- Take a guided horseback ride
- Have a picnic
- Go fishing
- Hike over the Continental Divide
- Visit Cave Falls in Yellowstone National Park
Lodging for Your Island Park Elopement
- Blue Buffalo Resort
- Sawtelle Mountain Resort
- Lakeside Lodge
- River Lodge
- Wandercamp Yellowstone
- Yellowstone Under Canvas
- Short-term rentals like Airbnb or VRBO
How to Get to Island Park
Island Park is most easily accessed by car. Whether you drive to Island Park in your own vehicle or rent one at the airport, a good set of wheels is essential in this area.
Nearest Airports
There are several airports you can fly into to get to Island Park.
Idaho Falls Regional Airport – Located in Idaho Falls, Idaho
Bozeman International Airport – Located in Bozeman, Montana
Yellowstone Airport – Located in West Yellowstone, Montana
Create a Timeline for Your Elopement
Once you know all of the fun things you want to include on your big day, you need to put it all together in a timeline. Creating a timeline will make your day run smoothly and give you time to relax because you’ll know exactly when you need to leave for the next event.
Need some inspiration? Check out this Yellowstone elopement to see how their day went!
Scheduling Tips
- Plan on sunrise or sunset for maximum privacy during the Summer
- Allow plenty of time for driving from one location to the next
- Ask your photographer for help, as this may be a service they offer (like I include in all of my elopement packages!)
Frequently Asked Questions about Island Park Weddings
June through September is best for warm weather and snow-free roads. For a winter elopement, January and February are best because there will be the most snow.
Some of the best locations for elopements are Henry’s Lake State Park, Harriman State Park, and Big Springs. Other great locations include Sawtelle Peak and the nearby Yellowstone National Park.
The Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA) is the closest commercial airport. The next best option is the Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) in Montana.
Whether or not you will need a permit will depend on the size of your wedding and the exact location. Small elopements typically do not need a permit, but this varies depending on the specific area you choose for your ceremony.
No witnesses are required to get married in Idaho. However, you will need an ordained minister to sign your marriage license. This could be your photographer if they’re ordained.
Hey there, I’m Tiana!
Island Park Elopement Photographer
Not only have I spent the last 8 years living in Idaho, but I also specialize in planning and photographing adventurous elopements across the state. If you’re looking for someone who knows the best locations you’ve never heard of, and someone to photograph the biggest day of your life in natural, true-to-life images, I’m your gal!
Island Park Elopement Packages
To check my availability, just contact me here for a free planning consultation, and we can get started!
Every Package Includes:
Pricing Info:
$4,200 for all of the above, including 4 Hours of Photography. Only Available in North Idaho.
$6,800 for all of the above, including 8 Hours of Photography, anywhere in ID, WY, MT, or WA.
Half-Day, Full-Day, Multi-Day, & Custom Packages Available
No Added Travel Fees. Sales Tax May Apply.
Happy eloping!
