How to Elope in McCall, Idaho
It’s no secret that Idaho is filled with hidden gem elopement locations, and McCall is one of them! With mountains to explore and the gorgeous Payette Lake, a McCall elopement is the perfect choice for a scenic wedding close to nature.
This is your ultimate guide from an Idaho local on how to elope in McCall, Idaho. From ceremony locations to the best time of year and everything else you need to know for an incredible elopement experience!
Why Elope in McCall?
If you’re not an Idaho local, the only reason you’ve heard of McCall is probably that you have family nearby or you’re deep into research mode for your elopement. Either way, this charming little lake town is a hidden gem with mountains, lakes, and year-round recreation opportunities.
Because of the area’s natural beauty, McCall makes for a great adventure elopement location. The town is surrounded by over 2-million acres of public land in the Payette National Forest, which means there are essentially endless views to choose from for your wedding.
Not only will you get scenic views when you elope in McCall, but you’ll also have an easy wedding experience because Idaho is one of the easiest states to get married in. There are no witnesses required to sign your marriage license, and you can use your marriage license the same day you receive it. Easy-peasy!
How to Elope in McCall, Idaho
- Hire your Idaho elopement photographer
- Narrow down a location
- Decide on a date for your elopement
- Book your other elopement vendors
- Plan the details and logistics of your day
- Get your Idaho marriage license
- Elope!
Why Hire Your Idaho Elopement Photographer First?
Many elopement photographers (myself included) have planning services included in their elopement packages. This means you can get help finding the best locations, find out whether permits are required, and choose your date based on your dream photographer’s availability.
Work with a Local Idaho Elopement Photographer
Choosing a local Idaho photographer who knows McCall is important because they will be able to guide you to hidden-gem locations, know the best time of year for the area, and know any area restrictions or important regulations you need to be aware of when planning your elopement.
Where to Elope in McCall, Idaho
These are a few of the top elopement locations in McCall. Keep in mind, I don’t share hidden-gem locations to keep with Leave No Trace principles. But all the couples who elope with me get a list of the best, most scenic locations.
Ponderosa State Park
Located just a few minutes from downtown McCall, Ponderosa State Park is easy to access, with lake views, picnic areas tucked among the pines, and views that are easy to access. This is a great spot if you want scenic views while still being close to town, or if you are planning to include family in your elopement and want locations that are accessible and can accommodate a larger wedding.
Learn more about eloping in Ponderosa State Park with my complete guide!
Best For: Elopements, intimate weddings up to 50 people
Best Time of Year: May through early October
North Beach on Payette Lake
The North Beach is located on the Northern tip of Payette Lake. The North Fork Payette River flows into Payette Lake here. It’s a quieter beach while still a part of Ponderosa State Park. This spot is easy to access and a great place to get into the water with paddleboards.
Best For: Intimate weddings and elopements
Best Time of Year: May through October
Brundage Mountain Resort
The Brundage Mountain Resort may be a ski resort, but it’s also an incredible wedding destination year-round! It’s easy to access anytime of year, perfect for couples who love winter sports, or if you want epic mountain views without hiking.
Best For: Elopements, intimate weddings, and traditional weddings
Best Time of Year: Year-round
Payette National Forest
Surrounding McCall is the Payette National Forest. Here you’ll find hiking trails and 4×4 roads to alpine lakes, mountain views, and forests for a secluded elopement experience and epic photos. There are plenty of easy-to-access locations as well as more adventurous ones, so you can choose whatever matches your outdoor experience and adventure style.
Best For: Adventurous elopements
Best Time of Year: Mid-June through early October
Tips for Choosing the Best Elopement Location for You:
- Choose a secluded location for maximum privacy.
- Work with an elopement photographer who knows the area and provides planning assistance.
- Keep in mind the type of time of year you’ll be eloping when choosing a date, since some locations (i.e., in the mountains) are not accessible year-round.
McCall, Idaho Wedding Venues
Looking for a more traditional wedding venue? Thinking about having a reception with family after your elopement? I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the best wedding venues in McCall.
Best Time of Year to Elope in McCall
McCall is a year-round destination, with the busiest months being July, August, and February. If you want privacy during your elopement, you’ll need to plan carefully (more on that in the next section!).
Overall, my recommendation for eloping in McCall in the mountains would be mid-June through early October, because the snow will be melted and the mountains will be accessible then.
If you want to get married by the lake, May through October is a good time. I’d avoid July and August because it will be hot, and that’s also the busiest time of year for summer tourists.
For a magical winter elopement, January through February is the best time of year for snow.
Tips for Avoiding Crowds During Your McCall Elopement
Elope in the Shoulder Season
Avoiding July and August will be the first step in avoiding crowds. Because this is a well-known lake town, the summer months are easily the most popular time of year here. I’d recommend early May through mid-June or September for decent weather and fewer crowds.
Avoid Weekends
Because McCall is just a few hours away from Boise, there are a lot of weekend warriors who visit the area. Eloping on a weekday is a great way to avoid these crowds and have more privacy, even in popular areas.
Elope at Sunrise
My best tip for getting any location to yourself, even in the middle of Summer, is to elope at sunrise. Not only does this pretty much guarantee privacy, but it also means you get the prettiest lighting and still waters for your elopement photos.
Waking up early isn’t always easy, but it’s so worth it!
Check out my guide to planning a sunrise elopement!
Activities for Your McCall Elopement
The best way to turn your elopement day into an extraordinary celebration is by including some incredible activities. You can do just about anything you want on your elopement day, from visiting a local brewery to snowmobiling. Here are a few of the top activities in McCall that you can include in your day.
Hiking
McCall is a hiker’s paradise, with alpine lakes and pine tree forests galore. If you want to really immerse yourself in nature on your elopement day, then a hiking elopement in the mountains is the way to go!
Top Hikes in McCall, Idaho
- Goose Creek Falls – 3 miles round-trip with 665 ft. of elevation gain.
- Louie Lake Trail – 3 miles round-trip with 823 ft. of elevation gain.
- Peninsula Trail – 4 miles round-trip with 134 ft. of elevation gain.
Winter Sports
McCall is an outdoor destination year-round, with plenty of snowsports at the nearby Brundage Mountain. Here you’ll find groomed trails for skiing and snowboarding. Or you can venture into the backcountry with snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or snowmobiling.
Get Out on the Water
Who could resist the sparkling waters of Payette Lake on a hot summer day? Whether you want to rent a boat, paddleboard, or hike to an alpine lake for a midday swim, getting out on the water is a fun way to celebrate your McCall elopement.
Check out my guide to 50+ elopement activity ideas for more inspiration!
How to Get to McCall, Idaho
The nearest airport to McCall is the Boise International Airport (BOI), about a 2.5-hour drive away.
From Boise, you’ll head North to Highway 55 for approximately 108 miles until you land in McCall.
Lodging in McCall
These are a few of the top hotels in McCall:
Private rentals are a great option for a more unique stay. Airbnbs and VRBOs are great options to look into for your elopement.
McCall Elopement Permits
Most locations in McCall won’t require a permit for your elopement, but it’s always best to do your research to make sure. Some locations may require a permit for certain event sizes. This is another reason it’s best to work with a local who knows the area and can guide you through researching and applying for permits, if they are required.
Your McCall Elopement Photographer
If you’re looking for a photographer for your McCall elopement or intimate wedding, I would love to hear from you! As an Idaho local and elopement photographer, I specialize in helping couples plan the details of their elopement experience, including locations, permits, timeline, logistics, and more, all in addition to photographing the memories of the day in beautiful images.
Happy eloping!
