The Best Idaho Elopement Locations from a Local (with Photos)
When thinking about areas with incredible scenery, Idaho should definitely be on your list! With incredible scenery, including a canyon deeper than the Grand Canyon, more hot springs than almost any other state, mountains over 12,000 feet tall, and the world’s only inland rainforest, there’s no shortage of incredible elopement locations in Idaho!
This state is filled with diverse, wild landscapes that will leave you feeling awestruck by nature’s beauty.
As an Idaho local, an elopement photographer, and an adventure enthusiast, I’ve spent a lot of time exploring this beautiful state that I am fortunate to call home.
These are the best Idaho elopement locations for rivers, mountains, canyons, and lakes galore!
10 Most Beautiful Idaho Elopement Locations
Psst! If you want to learn about how to elope in Idaho, check out my complete guide!
North Idaho Elopement Locations
North Idaho is a hidden gem, known for its pine tree forests, sparkling lakes, and rolling mountains. This is the perfect place to elope whether you want an adventure elopement in the backcountry or scenic views that are easily accessible.
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
Not only is Coeur d’Alene the perfect blend of adventure and luxury, but it’s an easy place to get to with an international airport nearby. Surrounded by thousands of acres of public land in the Idaho Panhandle National Forests, the charming town is home to the famous Coeur d’Alene Resort right on the lake. Walking around downtown feels like walking through a Hallmark film, with shops and lake access within easy reach. There’s no shortage of beautiful views and epic things to do here!
Check out my complete guide to eloping in Coeur d’Alene!
Best Time of Year to Get Married Here: June through October for warm weather, December through February for snow.
Farragut State Park
While there are many great parks in Idaho, none beat Farragut State Park for an adventurous wedding venue! It’s located on the south end of Lake Pend Oreille in North Idaho. What makes this area beautiful is the mountain towering around the sparkling blue lake. The park has water access, hiking trails, and campgrounds, and it is open year-round, which makes it a great elopement location in the winter and summer.
Learn more about eloping at Farragut State Park!
Best Time of Year to Get Married Here: June through September for warm weather, January through February for snow.
Priest Lake
The beautiful and remote Priest Lake sits in the northernmost portion of Idaho. This lake is 19 miles long and surrounded by National Forest Land and two State Parks, perfect for elopements. This area is part of the Inland Temperate Rainforest and is home to beautiful old-growth cedar trees. You can experience the beauty of Priest Lake by staying at one of the area’s lodges for a more relaxed experience or exploring the area with a guided 4×4 tour or a combination of both.
Learn more about eloping at Priest Lake!
Best Time of Year to Get Married Here: May through October for warm weather or January and February for snow.
Wallace, Idaho
This is one of my personal favorite locations in the entire state of Idaho. Wallace is a tiny mining town near the Montana border in North Idaho. The town has a fascinating mining history and fantastic food, as well as being a central spot for exploring the surrounding mountains. There are hiking trails, breweries, skiing mountains, and ziplining nearby.
Want to see even more North Idaho elopement locations? Check out my complete guide!
Best Time of Year to Get Married Here: May through October
Sandpoint
Sandpoint is a charming lake town on Lake Pend Oreille, one of the deepest lakes in the country. The shores of the lake are surrounded by mountains, with a mix of easily accessible beaches and plenty of hiking opportunities to explore. In town, you’ll find charming shops to wander and plenty of local restaurants with delicious food for an elopement experience that’s a perfect mix of urban and nature.
See this couple’s adventure elopement in Sandpoint!
Best Time of Year to Get Married Here: May through September
Idaho Panhandle National Forests
Located in Northern Idaho, the Idaho Panhandle National Forest is actually comprised of three National Forests: the Coeur d’Alene National Forest, the Kaniksu National Forest, and the St. Joe National Forest.
Within these 2.5 million acres of public land, you’ll find epic mountains filled with alpine lakes, magical woodland forests, and beachside access to some of the most gorgeous lakes in the country.
Best time of Year to Get Married Here: May through October offer the most accessibility here.
West-Central Idaho Elopement Locations
In West-Central Idaho, you’ll find plenty of public land with rugged adventures and the charming mountain town of McCall. This is the gateway to a year-round destination, full of hiking and water activities in the Summer and snow sports during the winter.
McCall
McCall is another lake resort town known for its year-round recreational opportunities, from skiing in the winter to lake activities in the summer. Payette Lake is the star of the show, with its clear glacial water, and the mountains of the Payette National Forest surrounding it.
Thinking about eloping in McCall? Check out my complete guide to learn everything you need to know!
Best Time of Year to Get Married Here: June through September for warm weather, January through February for snow.
Ponderosa State Park
Ponderosa State Park on Payette Lake offers camping and access to hiking and biking trails with incredible lake views. There’s even a day-use area where you can elope for an easy but beautiful ceremony location for larger weddings.
Check out my complete guide to eloping at Ponderosa State Park!
Best Time of Year to Get Married Here: June through September for warm weather, January through February for snow.
Payette National Forest
If you want to explore mountain peaks and forests, Payette National Forest is filled with gorgeous remote elopement locations! You’ll find alpine lakes, beautiful mountain views, and of course, plenty of pine trees along the way for an unforgettable and adventurous elopement day.
Check out these campground wedding venues in Idaho for your National Forest wedding!
Best Time of Year to Get Married Here: Md-June through September
Central Idaho Elopement Locations
Central Idaho is home to some of the most beautiful jagged mountain peaks in the region. These mountains are home to alpine lakes and mountain trails. You’ll find easy-to-access locations while also having plenty of opportunities to wander deep into nature.
Stanley (Sawtooth Mountains)
The towering peaks of the Sawtooth Mountains surround Stanley in Central Idaho. Filled with hot springs, alpine lakes, and hundreds of miles of hiking trails, this area is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and eloping couples. Whether you want to hike, relax at the Redfish Lake Lodge, or stargaze under one of Idaho’s dedicated dark skies, there are so many different ways to experience this area.
Learn more about eloping in Stanely!
Best Time of Year to Get Married Here: June or September
Redfish Lake
This gorgeous alpine lake and mountain views are incredible not only for its incredible scenery, but also because it’s incredibly easy to access! And with the nearby Redfish Lake Lodge offering easy lodging and dining, this lake is one of Idaho’s most incredible elopement locations!
See this couple’s Redfish Lake elopement & learn more about how to get married here!
Best Time of Year to Get Married Here: June through September for warm weather or January and February for snow.
Sun Valley, Idaho
This town is known for its world-class skiing and incredible mountain views. This area is a popular destination for weddings and elopements year-round, with snowy mountain peaks in the summer and incredible hiking opportunities the rest of the year.
Best Time of Year to Get Married Here: June through September for warm, dry weather. January or February for snow.
Southwest Idaho Elopement Locations
Southwest Idaho offers a different kind of beauty, rolling foothills, desert landscapes, and easy access to Boise and surrounding outdoor areas. It’s a great option for couples who want something more accessible while still having opportunity to explore both urban and natural areas.
Boise
The city of Boise is easy to access and is centrally located to several beautiful locations, such as McCall and Stanley. Or, you can explore the urban sights of town during your elopement with great food and a stop at the botanical gardens.
Thinking about eloping in Boise? Read my complete guide!
Best Time of Year to Get Married Here: Any time of year!
East Idaho Elopement Locations
East Idaho offers wide-open landscapes, river valleys, and easy access to some of the most iconic national park scenery in the country. This region is especially great if you want variety in your backdrop or are planning a longer adventure experience.
Island Park, Idaho
This little corner of Idaho is a locals’ secret, but has some of the best views in the entire state! Whether you want mountains, lakes, or access to Yellowstone National Park, you have it all in Island Park. Because of its proximity to Yellowstone, this is a great place to watch wildlife or venture into the mountains.
Check out my complete guide to eloping in Island Park!
Best Time of Year to Get Married Here: June through September
Craters of the Moon National Monument
Ever dreamed of visiting the moon? Well, this is the next best thing! Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve is a unique landscape of lava flows and sagebrush in Central Idaho. The park is accessible year-round, with groomed cross-country ski trails in the winter and hiking trails in the summer. Two lava tube caves inside the park can be explored to immerse yourself fully in this incredible place.
Best Time of Year to Get Married Here: June through September
Salmon, Idaho
If you want to really get off the beaten path, Salmon can offer you a true Idaho experience. Surrounded by the Bitterroot Mountains, Salmon is surrounded by public land to explore via hiking, 4×4, or even rafting. Central Idaho is an incredible spot for stargazing because of its dedicated dark skies, and Salmon is the perfect home base for an adventurous wedding experience.
Best Time of Year to Get Married Here: May through October
More Idaho Elopement Locations
While this guide is a great place to start researching elopement locations in Idaho, this is by no means an exhaustive list. There are simply too many incredible places to list in one article. That’s why I include location scouting and recommendations in all of my elopement packages.
Plus, I keep the best locations just for my couples to follow Leave No Trace and to provide my clients with the best options for their big day.
This state is truly incredible, with so much to explore! Whether you want a laid-back elopement or a day filled with exciting excursions, Idaho has something incredible for you.
Happy eloping!
