Known for sparkling lakes and forests of Ponderosa Pine trees, North Idaho has that and so much more to offer couples seeking an adventurous elopement location. Coeur d’Alene draws visitors from all over the world, but few venture far enough to experience just how beautiful this part of Idaho really is.
As a North Idaho local and elopement photographer, let me tell you that this area is the perfect place to elope because it’s filled with beautiful scenery and remote locations provide privacy for your elopement experience. The perfect combination you won’t find anywhere else.
Whether you’re local to the area or planning a destination elopement, here are the best locations for your North Idaho elopement.
Coeur d’Alene
Coeur d’Alene is the heart of North Idaho and provides the perfect combination of luxury and outdoors. The Coeur d’Alene resort is at the center of downtown, with a beautiful hotel, restaurants, and hiking all within walking distance. There are tons of hiking trails and activities to do nearby.
Check out this couple’s elopement in Coeur d’Alene!
Best Time of Year to Get Married Here: May through October.
Permit Information: No permit is required.
Activity Recommendations: Hiking, relaxing at the resort, and taking a boat tour on Lake Coeur d’Alene.
Farragut State Park
Located on the south end of Lake Pend Oreille, Farragut State Park feels remote but is still close to amenities. The park offers hiking trails through the forests of pine trees, several campgrounds, lakeside access for boating and swimming, and a day-use area perfect for elopements!
See this couple’s elopement at Farragut State Park!
Best Time of Year to Get Married Here: May through September.
Permit Information: You will need to reserve one of the day-use areas for your elopement.
Activity Recommendations: Hiking, paddleboarding, swimming, and camping.
Coeur d’Alene National Forest
If you want to get really adventurous for your elopement, you will love the Coeur d’Alene National Forest! Part of the greater Idaho Panhandle National Forest, this area is filled with endless hiking trails, 4×4 roads to explore, mountain lakes, and stunning views within the 726,000 acres of public land.
This National Forest is a choose-your-own-adventure location with plenty of easy-to-access locations and hard-core off-road options, so you can choose whatever fits your adventure style.
Read my full guide to eloping in Coeur d’Alene!
Best Time of Year to Get Married Here: July through October.
Permit Information: No permit is required, however, you will need to have a letter signed by the District Ranger with the details of your elopement.
Activity Recommendations: Hiking, 4x4ing, backpacking, picnicking, camping, and horseback riding.
Round Lake State Park
Round Lake State Park is another great elopement location if you want to be surrounded by the beautiful scenery of North Idaho while still being close to town. Located 15 minutes south of Sandpoint, Round Lake is a small but beautiful park with an easy hiking trail around the lake, a campground, two day-use areas, and an amphitheater you can reserve for your elopement.
See this couple’s post-wedding photo session at Round Lake State Park!
Best Time of Year to Get Married Here: May through October.
Permit Information: No permit is required for weddings with less than 50 people. While it’s not required, it’s highly recommended by the park (and by me) that you reserve one of the day-use areas or the amphitheater for your elopement during the busy summer.
Activity Recommendations: Picnicking, kayaking, hiking, and camping.
Priest Lake
If you haven’t noticed, North Idaho is filled with gorgeous lakes, and Priest Lake is no exception! Located in the Northwest corner of the Idaho Panhandle, Priest Lake has virtually endless locations to choose from for your elopement with a variety of beautiful landscapes ranging from alpine lakes for adventurous couples to lakeshore resorts overlooking this sparkling lake to magical cedar forests that will have you feeling like you’re in a fairytale.
Check out my complete guide to eloping at Priest Lake to learn more!
Best Time of Year to Get Married Here: May through October for warm weather, or, January through February for snow.
Permit Information: Weddings with less than 25 people do not need a permit, but you’ll need to contact the Park Manager to inform them of your plans. If you decide to elope at the Priest Lake State Park during the summer, then I recommend reserving a day-use area to give you your own space during the day.
Activity Recommendations: Hiking, backpacking, boating, picnicking, camping, 4x4ing in the summer. Snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing in the winter.
The Selkirk Mountains
The Selkirk Mountains of North Idaho are the perfect place to elope if you want epic mountain peaks and an adventurous wedding experience. Filled with alpine lakes, beautiful mountain forests, and incredible views, these mountains are tough to beat. This area is a perfect elopement location if you want a true adventure for your elopement experience, with hiking, 4×4 roads, and complete solitude.
View my full guide to planning a hiking elopement!
Best Time of Year to Get Married Here: July through September
Permit Information: No permit is required, however, you will need to have a letter signed by the District Ranger with the details of your elopement.
Activity Recommendations: Hiking, backpacking, camping, and 4x4ing.
Wallace
Known for its mining history, proximity to the mountains, and its claim to be the “center of the universe”, Wallace is a charming and quirky town in North Idaho near the Montana border. If you like old quirky towns, exploring hiking trails, and local breweries, then Wallace is a great place to elope! The town is great year-round, with two incredible ski mountains close by and endless hiking opportunities in the summer.
Best Time of Year to Get Married Here: May through October for warm weather. December through February for snow.
Permit Information: No permit is required.
Activity Recommendations: Hiking, explore the historic downtown, bike the Hiawatha Trail, or go ziplining. In the winter, skiing and snowmobiling.
There you have it, the best adventurous elopement locations in North Idaho!
As an elopement photographer who lives in North Idaho, I’m always out exploring and helping couples elope in this beautiful area. If you need help planning your elopement and a photographer to capture your memories, send me a message and let’s work together!
Happy eloping!
