Best Places to Elope in Idaho
Today, elopements are more popular than ever before. If you’ve never been someone to imagine your wedding day, or you simply can’t bring yourself to plan the “perfect wedding,” then an elopement could be for you. It’s a unique and adventurous way to hold a wedding off-the-beaten-path.
Once you decide to elope, all you have to do is select where you want the ceremony to be and when you want it to happen. After that, everything else falls into place. As far as elopement destinations, Idaho tops the list. The state is chock-full of gorgeous off-grid spots (although not for long!) that attract couples looking for a naturally beautiful landscape.
In this blog, we’ll discuss why this state is the best place to get married and 10 of the best places to elope in Idaho. Start planning your Idaho elopement today!
Photo by Autumn Lynne Photography
Why Should You Elope in Idaho?
Idaho elopements are ideal for nature lovers. The state boasts more than 110 named mountain ranges with countless bodies of beautiful water running through them. If your ideal wedding involves an outdoor ceremony framed by snow-capped mountains and white-water rapids, then you’ve met your match. Idaho has more than enough natural beauty to go around.
How Do You Get Married in Idaho?
While you do not need to be an Idaho resident to obtain a marriage license in the state, the marriage licenses are only valid for ceremonies performed within state lines. You can obtain the license from the County Recorder with no appointment. Both you and your partner should go to the County Recorder’s Office with a valid form of identification and your social security numbers. It will cost around $30 to $50.
After you’ve been granted your marriage license, you can get married immediately. There is no waiting period, and you do not need a witness for your marriage. If you are not a U.S. resident, then you should bring identification from your home country. If either you or your partner does not have a social security number, then you will need to get a letter from the nearest Social Security Office.
What is the Best Time of Year to Elope in Idaho?
You know what they say…beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Idaho is a four-season state, which means snowy winters make their appearance just as intensely as the bright and sunny summers. Depending on what type of weather you want for an outdoor elopement, Idaho likely has it, and you can plan to get married during it.
Just beware that winter can come early and stick around for quite a while. Native Idahoans will tell you that October to April (or even May) can be considered “winter,” so unless you’re specifically seeking out a chillier elopement, it may be better to stick to a guaranteed summer month. And even if you’re okay with winter weather, trails can close because of excess snow. It’s always best to check that the area you want to elope in will be open and available during the time of year that you’re getting married.
In the end, the same goes for the summer. August in Boise, for example, is hot and dry. Temperatures regularly top 100 degrees. Sweating in a tux or wedding dress probably isn’t your ideal. Picking the right date can truly make a difference!
How Much Does an Idaho Elopement Cost?
The average cost of an elopement is around $21,000. This is less than half of what the average wedding costs. Here is what this figure includes:
$6,000 for a photographer
$6,000 for a videography
$3,000 for wedding attire
$150 for a wedding permit
$500 for an officiant
$500 for flowers
$400 for hair and make-up
$500 for food (if you have any)
$300 (optional)
$2,000 for event planner (optional)
$2,000 for travel and accommodation.
10 Best Places to Elope in Idaho
Now that you know what elopement may involve, you can decide whether it’s right for you. Elopements often focus on being in the moment and having an adventure. Fortunately, Idaho has no shortage of locations for that purpose. Between the mountains, lakes, and forests, there’s an ideal elopement location at every turn. Here are some of the best spots for you to keep in mind as you plan your big day.
Sun Valley
Sun Valley tops nearly all best places to elope in Idaho lists. It is a breathtaking spot with countless hiking trails that lead to mountain, lake, and forest views. Additionally, if you’re looking to elope in Idaho in the wintertime, then Sun Valley may be the perfect spot for you. The mountains in this area get tons of fresh powder which means you can incorporate downhill skiing, snowboarding, or snowshoeing into your day if you’re seeking extra adventure.
Here are some hikes you can research in the Sun Valley area…
Pioneer Cabin
Baker Lake
Alice Lake
Norton Pass
Proctor Mountain Trail
Stanley
Stanly is a small town in Idaho, but it holds the key to the Sawtooth Mountains, which is the perfect spot for an Idaho elopement. I’d recommend visiting in the summer for your elopement because businesses often close down in the wintertime. When it’s warm and sunny, you’ll find the hiking trails open and wildflowers blooming.
These are some of my top hiking trail recommendations…
Alice Lake
Bench Lakes
Sawtooth Lake
Goat Lake
Marshall Ridge
Titus Lake (Galena Summit)
Bruneau Sand Dunes
This is a unique spot to elope in Idaho and actually gives you a reprieve from the mountains and alpine lakes. Here, you’ll find a desert vibe with sand dunes. Bonus: Bruneau Sand Dunes are open year-round! Just make sure you factor in the inevitable heat in the summertime. A sunrise elopement during the summer months is one way to avoid the weather being too hot.
Coeur d’Alene
Coeur D’Alene is a beautiful lake and quaint town that local Idahoans love. You’ll find it full of delicious restaurants, breweries, coffee shops, and wineries. Since locals love it here too, you won’t find it quite so quiet, but it’s still one of the best places to elope in Idaho.
That said, you can still find the privacy you want if you head out into the nearby forest areas to hike. I have a list of my favorite hikes for Idaho elopements below.
Ermine Ridge Trail
Mineral Ridge National Recreation Trail
Tubbs Hill
Blue Creek Bay Trail
Fernan Lake Natural Area
Sandpoint Idaho
The Sandpoint area in Idaho is absolutely beautiful year-round. If you love the idea of Coeur d’Alene Lake, but you want something more remote, then Lake Pend in this region will be right up your alley. Select this spot for a backpacking, hiking, or camping elopement and soak in every second of it!
Here are some of the best hikes for an Idaho elopement at Sandpoint:
Portage Trail
St. Paul Lake
Scotchman Peak
Snow Lake
Gem lake
Priest Lake
Do yourself a favor and search “Elkins Resort on Priest Lake”? If this doesn’t look like a remote oasis fit for an Idaho elopement, I don’t know what does. These cozy cabins are one of the best places to start your life as partners, and you won’t be sorry you didn’t have that big, stressful wedding!
McCall
If you plan on bringing a small group of family or friends to your elopement, McCall is one of the best places for your Idaho elopement. The town is situated on the southern shore of Payette Lake, near the center of the Payette National Forest. The forest offers mountain views, gorgeous lakes, and alpine forests. You can fill your elopement weekend with hiking, backpacking, rafting, kayaking, snowshoeing, skiing, etc. The best of Idaho is at your fingertips!
Here are some of my top trail recommendations!
Clayburn Creek Trail
Louie Lake Trail
Council Mountain Hot Springs
Granite Mountain Trail 165
Goose Creek Falls
Craters of the Moon National Monument
The Craters of the Moon are an extinct lava field. This monument is an incredibly unique site that appears like a sea of black rocks. Up close, your wedding photos will make it look like you got married on a different planet. How cool is that? If you love a drier, desert vibe and want something truly distinctive, then this is the Idaho elopement location for you!
Grand Targhee
Grand Targhee Ski Resort is located on the Idaho side of the Teton’s border. If you want a less crowded and less expensive Jackson Hole, Wyoming elopement, then consider Driggs, Idaho! His option is perfect for adventurous couples on a budget.
Owyhee Canyonlands
The Owyhee Canyonlands are located about 100 miles from Boise in southwest Idaho. It features a remote landscape of gray-green sagebrush, junipers, and bunchgrass loom from horizon to horizon. If you’re looking to get away and be alone during your Idaho elopement, then this is one of the best spots in the state. It’s far less visited than areas like the Sawtooths or the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. Instead of meeting other hikers, you’ll see pronghorns, hawks, and bull snakes. Talk about a unique wedding experience!
Idaho Elopement Photographer
Choosing the right photographer is just as important as choosing the right location. That's why I’m here to introduce you to Autumn, an Idaho-based elopement photographer, and planner who is passionate about capturing the beauty and essence of outdoor weddings.
Autumn's love for nature and her husband's outdoor adventures inspired her to create an elopement brand that focuses on helping couples exchange vows in the great outdoors. She's a Leave No Trace aware photographer who advocates for sustainable and responsible use of natural spaces. Her mission is to help couples get married in a way that uplifts their unique relationship by creating an empowering space that is filled with adventure, meaningful connections, and expert guidance.
As an Idaho resident, Autumn is no stranger to the state's stunning landscapes. She calls the Salmon River home and serves McCall and beyond, capturing the beauty of the state's mountains, lakes, and forests in her photographs. With ten years of experience, she has the knowledge and expertise to help you plan and execute the perfect outdoor wedding.
So, if you're looking to elope in Idaho and want to capture the essence of your day in beautiful, natural surroundings, look no further than Autumn. She's passionate about helping couples create unforgettable memories and will work with you every step of the way to make sure your wedding is just as you've always dreamed it would be.
In conclusion, if you're looking to exchange vows in a serene and intimate setting, Idaho is the perfect place to do so. With a talented photographer and planner like Autumn on your side, you can be sure that your wedding will be a day to remember. So, start planning your outdoor wedding today and let Autumn capture the beauty of your special day!
https://www.autumnlynnephotography.com/
Photo by Autumn Lynne Photography
Photo by Autumn Lynne Photography
Idaho Elopement Videographer
When it comes to capturing your elopement in Idaho, it's important to choose a videographer who understands the essence of your day and can document it in a natural and unobtrusive way.
I have been creating wedding films for couples since 2011 and am obsessed with capturing the small, intimate moments between two people in love. I craft cinematic elopement films that are not only beautiful to watch but also endearing for generations to come.
Final thoughts
Are you considering your own Idaho elopement? Reach out to Watertown Films today! After the day is done, you’ll want something to remember it by. Inquire here.
