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Wedding Photography

An Idaho Elopement Planning Guide

Educational, Wedding Photography

If the idea of a big wedding filled with forced convos makes your anxiety kick in, then an Idaho elopement might be just the thing for you.

But understanding where to get started planning your elopement can feel overwhelming – especially if you’re not familiar with the process. Well, friend, you’re in luck because I put together an easy step-by-step guide on how to elope surrounded by the breathtaking natural scenery in Idaho.

Quick Links:

  • Benefits of an Idaho Elopement
  • Choose Your Destination
  • Pick Date & Time
  • Get an Idaho Marriage License
  • Decide on the Details
    • Attire
    • Vows
    • Florals
    • Photographer
    • Post-ceremony Celebration
  • Book Travel & Lodging

Why an Idaho Elopement?

You *could* elope anywhere. But not just anywhere will do for one of the most extraordinary days of your life. Eloping to Idaho checks all of the boxes: scenery, budget, and raw, intimate vibes.

It’s More Intimate

Imagine this: you, your partner, an officiant, and the surrounding landscapes of Idaho as far as the eye can see. There’s nothing more intimate than an Idaho elopement.

Unrivaled Natural Beauty

Sweeping plains. Majestic mountains. Serene lakes. Lush national forests. Idaho nature sure knows how to turn up for your wedding day. 

Break out of the event center routine and take advantage of the striking Idaho landscapes.

Budget-Friendly

Feel drawn to the vibes of moody Oregon and California but don’t love the costs associated with those destinations? Idaho delivers on scenery but with a budget-friendly price tag. You’ll feel like you’ve escaped to Narnia – but on a TJ Maxx budget. 

Don’t blow your budget on your destination. Save it for the florals or the dress.

Choose Your Idaho Elopement Destination

There’s an Idaho elopement location for everyone. From mountains to forests, you’re sure to find a spot that fits you perfectly.

You won’t necessarily need to “formally” book a natural location – like you might with other wedding venues in Idaho. But you might need permitting if you go for a state or national park. When you’re planning your elopement, check to see if there are any local permitting or licensing requirements to hold your wedding ceremony.

Here are a few of my favorite outdoor wedding locations in Idaho:

  • Coeur D’Alene Lake
  • White Cloud Mountains
  • Sawtooth National Forest
  • McCall
  • St. Anthony Sand Dunes

Pick a Date & Time

Spring? Summer? Winter? Fall? Idaho is beautiful year-round. Depending on where you live, the seasons of Idaho might vary slightly from your home state. 

The Spring season in Idaho peaks in April and May. For gorgeous florals and vibrant greens, plan a Spring wedding in Idaho. Early to mid-October is the best date range to capture those fiery sunset colors for beautiful fall foliage.

Keep in mind that peak wildfire season ranges from July to October, so there’s a chance that smoke (or even fire) can derail even the best-laid plans.

Idaho wilderness can be just a tad unpredictable, depending on what time of year it is. Always plan a backup location or date to make sure you’re prepared for any scenario.

How to Get a Marriage License for Your Idaho Elopement

Getting an Idaho marriage license is pretty straightforward. 

To apply for a marriage license, you’ll need to go to a county recorder’s office, so, unfortunately, you can’t complete the Idaho marriage license application online.

Idaho doesn’t mandate a waiting period, which is perfect for eloping because you can get married that same day.

The typical cost of a marriage license in Idaho is about $30 – but it can cost up to $20 more on Saturdays. Bring cash because many recorders’ offices don’t accept checks or cards.

According to Idaho elopement laws, you’ll need to provide proof of identity (i.e., social security number, state-issued ID, or birth certificate.) No blood test is required. 

Decide on the Details

Now that you’ve mastered the paperwork portion of your Idaho wedding license, you can focus on the details that will make your wedding. 

Attire

Pick attire to suit your vibes. Earthy, refined, boho. Whatever it is, this is where you get to express yourself. A great outfit sets the stage for unforgettable photos and indelible memories. 

Vows

Elopements aren’t your average wedding ceremony, so not just any old vows will do. 

Write your own. Or don’t. That’s the magical thing about eloping. It’s all totally up to you. Remember what brought you together, what you love most, and what keeps that fire burning bright.

Need some inspiration? You can find a whole trove of examples scattered across the internet. 

Accessories & Florals

When in doubt, add florals and accessories. 

Just keep in mind that if you’re going to be doing any hiking or walking to your destination, you don’t want to be weighed down with a bunch of extra accessories. 

Photographer

As time moves on, memories can fade. But photos can capture your intimate day in a way that the mind can’t.

Hiring an Idaho elopement photographer might be one of the most essential steps in planning your elopement day. 

This is one place where you don’t want to skimp on the budget. A skilled Idaho elopement photographer can work with you to capture your favorite memories of your elopement wedding.

Post-ceremony celebration

The party shouldn’t stop after the ceremony. Plan some post-ceremony festivities, even if you opted out of a big wedding. Make it a party of two. Or three. Or ten.

Make it your own. Whether you want to grab burgers at an iconic local fast-food joint or rent ATVs and explore the mountain adventure, find a way to celebrate your union in a way that’s meaningful to you.

Book Your Travel & Lodging

Last (but not least), you’ll need to book your travel and lodging. If you’re from out-of-state, book those flights early! If you’d rather take the scenic route, you can even book train trips throughout scenic Idaho.

One secret to a stress-free elopement day is finding lodging close to your ceremony location. With an elopement, you only need to worry about accommodations for yourself – and maybe your officiant or photographer. Get off the beaten path with local stays or remote cabins.

Plan Your Idaho Elopement Today!

So, are you convinced that elopement is for you? 

With an elopement, you don’t need to worry about all the messy details that often come with planning a big wedding. Idaho’s sweeping landscapes are the perfect place to plan your intimate elopement. Just use this checklist to make sure you’ve got everything you need for your big day.

Contact me today so we can walk through your Idaho elopement journey together.

LET’S GET STARTED

The bridge and groom share an intimate moment during a Lake Tahoe elopement

A Lake Tahoe Elopement to Remember

Wedding Photography

A bride and groom kiss at their Lake Tahoe Elopement

This couple chose an adventurous outdoor elopement in beautiful Lake Tahoe. While this didn’t look anything like their original wedding plans, COVID forced them to think outside of the box just a little. Because of quarantine and social distancing, they had to go back to the drawing board and reimagine all of their wedding plans.

With a little imagination, Loren and Stu completely reimagined their wedding. They started by narrowing down their wants and needs. That’s how they knew that a Lake Tahoe elopement would be perfect for their wedding ceremony.

Despite their original plans to have a bigger, more traditional wedding, Loren and Stu kept it small. They invited just a handful of immediate family members to witness their ceremony.

And it turned out perfectly!

THE MOST PERFECT LAKE TAHOE ELOPEMENT

Would you have guessed that Loren and Stu didn’t originally consider elopement when they were first planning their wedding? This is the case with most of my clients. Despite that, they confessed that they considered it one of the best decisions they ever made. Plus, Loren and Stu absolutely loved the way their wedding turned out – they couldn’t have imagined it any other way!

One of the big plus sides to eloping: you can get married in your honeymoon location! And instead of having to pack up and travel to another location, eloping lets you settle into your current surroundings and enjoy everything it has to offer. With eloping, you won’t need to add extra travel because you are already there!

And that’s exactly what Loren and Stu did.

After their Lake Tahoe elopement, they transitioned right onto their honeymoon, all in this stunning area. With gorgeous mountain backdrops and shimmering waters, who could blame them? Lake Tahoe gave them everything that they needed to get the most out of their beautifully intimate elopement wedding.

Ready to plan your Idaho elopement? Use this step-by-step guide to get started.

the bride looking down at her wedding bouquet during her Lake Tahoe elopement
The groom standing in front of scenic Lake Tahoe during his Lake Tahoe Elopement

A stunning elopement bouquet of burgundy and cream flowers at a Lake Tahoe Elopement
bride and groom holding each other at a Lake Tahoe Elopement
A couple shares an embrace during their Lake Tahoe elopement

The bridge and groom share an intimate moment during a Lake Tahoe elopement

A small circle of friends and family celebrate during a Lake Tahoe elopement
Family and friends celebrate at an intimate Lake Tahoe elopement
The groom places a ring on the bride's finger at a Lake Tahoe elopement

A bride takes her vows at a Lake Tahoe elopement
The bride and groom kiss during a Lake Tahoe elopement ceremony

Family gather in a line around the bride and groom after their Lake Tahoe elopement ceremony
A bride and groom drink in celebration after their Lake Tahoe elopement ceremony
A bride and groom share an intimate embrace after their Lake Tahoe elopement ceremony

An image of the bride and groom holding hands, displaying her stunning diamond wedding ring
A black and white photo of a bride and groom kissing at their Lake Tahoe elopement
A bride and groom look off at mountain scenery at their Lake Tahoe elopement

A mountain vista

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