How To Elope In Idaho | Idaho Elopement Guide

Elopements have evolved from spontaneous acts of rebellion to carefully planned, intimate celebrations of love, and it’s easy to see why. Elopements put the focus exactly where it should be on your wedding day- on you, your partner, and your love for each other.

Idaho’s breathtaking scenery offers the perfect backdrop for your special day. In fact, it may just be THE prettiest state to get married in! I may be biased, ok, scratch that. I know I’m biased because I eloped in Idaho in 2021.

Choosing Your Idaho Elopement Location

Oh goodness, where to start? Idaho is a treasure trove of scenic wonders, from majestic mountains to serene lakes. And, did you know that 1% of Yellowstone National Park is actually in Idaho? Here are just a few places that are on my must-see Idaho destinations list:

Craters of the Moon National Monument
McCall, Idaho |Ponderosa State Park
Along the Salmon River
Sun Valley, Idaho
Sawtooth Mountains– I hiked to Stanley Lake on my Idaho elopement!
Priest Lake, Idaho
Boise, Idaho
Bruneau Sand Dunes State Park
Coeur D’Alene, Idaho

Make sure that you’re aware of any permits or regulations for the location that you choose in order to make your celebration seamless. Your elopement photographer should be able to help you with this information.

How to Get Married in Idaho

If you’re getting married in Idaho, you need an Idaho marriage license. You can get one from any county in the state, regardless of what county you’re getting married in. There is no waiting period! The county clerk issues a same day marriage license.

The Valley County Clerk’s office in Cascade is super friendly and helpful.

Both parties must apply together, in person. Brince one of these: your driver’s license, passport, state identification card, or original birth certificate. You’ll also need $30 to apply. No bloodwork is required.

You only need one witness to make it official! (This can be your elopement photographer.) Have them sign your license after your ceremony is performed then return it in person, or through the mail to the clerk’s office where they’ll record it and you’ll receive your official sealed certificate.

As an elopement photographer, I’d LOVE to help you with the details! Get in touch with me today so that we can start planning your Idaho elopement!

What is the Best Time of Year to Elope in Idaho?

The answer to that question is completely up to you. When you imagine your elopement, what type of scenery your envisioning? Do you want to feel the warm sun on your face? Play in the snow? Be surrounded by the rich colors of fall? Idaho’s diverse climate offers unique experiences throughout the seasons, each presenting its own set of advantages and considerations.

Spring

Idaho bursts to life in the springtime with blooming wildflowers that create vibrant backdrops for an elopement. Mild temperatures provide comfort for outdoor celebrations, and the peak flow of waterfalls adds to the overall scenic beauty. However, be prepared for variable weather, including occasional rain. It’s always a good idea to have a backup location in mind, just in case. Additionally, keep in mind that spring is a popular season, so some locations might be busier than usual, not granting you the privacy that you’re hoping for.

Summer

Summer in Idaho offers warm and predictable weather, making it an ideal time for outdoor ceremonies. The extended daylight hours provide flexibility in scheduling your celebrateion, and there are abundant outdoor activities for post-elopement adventures. It’s essential to note that summer is the peak tourist season, so expect crowded locations. Some areas may also experience high temperatures, so plan accordingly. June, July and August often sees temperatures around 100 degrees.

Fall

Fall in Idaho transforms the landscape into a captivating tapestry of vibrant foliage, creating a picturesque setting for your elopement. Cooler temperatures make outdoor celebrations comfortable, and there are fewer crowds compared to the summer months. Nevertheless, fall weather can be unpredicable, with the potential for early snowfall. Additionally, it remains a popular season for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, leading to moderate crowds in some areas.

Winter

Winter in Idaho turns the landscape into a snowy wonderland, offering a serene and magical atmosphere for your elopement. With fewer crowds, you can enjoy a more intimate celebration, and the season opens up unique winter activities for post-elopement adventures. However, it’s essential to consider the cold temperatures, requiring additional planning for warmth. January is the coldest month, with average temps below freezing. Some locations may also be inaccessible due to the snow, so keep a close eye on the weather leading up to your elopement day so that you can be prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws your way.

View of a snowy field and the Sawtooth mountains as the blue sky peaks through the clouds.

Planning Your Elopement Ceremony

As you can see, Idaho’s flexible marriage laws make it an idea elopement location, allowing you to completely personalize your vows and create a ceremony that reflects your unique love story.

My husband and made it a date prior to our wedding where we went to a local lake and wrote our vows while sipping on some beers. We didn’t sneak peeks at what the other was writing, and when we exchanged our vows to each other in private, as the snow fell around us on a mountaintop, reading them to each other was so incredibly special.

Capturing the Moments

Hiring a skilled elopement photographer is key to immoralizing your special day. Timing is everything- plan your ceremony during golden hour to caputre the warm, soft glow of the Idaho sun on your most cherished moments.

Elopement Attire

Idaho’s diverse landscapes mean variable weather conditions. Layers are key, especially if you’re hiking to the top of a mountain. I always recommend wearing a base layer of leggings under your wedding attire, or at least carrying some with you in a backpack.

Decide if you want to hike in your wedding attire, or change near your ceremony location.

And let’s not forget proper footwear. The last thing that you want to worry about on your wedding day is blisters and achy feet!

Elopement Activities

I’ve mentioned hiking, but you do not have to hike on your elopement if you don’t want to. There are so many other activities that you can incorporate into your elopement day. Here’s just a couple of ideas:

The possibilities are endless! There are so many year-round activities in Idaho, as well as season specific activities. Snowmobiling anyone?

Here are some other general ideas of fun things to do on your elopement day.

Korey and Jeff kiss on top of a rock in front of Stanley Lake to celebrate their hike to the top of the mountain in the snow.

Accomodations and Logistics

Selecting the right lodging option is crucial for a stress-free elopement. Explore cozy cabins (these make great photo ops!), boutique hotels, or even consider camping if you two are feeling adventurous. Plan your transportation and travel logistics well in advance to eliminate any last-minute stress.

Opt for the 4-wheel drive vehicle if you’re consider exploring any backroads or if you choose to elope during a time that it may snow.

Leave No Trace

Idaho’s wilderness is pristine, and as you plan your elopement, it’s essential to embrace the principles of Leave No Trace. This philosophy ensures that your celebration has a minimal impact on the environment, preserving the beauty for future generations.

Choose sustainable locations
Pack it in, pack it out
Minimize floral impact
Travel on durable surfaces
Respect wildlife
Eco-friendly celebrations
Educate and inform guests of LNT principles, which you can find here.

Following Leave No Trace Guidelines is so important to me that I include more details on how to abide by them in in my exclusive 88-page Elopement Guide, AND also provide a more in depth guide for my clients.

Post-Elopement Celebrations

While eloping is an intimate affair, you can absolutely still include your family. There are several ways to celebrate with your loved ones, whether it’s meeting up with them for a simple dinner or reception at the end of your day, or a quick video chat. You could also have a reception back home at a later date, or just send out “We Eloped!” announcements. Remember this is YOUR day, and you can do it up any way that you want to! There is no wrong way to celebrate.

As you embark on this journey to elope in Idaho, remember that the beauty of the Gem State is so much more than it’s stunning landscapes. It’s an invitation to celebrate your love in a way that feels true to you. Use this guide as a roadmap, but don’t be afraid to blaze your own trail Your Idaho elopement is an opportunity to create a day that reflects the depth and uniqueness of your own love story, surrounded by the unparalleled beauty of the Idaho wilderness. Happy eloping!