6 of the Best Places to Elope in Idaho (2024)
For the wild, the romantic, and the adventurous: if you are looking for the best places to elope in Idaho, this guide is for you.
Are you ready to celebrate your love story in a unique way and elope in Idaho? Then you are in the right place! The mountains, the rivers, and the sense of adventure that Idaho provides will give you the opportunity to create a one-of-a-kind elopement celebration. The next step of your elopement planning journey awaits: determining the best places to elope in Idaho.
In this article, you will find everything you need to know about choosing the right spot for your adventurous wedding experience. Let’s get scrolling and find the best place to elope in Idaho… for you!
Best Places to Elope in Idaho
From old-growth cedar forests to rugged mountain peaks, Idaho is a diverse and beautiful state. Idaho is best known for its potatoes but most people don’t realize that Idaho holds the deepest canyon in North America, has more public land than private land (this is fabulous for elopements), and is home to the tallest single-structured sand dune in the world (More fun facts here).
Whether you are looking for a breathtaking mountain vista, a 30-mile backpacking loop, or a white sand beach to exchange your vows, Idaho might just be the perfect place for you! Below you will find the best places to elope in Idaho. Check it out for yourself!
Stanley
Perhaps one of the most picturesque places in Idaho, Stanley, easily makes it one of the best places to elope in Idaho. From the jagged Sawtooths to the reflective lakes and moody skies, eloping in Stanley, Idaho is perfect for those that love adventure and want to include hiking and exploring in their elopement celebration.
Season
If seclusion is important to you I would suggest that you elope on a weekday during the summer months or elope in the off-season (October-May). If you have an image of a winter wonderland in mind for your dream elopement, Stanley is your place.
Stanley is known for its access to the Sawtooth Mountains. This is a rocky and striking range that provides an epic backdrop to any occasion. The dynamic peaks, stunning views, and array of alpine lakes make Stanley and the Sawtooths one of the best places to elope in Idaho.
Venue
Redfish Lake Lodge is one of my favorite venues in Stanley. It sits on the banks of Redfish Lake and offers beach access and views of the Sawtooth Mountains. Redfish Lake Lodge is a full-service lodge with a restaurant, boat marina, and an affiliate spa located in downtown Stanley. For the couple that is ready to elope but wants to stay close to the comforts of a lodge, this place is ideal.
Activities
Stanley is amazing year-round. For the cold-weather enthusiast, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and hot springs make it one of the best places to elope in Idaho in the winter. For those that love the high country in the summertime, Stanley is the jumping-off point to miles of dedicated wilderness trails and alpine lakes. This makes it the perfect place to elope in Idaho for those that see themselves hiking and adventuring during their elopement day.
If you decide to stay at Redfish Lake Lodge, take advantage of their marina rentals. This is the perfect place to canoe at sunrise before you prepare for your big day.
Why I Love It
One Google image search of Stanley and you will see why it is one of the best places to elope in Idaho. I love it for its raw, rugged feel. If an Idaho mountain elopement is what you are after, this is the spot for you. Complete with mountain skylines in any direction, sparkling lakes, and snowy peaks… this location is sure to uncover the adventurer in just about anyone.
Salmon River
The Salmon River flows from central to Western Idaho and is known as “The River of No Return”. The Salmon River is a place of whitewater adventure, striking landscapes, and wild history. It is one of the best places to elope in Idaho if you love river adventure and white beaches.
Season
Home to numerous water activities, I recommend my couples elope in the warm months of summer if they want to play in the river. Also, if you plan to raft, kayak, or take a jet boat tour, having the summer sun on your back is a plus. For fishing and cooler weather, fall and winter are a beautiful time to be on the river. Steelhead fishing season runs October – March and is a fun activity to include in your elopement.
Venue
Mackay Bar Ranch calls itself “more than just another wedding venue…it is a story, an adventure, a magical place where your special day will never be forgotten.” And I couldn’t agree more!
The ranch can accommodate up to 40 wedding guests and this makes it a perfect place to elope with family. Furthermore, with plenty of activities accessible through the venue, you and your guests will have plenty to keep you smiling and the laughter flowing, even after your wedding day.
Activity
Water lovers, this place is for you! From jet boats to rafting tours, the appeal of the river makes this one of the best places to elope in Idaho. Not a fan of extreme water sports? No problem, the Salmon River hosts hundreds of sandy beaches that are perfect for a ceremony, a quiet afternoon with a book and a Moscow mule.
Why I Love It
I may be a little biased because I call the Salmon River home, but there is something special about this river and the wilderness that surrounds it. Whether you are after a summer evening elopement on the river or want to spend a long weekend adventuring with your family at Mackay Bar, the Salmon River is one of the best places to elope in Idaho!
Sandpoint
Nestled by lake Pend Oreille and Schweitzer Ski Resort, Sandpoint Idaho has no shortage of outdoor adventures. From a peaceful paddleboarding session after your ceremony to your first ski run as a married couple, Sandpoint comes in as one of the best places to elope in Idaho.
Season
If you are a snow-loving couple and want to incorporate winter sports into your elopement, Sandpoint is the palace for you. As with many tourist towns, the summer tends to be busier for Sandpoint. However, with Schweitzer Ski Resort close by, tourists and diehard Sandpoint fans alike keep this place thriving year-round and make it one of the best places to elope in Idaho.
Venue
Talus Rock is a luxury resort located in Sandpoint. In particular, the Arbor Room located within the Talus is known for being a destination for honeymooners and elopers alike. A jetted tub for two, thirty-foot high ceilings and your own private deck… this place is the perfect way to celebrate an adventure elopement.
Or, if a small wedding is more your style, the outdoor promenade provides a beautiful location for a small gathering, for an elopement celebration closer to comfort. (Did I mention the epic view of the Cabinet Mountains?)
Activity
In the winter, Schweitzer Mountain Resort provides 2900 acres of skiable terrain. In the summer, this translates into 40+ miles of biking trails. For those with adventure on their mind, Sandpoint is the place to be. It is easy to find bike rentals, ski rentals, or even a friendly face to give you advice for your next great journey as a couple and qualifies as one of the best places to elope in Idaho.
Why I Love It
Growing up snowboarding, I have always loved the aesthetic of being in the mountains surrounded by snow. I believe that each couple should celebrate their elopement by including activities that they love. Whether this means skiing down a mountain in your wedding attire or spending the morning of your wedding day snowshoeing, being authentic to your life adventure on your elopement day makes it even more meaningful.
Teton Valley
For couples looking for a Teton experience, away from the hustle and bustle of Teton National Park, the rural Teton Valley is one of the best places to elope in Idaho. The Teton Valley has access to both Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Teton National Park. The beauty in this location is you to stay somewhere quit but still have access to amazing photo locations.
Season
Nestled at a high elevation, the Teton Valley experiences significant snow in the winter, and often, significant rain in the summer. June tends to be the wettest month and November, the driest. For couples looking for the wild and natural appeal, I recommend a fall elopement. This is when the weather is dry, temperatures are mild and fall colors are brilliant.
Venue
For a creative and memorable elopement location, Teton Valley Resort is your one-stop-shop. From cabins to tipis, to glamping, this venue has it all. Furthermore, the resort has access to guides for every activity under the sun (or stars!) This resort calls itself “rugged yet luxurious.”
Activity
As mentioned above, Teton Valley resort provides some incredible activities, with guides included. Winter activities include dog sledding, an elk refuge sleigh ride, and snowshoeing. For our fair-weather friends, elopement activities could include a whitewater float on the Snake River, a SUP float on the Teton River, or the Grand Targhee Scenic Chairlift and hike. This place is truly one of the best places to elope in Idaho because it has access to dozens of fun-filled activities.
Why I Love It
I love the Teton Valley because it allows you to experience the Tetons without the crowds that flock to Teton National Park. It is close enough to Grand Teton National Park that you can go visit the sites and then retreat to a more relaxed atmosphere. The Teton Valley is also appealing because it can be an awesome place to visit regardless of the season. Just set your date and rest assured that there will be plenty of fun and adventure, whatever the season. For all of the above reasons, I think the Teton Valley is one of the best places to elope in Idaho!
Boise
For some, there is the pull of an engaging city, and that is exactly what Boise provides. Known for being the “biggest small town there is,” Boise is home to friendly breweries, phenomenal restaurants, and some epic photo locations. If you are looking for adventure, but within the comfort of a city, this is the place to be. Boise is also home to the biggest international airport in Idaho, so travel and accommodations are easy to find here.
Season
The reason that Boise is one of the best places to elope in Idaho is the fact that every season brings something beautiful. The winters are mild, spring and fall are full of warm air and beautiful foliage. Boise is called the City of Trees and for good reason!
Venue
This venue is located just 30 minutes from Boise and is the perfect place if you are looking to create a private wedding experience without leaving the comforts of the city. Known as Treasure Valley’s Most Romantic Vineyard & Venue, Sandstone Vineyards is hard to beat. The vineyard surrounds the venue giving it a private and intimate feel. Amities include a bridal suite, pool, old bus and covered reception space incase of poor weather.
Activity
Swan Falls is located about 30 minutes from Sandston Vineyard and is the perfect place to adventure for your couple photos. This location is amazing at sunset and is one of the best places to overlook the Snake River.
Not much of a hiker? Biking around Greenbelt or Downtown Boise can be a relaxing way to celebrate. It’s also worth noting that rafting, kayaking, and vineyards are minutes away from the city… the possibilities for post elopement activities are truly endless.
Why I Love It
If solitude and wilderness are not your styles, but Idaho is on your list, then Boise can provide you that middle ground. This is why it makes the list of the best places to elope in Idaho!
McCall
McCall, Idaho is high on my list of favorite places to photograph in Idaho. It sits right on Payette Lake and has all the amenities you need to spend a comfortable week or weekend away. You can walk off the deck of your Airbnb cabin and hop on a boat for the day. Or disappear into the mountains for a day hike followed by a 5-star dinner at Shore Lodge. You can find a more in-depth look at why McCall is one of my favorite places to elope in Idaho by clicking here.
Season
Summer in McCall tends to be more crowded. The peak season for tourism is June-September. If you are eloping in peak season I would suggest that you consider a weekday to have more intimacy and privacy for your celebration.
Spring and early summer in the mountains surrounding McCall are filled with wildflowers. I absolutely love this time of year! You can also find huckleberries if you elope in August.
If you do elect to elope in the off-season, keep in mind that McCall has a snowy spring and a short fall. So a few surprise snowflakes may be in store if you choose the quieter, colder months! McCall is beautiful in the dead of winter, so if you love snow then plan to elope in January-February when it receives most of its snowfall.
Venue
McCall has several gorgeous venues to choose from, and you can see an entire list of them here. From lakeside “I do’s” to stunning views of the mountains, there is hardly a place in McCall, Idaho that will not create a beautiful background for your elopement.
But if you need a place to begin your search for an epic elopement venue, start with the Scandia Inn. This is a rustic escape with a charming, intimate appeal.
Activity
Hikes with water or an alpine lake are what I recommend to all of my McCall couples! The water will give you beautiful reflections in the evening and the surrounding mountains will give dynamic backgrounds at sunset.
Hiking, canoeing, and chairlift rides up Brundage Mountain Ski Area are also favorites for the adventurous couple.
Why I Love It
We have all heard it before, there is no place like home, and I am fortunate to have grown up exploring McCall. But bias aside, I am drawn to the intimate and friendly community McCall provides along with a host of outdoor activities. The small-town charm and proximity to Boise put McCall at the top of my list of best places to elope in Idaho.
Tying it All Together
You are about to embark on the incredible journey of planning your elopement day and I would love to help you choose the best place to elope in Idaho! I am an elopement planner + photographer and I help couples just like you elope. Idaho has something to offer any couple looking for an amazing place to elope in Idaho. I would love to help you find the perfect rugged mountain ridge or white sand beach for your big day.
If you aren’t quite ready to get in touch with me but want more resources on eloping check out my Idaho Elopement Guide. It is jammed packed with everything you need to plan your epic Idaho elopement!