10 of the Best Engagement Photo Locations in Boise (2024)
Choosing a location for your engagement session can be difficult because let’s face it…. the greater Boise area, McCall and the Sawtooth Mountains have some amazing views and hidden gems. I started this post thinking I would write only about the greater Boise area but then decided to include a few locations outside of the Treasure Valley. Your engagement session is the perfect excuse to plan a weekend getaway 😉.
Idaho has so much to offer in terms of landscape diversity. You can find deserts, jagged mountain ranges, lush meadows and deep river canyons all within a few hours of Boise. I have kept accessibility in mind while writing this article. All of the following locations are easily accessible via a 2WD. If hiking is required for a location the distance is under 2 miles.
Here are 10 of the best engagement session locations in Boise & beyond. *Please remember to observe Leave No Trace practices if you choose to adventure in any outdoor location.
Engagement Photo Tip: You should absolutely involve your fur babies in your engagement session! When you are looking at engagement photo locations in Boise check to make sure they allow pets.
Best Engagement Photo Locations in Boise
1) Bogus Basin
Bogus Basin Ski Area is about an hour outside of Boise. I love this location in the morning because it has soft tones of pinks and yellows in the sky. Bogus Basin is really easy to access. You basically just pick a spot and start walking on cat tracks until the view opens up.
2) Mores Mountain
Mores Mountain is located just north of Bogus Basin Ski Area. The Mores Mountain Loop trail meanders through old-growth wooded areas and open hillsides with views of the Snake River Plain. This is a location that is suitable for both morning and evening sessions.
3) The Snake River
The rim of the Snake River Canyon is magnificent at sunset! My favorite area for taking photos along the Snake River is the Swan Falls Road.
4) Camel’s Back Park
Camel’s Back Park isn’t the most adventurous location but hiking a few minutes on the trail that leads toward the foothills will give you a view of Mores Mountain. This location is better suited for sunset photos.
Best Locations in McCall
McCall is 2 hours north of Boise. It is a bustling mountain town located on Payette Lake. Here you will find timbered mountains, lots of snow in winter and moderate temperatures in summer.
5) Payette Lake
Payette Lake is the staple of McCall. Eastside Drive loops around the lake and driving on this will give you access to mountain views, pine trees and granite sand beaches. I prefer to photograph this location in the morning because the lake is still. Afternoon can be windy here.
6) Ponderosa State Park
Ponderosa State Park in McCall is an awesome location for any engagement session. I love the Narrows at Ponderosa for sunset photos. Here is a snowy engagement session that was planned around adventuring on snowshoes – click here.
Considerations for Ponderosa: A $5 parking fee is required to enter the park yearround. If you have an Idaho State Park Passport you’re all set! During the winter you have to pay an additional $7 to enter the park. This fee helps the park maintain the groomed trails within Ponderosa.
7) Blue Lake
Blue Lake sits about 2 hours from Boise and is a high mountain gem. Reaching the lake requires a mile downhill hike that wanders through open hillsides, pine trees and a small meadow. If you drive a few minutes above the Blue Lake Trailhead you can see out into Long Valley and the Sawtooth Mountains.
Best Locations in Sun Valley
Sun Valley is best known for skiing but you don’t have to go skiing to utilize this area during your engagement session. Driving just 20 miles north of Sun Valley puts you into the rugged mountains of the Sawtooth Recreational Area. This area is filled with wildflowers in spring and long warm evenings in the summer time.
8) Billy’s Bridge
Billy’s Bridge is a snowshoeing area located north of Sun Valley. The trails here are groomed in the winter and are ideal for snowy engagement sessions! In the summer this location has forest service roads that access the Boulder Mountains. During the evening the setting sun casts a beautiful alpenglow on the mountains. Sunset is my favorite time to photograph here.
9) Galena Lodge
Galena Lodge sits between Sun Valley and Stanley. Galena Lodge is a wedding venue during the summer and a skiing and snowshoeing lodge in winter. In the springtime wildflowers blanket the meadow behind the lodge. This is a nice sunset location because the setting sun casts an alpenglow on the mountains behind the meadow.
Best Engagement Photo Locations in Stanley
There isn’t a place in Stanley that doesn’t have a pristine view! This area is perfect for those that enjoy exploring together. You could choose to hike to an alpine lake for your engagement session, go canoeing, horseback riding, or visit an alpine lake at sunset.
10) Redfish Lake
Redfish Lake is about 10 minutes outside of Stanley. It is a beautiful lake with amazing views and jagged peaks. The lake can be accessed for day use via the North Shore Recreational Area. Redfish Lake Lodge has a marina that rents canoes and boats.
Considerations for this location: This is a popular destination during the summer. If you want to escape the crowds you can take a boat shuttle from Redfish Lake Lodge and go explore the other end of the lake.
And those are my favorite 10 engagement photo locations in the greater Boise area. If you are engaged and looking for an engagement photographer, I would love to connect with you! To inquire about engagement sessions email hello@autumnlynnephotography.com or inquire via my elopement contact form.
