How to Elope in Stanley, Idaho | Complete 2025 Guide

Updated on Reading Time: 16 minutes

I am so glad you have landed on my guide covering how to elope in Stanley, Idaho! In this guide you will find all the information you need to plan an elopement in the Sawtooth Mountains, including the best locations for an outdoor ceremony, venues for larger celebrations, activity ideas, and more.

Did you know I’m an elopement photographer + planner?

My name is Autumn and I’m an elopement photographer that helps couples elope in the mountains of Idaho. I’ve photographed 90+ elopements and hiked 100’s of miles in Idaho’s backcountry.

Learn more about me

Where is Stanley, Idaho?

Here is a little about Stanley, Idaho: Stanley is a small mountain town in the heart of the Sawtooths. The census found just 63 full time residents in Stanley but during the summer you will find this little down bustling with outdoor enthusiasts and summer campers. Stanley is the jumping off point for outdoor recreational activities within the Sawtooth and White Cloud Mountains. In Stanley you will find several hotels, a handful of restaurants, a few rafting companies, a gas station, and a small grocery store. Stanley sits about 2.5 hours from Boise, Idaho. If you’re coming from out of state you will want to fly into Boise and rent a car to drive to Stanley.

Now that you know a little about Stanley, let’s get into how to elope in Stanley and the Sawtooth Mountains.

A couple stands together during their first look at sunrise on Stanley Lake. The rising sun is casting an alpenglow on the mountains behind the lake. The orange and pink mountains are reflecting on the lake.
Sunrise reflections on an alpine lake in Stanley.

Helpful Tip:  Alpine lakes reflect mountains in the morning and evening. Plan your couple photos during these times to capture cool reflections.

Why Elope in Stanley, Idaho?

There are many reasons to elope in Stanley, but one of the biggest ones is that it’s a haven for outdoor lovers. Anybody who enjoys exploring the great outdoors, whether it be hiking through breathtaking mountain ranges or rafting along some of the best river rapids in the country, will fall in love with Stanley and the gorgeous Sawtooth Mountains immediately. As an elopement photographer who helps couples have a once in a lifetime adventure for their special day, Stanley is the ideal elopement location with its proximity to the Sawtooth Mountains, the Salmon River, and overall vast wilderness area. The landscapes are pristine and the natural beauty is unparalleled, making for a phenomenal place to start your life as a married couple.

Best Stanley Wedding Venues & Elopement Locations

First up are two of my favorite wedding venues in Stanley that are great for ceremonies with guests and larger weddings in general.

Wedding Venues

Redfish Lake Lodge

This wedding venue sits right on the banks of Redfish Lake and offers amazing views of the Sawtooth Mountains. It is a full service wedding venue. Included in their service is day-of coordinate, food and drink catering, reception tent rental, tables/chairs/linens and 5 cabin rentals. This venue can accommodate 60-223 guests.

Redfish Lake wedding tent styled by Emily Aiken Events.
See more of this Redfish Lake Lodge wedding.

Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch

This beautiful guest ranch is located 14 miles outside of Stanley. The ranch sits on 900 acres with magnificent views of the Sawtooth Mountains and access to over 700 trails into the Sawtooth Recreational Area. It offers an in-house hot spring pool, guest lodging, horseback riding and a wedding venue space for weddings with less than 50 people.

Elopement Locations

Next, here are two of my favorite elopement ceremony locations in Stanley. These ceremony locations can be paired with another sunrise or sunset location for couple photos (I provide location suggestions for these locations to my couples).

A couple stands together holding lanterns at dusk. The mountains behind them are covered by mist. This couple eloped in Stanley at Redfish Lake.

North Shore Picnic Area

North Shore is a small day use area along the banks of Redfish Lake. This area has pit bathrooms and two reservable picnic areas. A special use photography permit from the forest service is required to use this area.

Sawtooth Valley Pioneer Park

The city park in Stanley has amazing views! The park has two reservable group sites (info here). The park can be used without reservation but if you intend to use it for more than a ceremony it’s a good idea to reserve it.

Ceremony location at Pioneer Park.
A couple sits on an hold wooden fence during their Stanley city park wedding in Stanley, Idaho. The light is fading and there are mountains behind the couple.
Old fence at Pioneer Park.

How to Elope in Stanley, Idaho

Now that you’ve got an idea of what types of locations are available for your Stanley elopement, let’s walk through how to go about planning your big day and what you should prioritize.

1. Hire an Elopement Photographer

I recommend starting with finding a photographer for your Stanley, Idaho elopement that specializes in elopement photography. Photographers that specialize in elopements will offer location scouting, elopement planning and officiate services along with their photography. These additional services will be a big help to you and save you time and money.

Hiring a photographer is one of the biggest decisions you will make when it comes to planning your elopement. You will want to find someone that is just as wild about the outdoors as you, someone that will mesh well with your personalities and someone that will do their homework and help you plan the most epic elopement you can imagine.

Want to see real examples of what your Stanley elopement could look like when you hire a local photographer? 👇🏻

Helpful Tip: I’m a local Stanley elopement photographer and would love to chat with you about your elopement. Learn more about my Stanley Elopement Packages here.

2. Choose a Time of Year to Elope

Stanley is a summer destination for most visitors. Due to the elevation, most trails have snow on them until mid-May with trails over 8,000 feet seeing snow into July. Labor Day weekend is the last big weekend for visitors and September marks the end of the ‘busy’ season. Winter is much quieter around Stanley. During the winter months snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and hot springing are the main draw to the area. 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).

An eloping couple stands with their officiant on a beach in Stanley, Idaho. There is mountains and water behind the couple.

Helpful Tip:  Weather can change quickly in the Sawtooth Mountains (even in summer!). Being prepared and flexible to adapt to these changes is key to a stress-free elopement.

3. Make Your Travel Arrangements

Next you will want to make travel arrangements. If you are coming from out of state there are airports and car rentals in Boise and Sun Valley. Boise is cheaper to fly into because it’s a larger city than Sun Valley, but Sun Valley is more conveniently located to Stanley.

Stanley is a small town and doesn’t have a great deal of lodging options. Plan ahead and book your lodging early! There are a few full service lodges, hotels, guest ranches and lots of Airbnb/cabin rentals within 20 miles of Stanley, Idaho. Camping is also an option with an abundance of campgrounds along Redfish Lake and many of the trailheads. Below are some of the best accommodations in Stanley for your elopement. 

This cabin in Stanley, Idaho is the best place to hold an elopement celebration with friends and family. The deck looks out at the mountains and the inside of the cabin is roomy.
Detail photo of elopement cake and charcuterie board sitting on a deck with mountains in the background.

Stanley Cabin Rentals/Airbnb

  • Park Creek Ranch: This log cabin is about 10 minutes outside of Stanley. It offers unobstructed views of the mountains and is on a private road. It will sleep up to 10 guests and starts at $750 a night.
  • Mountain View Home: This beautiful home sits above Stanley and is within walking distance of town. It offers views of the mountains and is on a private road. It sleeps 8 and starts at $400 a night.
  • Shaw Mesa Home: This home offers 360-degree mountain views! This property is located about 20 minutes from Stanley and is on a private road. It sleeps 7 and starts at $395 a night.

Stanley Lodges/Hotels

  • Redfish Lake Redfish Lodge: Redfish Lake is about 10 minutes northeast of Stanley. Redfish Lake Lodge 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.
  • Redfish Riverside Inn sits on the banks of the Salmon River and offers views of the Sawtooth Mountains.
  • Triangle Cabins sits in Stanley and offers views of the Sawtooth Mountains.

Stanley Camping

Helpful Tip:  Lodging is limited in Stanley. Make sure you book early!

4. Hire the rest of your Stanley elopement vendors

An amazing team of vendors is so important to your elopement day, so don’t skimp here! Take time to research and hire a set of vendors that will help you bring your elopement vision to live. You can find vendors on Google or ask your elopement photographer to connect you with vendors they love to work with. Stanley is a tiny mountain town with few wedding amenities, so you will more than likely end up hiring wedding vendors from Boise or Sun Valley.

If you are keeping your elopement simple you will want to find an elopement photographer, officiant, florist, food, and attire. If you are eloping with family and interested in a traditional reception you should consider including a planner/styles for your elopement. Beyond a planner you will want to find an elopement photographer, florist, officiant, a cater, and wedding attire.

Elopement details laying on a log. Details include a leather vow book, boutonniere, and orange cord for a handfasting ceremony.
Autumn Lynne Photography, is an officiant located in Stanley, Idaho.

Officiants

You will need to find an officiant and get your marriage license – here is a helpful blog post on getting your marriage license in Idaho. A marriage license and officiant will cost between $200-$400. I am an elopement photographer that is also an ordained officiant in the state of Idaho. If you choose to elope just the two of you or do not wish to bring an officiant along I can sign your paperwork for you. 

Helpful Tip:  Need help figuring out what to say during your ceremony while you’re standing up there with your officiant? Check out this guide to How to Write Elopement Vows in 4 Easy Steps.

Florists

I love flowers and grow a large cut flower garden with my kids in the summer. Flowers are my favorite elopement accessory and something I always encourage my couples to spend a little extra on. Here are a few florists in Boise and Sun Valley that serve Stanley.

  • Petal Works Idaho – Beverly with Petal Works in Boise is my first choice! Her designs are beautiful and she is really easy to work with. She is also Leave No Trace aware and will make you a sustainable, LNT aware bouquet.
  • Thistle And Sage – Maggie & Denise with Thistle & Sage Weddings are in Sun Valley.
  • Bloom Theory Studios – Kacie with Bloom Theory Studio in Sun Valley.
Bride holds a Leave No Trace aware bouquet of yellow, pink and red flowers during her Stanley elopement.
Leave no Trace Aware Wedding Flowers

As you find a florist and dream up what your elopement florals will look like, I encourage you to keep sustainability in mind, and consider how you can keep your flowers as eco-conscious as possible. It’s important to me to educate all my couples on the 7 Leave No Trace principles, which are designed to help you minimize your impact on the environment every time you step foot outside—whether you’re heading out for a day on the lake or eloping in the mountains.

Hiring a florist who follows Leave No Trace principles when designing and installing your florals will ensure that your elopement is as sustainable as possible; for example, practicing the use of only locally-sourced florals from eco-conscious growers, and doing careful research on what types of flowers (if any) are allowed at the location where you’d like to have your ceremony. Something to keep in mind as you start the search for a florist you love!

A couple stands together. The groom is holding a bouquet of flowers and the bride is holding her dress trail. This couple renewed their vows in Stanley, Idaho.
A couple kisses after their elopement ceremony in Stanley, Idaho.

Dress

Choosing your elopement dress is a bit different than choosing a traditional wedding dress—when you’re eloping, you need to consider factors such as weather/climate, activities, etc. If you’re having your ceremony outdoors or spending any part of your elopement outdoors, you’ll want to think about what will be most comfortable to move around in, especially if you’re hiking or participating in any adventurous activity.

I recommend a dress made of a flowy, lightweight material that is easy to move around in and allows you to breathe throughout the day, rather than one that is thick, stiff, and restricting. Materials such as chiffon and crepe are often great for outdoor elopements, especially if it’s hot outside and you’re trying to find a material that won’t leave you sweating through your gown all day. Yes, you can absolutely be fashionable when picking your elopement dress, but comfort and safety should also be top of mind!

A bride stands at the edge of a mountain lake in Idaho. The mountains and the bride are reflecting in the water of the lake.

Helpful Tip:  If your heart longs for a wedding dress that dances in the wind you should check out Daci Gowns. Daci’s designs dresses feature lace and silk materials and are handmade in Boise, Idaho.

Food

Amazing food is something you shouldn’t skimp on during your wedding day! Why not hire a private chef to come to your cabin and cook for the day or weekend? Redfish Lake Lodge has a restaurant inside the main lodge and a lakeside grill that is open to the public. They also offer a lake cruise and dinner option. The Sawtooth Hotel has some of the best homemade food in Stanley. Stanley Supper Club has amazing food and the restaurant can be rented out for private events.

Cake by Hank & Sylvie’s in Sun Valley.
Sunset cruise provided by Redfish Lake Lodge.

Planner/Stylist

Planning an elopement is definitely less stressful than planning a traditional wedding but there are times when a planner/stylist is someone you may want to add to your elopement vendor list. For example, if you are eloping with family and want to have dinner after your ceremony you should definitely work with a planner/stylist. This will make planning your dinner details and decorating a breeze! Here are a two planners/stylists I love:

  • Dreamer Events is a small boutique wedding planning company based in Boise, Idaho. They offer full and partial event planning services. Erin, the owner, is wonderful to work and very organized. She is a wonderful addition to any elopement!
  • Emily Aiken Events is an adventure elopement and wedding event planning company based in Boise, Idaho. They offer event planning, styling and officiant services. Emily, the owner, has a love for the Sawtooth Mountains and is the perfect planner for your Stanley, Idaho elopement.

5. Pick your elopement location in the Sawtooth Mountains

Picking a location for your Stanley elopement ceremony isn’t hard because there are literally hundreds of beautiful views and hidden gem locations within the Sawtooth Mountains, just like this one that Izzy and Cody chose.

The question you should start with when considering elopement locations is ‘how adventurous do we want to be?’ You can drive to the banks of Redfish Lake for an incredible view of the mountains or lace up your hiking boots and hike to a location with unobstructed views of the Sawtooth Mountains.

A couple walks away from the camera holding hands in Idaho. There is an expansive mountain landscape in front of them. The groom is wearing a blue blazer and the bride is wearing an open back dress.

Eloping with guests is an amazing experience but you do need to take time to consider how and to what extent your family and friends will be involved in your day. If you are eloping with family, ask yourself these questions when when considering your elopement location: 

  • What are the physical restraints of our guests?
  • How much do we want to include guests in our day?
  • Do we want to have a small wedding at a venue and then adventure just the two of us?

I’ve created a hug guide on how to elope with family! Read my ‘How to Elope With Family: Planning Advice, Timeline Tips, & More” here

Helpful Tip: I’ve created a hug guide on how to elope with family! Read my How to Elope With Family: Planning Advice, Timeline Tips, & More.

6. Get your Stanley elopement permit

If you are getting married with more then 75 people you (as the couple) are required to obtain a special use permit from the SNRA Forest Service to get married on national forest ground (Sawtooth National Recreation Area or SNRA). In addition, your photographer is required to obtain a commercial photography permit. If you are getting married with less than 75 people then only your photographer has to obtain a commercial photography permit. The cost of a Stanley elopement photography permit from the Forest Service is between $250-$400.

Bride smiles as her groom kisses the side of her face. The couple is standing on a mountain ridge.
A couple walks down a trail together during their adventure elopement in Stanley. They eloped in early winter and there are patches of snow on the ground.

Helpful Tip: I’m a Stanley elopement photographer that will assist you with obtaining the needed permits for their Stanley wedding or elopement.

7. Plan your Stanley Elopement Activities

Eloping gives you endless opportunities to create a wedding day that is filled with both planned and organic moments. I’m a big advocate of elopement day activities because they allow a couple to create a wedding day that fun, authentic, and adventurous. Elopement activities also make having your photo taken a breeze! I’ve created a monster article on elopement day activities! Here is my guide to 35 Elopement Ideas + Activities for an Unforgettable Day.

In addition to your elopement day activities you’ll want to plan a few fun things to do outside of your elopement day. Below you will find ideas for recreation during your stay in Stanley, Idaho.

Outdoor Recreation

A bride leans against her grooms chest. The couple is sitting in a hot spring and there are rocks surrounding them.

Hot Springs

You could choose to relax and spend some time at one of the hot springs. There are several natural and developed hot springs around Stanley. PLEASE follow hot spring etiquette and Leave No Travel guidelines (info here) when visiting any national hot spring! This etiquette includes packing out all trash, not bringing glass containers, not using the hot spring for a bathroom, not bringing pets and being considerate of others.

  • The Mountain Village Resort offers a quaint soaking house with views of the Sawtooth Mountains. They have 3 newly built hot spring huts that can be rented by the general public.
  • Kirkham Hot Springs: Kirkham is located along Highway 21 and is an hour drive from Stanley or 1.2 hours from Boise. There is a hot waterfall and 5-6 soaking pools along the river.
  • Sunbeam Hot Springs: Another natural hot spring along the banks of the Salmon River. Located 12 miles north of Stanley on HWY 75 between mile markers 201 and 202.

Hiking

There are some amazing hikes in the Stanley area! Alice Lake and Sawtooth Lake are two of my favorite day hikes.

A couple stands together on a rock with an expansive mountain view behind them. This couple included a pre-wedding hike in their elopement day.

8. Create Your Elopement Timeline

Eloping gives you so much freedom when it comes to planning and designing your wedding day. You can utilize the beautiful light of both sunrise and sunset for your couple portraits. Or, you can split your day up and have a morning ceremony and an evening reception. The possibilities are endless and I am here to help you dream up your perfect wedding day timeline.

Example Elopement Timeline for Stanley

  • 5:00 am – Meet at Airbnb, getting ready photos, detail photos
  • 6:15 am – Leave Airbnb, head to Redfish Lake
  • 7:00 am – Meet at Redfish Lake, sunrise first look & portraits
  • 8:30 am – Meet family at Redfish Lake, get ready for ceremony
  • 9:00 am –  Ceremony at North Shore Picnic Area
  • 9:30 am – Ceremony wraps up, wedding party & family photos 
  • 10:30 am – Formal Photos finished, head back to Airbnb
  • 11:15 pm – Lunch at airbnb with private chef
  • 12:30 pm – Photo coverage wraps up until afternoon hiking photos
  • 2:00 pm – Meet at trailhead and hike to meadows for sunset photos
  • 7:00 pm – Photo coverage wraps up

Now, it’s time to get out there and marry your best friend with a stunning mountain view! Your elopement day in Stanley will be calm and stress free because you have taken all the steps necessary to have a well planned elopement day.

Couple stands together in a grass field after their Stanley, Idaho elopement ceremony.
Couple stands together in a grass field after their Stanley, Idaho elopement ceremony. A bride smiles and hugs her groom in a mountain meadow in Stanley, Idaho. The sun is setting and highlighting the mountains behind the couple. The bride is wearing a white lace dress with a long train. The groom is wearing a black suit with a paisley undershirt.

Stanley, Idaho Elopement Photographer

And that’s it! I hope my ultimate guide on how to elope in Stanley, Idaho helps you in your elopement process! If you would like help planning your elopement my elopement service includes elopement planning help (recommendations for vendors, ceremony locations, and lodging), elopement day photography coverage and optional officiant service. I’ve helped over 60 couples elope in the Stanley area and I’d love to be a part of your day. Learn more about eloping with me here.

If you’d like to read additional Idaho elopement resources or find inspiration for your own special day, take a look through the Blog, or see a few of my recent posts below.