Intentional Mountain Elopement in Stanley, Idaho
I really connected with Dustin and Aurora right off the bat, and had a wonderful time documenting their Stanley elopement in the mountains—so I cannot wait to share their special day with you. Despite having to go with the flow and change plans at the very last minute, this couple was just thrilled to be finally getting married, and were such good sports through and through.
Dustin & Aurora’s Stanley Mountain Elopement
A stormy summer day in the Sawtooth Mountains
After Dustin proposed to Aurora the previous year at Fall Creek Falls in Swan Valley, it only made sense that they would tie the knot out in nature, somewhere with spectacular views just like the ones where they got engaged. They originally had a sunrise elopement planned, but we ended up having to completely change plans the evening prior due to a severe thunderstorm. I knew this might be disappointing after planning for a sunrise ceremony for so long, but Dustin and Aurora stayed positive and were completely willing to adapt plans as needed; we ended up pushing their ceremony into the afternoon, and planning to meet up the next day to get those sunrise photos. It was important to them to still have their ceremony on the original date, as they were getting married on their 4th anniversary.
They are the perfect example of how to embrace whatever adventures your elopement day may bring, and why it’s so important to be flexible even if the weather forecast looks flawless. After all, these are called “adventure” elopements for a reason! If you can come into your day prepared for the worst case scenario, then nothing can phase you or ruin your day—rain or shine.
Intentional time spent with loved ones
Since moving away from their families a few years back, it was especially important to Dustin and Aurora that they got to spend intentional time with their guests on their elopement day, as well as time on their own. They made sure to incorporate meaningful moments into their timeline as they could, including their family and friends wherever possible. It was difficult for them to choose between a completely private day and one where they were surrounded by guests, so they sort of made it into the best of both worlds: a private first look in the mountains, followed by a ceremony with family.
Even their details were created with careful thought and purpose; Aurora basically did everything herself, from crafting her own bouquet to knitting the handfasting rope and blanket that she and Dustin used during their sunrise session. It was important that she honored her mom during their wedding day (who she’d lost when she was young). Aurora designed and crocheted her wedding dress just as her mom had made her own wedding dress. She brought her mom’s dress with her, and we photographed them hanging up next to each other; a moment that deserves to live on forever.
A private first look with a view
Dustin and Aurora’s first look was spectacular, taking place in the middle of a breathtaking meadow with the snow-capped peaks of the Sawtooth Mountains peeking out beneath the clouds in the background. You know it’s special when a mountain bluebird is the only one to witness your first look. It was fun to see Dustin and Aurora’s unique style come out in their outfits, featuring a bit of a vintage essence with rich blues, warm browns, and Aurora’s unique crocheted wedding dress!
A spectacular elopement ceremony at Stanley Lake
After their first look we headed to Stanley Lake, where they met their family for their ceremony. This is an absolutely gorgeous spot for an elopement ceremony in Stanley, giving you up-close views of the Sawtooth Mountains and a calm, peaceful atmosphere to exchange your vows. The reflection of the clouds and the mountains in the lake are unparalleled, and there’s a quaint lakeside path that you can explore to take advantage of the scenery.
Following their ceremony, Dustin and Aurora spent time with family in a day-use area near their ceremony location. They celebrated with scones and mimosa while watching the mountains come in and out of the clouds. Their younger guests had a blast playing in the rain with their big umbrellas. Checkout this article on How to Elope With Family for more family elopement ideas.
Elopement portraits at sunset
Dustin and Aurora did a short hike for sunset photos after their ceremony. This gave them a little bit of extra time to take in the emotions of the day and enjoy that ‘just married’ feeling.
Lakeside elopement portraits at sunrise
Like I mentioned earlier, we met up early the next morning to get those sunrise portraits that Dustin and Aurora had been dreaming of. Thankfully, we managed to avoid any rain, instead enjoying gorgeous views of the mountains glistening through the cloudy gray skies. Dustin and Aurora exchanged private words as the sun gently rose over the mountain peaks, snuggling up in the blanket that Aurora had made and basking in that newlywed bliss. We were lucky enough to get some sunshine just in time for the end of our morning session, which we spent out on the dock overlooking the water. A stunning way to wrap up this exciting, unpredictable Stanley elopement.
How to elope in Stanley
Stanley is one of my favorite places to recommend to couples looking to tie the knot in the mountains of Idaho; in fact, I love it so much that I put together an entire Stanley Elopement Guide for you. In this guide you’ll find information about how to pick your Stanley elopement location, getting the proper permits, finding your vendors, and more. If you’d like to see another example of a gorgeous wedding in Stanley, check out Brian & Ellen’s Vibrant Summer Wedding at Redfish Lake Lodge.
Stanley, Idaho elopement photographer
I am so thankful that I was able to be Dustin and Aurora’s Stanley elopement photographer!
“We got married early June and Autumn was nothing but amazing! Not only did she fit us into her schedule on short notice, but she went above & beyond to rearrange our ceremony and sunrise photos when we were rained out the morning of. She was absolutely wonderful and I would totally recommend Autumn for your Idaho elopement needs.”
Contact me now to start planning your own elopement in the mountains of Idaho!