A Payette Lake Elopement With Dogs | McCall, Idaho
“Intimate, stress-free, and focused on what really matters;” this is how Manny and Christy described their wedding vision to me while we were planning their elopement. These two kept strong to that vision and created the perfect, low-stress wedding day with their two pups. Manny and Christy spent their wedding exploring the scenic landscapes around McCall, exchanging their vows next to Payette Lake and ending the evening with sunset portraits by the water. From start to finish, their elopement day was the perfect reflection of their laid-back, deeply rooted love for each other, and the love they share with the rest of their little family—Kona and Coco.
Hi, I’m Autumn! I’m your Idaho elopement photographer & planning bestie.
I help couples create elopements and micro-weddings in scenic Idaho that feel honest and elegant. I call the Salmon River home, where I live with my husband, our two kids, and a very scruffy pup. I photograph intimate weddings across Idaho and specialize in jet boat elopements on the Salmon.
Manny & Christy’s Lakeside McCall Elopement
A late spring elopement with their pups
Manny & Christy eloped with their two pups in McCall in late April. They chose an elopement location and planned every step of their day with their pups, Coco and Kona, in mind. Coco was a 9-year-old Shiba Inu who was content to nap her parents’ wedding day away. Kona, on the other hand, their 2 and a half-year-old mini Australian Shepherd, was ready to get the show on the road before it even started. Their elopement kicked off with pizza, followed by getting ready and a gift exchange.
A Wedding Gift Exchange
Christy gifted Manny a watch before they went their separate ways to get ready for their first look. Giving your partner a gift on your wedding day is a thoughtful way to express your love for them. Check out this article on 30 Wedding Gift Ideas.
A private first look among the pines
After a thoughtful gift exchange before putting on their elopement attire, Manny and Christy shared a private first look among the pines near their ceremony location. Christy wore a simple gown covered in a lace design, and Manny wore a guayaberas with khakis and his favorite pair of hiking boots.
Trying to decide if you’d like your own elopement to be private or filled with loved ones? Here’s a blog post that will help you make a decision in alignment with your vision.
A scenic ceremony on Payette Lake
We walked down to a beautiful spot at Payette Lake for their elopement ceremony, which was officiated by a dear friend and witnessed by, of course, Kona and Coco. Both were off leash during the ceremony, and they kept periodically checking in on their parents—they both came and sat between Christy and Manny while they were exchanging vows. It was such a sweet moment!
Cold pizza, cake, & champagne to end the night
After their ceremony we took sunset photos around the beautiful lake, bringing out a set of lanterns once the sun was down and the skies had gently settled into blue hour.
Back at the Airbnb, Manny and Christy brought their elopement day to a close with cold pizza, cake, and champagne—a perfect end to the perfect spring elopement in the mountains.
McCall Elopement Vendors
Makeup: Abby Jones Makeup | Cake: Certified Boise | Pizza: Hometown Pizza & Pub |Flowers: Wildflower Floral & Co
Tips for Eloping with Dogs
Looking for some tips on elopement with your pups? Check this article on 5 Essential Tips for a Dog-Friendly Wedding Day.
Payette Lake Elopement Photographer
Considering planning your own McCall elopement just like Manny and Christy did? Visit my full McCall Elopement Guide for all of my best tips, planning advice, and location recommendations in the area. For information about what it would look like to have me photograph your own elopement in the beautiful mountains of Idaho, take a look at my McCall elopement packages here!