Vibrant Spring Wedding at Redfish Lake Lodge | Stanley, ID

Updated on Reading Time: 9 minutes

Imagine you and your partner saying your “I do’s” in the middle of the mountains, surrounded by nothing but crisp alpine air, breathtaking scenery, the sounds of birds chirping, and a group of the people you love most in your life—what an extraordinary way to tie the knot with your forever person. This is precisely what Brian and Ellen’s special day looked like: a lovely day in the midst of some of the most spectacular mountains; a day that one could only dream of. I’m thrilled to be sharing their elevated mountain wedding at Redfish Lake Lodge, which just so happens to be one of my favorite wedding venues in Stanley, Idaho.

A couple embraces by a tranquil lake with snow-capped mountains in the background. The woman holds a colorful bouquet as they stand on the sandy shore together. The groom is in a sage green suit. This couple held their wedding at Redfish Lake Lodge in Stanley.

Brian & Ellen’s Redfish Lake Lodge Wedding

An elevated mountain wedding in Stanley, Idaho

When asked about their vision for their wedding day, Brian and Ellen told me that their dream was to get married at a place that was meaningful to them; a place that held a special place in their heart, and one that offered unparalleled views of Idaho’s natural beauty. The venue they picked, Redfish Lake Lodge, was one that fulfilled all of these desires and more. They visit the lodge often, so it only made sense for it to serve as the backdrop to the beginning of their journey as a married couple. I loved what they said about how important the stunning landscapes were to their wedding day: “We want to treat our surroundings as one of our guests at the wedding.” What a beautiful way to pay homage to a place that has been so special to their lives, and would now forever become a part of their story!

Considering tying the knot in Stanley yourselves? Don’t miss my guide to How to Elope in Stanley, Idaho, where I go into detail about how to pick a location, find accommodations, hire vendors, and more.

A bride and groom embrace in a lush green meadow in Stanley, with towering snow-capped mountains under a clear blue sky. The brides dress flows elegantly as they stand in this picturesque landscape. The bride is holding a spring inspired bouquet with blue, orange, and purple flowers.

Thoughtful moments and intentional details

Although Brian and Ellen had a larger, somewhat more traditional wedding, there were many parts of it that felt a bit like an elopement. They chose not to have a wedding party, instead inviting all of their loved ones to feel equally as special. It was also important to them to really focus on what they wanted from their wedding, instead of worry about what other people wanted.

Welcoming Their Quests

I was lucky enough to be with the couple for two days. On the first day I photographed their welcome dinner and on the second, their wedding day. They invited their guests to join them at the lodge a day early for an afternoon and evening of pre-wedding festivities, participating in a rehearsal dinner, admiring the picturesque mountain views, and enjoying good food as they mingled, laughed, hugged, and toasted to the bride and groom. It was so fun seeing the two of them welcome all of the people they loved most and to be able to share in the pre-wedding excitement. They even had a table filled with wedding photos of their family members, going back many years to as early as 1945—such a special way to pay tribute to all the family couples that came before them.

A couple is embracing and kissing on a wooden dock at Redfish Lake Lodge. Boats are moored nearby, and forested mountains stand majestically in the background under a clear sky. The woman is wearing a white dress with a floral pattern, while the man sports a blue jacket. This couple had their rehearsal dinner and wedding in Stanley, Idaho.
A couple walks hand in hand on the sandy shores of Redfish Lake Lodge beside a calm lake. The man is in a dark blazer and the woman in a white floral dress. Mountains and forested areas rise majestically in the background under a clear sky.
A couple stands by the serene waters of Redfish Lake Lodge with majestic mountain scenery in the background. The woman, in a floral dress, kisses the cheek of the man in a blue plaid jacket. They look content and happy.

Intentional moments + first look

Their wedding day brimmed with personalized details, intentional moments, and the creation of long-lasting memories. Instead of spending their entire wedding morning apart as many couples traditionally do, Brian and Ellen set aside 2 full hours before their ceremony for a private first look and coffee date! They met in a grassy meadow for their first look. Ellen carried not only a stunning bouquet of flowers that brought all the lush, vibrant wildflower vibes, but also a small bouquet of Lego roses to give to Brian, who loves Legos. I loved this sweet, simple, and personalized gift that she knew he’d appreciate! After snapping plenty of portraits amongst the magnificent mountain landscapes, they made their way to Peaks and Perks coffee stand for a couple of refreshing drinks to fuel them for the rest of the day.

Two wedding invitations for Ellen and Brian dated June 8th, 2024, adorned with rings. In the background, a detailed map of a hiking area near Redfish Lake Lodge adds charm. Greenery and flowers frame the scene.
A bride in a white dress is sitting on a bench, adjusting her white cowboy boot. The boot has floral embroidery.
A woman in a white dress stands smiling indoors near a stone fireplace at Redfish Lake Lodge, with wooden logs and vintage skis displayed on the wall above. Light filters through, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere.
A pair of white embroidered cowboy boots sit on a dark table next to a bouquet of colorful flowers. The bouquet includes roses and delphiniums. A ring rests on a small lavender vow book that sits beneath the boots.
A wooden sign on a gold easel reads Welcome to Our Adventure, and is adorned with a National Park Service illustration. Set inside a white tent at Redfish Lake Lodge, chairs and a table embellish the intimate gathering space.
Two red Lego roses are placed on a wooden surface. In the background, a blurred vase with colorful flowers, including shades of pink and purple, adds a soft, artistic touch to the scene.
A man in a suit stands on a wooden porch at Redfish Lake Lodge, buttoning his jacket and sporting a bow tie. He stands against a backdrop of trees with sunlight filtering through. The black-and-white photo captures the timeless elegance of the moment.
A man in a sage green suit buttons his jacket while standing on the porch of a Redfish Lake Lodge cabin. Nearby, a wooden rocking chair rests beside a stack of firewood. Trees and sunlight fill the serene background.
A bride in a white dress playfully taps a groom in a sage green suit. Snowy mountains and a forest are in the background under a clear blue sky. The groom is bent over in laughter. The couple is standing in a green meadow in Stanley, Idaho.
A bride and groom are playfully standing in a grassy meadow near Redfish Lake Lodge, with mountains in the background. Both are holding red Lego roses in their mouths, facing each other. The bride wears a white dress, and the groom is in a sage green suit.
A couple in wedding attire stands in front of Peaks and Perks in Stanley. The groom wears a light green suit, the bride, a white dress.
A couple in wedding attire hold drinks in front of the Peaks and Perks stand in Stanley. The groom is wearing a sage green suit, while the bride is in a white dress and sunglasses. The couple is smiling.

Redfish Lake Ceremony

Ellen and Brian held their ceremony on the sandy store of Redfish Lake. The color pallet for their wedding was inspired by the rich hues of spring time in the mountains. The aisle was decorated with blue, orange, and purple followers. After the ceremony the aisle flowers were repurposed and added to the reception space.

A detail photograph of wedding arch on Redfish Lake. The serene has snow-capped mountains, water, and a partly cloudy sky in the background. In the foreground, blue, purple, and yellow flowers decorate a weathered log wedding arch.
A man in a suit plays the violin for a wedding. Snow-capped peaks and a forested shoreline are visible behind him.
A wedding ceremony unfolds at Redfish Lake. Guests sit in rows of chairs facing the couple at the altar. Blue, purple, and orange flowers line the aisle. Sparkling blue water, snow-capped mountains, and a clear blue sky fill the background.
A couple exchanges vows in an outdoor wedding ceremony at Redfish Lake Lodge in Stanley, Idaho. The bride is wearing a white dress and the groom in in a sage green suit. Giant purple Allium flowers decorate the wedding aisle, while snow-capped mountains and sparkling blue water fill the background.
A bride and groom share their first kiss on a sandy beach at Redfish Lake in June. Purple, blue, and pink flowers decorate the wedding aisle. The lake glistens under the sunlight behind them, and snow-capped mountains fill the backdrop.

Cocktail Hour

Sharing their wedding location with their guests was an important element in their wedding celebration. A cocktail hour was held on the beach after their ceremony. Canned cocktails were served by special guests LeRoy and Moonshine.

A couple in wedding attire stands on the shore of Redfish Lake. The sun shines brightly, illuminating the the crystal-clear blue water behind them. The couple is standing next to miniature donkey's who are adorned with flowers and baskets of cocktails.
A bride and groom stand on the sandy lakeshore near Redfish Lake Lodge. They smile while holding donkeys adorned with flowers and wicker beverage baskets. The wicker baskets hold canned cocktails that are being served to wedding guests. The scene is bright and cheerful and there are mountains in the background.
A bride in a white gown, wearing sunglasses, leads a donkey adorned with flowers and beverage baskets. The groom in a sage green suit follows, guiding another donkey. The couple is serving canned cocktails to their wedding guests.
A donkey adorned with flower garlands and carrying baskets stands surrounded by children and adults dressed in formal attire. A woman in a hat gently pets the donkey. This cocktail hour at Redfish Lake Lodge featured beverage delivery donkey's.
A wicker basket lined with burlap containing canned cocktails.

Reception Space

Receptions at Redfish Lake Lodge are held in a tent that sits next to the marina and lodge. Brian and Ellen work with Emily Aitken Events and Two Hands Floral to create an airy, vibrant space for their guests to celebrate in. Dinner was catered by Redfish Lake Lodge. Dancing and shot ski’s at the marina followed dinner.

A spacious wedding tent at Redfish Lake Lodge features a long table covered in white cloth, surrounded by white chairs. Elegant green foliage adorns the ceiling. The table is set with plates and glassware.
A wedding seating chart display at Redfish Lake Lodge features lush greenery along with purple, blue, and white flowers. The board, titled Your Seat Awaits, is set inside a white tent, with visible table settings and floral decor enhancing the enchanting lakeside atmosphere.
The reception area at Redfish Lake Lodge is beautifully decorated with long tables and white linens. Lush flowers and greenery hang from above, while colorful floral centerpieces adorn the tables. Chairs are neatly arranged, creating an elegant and festive atmosphere.
A beautifully decorated wedding tent at Redfish Lake Lodge features white chairs around tables set for a meal. The entrance is adorned with lush purple and lavender floral arrangements, while greenery is elegantly draped along the edges of the tent.
At Redfish Lake Lodge, a table is elegantly set with crystal glasses, a menu, and a soft green napkin. Small ceramic vases hold blue, purple, and peach flowers. A copper votive adds warmth, while rows of white chairs complete the enchanting lakeside setting.
A beautifully decorated wedding reception inside a tent at Redfish Lake Lodge. The tables are adorned with white tablecloths, elegant glassware, rustic candles, and colorful floral centerpieces. Overhead, strings of greenery and flowers are draped across the ceiling.
A white outdoor tent at Redfish Lake Lodge is adorned with lush purple and blue flowers. Inside, guests are seated under hanging lights. The tent is nestled among tall trees, creating a picturesque natural backdrop for this mountain wedding reception.
The wedding reception scene under a white tent at Redfish Lake Lodge features guests seated at long tables with hanging floral arrangements decorating the top of the tent.
A lively crowd dances under a tent at a Redfish Lake Lodge wedding reception. In the foreground, a man energetically points at the camera while a woman stands beside him smiling, also pointing forward. Strings of lights decorate the tent above, casting a warm glow on the celebration.
A couple stands on a wooden dock at Redfish Marina, near the iconic Redfish Lake Lodge. The man wears a green suit while the woman, in a floral dress, holds a shot ski. The marinas archway and the serene lake create a picturesque background.
Three people stand laughing while holding a shot ski. They are outdoors, under a wooden sign that reads Marina at Redfish Lake Lodge. The background reveals the lodges scenic natural setting.
A wedding party performs a ski shot under the Redfish Marina sign by the water, near Redfish Lake Lodge. The scenic background features mountains and a dock.
A man and woman joyfully dance back-to-back under a white tent at a Redfish Lake Lodge wedding in Stanley, Idaho.

Sunset Portraits

Spring sunsets on Redfish Lake are hard to beat! The setting sun highlights the snow-capped mountains at the back of the lake and brings out the rich hues of rich blue and green in the trees lining the lake. Brian and Ellen stepped away from their reception for a few portraits along the lake. It was such a peaceful way to end their wedding day!

A couple stands at the edge of a serene lake with snow-capped mountains in the background. The woman in a white dress and is holding a bouquet of orange, purple, and blue flowers at her side. Her partner in a sage green suit. The couple is standing with their backs to the camera and gazing at the scenic views of Redfish Lake in Stanley, Idaho.
A couple stands on the shore of Redfish Lake in June. A forested hill and a snow-capped mountain fills the backdrop. The man in a sage green suit and is laughing with his smiling bride. The bride is in a white dress and is holding a bouquet of colorful flowers that include blue delphiniums. purple sweet peas, and orange roses.
A couple holding hands and smiling at each other on the sandy shore of Redfish Lake. Water and majestic mountains fill the background. The bride is wearing a white dress and holding a bouquet with purple delphiniums. blue sweet peas, and orange roses. The groom is wearing a sage green suite.

An immersive, unforgettable experience for everyone involved

When it came to their design, decor, and guest activities, Brian and Ellen did not hold back one bit! They were definitely all about throwing a party and creating a once-in-a-lifetime experience for their guests. From their ceremony setup bursting with color and sprawling florals, to the drink-delivering donkeys they had walking around during their cocktail hour, to the evening shot ski marathon, every moment of their day was designed to be an immersive experience for their loved ones. I was so grateful to be a part of this wedding, and for the sweet email I received from Brian and Ellen after their day:

“Thank you, so much Autumn! This whole weekend was incredible and we really appreciate you capturing all the moments. We LOVE the polaroids, too!! Our parents were really impressed with how involved you were on the dance floor and how well you worked with the children during the portraits. We will absolutely write you a google review, but I don’t think Google has enough stars for us to accurately reflect how much we’ve enjoyed working with you.”

Stanley wedding vendors

Venue: Redfish Lake Lodge, Event Planning and Styling: Emily Aitken Events, Florist: Two Hands Floral, Donkeys: Drifter B Ranch DJ: Directly Driven

About Redfish Lake Lodge, a Stunning Stanley Wedding Venue

Redfish Lake Lodge is a gorgeous Stanley wedding venue located right on the shores of Redfish Lake, with unbeatable mountain views and picture-perfect wedding sites. This romantic outdoor setting is ideal for any type of wedding, really; from intimate weddings inside of the lodge to large outdoor weddings that take place on the waterfront, it’s easy to customize the lodge to fit your dream day. Redfish Lake Lodge provides couples with an all-inclusive wedding experience that includes the marvelous alpine backdrop, five cabins for you and your guests, in-house gourmet catering, rentals such as a tent, tables, and chairs, and a day-of coordinator to ensure your day flows as smoothly as possible. It’s also a fantastic place for any type of rehearsal dinner, welcome dinner, or small dinner reception after an intimate ceremony! Reach out to Redfish Lake Lodge now to find out more and to get a quote for your unique wedding day.

A wedding ceremony setup on the sandy shore of Redfish Lake in Stanley, Idaho. The setup features rows of white chairs facing a weathered log arch. Purple, blue, and orange flowers line the aisle. Snow-capped mountains and a clear blue sky are visible in the background.

Redfish Lake Lodge Wedding Photographer

As a wedding and elopement photographer based in Idaho, it never gets old photographing couples and their celebrations at such breathtaking locations as Redfish Lake Lodge. If you’d like to start planning your own Redfish Lake Lodge wedding and find the perfect photographer to document it, inquire with me now—I can’t wait to help you create your dream day in the mountains of Idaho!