I’m so thrilled that you’re wanting to learn how to elope in Idaho! 

Idaho isn’t just fields of potatoes, flat, and isolated – it has amazing epic views, several hidden gems, and offers you many diverse landscapes! 

But maybe you’re not yet sure of how exactly you can elope in Idaho or where you should have your elopement – that’s why I made this guide just for you! 

As a destination photographer who specializes in elopements and micro-weddings, I’ve discovered that one of my favorite hidden spots for an elopement is in Idaho! That’s why I’m so excited to share with you how to elope in Idaho, how to get a marriage license, location ideas for your elopement, and my best tips for getting epic views with no hiking involved. 

Let’s start planning your elopement in Idaho! 

How to Elope in Idaho: A Simple Guide 

Choose your location 

With many different options to choose from, I want you to consider a location that feels the most like you. Keep reading below for my top recommendations on locations you could consider. 

Get your marriage license 

First off, you do not have to be a resident of Idaho to get an Idaho marriage license.

What you’ll want to do is go with your partner to a county Clerk/Recorder’s office, bring $30 in cash, and proof of identity and age such as a Driver’s license. You’ll also want to bring a social security number for you and your partner. 

For more information on the full marriage license process, I encourage you to look at the Idaho.gov website here. 

And more great news there is no waiting period in Idaho so you can get married the same day you get your marriage license! 

Hire an Officiant 

In order for your marriage to be validated you will need to have an officiant perform your ceremony in Idaho. 

Consider Permits 

Make sure that with whichever location you choose for your elopement you look into whether you need a permit or not. 

If you are planning your elopement in a national or state park it is likely they will require a permit for the ceremony. Most wedding ceremonies fall under “special use” permits that you and your partner have to apply for if it’s needed. It’s best to always err on the side of caution and go in with the mindset you will need a permit until you have proof in writing that you don’t need one. 

Just so you know I actually do this type of research for my own clients (so if you work with me, you’re in luck!). If we work together I will apply for the photography permits myself and I also include the cost of the permits in your invoice to take this part of the elopement prep completely off your hands. 

Prepare for the Weather 

Idaho’s weather can vary so make sure you’re prepared for rain, snow, or sunshine depending on the time of year you’re planning your elopement.

Also speaking of weather Idaho does have wildfires, particularly during the dry summer months with the hottest months being July and August. With that being said it’s a good idea to always have a backup plan and be open to location changes if necessary. 

This is a simple overview of what you need to prepare for your elopement in Idaho – my goal is to try and make this process as easy and straightforward as possible for you. With that being said let’s talk about some locations you can choose from for your elopement. 

Location Ideas for Your Elopement in Idaho 

Let’s take a look at some of the best locations you can choose for your elopement in Idaho. 

Ponderosa State Park

Ponderosa State Park has epic views, a beautiful lake, an abundance of wildflowers, and a diverse topography. 

One of the reasons this is a great location for your elopement is that you can stay in the campground, check out the local downtown area around the lake, rent a UTV to go exploring the mountains, and there’s only a $7 entrance fee for the park. 

Ponderosa has so much natural beauty and is incredibly intimate making it a perfect option for an elopement. 

Priest Lake

Located in the north of Idaho Priest Lake is surrounded by the Selkirk Mountains, has a picturesque lake, and towering pines. 

A huge plus of this location is that if you want you and your guests can stay the night as there are 3 main resorts at the lake. If you’re planning on having an elopement in the summer you can also plan additional activities along with your elopement such as going for a hike, fishing, swimming, or even kayaking. 

Lake Couer d’Alene 

Lake Couer d’Alene is the second-largest lake in northern Idaho and has several beaches, lush forests, and mountains nearby. 

You can have your ceremony at a lakeside beach, a viewpoint overlooking the lake, or even a dock extending into the water. You’ll have a wide variety of stunning location options to choose from if you choose this location. 

Teton Valley 

Teton Valley has dramatic mountain backdrops, year-round appeal, wildflower meadows, forests, rivers, and so much more. A great feature of this location is that you’ll have the chance to experience the Tetons but you can still escape from the crowds at Grand Teton National Park.  

Getting Epic Views for Your Elopement 

If you don’t want to have to hike for your ceremony I totally understand after all you probably don’t want to get too sweaty right before your ceremony takes place. 

In Idaho, you can still get epic views at different locations without any hiking involved. 

So how do you make this happen? 

What you’ll want to do is look for various accessible points at the location you choose for your elopement. 

For example, at Ponderosa State Park you can find gorgeous views at the lakefront or a scenic overlook. 

You can also look for scenic drives, lakeside and waterfront views, accessible trails, and overlook points at the location you choose. If you look into this prior to your elopement then you won’t have to worry about a hike being a part of your day and you’ll still have beautiful views and photos. 

Additional Info for Your Elopement 

As mentioned above I want to make sure I give you as much information as possible about eloping in Idaho which is why I wanted to share some additional info and tips with you in this section. 

Something that I want you to know about Idaho is that if you are planning an elopement there you do have to drive to get around and also be prepared for road construction.

Also as mentioned previously in this blog with the wildfires in Idaho and the weather it’s good to always have a backup location in mind for an outdoor elopement. 

If we work together I give my clients homework where we plan out their day and also include pivot locations we can go to if necessary. We also cover weather, nearby airports, food ideas, driving routes, nearby towns, accommodations, and so much more so that you feel super prepared for the day of your elopement. 

Speaking of accommodations one final thing I want to mention if you are eloping with family and young kids I’d encourage you to be flexible on Airbnb’s. Try and find accommodation where your guests can spend time comfortably while you and your partner go and do additional activities such as your elopement photos, a personal vows exchange, an adventure activity, etc. 

Final Thoughts: Idaho Elopement

I hope you’ve enjoyed this post about how to elope in Idaho. If there are any additional questions you have that you didn’t see answered in this blog post you can always send me a message below! 

And… 

If you are still in search of a photographer to team up with for your elopement, I’d be so honored to learn more about you and your partner’s love story. 

You deserve a photographer who captures your day in a one-of-a-kind way and truly takes the time to understand your quirks and unique dynamics. You can click here to contact me!