2025 Guide on How to Elope in Idaho

Updated 10/21/24

Wondering how to elope in Idaho and make it an unforgettable adventure? You’re in the right place! This state is packed with stunning landscapes that are just begging to be the backdrop of your elopement day—think rugged mountain ranges, crystal-clear lakes, and hidden hot springs.

Idaho is perfect for adventurous couples who crave an off-the-beaten-path elopement experience. Whether you’re drawn to the dramatic peaks of the Sawtooth Mountains, the peaceful beauty of McCall Lake, or the rugged lava fields of Crater of the Moon, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know on how to elope in Idaho. From the best locations and times of year to legal details, costs, and epic activities, get ready to plan an unforgettable Idaho elopement adventure!

Why You Should Elope in Idaho

Before we get into how to elope in Idaho, let’s talk about why you should elope in Idaho! Idaho os full of an array of diverse landscapes, from towering, jagged mountains to quiet, remote lakes and lush forests. Picture exchanging vows against the backdrop of cascading waterfalls or surrounded by wildflower meadows. The natural beauty here is hard to beat, offering an intimate and romantic setting for your special day.

5 Best Locations to Elope in Idaho

There are so many incredible elopement locations in Idaho but here’s a list of our top 5 favorites to get to you started. And if you’re interested in reading more about Stanley, Idaho check out this Adventurous Side-by-Side elopement we photographed!

1. Sawtooth National Recreation Area: Pristine alpine lakes, jagged peaks, and endless dog and bike-friendly trails make this area an elopement haven (and one of our absolute favorite places to explore). The Sawtooths offer stunning views for an intimate ceremony and there are never any people around!
2. Shoshone Falls: Known as the “Niagara of the West,” these massive waterfall provides a dramatic and awe-inspiring backdrop for your elopement.
3. Craters of the Moon National Monument: Surreal volcanic landscapes with rugged lava fields and intriguing formations create a very unique setting for a memorable ceremony.
4. McCall: Known for Payette Lake and the surrounding wilderness, McCall is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Picture saying “I do” amidst towering pines or along the shores of the crystal-clear lake. McCall reminds us of Lake Tahoe, back in the day.
5. City of Rocks National Reserve: Iconic granite spires and quiet solitude make this an ideal location for an adventurous and secluded elopement.

How Much Does it Cost to Elope in Idaho?

This is an important question when trying to figure out how to budget for your elopement in Idaho. Here are a few rough estimates of what the cost might be to elope in Idaho. Keep in mind that there is quite a range here and your budget will just depend on what you want to include in your day.

• Photography: $6000-8000
• Accommodations: $500-2400/4 nights
• Marriage License: $30
• Flights: $500
• Car Rental: $400
• Bouquet: $75-200
• Hair and Makeup: $300

Best Time of Year to Elope in Idaho

Spring and fall offer mild weather and stunning landscapes. However, summer provides more accessibility to higher elevations, while winter boasts a serene snowy backdrop for adventurous souls.

Eloping in Idaho in the spring means blooming flowers, green grasses, and snow capped peaks. The weather tends to be pretty mild, making outdoor ceremonies perfect. However, spring weather can be unpredictable, sometimes being absolutely beautiful and other times dumping snow or rain.

In summer, Idaho’s warm weather, provides awesome outdoor location options for elopements. Long daylight hours (sun doesn’t set until 10:30/11 in the summer!) means tons of time for activities, exploring together, and celebration. Because the weather is so great in the summer and the days are so long, there will be other people around soaking up the long days. Hotels and car rentals might be more difficult to come by in the summer, but if you give yourself time to plan ahead it shouldn’t be a problem.

Winter in Idaho offers stunning snowy backdrops, creating a magical setting for elopements. The landscape looks like a winter wonderland, perfect for unique and adventurous photos. It does get pretty darn cold in Idaho in the winter though so make sure you’re prepared to be in the cold before planning your winter elopement.

In our opinion, if you’re trying to decide when to elope in Idaho, fall is the time to do it. The summer crowds have left and the temps have dropped, making it the perfect time to explore. Plus, the fall foliage in Idaho is unreal, with fall colors starting in the end of September and last through until early November. It is wise to have back up plans in place just in case some sneaky winter weather decides to show up. But don’t worry, we’re here to help with all of that!

How to Get Married in Idaho (legally)

One very important step in figuring out the legal side of things and obtaining the marriage license. Couples must visit the county clerk’s office together to apply. You’ll need valid identification, such as a driver’s license, birth certificate, or passport, and may have to provide additional documents if previously married. The application fee varies by county but typically ranges from $30 to $60. Each county has its own clerk’s office handling marriage licenses. For example, in Ada County, couples can find detailed information and apply through the Ada County Clerk’s Office website here.

Once the marriage license is issued, there’s no waiting period to marry in Idaho. You can get married immediately after receiving the license. Idaho does not require witnesses for the marriage ceremony, and couples have the option to self-solemnize their marriage (meaning you can marry yourselves and don’t need someone like a minister or pastor to do it for you). After the ceremony, the signed marriage license must be returned to the county clerk’s office that issued it within 30 days for it to be recorded and certified. This step finalizes the legal process of marriage in Idaho, woohoo!

10 Activity Ideas for Your Idaho Elopement

Now that you’ve started to figure out the logistics of how to elope in Idaho, it’s time for the fun stuff: figuring out what you want your Idaho elopement to look like! Here’s a list of 10 awesome activities you can include in your day.

1. Scenic bike rides along mountain trails.
2. Picnics at secluded lakeshores.
3. Sunset disc golf games.
4. Romantic hikes to hidden waterfalls.
5. Stargazing under the clear Idaho skies.
6. Kayaking or canoeing on tranquil waters.
7. Exploring local farmer’s markets for fresh produce.
8. Horseback riding adventures.
9. Brewery or winery tours for a relaxed celebration.
10. Wildlife watching in nature reserves.

Elopement Checklist for How to Elope in Idaho Adventure

We know there is a lot to remember when figuring out how to elope in Idaho so here’s a checklist for you to use to keep you on track.

1. Choose your elopement location.
2. Secure necessary permits and licenses (we’ll help with all of this too).
3. Book accommodations.
4. Finalize ceremony details and vows.
5. Plan activities and logistics.
6. Pack essentials for the day.
7. Get married.

Scenic Vows: Your Idaho Adventure Elopement Photographers

In case you read all the way to the bottom and don’t know who we are, we’re Becky & Brian of Scenic Vows. At Scenic Vows, we’re dedicated to capturing the raw, real, emotions and beauty of your elopement in Idaho. With a passion for storytelling through photography, we aim to make your day effortless and unforgettable and we’ll help you with figuring out how to elope in Idaho. Our personalized approach ensures that every moment is captured authentically, reflecting your unique love story against Idaho’s stunning landscapes.

Eloping in Idaho offers an unforgettable experience, combining together nature’s beauty and the story of your love. With stunning landscapes, seamless procedures, and the expertise of us at Scenic Vows, your Idaho elopement will be a cherished memory for a lifetime.