Idaho is a hidden gem. Unknown by many, Idaho is full of dramatic mountain ranges, alpine lakes, gorgeous green meadows and plenty of remote landscape. From Stanley, home to the stunning Sawtooth Mountains, to the mountain-ranges of Bogus, just outside of the capital Boise, there’s so much this state has to offer for those seeking to elope in Idaho.

Idaho is a great state to elope in and we’re here to walk you through all the nuts and bolts. Here, we’ll review:

• How to obtain a marriage license 
• How many witnesses are required
• All inclusive Idaho elopement packages
• Top booked venues on Simply Eloped
• Post elopement: getting a marriage certificate
• Post elopement: changing your last name

How to Get your Marriage License in Idaho

Idaho makes it very easy to get your marriage license, and this goes for residents or non. You and your honey will both need a form of state or government ID and your social security numbers. If you are a non-citizen, you’ll need to bring documentation from wherever you call home. Best check with your local government prior to heading to the states if you’re hoping your ceremony here will be legal back home. Some counties require an appointment to get your license at the county recorder so you may want to call ahead prior to snagging your partner to head in. 

Here are the addresses and phones numbers of different locations, pending where you plan to get your license:

Boise

Ada County Recorder’s Office,

first floor of Courthouse Building

200 West Front Street, Room 1207

Boise Idaho,

Open Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm

Phone: (208) 287-6840

Sun Valley (recommended if eloping in Stanley)

Blaine County Clerk’s Office,

206 1st Avenue South, Suite 200,

Hailey, Idaho,

Open Monday – Thursday, 8:00am. – 6:00pm., Fridays 8:00am – 5:00pm

Phone: (208) 788-5505

You’ll need to provide proof of age (you must be 18 or 16 with a parent’s permission in Idaho) by sharing one of the following documents:

• US valid driver’s license
• Government-issued non-driver’s ID
• Passport

The marriage license application fee is $30, and once you receive your marriage license it does not expire, and there is no required waiting period between getting your marriage license and getting married in Idaho, so you can do both on the same day. 

Obtaining a Wedding Officiant and Witnesses

For your ceremony to be legal in Idaho, you’ll need to hire an officiant that is registered with the state! You are welcome to find your own officiant, but hiring through a company like Simply Eloped ensures that the vendor is vetted and professionally trained. If you’re interested in having a friend or officiant be your officiant, ensure they follow the proper protocols for filing with the state of Idaho well prior to your wedding date. 

No witnesses are required, though you’re welcome to have them. Since there is no waiting period after getting your marriage license, you’re welcome to tie the knot any time after you get that doc – with loved ones or just the two of you. 

One important note is that both the parties to the wedding and the person performing the wedding must be physically located in Idaho at the time of your ceremony; no virtual officiants allowed.

All Inclusive Idaho Elopement Packages

Simply Eloped offers a number of customizable elopement packages for your Idaho elopement! Our Seed, Simply Photographed, Sprout, Bloom, and Oasis packages are available in Idaho. This provides each couple the unique opportunity to build their perfect, customizable elopement package from top to bottom. Here are a few details on each package. To see more information on each of these Idaho elopement packages, click here. 

• Seed Package Details: Includes professional officiant, personalized ceremony, advice on obtaining your marriage license and a dedicated Elopement Specialist.
• Simply Photographed Details: Covers one hour of professional photography, a gallery of 75 or more edited images delivered 15 days or less after your ceremony and a dedicated Elopement Specialist.
• Sprout Package Details: Offers a professional officiant, personalized ceremony, one hour of photography, a gallery of 75 or more edited images delivered 15 days or less after your ceremony and a dedicated Elopement Specialist.
• Bloom Package Details: Includes a professional officiant, personalized ceremony, one hour of photography, a gallery of 75 or more edited images delivered 15 days or less after your ceremony, matching nosegay bouquet & boutonniere, and a dedicated Elopement Specialist.
• Oasis Package Details: Covers professional officiant, two hours of photography, one hour of videography which renders a highlight reel and long form video of your ceremony, hair and make up for one person, a gallery of 75 or more edited images delivered 15 days or less after your ceremony, matching nosegay bouquet and boutonniere and a dedicated Elopement Specialist.

Places to Elope in Idaho

Boise

Bogus Basin

In the wintertime Bogus Basin is known as a great ski hill, but in the summer, it becomes a popular destination for summer hikes and gorgeous sunsets with amazing views of the city down below. There are so many areas that can accommodate a ceremony here, be it near the Pioneer Lodge or nestled deep in the remote woods. Located just half-hour out of city limits, you can’t go wrong with this gorgeous mountainous venue. Reach out to us about permit details so we can check availability for your desired wedding date.

Idaho Botanical Garden

The Idaho Botanical Garden is a city staple. This sprawling 33-acre site is nestled up against the foothills, and neighboring the Idaho Penitentiary. Each section of the garden has a different vibe, from the English Rose Garden to the Idaho Native Wildflower Garden, there are nooks and crannies situated all over that are perfect for a private elopement or secret vow exchange. We have a great relationship with these gardens and would be honored to host your small wedding here. Reach out to us about availability.

Kathryn Alberton’s Park

Near to downtown Boise, Kathryn Alberton’s Park is a 41-acre special use park and is no stranger to hosting wildlife of all types, sometimes even including deer! This park is known for its changing leaves during the fall and its large water features during warmer months. There are two areas that can host a small or micro wedding, each covered and able to accommodate chairs. 

Stanley

Redfish Lake

Stanley, Idaho is slowly gaining a name for having vibes similar to Switzerland, and once you see Redfish Lake and the stunning backdrop you’ll understand why. The jutting Sawtooth mountains back the pristine waters of Redfish Lake, surrounded by pine trees and speckled with white sands – all make for unbelievable photos. Redfish Lake Lodge is also right on the lake so you and your guests can stay on property and walk right out to your elopement venue. 

Pioneer Park

If getting married in a meadow backed by epic mountains sounds exciting to you, you’ll love Pioneer Park in Stanley, Idaho. This area is getting a lot of attention for the Sawtooth Mountains, as they’re some of the prettiest mountains in the northwest. Pioneer Park is situated in Stanley proper and has views that are simply hard to beat. 

Sun Valley

Eagle Creek

Sun Valley is surrounded by mountains in every direction, but finding a spot that isn’t public or full of onlookers can be a bit of a challenge. Eagle Creek is a private property we have access to and boasts mountain views, meadows and lush greenery to back your intimate ceremony. 

Bow Bridge

One of the cool elements of Sun Valley is a path that lines the Big Wood River that flows through town. Bow Bridge is one of the key features arching over this river. This beautiful piece of architecture is a darling venue for your small elopement ceremony. 

Get Your Marriage Certificate

The process of getting a marriage certificate starts at your marriage license appointment, where you will pay for the amount of certificates you’d like to have. Each certificate issued after the original is $2.00. It is recommended to get at least two. This is because as you’re changing your name, you’ll be using this document a lot. While in transition, it’s always good to have a backup in the event of an emergency. 

After receiving your marriage license, and your officiant, yourselves and your witnesses sign the proper licenses, either you or your officiant can mail in the proper license (there are two so please ensure you’re mailing the proper one). After the Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics files your marriage license, you will be mailed your marriage certificate. 

How to Change your Last Name in Idaho

If you intend to change your last name, there is about a five step process to legally change your name. From there, you’ll need to update your nonlegal documents like your credit cards, health insurance and others. This can feel like a lengthy and overwhelming experience for some, but we’re here to help you take this step by step. 

1. Get your marriage certificate: if you put your married name on your marriage certificate, this can act as your legal name change document.
2. Petition for a Name Change: if you did not put your married name on your marriage certificate, you’ll need to petition for a name change with the state and apply for a name change. You need to be a resident of Idaho who is 18 years or older for this process. For this, you’ll file paperwork with your district court. Once received, you’ll receive the date of your hearing where you’ll prepare your case. Once approved, this document will act as your legal name change document. Please note this process will cost $166.00 and take about 12 weeks. You’ll also need to cover the notice of hearing, which will be published in the local paper.
3. Change your Name with Social Security: once you have your legal name change document in hand, you’ll want to get a corrected SSA card. This is a federal process, so it doesn’t change state to state. You’ll need to fill out the application for a new social security card, go to your appointment, and show your proof of identity and name change documents. This includes your marriage license or certified court order, a valid government ID, and proof of citizenship. This is a free process, and you’ll receive an updated social security card by mail in a matter of weeks.
4. Change your Name on your Driver’s License: After you’ve received your new SSA card, it’s time to head over to the DMV. At your appointment, bring your current driver’s license, proof of your name change and one other document proving your identity (just in case). This step will cost about $20.00 and you’ll receive a hard copy of your new license in the mail. 
5. Change your Name on your Passport: If you have a passport, this is your fifth and final step in legally changing your name. You’ll want to do this after you’ve received your new driver’s license, so you have additional identifiable documentation on hand. While this is a federal process, the forms you will need to do so are dependent on a few factors, like whether your passport is expired or not. To find out which documents apply to you, go to Travel.State.Gov. Once you have filled out the proper paperwork, you’ll need:
   • Your current passport
   • Your certified name change document (marriage license or otherwise)
   • A new color passport photo
   • Payment and other fees in the form of a check
6.  Non legal name changes: From here, you’re done with the legal tasks! Your next step is changing your name on non-legal documents. Examples to consider at this point are things like car titles, insurance (health, car, renters,) employers, credit cards and more. 

It seems like a lot because it is! Take this process step by step, and it should all go smoothly. There’s also many businesses that help with the name changing process.

Eloping is an exciting moment in you and your partner’s life! Though there’s a few steps to get you down the aisle, Simply Eloped is here to support you in the full process. To learn more about our packages and services, chat with one of our Personal Elopement Designers.

This article has been fact checked and reviewed for accuracy by a Simply Eloped Personal Elopement Specialist in January 2026.