Elope in Idaho

Idaho may still be slightly off the beaten track, but it won’t be for long. It is no wonder this hidden gem of a state is the fastest-growing in the United States. In the Intermountain Northwest, the Gem State is rich in natural parks, hot springs, and waterfalls higher than Niagara Falls. With some of the best-preserved 19th-century architecture this side of the Mississippi, Idaho is the perfect escape for exploration and outdoor recreation.

Nature is huge in Idaho: as one of the Rocky Mountain states, it boasts more than 110 named mountain ranges, not to mention the beautiful bodies of water running through it. For a rugged and outdoorsy elopement, you can’t go wrong with an Idaho setting. Whether you seek snow-capped mountain peaks or white water rapids, Idaho’s natural beauty abounds. With four gorgeous seasons to choose from and less competition for elopement dates, it is never a bad idea to elope in Idaho.

We offer elopement packages in Idaho with a focus on Boise and Sun Valley. If you’re looking for wide-open spaces and luxurious rolling hills, look no further than the Boise Foothills. Jutting right up against the capital city, the Boise Foothills is a great place for impressive elopement photography with the dazzling city skyline as your backdrop. If you’re looking for something straight out of a secret garden, the Idaho Botanical Garden  is nestled on 50 lush acres and is home to a variety of themed gardens for your elopement ceremony. Choose from spaces like the Meditation Garden, Water Garden, and Rose Garden. Vendor fees will apply here. If architecture is what you crave, the Idaho Capital Building, buffered by green gardens and made of marble, makes for an extra enchanting and extra simple wedding venue. Note that reservations are not required for public use of the State Capitol, so permission to use these spaces is granted on a first-come, first-served basis.

If you’re looking for a Sun Valley elopement, a truly unique destination unto itself is the Bow Bridge of the Big Wood River, a monumental pedestrian bridge spanning the Big Wood River. Over 160-feet long, the Bow Bridge [insert venue url]  connects the east and west sides of the Draper Wood River Preserve and the Hailey Greenway respectively. On the east side of the bridge, you’ll find a 17-foot steel arrow. If nature is more your speed, Redfish Lake is crystal clear and safe for swimming, flanked by the imposing peaks of the Sawtooth National Forest. With ultra-blue waters surrounded by deep green pines and snowy mountains, this lake doesn’t have any bad angles, making it a dream location for an elopement photo shoot.

You do not need to be a resident of Idaho to obtain an Idaho marriage license, but an Idaho State marriage license is only valid for ceremonies performed within the state of Idaho. Marriage licenses are issued by County Recorders and no appointment is necessary. Both you and your partner will need to appear together at a County Recorder’s Office with about $30, a valid form of identification, and a social security number for each applicant. Both parties will be required to read an AIDS information sheet. Once you have been granted your marriage license, you can go ahead and get married right away! There is no waiting period for using an Idaho marriage license and you do not need a witness for the marriage. Non-U.S. residents should bring identification from their home country. If either you or your partner does not have a social security number, you will need to get a letter from the nearest Social Security Office. You should also note that the marriage license fee varies by county and that some counties charge up to $20 more to process these requests on Saturdays.

Idaho is an affordable state to visit and elope in. On average, a trip to Idaho for two people costs around $1,779 for one week. To put this in perspective, this is less than the total cost for just one person to visit the Hawaiian islands for a week. Keep in mind that eloping in certain areas of Idaho, like the ski resort town of Sun Valley, will typically cost more than an average Idaho elopement. Our Idaho elopement packages are priced affordably from our basic package with just an officiant to the full suite for a microwedding, with options in between. In addition, our Idaho elopement packages match you with a Personal Elopement Planner to help you with all the logistics.

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Idaho experiences all four seasons to their fullest. Snowy winters make for magical scenery and epic skiing; Summers are picturesque and perfect for hiking; In autumn, the state’s fall foliage starts to pop, and with the spring comes the annual thaw and reawakening of Mother Nature. For an outdoor elopement in Idaho, be aware that winter can come early and stick around for ages. Once October arrives, temperatures begin to fall into the 50’s and beyond — and the chill won’t let up until late April or even May. Even on the fringes of these colder months, you will want to check the availability of certain trails, which may be closed due to excess snow. For self-proclaimed snow bunnies, a winter elopement in Idaho may be a good fit! Expect it to be both cold and snowy on a regular basis. If it’s a winter wonderland you’re after, Idaho has you covered. And, while summer in Idaho is sunny, keep in mind that August in Boise is very hot and dry. Temperatures regularly top 100 degrees and the sun can be punishing, so plan accordingly.