6 Reasons You Should Consider Eloping in Idaho
Deciding where to elope is a big decision. After all, the world is your oyster! With so many options to choose from, it can be hard to narrow down the perfect destination for your adventure elopement.
One state that often gets overlooked is Idaho. I know, I know, but hear me out. Idaho has a whole lot more to offer than potatoes. If you haven’t had a chance to visit this state for yourself, you might be surprised to learn that Idaho is home to some pretty beautiful scenery including beautiful lakes, jagged mountains, and even a canyon deeper than the Grand Canyon.
The Gem State has a strong outdoors culture with endless opportunities for adventure and is a stunning backdrop for couples looking for an adventurous wedding experience in the outdoors any time of year.
Ready to learn more about what this state has to offer? I’m an Idaho local and I’m going to share with you 6 reasons I think you should consider Idaho for your adventure elopement.
6 Reasons to Elope in Idaho
Idaho is one of the Cheapest States to Get Married in
Did you know that the average cost of a wedding in the United States is $30,000 while the average cost for a wedding in Idaho was only $19,000? That makes it one of the cheapest states in the country to get married in! If budget is a factor in planning your elopement, Idaho can provide stunning views without breaking the bank.
An Incredible and Diverse landscape to Choose From
The Gem State is made up of over 83,000 square miles and is home to diverse landscapes ranging from mountains reaching over 12,000 feet and more than 3,500 miles of rivers (that’s more than any other state in the lower 48!), meaning you can experience just about any kind of scenery you’re looking for!
Some of Idaho's Unique Landscapes Include:
Hell’s Canyon - a canyon deeper than the grand canyon
Lake Pend Oreille - the 5th deepest lake in the country
Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve - an ocean of lava flows
Teton Scenic Byway - experience the Teton Mountain Range from Idaho
The Sawtooth Wilderness - a federally-protected wilderness area with over 200,000 acres of mountains, forests, and lakes
As you can see, the landscapes in Idaho offer a wide variety of choices. Not to mention the sunsets in Idaho are unlike anywhere else! There’s no shortage of natural beauty to be found in every corner of this state.
Choosing an elopement location close to home will have more meaning
This one only applies if you’re an Idaho local, but choosing to elope in your home state can have much more meaning than choosing to get married in a place you’ve never been before. Not can the day hold more sentimental value since it’s your home, but you may have more opportunity to return for your anniversary if it’s somewhere closer to home.
It’s easy to take your home for granted. If you’re from Idaho, why not elope in your own backyard (not necessarily your literal backyard, but you can definitely do that too!) to create a day that is extra meaningful? Be the tourist in your own home and experience it as the destination that millions of people see it as.
Check out these elopement locations in North Idaho.
Idaho Experiences All 4 Seasons
Idaho is an outdoor lover's paradise all year round! The state gets cold snowy winters with hot, dry summers, beautiful springs, and colorful autumns. No matter what time of year you choose to elope here, Idaho will be full of natural beauty and adventure opportunities.
In the warmer months, you can hike, bike, camp, backpack, off-road, ride ATV’s, boat, fish, go horseback riding, rock climb, and so much more!
In the winter, you can explore Idaho’s world class ski resorts to ski or snowboard (or split ski into the backcountry!), snowshoe, go ice fishing, soak in a natural hot spring, go snowmobiling, ice skate, and just about any other winter activity you can think of!
Endless Exploration Opportunities
Approximately 40 percent of Idaho (or 20.4 million acres) is National Forest land, which means there is virtually no end to your recreation opportunities! With towns like Coeur d’Alene sitting on the edge of 3 National Forests, the outdoors is easily accessible. Whether it’s hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, backpacking, or off-roading, there is so much to see and do here for all levels of outdoor enthusiasts.
And you don’t have to be an avid hiker to experience the beauty of Idaho’s wilderness. There are dozens of options when it comes to experiencing Idaho’s beauty and grandeur.
A few Resorts to Consider for a More Relaxed Outdoors Experience:
The Coeur d’Alene Resort - sitting on the shores of Lake Coeur d’Alene, this resort offers a luxurious experience in the heart of North Idaho! Sitting in the heart of downtown, you can easily access restaurants, the lake, and the surrounding forest.
Redfish Lake Lodge - in the heart of the Sawtooth’s, this lodge offers a rustic and relaxed atmosphere with peace and quiet. Adventure of all kinds is right outside the door!
Lochsa Lodge - located in Northeast Idaho, this cozy lodge is a year round destination surrounded by nature, hot springs, and wildlife.
View these beautiful Idaho mountain wedding venues for more location ideas.
You Don’t Have to Worry About Crowds
Idaho isn’t often found on people’s bucket list for travel destinations, which we Idahoan’s are okay with! This means less crowds and more peace and quiet, especially when exploring outdoors. If you want solitude and tranquility for your elopement, Idaho is going to be hard to beat!
There you have it! My top 6 reasons you should consider Idaho for your adventure elopement!
I hope you see some of what this beautiful state has to offer and why it shouldn’t be overlooked when deciding on a destination. If you’d like to explore Idaho as a destination for your elopement, please contact me and I can help you find the perfect location and document your story!
Happy eloping!
