REASONS TO HAVE AN IDAHO DESTINATION WEDDING | BEST VENUES IN IDAHO
The Pacific Northwest is the best place to elope or have a destination wedding. Idaho offers lush green forests, bold mountains in small towns, tons of lakes, rugged canyons and peaceful meadows. Idaho also offers some beautiful wedding venues that are nestled in these picturesque Idaho landscapes.
If you are looking for a wedding weekend to soak in all the time you can with guests, Idaho has your dream venue. Create memories with your favorite people not just for a few hours, but making an entire trip out of it! Your guests will thank you for showing them such a beautiful experience. There is something for everyone in Idaho. If you are into hiking, water sports and star gazing, check out Stanley with one of the best star gazing spots in the world! If you like something a little more chic, modern and in the city, Boise is the perfect option. If you want to soak up the sun, have best of both city and nature, Sun Valley is your spot.
I have make a list of some of the favorite venues I have personally photographed in Idaho. I have experienced the town, the venue hosts, the local vendors and the vibe of the guests. So, here is my list of recommended towns and venues to get married in Idaho.
MCCALL, IDAHO
Spring, summer, fall or winter, McCall Idaho that offers everything you need to plan a destination wedding. camping, lodging, biking, hiking, water sports, a spa and even fun restaurants and bars on main street.
MCCALL VENUES
Ruperts is a great spot to host a welcome dinner and overlooks the lake.
Shore Lodge is the best all in one venue for everything inclusive. It overlooks the lake, has two levels of indoor space for your wedding ceremony and reception. It also has a dock right there where guests sip cocktails and watch the sunset.
Blackhawk on the River has a sweet space by the river for a ceremony, cabins on the property and an indoor reception space.
Tamarack Resort offers a sweet chapel on site, lodging, huge patio space for cocktail hour and indoor spaces for the reception.
SUN VALLEY, IDAHO
Sun Valley and Stanley Idaho take the cake when it comes to massive mountains, secluded open spaces, lakes, small towns and forests for miles and miles. Sun Valley offers more of a luxury experience with five star hotels, reports, ski mountains, spas and shopping. Bruce Willis, Aaron Paul, Jamie Lee Curtis, Matt Damon, and Clint Eastwood are all residents in Sun Valley. So as you can imagine, it offers huge cabins, well groomed streets and plenty of nice restaurants. It also offers hiking, bike paths, skiing, hunting, water sports and more.
Stanley, Idaho, about 60 miles from Sun Valley, has a population of about 122 people, 4 or 5 restaurants and only a handful of AirBnb’s. BUT it does have tons of camping, secluded lakes, off-the-grid trails, and backpacking adventures.
SUN VALLEY & STANLEY VENUES
Meditation Chapel in Stanley – Open space overlooking the Sawtooth Mountains and a sweet little A frame church on the top of a hill.
Red Fish Lake Lodge in Stanley – Stay in a cabin, get married with the Sawtooths and lake right behind you, have the lodge rent you kayaks, paddle boards, or take you on a boatride.
Trail Creek in Sun Valley – The outdoor space is where this place shines. It overlooks the mountains, it is right next to the river and has open space for a tent.
River Run Lodge in Sun Valley – The most heavenly spot to have best of both worlds- the outdoors and a chic indoor space.
The Roundhouse – At the very top of the mountain, truly a unique experience and breathtaking views!
BOISE, IDAHO
The capital of Idaho and one of my personal favorite places to live. The people are modern, artistic and super friendly. The food scene is on the rise, with restaurants popping up every month. Boise has mastered the indoor/outdoor balance of living with the lazy river, Greenbelt, skiing mountain, mountain biking, and the Foothills right in town that overlook the city.
BOISE VENUES
Deerflat Ranch– out in the middle of no where in Boise, surprisingly modern and chic. Right on the lake, with plenty of beautiful indoor space.
Trica- off of the famous 13th Street and Hyde Park area. This is a Boise experience. Renovated old church, now artistic and open.
Indian Creek Winery– Winery right outside of Boise that has gardens for days.
Three Horse Ranch – A winery on top of a hill, open and classy! Tons of space.
The Lively- In the heart of downtown Boise, one of the newest restaurants in town and available for private events. I LOVE the Lively’s aesthetic.
GARDEN VALLEY, IDAHO
Garden Valley is about an hour away from Boise and nestled right in the mountains. This town is a hidden gem and not only offers outdoor activities, but also has plays and tons of live music!
GARDEN VALLEY WEDDING VENUES
Sixty Chapel for those who want to take a more relaxed approach, this venue offers a unique experience where guests can camp and rent cabins on the property.
Longhorn Guest Ranch – A huge cabin for gathering, large patio, tons of space for the reception and surrounded by miles of trees. You can stay in the forest or get in a bit closer to have your ceremony. They also offer on site cabins for the wedding guests.
Lake Cascade is a highly under rated lake. It is massive and somewhat quiet, especially in the fall. Gorgeous sunsets, water sports and camping all around. Renting a large AirBnb would be such a great option for this area.
COEUR D’ALENE, IDAHO
Last but not least, in northern Idaho where the air is crisp and close to Canada and Washington, we find Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. A super classy town with resorts, lakes, city entertainment and lots of nature! Lakes surround this town and thick Douglas Fir and Ponderosa pine forests. Your guests will feel so lucky to be with you on the journey to have a wedding weekend in Northern Idaho and never want to leave.
COEUR D’ALENE VENUES
Coeur d’Alene Golf and Spa Resort – where Julianne hough got married! Right on the lake, beyond beautiful.
Hayden Lake Country Club – Pictured below, tons of space for a tent, ceremony setup, dancing and of course amazing views of the lake.
