How to Legally Elope in Idaho
Eloping isn’t meant to be stressful. All of the planning a big wedding requires is left behind when you decide to elope. Eloping in Idaho is actually one of the easiest states to get married in due to its simple Idaho elopement requirements. You don’t even need to be a resident to elope in Idaho! To make it even easier, I’m going to walk you through everything you need to elope in Idaho, from the Idaho marriage license to Idaho elopement land permits, because the last thing you want during your Idaho elopement is to get fined or file your marriage license incorrectly.
Are you ready to plan your unique Idaho elopement?! I’m here to help you make sure everything is done correctly and make your day feel all about you! This guide covers everything you need to know legally about eloping in Idaho, including marriage license requirements, officiants, and permits for public land elopements.
Idaho Marriage License for Elopements
How to Get an Idaho Marriage License
First things first, you’ll need to obtain an Idaho State marriage license to elope in Idaho. To do this, you’ll need to head to an Idaho County Recorder’s Office in person. Simply Google where the closest County Recorder’s Office is to your Idaho elopement location and check their hours. Be aware that some counties may require you to make an appointment before coming in.
Once the two of you make it to the Recorder’s Office, you’ll need to pay a fee of up to $30 for your marriage license. My suggestion would be to bring cash, just because not every Recorder’s Office takes cards or checks. Again, this depends on the county, so do a little bit of research before heading in.
Then, you’ll present one of the following as proof of your age and identity from the following list:
Current driver’s license (doesn’t need to be Idaho-issued)
State-issued identification card
Passport
Original birth certificate or certified copy
You’ll also need Social Security numbers from both applicants. If you’re coming from out of the country, bring a form of ID from the country you reside in. If you don’t have a Social Security number, you’ll need to contact the Social Security Department for more information.
After all identification is checked, the clerk will walk you through what you need to fill out. One of the really cool things about eloping in Idaho is that witnesses are not required to sign! All you need is both of your signatures and the officiant’s (more on that later).
Now that you have your marriage license, you can literally elope in Idaho at any time. There’s no waiting period, and as long as an officiant signs within 30 days, you’re all set!
Signing Your Marriage License on Your Elopement Day
You can decide to sign your marriage license along with your officiant at any point during the day. If you want to keep it simple, just pack the paperwork with you to the elopement location and have the officiant sign either before or after your vows. If you want to make it a little more fun, check if your photographer is also an officiant! I actually offer to officiate elopements for all of my couples. That way, there’s one less thing to worry about on your day.
Though witnesses aren’t required, you can always find others hiking a nearby trail and have them sign as a fun way to remember your day!
What to Do After Your Idaho Elopement
After your Idaho marriage license has been signed by all required parties, all that’s left to do is have your officiant send their copy to the Recorder’s Office to be recorded. You’ll take the decorative document (the one with the gold seal) home to hang up, and your official marriage license will be validated. The state will send your official document to the address provided on the license. Once you receive it, you can start the name-changing process.
Land Permits for Idaho Elopements
Idaho is full of beautiful public and state land that’s open to everyone to use and enjoy. To make sure everything is kosher for your elopement, you may need a special use permit to elope on Idaho public land and in Idaho state parks. These permits are in place to ensure the safety and conservation of Idaho’s public lands. We always want to leave no trace to make sure Idaho’s beautiful nature is here for generations to see!
The last thing you want or need is to get fined during your elopement. Depending on who the land is owned by, permit requirements may vary from location to location.
State Parks (Farragut, Priest Lake, etc.): For state parks, this depends on the agency. You’ll need to contact the department for each location to check on their requirements. You can find more info through the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation website.
National Forests (Sawtooth, Idaho Panhandle, Payette, etc.): For Idaho national forests, a special use permit may be required. You’ll need to check with each National Forest District to see what qualifies as a special use permit. Check here for a list!
City Parks: Each city is different and may require permits for different activities. Contact the city where you want to elope to find out their requirements.
Some things to note: There are almost always entrance fees for these locations on top of permits. If you’re an Idaho resident, you can get a $10 Idaho state park pass when you renew your registration. Just let the clerk at the DMV know or check the DMV website.
Entrance fees can also differ for in-state versus out-of-state visitors, so bring some extra cash just in case.
Idaho provides so much beautiful nature and is an affordable option for your Idaho elopement locations and backdrops.
How I Help Couples Elope in Idaho
I’m not just an elopement photographer. I’m an Idaho native who loves the beauty Idaho has to offer. I’m your personal guide to getting eloped in the gorgeous (and in my opinion) “hidden” Gem State.
Ready to Elope in Idaho? If you’re dreaming of an intimate, stress-free elopement surrounded by Idaho’s mountains, forests, and lakes, I’d love to help you make it happen. From finding the perfect location to navigating permits (and even officiating your ceremony!) I’m here to guide you every step of the way.
Let’s start planning your Idaho elopement!