Idaho Elopement Planning Guide: Why You Need a Plan for Your Day
Imagine it: you’re looking into your best friend’s eyes, about to say yes to forever. It’s beautiful, intimate, and exactly what you needed. The sun sets on an alpine lake as you both celebrate the fact that you literally just got married!
This picture is what every eloping couple imagines when they think of their day. It’s the perfect picture, and even better, it’s achievable! But it’s only possible with planning. Yep, every couple’s least favorite part of the “getting married” narrative. Believe it or not, you need a plan even if you’re eloping. This doesn’t have to be a nightmare, though! Planning an elopement versus a wedding is really different for so many reasons, and every couple’s experience is different.
The Myth About Elopement Planning
Since elopements have grown in popularity, there’s an unfortunate narrative that sets couples up for failure when it comes to eloping. Pinterest romanticizes the idea of “go with the flow” elopements. While there’s some truth to this, it’s not the whole story.
Idaho is beautiful but also wild. That means the weather can switch at any time, sunlight hours differ depending on the time of year, areas close for certain reasons, and others need special permits to even elope there. That’s when the nightmare part comes in. It can be a lot to think about if you go in without a plan. It’s a lot to imagine going wrong. You need to remember, this isn’t a ballroom venue — it’s the wild landscape of Idaho.
What “Having a Plan” Actually Means
If you’re prepared appropriately, planning an Idaho elopement can be super easy and, more importantly, stress-free! Here’s what you absolutely need for your Idaho elopement so you don’t have binders upon binders and folders upon folders of different plans, vendors, and things to keep in mind.
Timeline
Sunrise/sunset timing: Do you want to elope during sunrise or sunset? Find out when that happens at the locations you have in mind.
When to start hiking: Depending on where you want to elope, hiking may be involved. Check local hiking trails and how long they take to complete on average.
Weather: Again, weather in Idaho can change at any moment. Check what weather patterns have been like in the past and what the forecast says in the week leading up to your date. Make sure to pack accordingly!
Breathing space: You don’t want your elopement to be go, go, go the entire time. Leave time to soak in your surroundings and the moments together.
Locations and Logistics
Backups: In case something happens (i.e., weather closures, fire season, etc.), plan to have another location in your back pocket.
Permits: Most forested areas in Idaho require some sort of permit for elopements. Check the ranger station’s website to get specifics.
Roads/Parking: No matter where you go rurally, it’s always best to bring a vehicle with 4WD/AWD capabilities. Make sure to bring cash in case you need to pay for parking!
Travel times: If you’re going from one location to another, check the drive times and make sure you include that in your timeline. Account for any sort of traffic as well.
It’s always best to have a plan B, or even C, for your elopement day. More planning simply means more security and more time to enjoy your day!
Why Planning Actually Means More Freedom
Stay with me here. I know it might seem like planning just means more restriction, but that’s not the case if it’s done right! Having a solid plan means you have time to unplug and connect with each other the whole day. It means not having to check your watch the entire time. With proper planning, you won’t need to worry about the sunset or how long the hike will take!
You Need an Experienced Idaho Elopement Photographer
Now, you could absolutely do this yourself. It’s doable. But do you just want doable, or do you want something off your plate?
As an elopement photographer, taking photos is just part of my job. My job also consists of paying attention to sunlight patterns, knowing perfect elopement locations, building custom timelines, and having plans A, B, and C ready.
When a plan isn’t set, what suffers are the beautiful memories you should be making. The forecast said it would be sunny all day, but halfway through your hike, a storm rolls in and you’re caught with just light layers and no umbrella. Maybe there was an unexpected closure at the lake where you planned to say your vows. Now you’re not sure where to go, and golden hour is almost over. Not fun.
I want couples to have the experience of a lifetime with their Idaho elopement. Marrying your best friend shouldn’t be stressful, and it doesn’t need to be all on you. I help eloping couples dream up their elopement and make it a reality. That means taking care of the permits, the timeline, the locations, all of it!
If eloping in Idaho sounds like your dream, I want to make it happen! Just click below and let’s chat!
