As an Idaho Wedding Photographer for 10+ years, I’ve created a list of my favorite Idaho Wedding Venues! Idaho is a hidden gem in the United States. The stunning landscapes have drawn people from around the world to get married here. From the Sawtooths to the Tetons to Lake Pend O’Reille, there are several spots Iconic to the Rocky Mountains where you’ll find stunning places to get married.
Here are the top attributes I look for when choosing a favorite Idaho Wedding Venue:
- Photo Opportunities: Obviously, as a photographer, I like to pick favorite venues based on the beauty around it. I love venues with well-lit spaces for getting ready photos, some shade/foliage for portraits during the mid-day when lighting is tough, epic landscapes, and great lighting in reception halls.
- Accessibility: How close is the venue to the closest airport? Many Idaho locations are in remote areas. Also, because Idaho is a destination for many people who get married here, access to a close city or town can be crucial for wedding guests traveling.
- Wedding Vendors: The number of wedding vendors increase in the most populated cities. Boise, Idaho Falls, Pocatello, Coeur D’ Alene, Twin Falls, and Lewiston are some of the most populated cities. There are limited wedding vendors in the smallest mountain towns.
- Quality of service: Like most people, I love working with vendors who are easy to communicate with. I also love people who love working in the wedding industry!
A Wedding Photographer’s Favorite Idaho Wedding Venues
1. Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch in Stanley, Idaho
I’m starting off my list with a bang. I don’t think you’ll find a more stunning wedding venue in the entire state than the luxurious Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch. If you’re looking for a luxury Idaho wedding venue, stop here. The historic cabins on site look rustic on the exterior, but the inside feels quietly luxurious with exquisite art and top of the line furnishings. This is the only all-inclusive on my list. Every single detail is taken care of you. The venue fee covers all your food for you and your guests for all 3 meals per day. Every activity you could dream of is also covered by the resort fee. Idaho Rocky offers horseback riding, guided fly fishing lessons, hikes, hot springs, and so much more. The property spans nearly 1,000 acres. If you’re looking for luxury in the mountains, this is your venue.
Traci and Pilgrim’s Real Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch Wedding Blog HERE!
2.Moose Creek Ranch in Victor, Idaho
The Moose Creek Ranch is a hidden gem in the famous Tetons. Most people don’t know that the Idaho side of the Tetons is as magnificent as the Wyoming side. With fewer crowds, you’ll feel like you have your own private slice of Idaho. The Moose Creek Ranch has a stunning historic barn on site to hold your wedding reception. There are varying cabins of all sizes to accomodate all your family and friends. The Ranch even has glamping tents for your adventurous guests! The ceremony site is unparalleled as well.
2. Shore Lodge in McCall, Idaho
Of all the venues on this list, the food at the Shore Lodge beats every other wedding venue. I’ve never had a better catered wedding meal in my career. The Shore Lodge is located 2.5 hours from Boise, Idaho. It’s located right on the lake and has 77 guest suite rooms. You can get married during all 4 seasons here with their outdoor beach and indoor pavilions. The staff here is also unmatched. They will go out of their way to make every detail of your wedding absolutely perfect.
Read Kevin & Crystal’s REAL Shore Lodge Wedding Here!
3. Galena Lodge in Ketchum, Idaho
Of all the venues on this list, The Galena Lodge is the best wedding venue for adventure lovers. Located in the Sawtooths, Galena Lodge is 30 minutes outside of Ketchum Idaho. Some of the best mountain bike trails in the country are located at the famous Galena Lodge. The wedding ceremony spot is out of this world. Located in a stunning meadow behind the venue, Galena offers 360 degree views of the mountains. There’s no cell service or wifi, so you’ll feel immersed in the mountains.
Read Kristen and Tom’s Real Galena Lodge Wedding here!
4. Trail Creek Pavillion in Sun Valley, Idaho
Glam in the infamous Sun Valley! The Trail Creek Pavilion is an all inclusive mountain wedding venue. With unobstructed views of the famous Mt. Baldy, Trail Creek is owned by Sun Valley Resort and has it all. What I love about this Sun Valley Wedding Venue is just how easy it is. Everything is in one spot. You don’t need to leave the premise for any photos! The staff is incredible and your day is guaranteed to feel smooth.
5. Palouse Knot Barn near Moscow, Idaho
Technically this historic red barn is located in Washington… but it’s just a few minutes away from the Idaho border. Located in the heart of the rolling hills on the Palouse, this beautiful wedding venue will take your breath away. It’s perfect for the western couple looking for a private experience. The beautiful barn has a clean all white interior and the ceremony location on site looks out over the Palouse.
Read Ty and Jillian’s real wedding blog here!
6. Elkins Resort in Priest Lake, Idaho
The Elkins Resort is located in North Idaho. It might be the most remote venue on this list, but it’s also one of my all time favorite places I’ve ever been. The beauty of Priest Lake is unlike anywhere else I’ve ever been in Idaho. This gorgeous wedding venue in the mountains is just 30 minutes from the Canadian border. The log cabin interior feels cozy and romantic. The individual cabins on site can house all of your guests. I am still drooling thinking about the huckleberry french toast I ate at brunch the next morning.
8. Park Creek Ranch in Stanley, Idaho
I had to include another Stanley Idaho wedding venue in the Sawtooths. The Park Creek Ranch is a unique mountain wedding venue because it’s the private cabin of a family in Stanley. They rent it out for weddings and private events. And if you don’t have the budget for the luxurious Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch, Park Creek Ranch might be a great alternative! I love the private feeling of the ranch and stunning view of the up close Sawtooth Mountains. The venue allows you to bring in all your own vendors.
Read Jessica and Scott’s real wedding blog here!
9. The Cottage at River Bend in Eagle, Idaho
Boise is an incredible city full of breweries, nature, a walkable downtown, art, and more. One of my favorite Idaho Wedding Venues sits right on the Boise River in Eagle, Idaho. The Cottage at River Bend’s story began after it was featured on HGTV after the Boise Boys flipped and renovated it. It was purchased by a private owner who then decided to turn it into a dream Idaho Wedding Venue! The Spanish style home features amazing natural light and architecture, which makes it unique for the Treasure Valley. Lush towering trees surround the property making it a shady oasis in the summer months. Also, I want to give a shout out to the incredible owners who are so sweet and easy to work with.
Miranda and Christine’s gorgeous wedding was published on Junebug Weddings here!
10. Sixty Chapel in Garden Valley, Idaho
I know for a fact that I rave about Sixty Chapel a lot on my wedding blog. However, this amazing venue deserves all the love. Just 45 minutes outside Boise, this mountain wedding venue is a stunning paradise in the mountains. I am obsessed with the gorgeous meadow where most couples hold their wedding ceremonies. The getting ready spaces feel fresh and clean, unlike a lot of kitcshy bride and groom getting ready suites. Also! Sixty Chapel is a LGBTQ wedding venue. I adore this amazing Idaho wedding venue! And if you want to party all weekend with your people, the venue sleeps 50 guests on site.
Read Aly and Aaron’s amazing Sixty Chapel Wedding Blog here!
