If you ever dreamed of a wild adventure, Kiko and Erin’s Stanley Lake Idaho elopement in the Sawtooth mountains was full of it. These two reside in Austin, Texas. However, don’t mistake them for people who don’t love the mountains. When we initially talked on the phone, they told me they were drawn to my work because they felt that my couples had a full experience. Specifically, they loved Stacie and James’ micro wedding at the Stanley Meditation Chapel with a sunrise first look. Also, they adored Tess and Dylan’s hiking elopement in Stanley. They dreamed of an entire day of fun and an elopement that didn’t feel like just an 8 hour photoshoot. Rather, they wanted to enjoy their entire elopement day planned with activities and room for spontaneous joy!
Adventure Elopement in the Sawtooth Mountains
The end of September can be a major hit or miss in Idaho’s wild Sawtooth mountains. Located just 3 hours from Boise, Idaho- these Central Idaho mountains are wildly unpredictable. However, Kiko and Erin lucked out. On an unseasonably warm 68 degree day, they chose the perfect fall day to get married in Idaho.
Originally, our plan was to wake up at sunrise and eat breakfast in their rented RV. Kiko and Erin began their Stanley Lake Idaho elopement in their adventure RV at one of my favorite campsites overlooking the Sawtooths. I knocked on their camper at 5:30am so we could watch the sunrise together. Sunrise in the Sawtooths isn’t to be missed! We took some photos of them in their fleece jackets and beanies and enjoyed breakfast together.
Over scrambeled eggs and pancakes, I mentioned how stunning Redfish Lake is. Kiko and Erin asked if I’d be willing to join them at the lake and of course I said yes. I’ll never pass up an opportunity to spend some time at the lake! We drove to Redfish Lake and to our luck and surprise, the marina was still open and there were a few boats still available to rent. Kiko and Erin invited me to join them for a boat ride and possible lake dip. Enthusiastically, I tagged along for the ride and captured amazing moments of them candidly enjoying their day!
Stanley Lake Elopement Vows & Ceremony
Sure enough, they followed their adventurous spirits when their heart told them to skinny dip in Redfish Lake. I brought my swimsuit along so I could jump in the lake and document their jump. It was such a blast and it wasn’t just the beers that kept me laughing all afternoon. We savored every moment on the lake and felt like we had the entire lake to ourselves. Over and over again, Erin and Kiko kept mentioning how thrilled they were with their decision to have a Stanley Lake Idaho Elopement. Nothing beats following every whim and letting adventure happen to you!
After their dip in the lake, we took a break to nap, eat lunch, and hang out. I met back up with them several hours later at their RV to document a few getting ready moments. Just in time for golden hour, we hiked to a stunning meadow where they shared personal vows. Their intimate wedding ceremony could not have felt more perfect. The aspens had begun turning orange and yellow and the entire valley lit up in golden hues as the sun went down.
Thank you Erin and Kiko for an amazing adventurous Stanley Lake Idaho elopement experience. Trusting me to hang out with you all day was such an honor. As a Boise Wedding Photographer, I love every time I get to leave the city for a true mountain getaway experience!
