Full Day Adventure in Idaho With Snow Capped Views of Sawtooth Mountain

Savannah and Tyler love the outdoors and spending time in it, so Stanley was an absolutely perfect location for them to have their hiking adventure elopement filled with snow-capped views of Sawtooth Mountain!

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About This Elopement With Snow Capped Views of Sawtooth Mountain

“The day started off with me meeting them in their cabin in Lowman, Idaho. They made breakfast together and ate together outside with the golden sunshine radiating through the trees. The cabin had a patio table and chairs perfect for hosting their wedding day breakfast in the woods. Before we met up, I mentioned in the emails that they could have mimosas with their breakfast and Savannah was so excited about that, and they picked up some cute Mr. and Mrs. glasses for their mimosas. This is also where they got ready and had their first look together before we continued on for the rest of the day’s adventures.

We started off with hiking Fishhook Creek Trail for their private vows, and then we went up the ridge in search of mountain views to host their first dance.

After our hiking adventure, I led them to a spot for their picnic where they could enjoy the views while they ate! They brought a picnic blanket that matched the mountains perfectly, and had some delicious homemade huckleberry pie for dessert, perfect for an Idaho elopement!

After we had all refueled, we headed over to Stanley Lake for some bridals! After the bridals at Stanley Lake, we finished the day off with a soak in one of Stanley’s local hot springs.” [Karlie, the photographer]

Explore more places to elope in Idaho.

Permit and LNT When Eloping in Idaho

“When eloping outdoors, especially in National Parks and National Forests, it’s super important to be aware of LNT principles. I have a LNT guide that I send my couples upon booking with lots of helpful information on how to leave no trace on their elopement day, with practical tips they can use!

I also think it’s important to mention when reaching out for permits that you will be staying on the trail/durable surfaces. That way the permit coordinator knows that you are aware of following LNT principles. I (the photographer) did the entire permit process for my couples. I was the one who filled out all the information for the special use permit since the photography part and the special use permit part go hand in hand. It’s best to reach out at least 60 days in advance.

When you reach out to apply for a permit, the coordinator needs to know all the exact places you plan on shooting and what activities you are doing on the land, so make sure you have a timeline finalized with your photographer 60 days before the elopement date. I love to use this Interactive Visitor Map from the forest service to send screenshots of the locations we plan on using, and you can see where all the National Forest and Wilderness boundaries are.

You cannot shoot in Wilderness areas. Here is the link for Sawtooth National Forest special use permit info.

Before hiring an elopement photographer, ask them if they help in the permit process, or what other things they help with. I personally help my couples with lots of things regarding planning their day, so I do the permit research for them, and all my couples need to do is pay the needed fees to get the permit (which I let them know the amounts to make it as easy and smooth as possible for them)!” [Karlie, the photographer]

Learn more about leaving no trace during your elopement.

Top Tips For Snow-Capped Sawtooth Mountain Views

“If you want the snow-capped Sawtooth mountains, elope in early June! I shot this elopement on June 3rd and the weather was pleasant and the mountains were stunning! If you are looking to do the bigger, alpine lake hikes, you are gonna have to wait until later in the summer when the snow melts.

It’s way higher elevation in the mountains and it’ll take a bit longer for the snow to melt so you can access the bigger trails (again make sure these aren’t in the wilderness areas if you plan to have a photographer there with you). There were only a couple trails accessible in early June without any snow, and as the photographer I scout them out a day or two before the elopement to make sure they are accessible!

The town of Stanley itself is really small but the views of the mountains are right there in town and they are spectacular! Also, if you elope in June, be prepared for any type of weather. Idaho weather in June can be wet/snowy sometimes. Just know you are there to marry your best friend, so don’t let the weather ruin your day! Also there are tons of awesome hot springs in the area, so take advantage if you love hot springs!” [Karlie, the photographer]

Memorable Moments During This Elopement

From the photographer:

“Their vows to each other were so heartfelt. It was just the two of them all day for their elopement, and I love when my couples elope when it’s just the two of them. It leaves the day to be as spontaneous and adventurous as they want, plus more privacy and intimacy. They were down to do anything to get the best views and photos. I love how they were determined to make it to the top of the ridge to see the entire view down below, making it a great spot for their first dance! I’m so glad they trusted me that there was a great view at the top!”

Final Words of Advice

“Get to know your photographer. If you love their work and how they communicate with you, it will add to the trust you give them to document your day. See what they are willing to help you with while planning your elopement…

Just because you are eloping, that doesn’t mean that you are having any less of a wedding day. Include things you love so it is truly a day you love to look back on. Make it a day you would love to relive again in the future. Don’t be afraid to go all out even though you’re eloping. Get your dream dress, hire a florist you love, and invest in the smaller details…

Plan in private time for just the bride and groom. You could include time like this during their vows, first dance, getting ready, a private moment at sunrise/sunset, etc. This gives them a moment to slow down so they can remember it. Plus, a lot of the time I hear from couples who have a traditional wedding, they wish they slowed down to spend more time together…” [Karlie, the photographer]

Photos From This Elopement