Scenic Alpine Lake Adventure Elopement in North Idaho
- Karlie Larson
- Nov 1
- 6 min read
Another North Idaho elopement in the books, my favorite! Christian and Matt picked this lake in Northern Idaho that came with a 7 mile trek 🥾- the views are just unbeatable as you turn the corner at the top of the hike and you are rewarded with such a beautiful sight! This Scenic Alpine Lake Adventure Elopement in North Idaho was quite the adventure, as we got caught in a thunderstorm on the way back down, but this day was still so beautiful and we all had a fun and memorable day together!
Christian did her makeup at the top of the hike, and got into her gorgeous floral embellished dress with pops of blue - Christian looked like a literal turquoise goddess! They also shared in a first look, private vows, and a ring exchange together. These two were so lighthearted and fun, and after some hilarious JC Penney poses, we did a few group photos with both sets of their parents and their son before trekking down in the downpour and thunderstorm. You never know what the weather is gonna do in Idaho but thankfully it didn’t last long! Let's explore more of their day in detail.
Hiking Up the Mountain
Our day started at 9am with meeting up a local gas station (which is the perfect spot to grab all the snacks, fuel, and use the bathroom before we head up the mountain) and from there, I had my couple follow me to the trailhead! I was unfortunately sick for this elopement, but I ended up making the trek anyway for my couple! I'm thankful that my couple took it slow for us and we were able to take our time and take in the views as we hiked up. The views on this hike are so gorgeous, so I wasn't mad about taking it slower!
Details with a Pop of Blue
After seeing Christian with the prettiest turquoise jewelry and hair pieces, I don't think a mountain elopement from here on out will be complete without turquoise, I'm so obsessed and think it's the perfect thing to include when you come out here to the mountains to elope! Here's some fun turquoise bridal jewelry that you can order for yourself!
Shoutout to Soul and Strand Bridal Hair, she did the prettiest half updo for Christian!
✍️ Planning tip: Hiring a professional hairstylist for your elopement (especially a hiking one) will help ensure your hair still looks amazing after hiking for hours, so I definitely recommend hiring someone for this! Don't worry, I provide a full list of Idaho wedding vendors when we work together so you can get someone trustworthy and who will do an outstanding job!
Christian also brought the prettiest blue boots, and her dress even had little pops of blue flowers throughout. This with the colors of green from the trees and the alpine lake made for such vibrant pops of color together.
First Look in the Mountains
Christian checked something off my elopement bucket list, which was her doing her makeup at the top of the hike! I've always wanted to photograph this and she made it happen. She sat on a log right by the water and it was so fun to photograph as she touched up her makeup.
After this and getting dressed, her and Matt shared in their first look in this little cozy corner we found by the lake. When I tell you it was absolutely stunning, it really was. The sun was out right before this and was illuminating all the raindrops falling, and the greens were so bright and I felt like I was in a fairytale. I'm so happy for my couple that they got to experience such a place on their wedding day!
Secluded Private Vows on the Lake
If you've read my previous blog posts, you might recognize this lake, as I've photographed another couple here before (check that one out here)! But Christian and Matt were looking for a more private spot to read their vows to each other, so I mentioned the rock in the water that makes for such stunning photos. They were game and made their way over, and read their vows on a rock in the water. How amazing is this view?! It was perfect for just them to hear each other as they exchanged vows privately to one another.
Laugh-Filled Ring Exchange
Before we started the trek back down, my couple shared in a ring exchange, and this included Christian surprising Matt with his ring! They shared some laughs together, and after this - by Christian's request - they did some hilarious JC Penney poses together, and of course the wheelbarrow. We were all dying laughing, I love when my couples can be themselves on their wedding day. It definitely made for a fun memory for all of us!
After this we started the trek down, and watched the clouds come in and then the rain and thunder. Thankfully mountain weather usually passes quickly, and soon after the sun came back out and all the raindrops were illuminated in the sun. It was beautiful!
Idaho Elopement Inspiration
Idaho Elopement Photographer
As a North Idaho local, I know of some epic spots for your adventurous elopement day, like this alpine lake elopement! I've lived here all my life, and it's so cool when my couples pick places I love and I get to watch them experience it together. If this day in the mountains captured your attention and sounds like the perfect way to spend your wedding day, I am here to help you step by step to help with all the pre-elopement planning and logistics. And if you're curious to read more about me, here's my about page to read more about the elopement experience I offer!
Christian and Matt's Review from their Alpine Lake Elopement Adventure in Idaho:
"Karlie was absolutely incredible! Our wedding day was perfect, and she went above and beyond to capture every moment beautifully, even trekking through a thunderstorm with us. Her professionalism, creativity, and calm presence made us feel so comfortable, and the photos turned out better than we could have ever imagined. We couldn’t have asked for a better photographer to capture such an important day. Highly recommend!"
Idaho Elopement Packages
Loving what you're seeing so far? Are you amazed at what Idaho can look like in the mountains?! Here's a look into what all of my Idaho Elopement Packages come with, and if you're wanting more details on my packages, check out my pricing page here with full package information and range of pricing details!
↠ Booking Gift
↠ 72 Hour Turn-Around Time for Sneak Peek Images
↠ Day of Elopement Gift
↠ Beautifully Edited Final Images
↠ Access to High Quality Print Products
↠ Free Phone Consultation or Zoom Call
↠ Timeline Creation
↠ Leave No Trace Guide
↠ Idaho Location Guide
↠ 90+ Page Elopement Planning Guide
↠ Vendor Recommendations
↠ Unlimited Planning Assistance
↠ 8 Week Turnaround Time for Full Elopement Gallery
↠ Travel & Accommodations are Covered for Photographer
and if you're ready to reach out, you can do so on my contact page here!
North Idaho Elopement Galleries
Looking for more inspiration on what North Idaho has to offer for your elopement? Whether you're wanting a hiking adventure in the mountains like this one, or a more laid back, luxurious micro-wedding, I've got plenty of examples to help you get an idea! To view them even more, click here!
Autumn Alpine Lake Hiking Elopement - this was the same lake as this blog!
Free Elopement Planning Resources
Along with more elopement inspiration, you can also find more free elopement planning resources over on my blog here! There's so much fun inspiration here to aid you in planning out your day, go check them out! Here's a few to get you started:
Did you love reading about this Scenic Alpine Lake Adventure Elopement in North Idaho? Here's a Pinterest pin so you can save this to your Idaho elopement board ;)
