When I came down to Stanley for the first time this summer, I was lucky enough to be able to photograph two elopements! The one thing I love most about elopements is how unique and different they are. Even if they take place in the same location, each elopement is unique to that couple and is so special!
This time around we planned an intimate sunrise elopement on Stanley Lake for this adventurous elopement with Laura and Brian in the Sawtooth Mountains of Idaho. They have always loved taking trips to Idaho together while they dated, and they have never been to Redfish Lake and that was a huge item on Laura's bucket list. So we decided that Stanley was the spot to say their I do's!
The night before the elopement, there was a crazy thunderstorm. We were all feeling worried about what the weather might be in the morning, especially for sunrise. We decided to just see what it looked like in the morning and we still hoped for a clear morning. I kept checking the radar on my phone and it said it was supposed to clear up so we just hoped for the best, and as it turned out, it was absolutely amazing!
Cabin Rental with Sawtooth Views
I met them at their stunning cabin rental with amazing views the next morning for getting ready photos and we watched the sunrise illuminate the tops of the Sawtooth Mountains as Laura got her hair done and hiking boots on, and it was so beautiful!
Sunrise Ceremony on Stanley Lake
After getting ready, Laura and I met up with Brian at Stanley Lake for their first look in front of the mountain reflections on the lake. They had a beautiful and intimate first look on the shore. He said we arrived at the perfect time because a few minutes before, the fog was covering the mountains. Talk about perfect timing and a beautiful setting for their first look and ceremony! Their officiant Nicolle did an absolutely amazing job with their ceremony, it was so beautifully done.
Morning Hike on Fishhook Creek Trail
After the sunrise ceremony on Stanley Lake, we hit Fishhook Creek trail for a morning hike. The sun was out and everything was so fresh from the previous night's storm. The trees were filled with drops of rain and the sun made them shine. It was so pristine!
And of course with fresh rain comes mud, so Laura became a real adventure bride and got her dress dirty!
Stanley Pioneer Park Picnic
After our morning hike on the trail, it was time for yummy food and cake (cake made locally by Stanley Supper Club)! Stanley Pioneer Park was a perfect location to host their mini charcuterie board lunch with a spectacular view of the snow-capped Sawtooth Mountains! Stanley Pioneer Park is seriously stunning! It's located right in the middle of town and it's easy to access! Laura loves to make quilts too so she brought a special one for their elopement day too!
Stanley Hot Springs
Next up, I led them to a local hot springs that they picked! It was right in the town of Stanley right by the river. It offers stunning views of the Sawtooths and is also centrally located right in the town of Stanley!
Redfish Lake Boat Ride
Because Laura wanted to see Redfish Lake, we definitely planned in time to see it into the timeline! What was even better is that Brian rented a boat to take us all out onto Redfish Lake to really experience it. The mountain views from the boat once you round the corner are so much better than seeing it from the beach!
Stanley Idaho Elopement Inspiration
Stanley Idaho Elopement Vendors:
Dress: Wildflower Bridal
Bouquet: My Dinosaur Dreams
Hair & Officiant: Sacred Mariposa
Cake: Stanley Supper Club
Stanley Idaho Elopement Photographer
Stanley is one of the best places to elope in the entire state of Idaho! I am a local to Idaho as well, so if you want me to photograph your Stanley elopement, reach out to me here! I would love to explore more of this mountain town with you!
Me with Laura and Brian for their epic elopement day in Stanley!
Stanley Idaho Elopement Package
If you're curious about the services I offer, here are the things included in my Stanley Idaho elopement packages:
↠ 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
↠ 30+ Page Planning Guide
↠ Idaho Location Guide
↠ Vendor Recommendations
↠ Unlimited Planning and Assistance
↠ 6 Week Turnaround Time for Full Elopement Gallery
↠ Travel & Accommodations are Covered for Photographer
Click here to see pricing and more info!
Idaho is such an underrated state to elope, but my goal is show its beauty and how perfect it is for elopements, just like this intimate sunrise elopement on Stanley Lake! If you want to see another Stanley elopement gallery, check out this Hiking Adventure Elopement in the Stanley!
