"anita went above and beyond in every aspect of out day.

"We felt comfortabel with her right away and he really lstened to what we were oping to accomplish, organizing around what we wanted seamlesssley., and freeing us up from stress.  She went as far as to help put th ebouquet together, and thought to bring several accessories that would enhance our day.  She worked with us to ensure teh photos we were hoping for were what we could get- scouting out locations ahead of time so allwe had to do was show up.  The lighting we ere working with was tricky ( we hopped from an overcast sunrise to overexposed sunshine, to parly cloudy sun/shade changing by the second to evening photos) and all the of pictures turned out beautiful.  Her enthusiasm to do the work was obvious and shows in the final results.  We are by no means frequent subects of photoshoots but she provided comfortable direction toensure we had poses tha suited our backdrops.  Her flexibitluty and willingness to accommodate our needs were greatly appreciated and the quiet moments in between( hiking, chatting) made it clear that she could easily be a friend to just about anone within a day.  Wecouldn't have asked for a better peson to pllan and cocument our elopement. "

Michael + Kyla

Choosing which season to visit

Best Time of Year for a Sawtooth Elopement

Summer (July–August): This is the most popular time for an elopement in Stanley. Long days mean you can plan sunrise and sunset photos, alpine lakes are at their clearest, and trails are accessible. Wildflowers are in full bloom. Keep in mind, summer is busy — weekdays are best if you want more privacy.
 

Summer

Winter (November–April): If you’re adventurous, winter in Stanley feels like stepping into a snow globe. The Sawtooths are blanketed in snow, the air is crisp, and the hot springs are at their best. You can snowshoe to your ceremony spot, cozy up in a cabin, and end the day stargazing under the clear winter sky.

Winter

Fall (September–October): Fewer crowds, crisp air, and golden aspen groves make this season absolutely magical. Cooler temps are perfect for hiking, and the warm tones of fall pair beautifully with the jagged peaks. It’s a cozy, romantic time to elope.

Fall

Spring (May–June): Rivers and waterfalls are rushing with snowmelt, meadows start to come alive with wildflowers, and the mountains are still draped in snow. Trails at higher elevations may still be muddy or snowy, but the contrast of green valleys and snowy peaks is breathtaking.

Spring

Hiking in the Sawtooths

One of the best ways to experience the Sawtooth Mountains is on foot. A short hike can lead you to wide-open meadows, ridgelines with sweeping views, or quiet alpine lakes where it feels like the whole world disappears.
Since much of the Sawtooth Wilderness has restrictions on commercial photography, I focus on incredible locations just outside the boundary. You’ll still get those jaw-dropping mountain backdrops without worrying about permits or red tape.
Whether you want a quick 20-minute walk to a meadow or a longer hike that makes your vows feel like a true adventure, we’ll plan a route that fits your style and comfort level.
✨ Pro Tip: Hiking doesn’t have to mean a grueling trek — even a short stroll can lead to epic views (and fewer people around to witness your vows).

Adventure Options in Stanley

Located right in Stanley, they offer Polaris ATV/UTV rentals (2- and 4-seat side-by-sides) that come with helmets and gas included—perfect for exploring the Sawtooth backroads with ease and excitement.

If you want to chase adrenaline, whitewater rafting adventures (Class III–IV), gentle float trips, or inflatable kayak journeys down the Salmon River—all with breathtaking mountain views. 
sawtoothadventure.com

A great choice for groups—these guided trips combine rafting and hiking in a half-day format that brings together both adventure and scenery beautifully.

For that timeless western feel, couples can saddle up for guided horseback rides through meadows and mountain landscapes. It’s romantic, rustic, and unforgettable.

Stanley Idaho Lodging

Historic lodge rooms or cozy cabins nestled right on the lake, complete with rustic charm, no TVs, and serious unplug-from-the-world energy. Spacious options perfect for couples or small groups.

A full-service alpine escape in downtown Stanley with modern lodge rooms, a restaurant and saloon, a hot springs soak right on-site, and even a restaurant and convenience store—all in one place

A downtown gem with cozy rooms, a hot tub you can book, and just steps away from coffee, food, and small-town charm.

Ten charming, standalone cabins with rustic log construction, set on a lovely 2.5-acre property near town. Great for some privacy and space to yourselves.

Perched right on the Salmon River, this lodging features kitchenettes, patios, and summer extras like a spa and kayak rentals—ideal for couples who want both wedding-day comfort and outdoor play.