Looking for Elopement or Micro Wedding Venues? 10 Breathtaking State Parks to Consider
Planning an Elopement or Microwedding?
If you’ve been dreaming of a wedding surrounded by towering pines, glimmering lakes, dramatic sand dunes, or ancient rock formations, these state parks offer stunning scenery and a sense of adventure for your special day. Below are ten gorgeous locations—nine in Idaho and one in Montana.
State Parks are often overlooked when couples are searching for wedding venues.
Want a Weekend Wedding?
Many of these parks have lodging or camping options, so you can turn your wedding day into a wedding weekend full of hiking, fishing, climbing, paddling, or mountain biking. Perfect for couples who want to turn their elopement into an adventure, explore the area, or just relax with close friends. Check out this state park wedding!
10 State Park Venues to Consider for your Microwedding or Elopement
Priest Lake State Park (Idaho)
Why You’ll Love It
Located on the eastern shores of Priest Lake at the foot of the Selkirk Mountains.
Crystal-clear waters, thick cedar and fir forests, and sweeping mountain views.
Perfect for couples who want a serene, picturesque backdrop with plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities like boating, fishing, and hiking.
Wedding Perks
Ample scenic spots for a ceremony and photo ops.
Various camping and lodging options nearby for guests.
2. Thousand Springs State Park (Idaho)
Why You’ll Love It
Nicknamed the “Magic Valley,” Thousand Springs is divided into multiple units (Earl M. Hardy Box Canyon Springs, Ritter Island, Niagara Springs, Malad Gorge, Billingsley Creek, and Kelton Trail), each showcasing Idaho’s rich biodiversity and remarkable geology.
Home to the 11th largest spring in North America, sapphire-blue pools, a 20-foot waterfall, and a picturesque 4.3-mile loop trail at Box Canyon.
Wedding Perks
A variety of natural backdrops—waterfalls, canyons, rivers—for an unforgettable ceremony.
Plenty of outdoor adventures for guests who want to explore: hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography.
3. Bruneau Dunes State Park (Idaho)
Why You’ll Love It
Features one of North America’s tallest single-structured sand dunes at 470 feet.
Surreal desert-like landscape paired with a small lake for fishing, swimming, or simply scenic viewing.
On-site Dark Sky Observatory for incredible stargazing—perfect for a magical evening reception or after-party.
Wedding Perks
Activities such as hiking, sand sledding, and sandboarding give your wedding weekend a fun twist.
Camping and horseback riding trails also available, making it an adventurous choice for you and your guests.
4. Giant Springs State Park (Montana)
Why You’ll Love It
Boasts one of the largest freshwater springs in the country, producing over 156 million gallons of water daily.
Home to the Roe River—once listed as the shortest river in the world—cascading gently near the springs.
Serene, lush setting that’s ideal for couples who love water features and natural tranquility.
Wedding Details
Capacity: Weddings with more than 150 people are not permitted.
Larger gatherings (over 31 people) are restricted to specific times of the year and certain areas.
You can reserve either the Central Picnic Area or Heritage Picnic Area (starting around $225 or less).
Permits are required (including for photography), and you must follow park guidelines regarding decorations, favors, and clean-up.
Key Restrictions: No ceremonies near the springs or the Roe River. All events must adhere to “leave no trace” cleanup.
5. Ponderosa State Park (Idaho)
Why You’ll Love It
Situated on a peninsula extending into the gorgeous Payette Lake, offering waterfront views and lush forest scenery.
Perfect for couples wanting a classic lakeside ceremony with that iconic Idaho pine backdrop.
Reception options include group cabins and other facilities for lodging.
Wedding Perks
Scenic overlooks and trails that let you capture every angle of the lake during your big day.
Ideal for those wanting an intimate lakeside event or a larger gathering with easy access to water recreation.
6. Old Mission State Park (Idaho)
Why You’ll Love It
Home to Coeur d’Alene’s Old Mission and the Sacred Heart Mission, a beautiful and tranquil setting for both small, intimate ceremonies and larger weddings up to 500 guests.
Historic architecture and well-manicured grounds create a romantic, old-world atmosphere.
Wedding Perks
Three areas include the Mission, West Courtyard, lower grassy area.
Fees include park admission, rehearsal admission, interior chairs, and parking
Reservations can be made up to a year in advance
7. Harriman State Park (Idaho)
Why You’ll Love It
Nestled within a 16,000-acre wildlife refuge in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
Abundant wildlife—keep an eye out for moose, elk, and Trumpeter swans—and world-class fly-fishing waters.
Offers dormitories, cooking facilities, and a conference room for wedding receptions or multi-day events.
Wedding Perks
Over 22 miles of hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails for adventurous couples.
Scenic vistas of rolling meadows, towering pines, and serene lakes—ideal for nature-inspired ceremonies and photos.
8. Dworshak State Park (Idaho)
Why You’ll Love It
Large meadow perfect for an open-air ceremony, surrounded by lush forests and mountain views.
Commercial kitchen, lodge, group cabins, and indoor spaces provide flexibility for various wedding sizes.
Accommodations for up to 100 guests in cabins (and up to 120 additional tent/RV spots), with up to 200 guests for the day.
Wedding Perks
Ideal for full-weekend celebrations—guests can stay on-site and enjoy nearby outdoor activities like boating, hiking, and fishing.
Offers plenty of room for a big reception plus the convenience of having everyone close by.
9. Farragut State Park (Idaho)
Why You’ll Love It
Sprawling 4,000-acre park located at the southern tip of Lake Pend Oreille—Idaho’s largest and deepest lake.
Known for its blend of breathtaking scenery and fascinating history (once a WWII-era naval training station).
Features 223 individual campsites, seven group camps, and ten camping cabins.
Wedding Perks
From cozy elopements to large gatherings.
Group camping makes it easy to create a fun, multi-day celebration with family and friends.
10. Castle Rocks State Park & City of Rocks National Reserve (Idaho)
Why You’ll Love It
Dramatic rock spires, historical wagon ruts, and panoramic views define this high-desert landscape.
Offers shelters, a lodge, and a bunkhouse for receptions and gatherings.
For a truly unique “I do,” consider a 2 person elopement at the Willow Glamping Yurt, tucked away near Almo Creek.
Wedding Perks
The glamping yurt boasts five-star views of Castle Rocks and 10,339-foot Cache Peak, plus a private deck and stairway leading to Almo Creek.
A dream destination for adventurous couples who love hiking, rock climbing, and the quiet beauty of the high desert.
Final Tips for Planning
Permits & Reservations: Most parks require special-use permits for weddings and photography. Reservations can sometimes be made up to a year in advance. Check each park’s website or call the park office for specific guidelines.
Guest Capacity & Restrictions: Pay close attention to capacity limits, time restrictions, and area rules—particularly around sensitive natural features (like springs or nature areas).
Amenities & Cleanup: Some parks offer catering kitchens, seating, and reception areas; others require you to bring in rentals. Always plan to leave the park as you found it.
Weather Considerations: Idaho and Montana can have unpredictable weather. If you’re planning an outdoor ceremony, consider having a backup plan or indoor space reserved.
