The Wedding Field Guide
Welcome to the
Wedding Field Guide
Planning a wedding can feel like stepping into the unknown. There are so many decisions to make, details to think about, and questions that pop up along the way. That’s where The Wedding Field Guide comes in. Just like a trail map helps you find your way through the mountains, this guide is here to give brides and grooms direction, inspiration, and practical advice as they plan their celebration.
Think of it as your trusted resource for navigating the wedding planning journey. Whether you’re dreaming of a mountaintop ceremony in Sun Valley, a riverside gathering in Southern Idaho, or a cozy celebration in Boise, The Wedding Field Guide is designed with outdoor-loving couples in mind. You’ll find articles on everything from how to prepare for shifting mountain weather, to making your guests comfortable in rustic locations, to capturing that golden-hour light that makes your wedding photos glow.
As an Idaho wedding photographer, I’ve spent years helping couples celebrate in some of the most beautiful landscapes in the state. Along the way, I’ve learned what works, what doesn’t, and how to make the most of everything Idaho has to offer. The Wedding Field Guide brings all of that knowledge together so you can feel confident, prepared, and excited about the road ahead.
Your wedding is more than just one day. It’s the start of an adventure you’ll share for the rest of your lives. My hope is that this field guide will help you plan a celebration that feels true to who you are, while giving you the tools and tips you need to enjoy every step of the process.
Welcome to The Wedding Field Guide—let’s start planning your adventure.
Click the images below to find each section of the Wedding Field Guide
Why Adventurous Couples Choose Idaho for Their Wedding
There is something about Idaho that just speaks to people who love to wander. Maybe it is the wild mix of mountains and rivers. Maybe it is the open skies and quiet trails. Or maybe it is the sense of independence that has shaped this state from the beginning. As a sun valley wedding photographer, I have watched countless couples fall in love with Idaho’s rugged personality the moment they step into its landscapes. It is a place that invites adventure, welcomes spontaneity, and offers a backdrop that makes every love story feel bigger.
Idaho is not the kind of place you simply look at. It is the kind of place you step into, breathe in, and remember forever. For couples who want a wedding day that feels like an extension of who they are, there is no better match.
A Landscape Built for the Bold
Idaho’s terrain has always attracted people with a bit of grit and curiosity. Early settlers crossed lava fields, climbed mountain passes, and followed winding rivers into valleys that felt untouched. That history is still alive today. Couples feel it when they stand beside Redfish Lake or watch the last light hit the Sawtooths. They feel it when they hike into the Boise Foothills at sunrise or explore the desert edges of the Snake River Plain.
This is a state that refuses to be predictable. The light changes fast. The weather keeps you honest. And the landscapes stretch farther than you ever expect. Couples who love the outdoors see Idaho and instantly recognize themselves in it.
A Culture That Values Connection
Idaho’s outdoor culture is part recreation and part identity. Trails, rivers, and backroads are where people gather, celebrate, and connect. That spirit naturally shapes the way many couples plan their wedding day. Instead of a traditional ballroom, they choose a ridge line overlooking the Wood River Valley. Instead of a city park, they choose a quiet lakeshore where the forest meets the water. Instead of something polished and predictable, they choose something real.
The heart of it all is the desire to share a meaningful experience with the people who matter most. Couples often tell me that they do not just want nice photos. They want memories tied to a place they actually feel connected to. As an elopement photographer in sun valley Idaho, I see this again and again. Idaho gives couples permission to be themselves.
Room to Create Your Own Story
One of the reasons adventurous couples choose Idaho is the sheer space it offers. Space to explore. Space to breathe. Space to design a wedding day that fits their spirit instead of fitting into a template. When you choose Idaho, you choose variety. You can paddleboard at sunrise, exchange vows at an alpine overlook, then celebrate around a campfire with your closest people. You can hike into a wildflower meadow or ride a chairlift at a mountain resort. You can find a quiet corner of forest or stand in a wide open canyon and feel the scale of the world around you.
Some couples choose well known locations like Stanley Lake or the Tetons. Others ask me to help them find something hidden and personal. For anyone who wants a more customized experience, I am always happy to help scout and plan. As your trusted Idaho wedding photographer, my goal is to help you choose the landscapes that feel like home.
History Meets Modern Adventure
Idaho’s long legacy of rugged independence blends perfectly with the modern rise of outdoor weddings. The state has always attracted people who prefer experiences over extravagance. Today’s adventurous couples simply carry that tradition forward. They want a day that is rooted in nature, shaped by intention, and full of moments that feel grounded and real.
There is something powerful about sharing vows in a place that has existed unchanged for generations. The mountains do not rush. The rivers keep moving. The stars come out even brighter once the crowds disappear. Couples who choose Idaho often tell me that the landscape itself becomes part of their story. It is not just a setting. It is a character.
Why Idaho Feels Right for So Many Couples
If you are drawn to Idaho for your wedding, you are probably drawn to more than the view. You might love the idea of a day shaped by adventure, connection, and the outdoors. You might want something unfiltered and meaningful. You might simply want to celebrate your love in a place that feels alive.
Idaho gives you room to dream. Room to explore. And room to create a wedding day that feels like an honest reflection of who you are.
If you are searching for a sun valley wedding photographer or planning an elopement anywhere across this beautiful state, I would love to help you turn your ideas into a day that feels unforgettable. Let’s plan something wild, intentional, and completely yours.
