Planning an Idaho courthouse wedding? Whether you’re drawn to the simplicity, intimacy, or budget-friendly aspect, an Idaho courthouse wedding can be a beautiful, stress-free way to tie the knot. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know — from how to plan your courthouse wedding in Idaho to what to wear, plus creative ideas for making the day feel uniquely yours.
Contents:
Why Have an Idaho Courthouse Wedding?
One of the most important parts of getting married is doing it the way you want. There are endless ways to say “I do,” and a courthouse wedding can make things much simpler than hosting a big event. If the idea of a large wedding doesn’t excite you, you absolutely don’t have to have one. Keeping things simple and easy is sometimes the best route — and that’s where an Idaho courthouse wedding shines.
There’s also something special about having a personal, private ceremony. An Idaho courthouse wedding shifts the focus away from everything else and keeps your wedding experience intimate, centered completely on you and your partner. There’s so much value in that choice.
How to Plan Your Idaho Courthouse Wedding
So you’ve decided to have an Idaho courthouse wedding — congratulations! While it’s simpler than a traditional ceremony, there are still a few steps to plan ahead for to make your courthouse wedding seamless and stress-free.
Step 1: Set a Date
Pick a date you’d like to get married. Many Idaho courthouses are not always open on weekends and are closed during holidays, so you may need to plan for a weekday ceremony. Check with your local courthouse for their hours of operation.
Step 2: Schedule Your Appointment
Once you’ve chosen your date, head to your courthouse’s website and schedule your ceremony appointment with a judge. This locks in your date and time to get married and make it legally official.
Step 3: Plan the Details
This is the fun part of the process where you can shape your Idaho courthouse wedding to look however you’d like it to.
- Outfits: Choose what feels best to you — it can be grand or simple.
- Bouquet: Pick a bouquet that complements your outfit and doubles as a keepsake from your wedding day.
- Photography: Hiring a photographer is one of the best ways to preserve your Idaho courthouse wedding memories. Get in touch with me and let’s start planning how to capture your day beautifully.
Plan out the whole day! Your wedding doesn’t have to start and stop at the courthouse. Take time afterward for portraits — this is where magical, heartfelt photos happen. Then celebrate with a special dinner at your favorite restaurant. This is a perfect opportunity to include family and friends or keep it intimate between you two.
Ada County Courthouse Links
Apply for marriage license online
What you’ll need for your marriage license
What to Wear for Your Idaho Courthouse Wedding
While you could show up in jeans and a sweater, why not make this occasion feel special? Courthouse weddings in Idaho can be less traditional than big weddings, so your attire can reflect your personal style.
Some outfit ideas:
- Business casual or semi-formal looks
- Cocktail-length dresses or a simple suit for an elegant yet relaxed vibe
- Traditional white dress and black suit
- Or, go bold with colors and patterns — wear what feels good to you!
Idaho Courthouse Wedding Day Ideas & Extra Activities
Adding extra activities can make your Idaho courthouse wedding day even more memorable. Here are some ideas to inspire you:
- Make a reservation for dinner afterward
- Include your family and friends in a celebratory meal
- Save time after your ceremony for more photos
- Have a mini date night and capture it with your photographer
- Keep it casual — change into sweats, grab a pizza, and watch the sunset somewhere scenic
- Host a cozy party at home with family and friends
- Have a private celebration just for the two of you
- Do your favorite activity together — hiking, boating, golfing, you name it
- Make a bold choice like skydiving or another adventurous activity
- Turn your Idaho courthouse wedding day into a full experience you’ll never forget
Frequently Asked Questions About Idaho Courthouse Weddings
Do we have to schedule an appointment to get our marriage license?
- No — you’ll only need to schedule an appointment for your ceremony with a judge. You can pick up your marriage license beforehand or even right before your Idaho courthouse wedding.
Do we need a permit to have photos captured at the courthouse or capitol building?
- No permits are required. However, it’s polite for you or your photographer to ask the judge if photos are allowed during the ceremony. They’ll most likely say yes, but it’s always courteous to check.
How much does a marriage license cost in Idaho?
- $30 in cash.
Can our family and friends come to our Idaho courthouse wedding?
- Absolutely! It’s up to you who attends — family, friends, or just the two of you.
Can we go to other locations for photos besides the courthouse or capitol building?
- Yes! We can go wherever you’d like — the mountains, the desert, the lake, or downtown Boise. Adding more locations makes your Idaho courthouse wedding gallery even more meaningful.
Can you follow us around for more photos throughout the day?
- Yes! I’m here to capture every moment you want. If you’d like me to document your entire Idaho courthouse wedding day, I’m happy to create a custom photography experience.
Hi there, I’m Taylor
I’m an Idaho + Pacific Northwest photographer with a soft spot for big skies, small details, and stories that deserve to be told. Think of me as your cinematic narrator — documenting the way your day actually felt, from epic landscapes to quiet, blink-and-you-miss-it moments.
Every season of life is a chapter, and each one deserves its own highlight reel. My photos are little portals to those pages, bringing back the sights, sounds, and emotions you’ll want to hold onto forever.
No matter where your story takes you, I’d love to help you remember it all — beautifully, honestly, and with a dash of magic.
Comments
Comments