Totally Boise Blog

 

 

The amazing thing about calling Boise home aside from the incredible breweries, the river life, Treefort, and hiking in the foothills, is that you don’t have to go far to play in the mountains. The incredible historic Pioneer Lodge at the base of Bogus Basin is less than 30 miles from downtown Boise. The Pioneer Lodge is rustic and has all the bare essentials to get your party started. With the option to bring in your own caterer, rentals, photographer, DJ, it’s the perfect blank canvas and extremely affordable considering the epic location and gorgeous venue. It’s one of the cheapest venues on this list and has incredible mountain views to drool over. There’s nothing quite like getting married on the very top of a mountain with sweeping views of the Treasure Valley. Plus, there’s zero noise ordinance so along with the adjoining cabins + condos, you can quite literally dance until dawn without bugging any neighbors. Or, rent a party bus and continue the party in downtown Boise just down the mountain.

• Capacity: 100-150
• Indoor Lodge Reception/Outdoor Ceremony
• $1800 for use of the Pioneer Lodge
• No outside alcohol, full bar provided at additional cost. On site commercial kitchen to bring in your own caterer or you can use Bogus Basin catering staff at additional cost. What makes this venue unique? The incredible mountain top views and extremely affordable cost of renting out the beautiful historic lodge for the entire night make this a killer place to get married.

Bogus Wedding

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If your dream wedding includes taking a chairlift to the top of a mountain summit and walking down the aisle on the slopes, the Brundage Resort is meant for you. Located only a few minutes outside of the cozy and adorable McCall, Idaho, a Brundage wedding would ensure a destination experience for all your visiting guests. Impress them with the Payette Lake, white water rafting, the many adorable shops and ice cream at Ice Cream Alley for a weekend. The fear most brides have with getting married in Idaho on the top of a mountain always seems to be weather, but Brundage truly offers it all. With a full indoor lodge and the option to get married indoors or outdoors in case of any scary Idaho weather, the Brundage lodge also provides full catered meals either plated or buffet to meet all your needs.

• Capacity: 200
• Outdoor ceremony + reception, Outdoor Covered, Scenic Views, Inside
• $2000 for reception and $2000 ceremony (separate)
• Cash Bar available, full catering inside
• China/Table/Chairs

What makes this venue unique? The ability to ride a chairlift with all your guests to the top of a mountain to get married and the amazing in house chef/caterers make Brundage Mountain an easy decision and accessible destination experience.

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As the only mountain ski resort venue on this list with a chapel, the Tamarack Resort provides more of an intimate experience than the other two ski resort options. The gorgeous Arlington Chapel is cozy with a clean white interior. Surrounded by gorgeous aspens and located at the bottom of Tamarack Ski Resort, you have mountain views surrounded by you and you are only steps away from the Tamarack condos + apartments for your guests to stay all together.

• Capacity: 1000 reception // 165 for the Arlington Chapel
• Indoor Reception + ceremony, Outdoor Ceremony Only
• $3900 for peak season (July-September) $2000 off season (October to May)
• This price includes initial set up of the provided tables and chairs, dance floor and all cleaning fees. Also, it should be noted that the venue rental includes access to the space for two hours the night before for any needed rehearsals.
• Amplified sound must stop at 10pm, and the event center must be vacated by then unless special permission is granted for later. Midnight is the absolute cut off/lights out.
• No caterer/bar
• Table/Chairs provided

What makes this venue unique? Tamarack’s mountain resort is a little more intimate and removed of the crowds in McCall. Plus, with the adorable little chapel, it allows couples who want to get married in a church to also get married in the mountains without sacrificing one or the other!

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This incredible venue is so much more than a venue. Pilgrim Cove only recently started offering weddings during peak wedding season as its primary use is to use for a variety of church camps and for business conferences, but it’s easily one of my favorite places I’ve ever had the honor of working at in the state of Idaho. As an ldaho wedding photographer, I always tell friends or brides looking for venues to look for alternative venues that aren’t strictly wedding venues for a truly unique experience! Some of the coolest venues are a little more off the beaten path! What’s most amazing about this venue is the ability to rent out the entire camp with room for up to 90 people. I worked with a couple who got married on Labor Day weekend and they invited their friends and family to stay with them for the full three day weekend. I’ll never forget waking up in my own rustic cabin the morning after their wedding and having my pick at the many canoes and kayaks available for use on their property and taking an early morning kayak ride around Pilgrim Cove Bay. The camp offers lake-front access on Payette Lake for your ceremony and multiple options for your reception. Ifour you’ve been looking for a venue that doesn’t feel like a traditional wedding venue, Pilgrim Cove is your place!

• Capacity: Over 200, sleeps 90
• Indoor Reception + Outdoor Ceremony
• Ceremony seating is included (outdoor benches in a stadium style seating)
• Sound must stop at midnight
• NO provided caterer or bar provided.

What makes this venue unique? If I could get married anywhere in Idaho right now, it would be a close tie between Pilgrim Cove and River Dance Lodge. I love the family vibe and cozy atmosphere of the Pilgrim Cove in addition to its amazing location right on the water.

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If you’ve never been to Stanley, Idaho, why haven’t you!? Stanley is one of the most remote mountain towns in the state of Idaho and it’s frequently the coldest place on the country in the winter. With extreme temperatures and high altitude mountain lakes, Stanley isn’t for the faint of heart but the insanely gorgeous mountains are worth it. Because of its short window, the wedding season in Stanley hits its peak between late July and mid August. However, if you aren’t opposed to the possibility of snow, the I grew up camping along the shores of Redfish Lake and I still pinch myself every time I get the opportunity to work in my favorite place. Hands down, if you’re into water sports and you’re a water lover, there isn’t a more gorgeous lake in Idaho. The Redfish Lake Lodge is only steps from the beach with incredible views of the snowy Sawtooth mountains. It’s always been a dream of mine to boat across Redfish Lake and hike up to the Bench Lakes in the Sawtooths for the most epic alpine lake views. Although their website doesn’t list a starting cost, they do include almost everything essential for your wedding day for an almost all inclusive experience!

• Includes: Reception Site
• In-House Food and Beverage Catering
• Large Tents
• Tables and Chairs
• Linens (Tablecloths, Napkins, etc.)
• Dance Floors
• Space Heaters (if needed/desired)
• Lodging and Resort-Based Honeymoon Accommodations
• Event Setup & Takedown

What makes this venue unique? I dare anyone to disagree with me that Redfish Lake is one of the prettiest lakes in the entire country, so for there to be a cozy lodge without the pretentious vibes of some of the more developed resort towns right on Redfish Lake makes it stand out on its own. There is truly nothing like boating across Redfish Lake and staring up at the giant Sawtooths.

Redfish LodgeBench Lakes

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Blackhawk on the River has made a huge splash in the wedding scene as one of the most popular wedding venues in McCall since opening its doors for weddings within the last few years. And for good reason! Idaho weather can be extremely unpredictable and while I know most brides are so hesitant to plan an outdoor wedding in Idaho, having a safe alternative is my best advice. Blackhawk on the River has both an indoor & outdoor space. My favorite part of Blackhawk is that the interior space is modern and clean, rather than being too dated or too rustic. If you love the mountains but still want a modern space for your reception, you might love Blackhawk on the River! Plus, just look at that ceremony view. The name isn’t lying- you can get married directly on the river in the middle of the forest!

• Capacity: 350
• Ceremony site on site, outdoor only. Reception outdoor OR indoor.
• Cost: Average is $2500 for access to outdoor + indoor event spaces and up to 275 people
• All catering and bar must be brought to venue, but in house kitchen is available
• Lights out by 10pm, venue available typically 8am-10pm

What makes this venue unique? I love Blackhawk on the River because of its friendly staff, extremely beautiful interior modern reception space, and the incredible riverfront ceremony location. It’s the perfect blend of rustic and modern.

Blackhawk on The River

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I think just about everyone in Boise knows about the Shore Lodge. You can’t miss it as you drive through the quiet streets of McCall or boating on Payette Lake. Their reputation is basically unmatched for their exceptional service and incredible lodging. The Shore Lodge is so special to me because it remains humble while still feeling like a luxurious experience. Every single employee goes above and beyond to make their guests feel cared for and the interior is immaculate. If you’re looking for rustic elegance at its best, the Shore Lodge is truly your only option in the greater Boise area.

• Capacity: 200
• Indoor Reception and Indoor Ceremony recommended, it’s possible to host an outdoor ceremony on the docks with fewer than 50 people
• Cost ranges from $50-75 for a plated catered dinner as well as additional cost for site rental. All staff and furniture, china, and linen rentals included.

What makes this venue unique? Every time I’ve been lucky enough to stay at the Shore Lodge or work here, I feel like I am truly a treasured guest. The staff here goes above and beyond to make sure you have an incredible experience and they are exactly the kind of people you want on your wedding day to keep you relaxed and focused on enjoying the moment. Plus, the view on the lake isn’t too bad.

Shore Lodge

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Nestled between Stanley and Sun Valley, the amazing Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch offers an unmatched experience. As an all inclusive ranch, Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch has incredible individual log cabins with fireplaces and the bathtubs of your dreams. If you’re new to Idaho or have guests from coming out of town, they offer horseback riding, guided hiking tours, fishing expeditions, and so much more. If you are looking for an intimate, outdoor wedding, Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch is unparalleled in their service and AMAZING mountain views of the Sawtooths and White Clouds!

• Capacity: 50-75
• Outdoor ceremony only and indoor reception

What makes this venue unique? Finding information on this hidden venue is sort of a challenge, but the reward is one of the most unique wedding experiences available in the state. As an all inclusive experience, everything is taken care of and you don’t even have to lift your finger to find activities to do because everything is already prepared and ready for you. With on site historic cabins and a beautiful lodge for an intimate reception, Idaho Rocky Mountain Lodge is surely a once in a lifetime lodge experience.

Idaho Rocky Mountain Lodge

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Every single time I ask someone if they have heard of the River Dance Lodge, they look at me like I’m crazy. This little hidden gem isn’t that well known to many Boiseians yet, but it’s one of my favorite venues for the true “Idaho” experience. I am absolutely convinced that this might be the most unique wedding venue on this list and the closest thing to a true genuine Idaho experience that you can possibly get anymore. Although it’s the furthest destination from Boise on this list, if you are adventurous enough to make the trek for a truly remote experience, the River Dance is your only option. Travel accommodations are already taken care of for your guests when you get married at the River Dance, with cabins, tent & RV sites, and glamping tents. There’s little to no cell service and the venue is located right on the river so if fishing on your wedding day is on your mind, this is the place. As bride Tiffany said of River Dance, “Ela and Tamir are the loveliest, and most beautiful Turkish couple and they were a key part to our wedding being a wonderful experience! Also, one thing to let any brides know who are considering Riverdance, is that it's absurdly affordable, especially for all the inclusions you get. In total we spent under $10,000, and included all the lodging and activities for three nights, use of all their linens, china, tables and chairs, and catering for the three days we were there.

• Capacity: 70
• Ceremony + reception: have space for both, OUTDOORS only
• Cost: Reception Space is $500, but wedding packages for 54 guests with ALL lodging/rafting/food provided starts at $6290 for peak summer season
• Alcohol: Beer and Wine on site, welcomes your own bar
• Food: $25/person and up
• Rentals: Table/Linens/Chairs FULL staff and set up/take down included in price
• What makes it unique: With a maximum capacity of 70 people, it’s an intimate experience. It’s truly one of the best wedding packages because the cost includes lodging for all of your guests, a fully catered custom menu dinner, all set up/take down, and all seating/table/linen rentals.

What makes this venue unique? I’m drawn to venues that create an experience for you, rather than just a single day’s event. I love the ability to “glamp” in their beautiful canvas tents for an entire weekend with all your guests who have traveled so far to see you.

River Dance Lodge

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Unfortunately, it took a solid 24 years as an Idaho native to visit Burgdorf Hot Springs. I had heard amazing things about it from so many friends and family but it took until last winter to visit for the first time. Idaho is known for its incredible hot springs. You can literally find them right off Idaho’s mountain highways in the river and if you haven’t sat in a natural hot spring in a river before, are you really living!? Burgdorf immediately became one of my favorite places. You can rent rustic cabins that surround the hot springs and for weddings, they allow you to rent the entire facility plus have access to the hot springs 24 hours a day. The hot springs look like your average outdoor pool with a tiled walkway all the way around it, but the bottom is sandy and reminds you that you’re swimming in natural hot springs water. It feels like you walk through a time capsule with its log cabins and signs from the late 1800’s. Surrounded by rocky mountains, amazing forests, and tons of wilderness, Burgdorf is definitely where I could imagine planning my own boho cabin wedding!

• Capacity: 15 rustic cabins start at $40/adult, $15/child
• No bar on site or in house caterer, small snack bar/café

What makes this venue so unique? It’s still barely considered a wedding venue- and I love that! It’s cheap and with access 24/7 to the hot springs on site, you can make the place your own and feel like you’re going to camp.

Burgdorf

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Situated in the always lovely Sun Valley, Idaho, Trail Creek Pavilion is without a doubt one of the most gorgeous venues on this list. Located just below Bald Mountain with a view of the ski resort and mountains surrounding, it offers the best of Idaho. I’m smitten over their gorgeous lawn available for outdoor ceremonies. With a capacity of over 300 people, you can fit all your friends and family into this mountain venue. Just in case weather scares you, there’s also an available tent for ceremony and reception use in case of snow and rain. The Trail Creek facility offers high end catering and full service so everything you need is in one place.

• Capacity: 340
• Indoor ceremony + reception, tent available
• FULL catering and bar service
• Rental fee for the pavillion starts at $9000, and $4000 for the smaller Trail Creek Cabin.

What makes this venue so unique? The spectacular beauty of the lawn and surrounding mountains make it one of the most beautiful venues on this list, but it also has easy accessibility to Sun Valley, Idaho and promises a luxurious, exciting experience.

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Idaho’s landscape is dotted with tons of barns all across the state and so many of them have become popular wedding venues. I was lucky enough to discover the Lazy R Ranch when my clients held their wedding there last October. Although the drive is a little precarious, it’s located literally on top of the mountains near Banks, Idaho. Once you arrive, it feels like you’ve landed in some sort of quiet oasis. As a real functioning ranch, the property is filled with horses and cattle. If you’re sweet enough to the owners, they might just let you ride or hang out with a horse for your bridal portraits too! ;) The barn has been completely remodeled on the interior and has a three story loft and exposed beams for days. It’s one of the most gorgeous modern barns I’ve ever seen. And in case you were worried about getting married on a working ranch, there are indoor modern bathrooms, lodging for up to 13 people, and a full kitchen.

• Capacity: 350
• Cost: Peak season $3000
• 4 event space options: indoor 3 story barn, outdoor ranch
• Food: NO catering or bar options, must bring your own caterer and bar
• Tables, centerpieces, Décor, & Chairs provided. Lodging on site for up to 13 people, camping is permitted on the grounds as well.

What makes this venue so unique? It’s on a working ranch with a fully restored and modern 3 story barn. It’s also a little bit off the radar and a little harder to find!

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Just a minutes outside of McCall, the No Business Lodge is located in Donnelly, Idaho along a gorgeous ridge with a view of the mountains. Although lesser known than some of the other McCall wedding venues on this list, the No Business Lodge offers a slightly more remote experience away from the tourists and offers on site accomodations and a true experience for you and your guests. The lodge sleeps up to ninety guests and the venue rental fee includes all lodging! Without an in house caterer or bar, you’re welcome to bring in all your own alcohol to celebrate all weekend long and save a few bucks

• Indoor Reception, no covered outdoor ceremony.
• Accommodations for up to 90 people on site as well as full use of private beach on the river and all fire pits/campsites for your guests.

What makes this venue so unique? The amazing views of the mountains and remote location make it a gorgeous spot to get married.

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Nestled in the depths of the Frank Church Wilderness near Salmon and Stanley, the Diamond D is easy to miss. However, the accessibility to their adorable historic chapel on site as well as the sweeping mountain and river views make the Diamond D unique and one of a kind. Get married on the lake, next to the river, or in the middle of their gorgeous lawn on the ranch. There’s a bridal suite on site as well as a “man cave” for the dudes to get ready. They also provide an on site coordinator to help with any decorating, set up, take down, or needs you might have the day of your wedding.

• M-F ($4900)
• S-S ($5900)

What makes this venue so unique? It’s definitely the hardest venue to get to on this list, but the experience at the end of a crazy drive on Idaho’s remote highways is a little hidden oasis in one of our most special wilderness. It’s beautiful and definitely a venue for the adventurous soul!

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When a venue isn’t your top priority and you kind of feel like just getting married in the woods without the fancy venue, I highly encourage looking into campgrounds! A lot of campgrounds will happily rent out their public picnic areas or large group sites for as little as $200 for the entire day. Located in Idaho City, the Creekside Campground has a few small intimate cabins to rent out as well so that you can get ready for your wedding day with plumbing and electricity. Save money on your venue and spend it on a crazy party or the wedding photos of your dreams. ;)

What makes this venue so unique? It’s the most affordable option on this list but you don’t have to sacrifice any of the beauty that some of the bigger mountain lodges provide! For the budget savvy brides, this option might be for you. Rent some tables and chairs, bring in your favorite caterer, and save your money for a killer honeymoon.

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Maggie Grace is a PNW wedding photographer based in Boise. She is a lover of grilled cheese, Gilmore Girls, traveling & dogs. for vibrant, adventurous, + timeless humans.

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