When I think of what makes a destination elopement truly magical, this one with Kelsie and Matthew instantly comes to mind. Set in the rolling foothills of Boise, Idaho, this late spring evening gave us everything we could have dreamed of—wild landscapes, glowing golden hour light, and a couple deeply in love.

While we were shooting, we kept referring to it as The Outlander Shoot because the entire experience felt like it belonged somewhere in the Scottish Highlands: windswept, moody, and straight out of a love story.

Romantic Idaho Elopement Photography in the Boise Foothills

Eloping in Idaho offers the perfect blend of rugged natural beauty and intimate, expansive moments. For this session, we explored a hidden area in the Boise foothills just as the golden desert sun was beginning to dip. May is truly such a magical time in southern Idaho—the wildflowers are blooming, the weather is soft and breezy, and the foothills light up in rich colors.

As the golden hour turned to dusk, the sky painted itself in warm orange and yellow tones, casting a beautiful glow across the landscape. The hills came alive in deep greens, earthy sage, and golden highlights. It was cinematic in the most natural way.

Styled With Intention: Ethereal Wedding Attire

Kelsie wore a breathtaking gown from Kate’s Bridal Cottage, featuring a corset bodice and soft, flowing tulle skirt that moved beautifully with the wind. She added a long white scarf around her neck that caught the breeze just right, giving us those effortlessly romantic, windswept moments.

Her bouquet, crafted by Bloom Room Co., featured soft textures and tones that mirrored the surrounding landscape—bright pops of red, violet, and wild greenery that felt so vibrant in the best way!

Matthew wore a sleek black suit jacket paired with a bolo tie for a modern western edge, complementing the dreamy, rugged vibe of the shoot without overpowering it. Together, their looks felt both editorial and timeless.

Why Elopements Make Space for Playful, Artistic Photos

One of the biggest perks of photographing an elopement—whether it’s a real one or a styled shoot—is the space to slow down and get creative. Without the rush of a traditional wedding timeline, we were able to experiment with a wide variety of poses and compositions.

We danced in the wind, played with movement, and leaned into the moody romance of the moment. The light changed every few minutes, gifting us with a dynamic range of colors—from golden warmth to dusky indigo. Kelsie’s veil caught the wind in the most magical ways, giving us those veil shots every couple dreams about.

Elopement Photography That Feels Like a Love Story

Every image from this shoot tells a piece of a larger narrative—of wild love, untamed landscapes, and two people completely swept up in each other. Kelsie and Matthew’s connection is so genuine, so effortless, and it radiated through every single frame.

Whether you’re planning a real Idaho elopement or just dreaming up your ideal destination, this shoot is proof that nature is the perfect setting for couples who want something both breathtaking and deeply personal.

The Magic of Film: When Light Meets Emotion

While the entire session was stunning, some of my favorite moments came from the 35mm film we shot. There’s just something about how film handles light—it softens it, deepens the tones, and gives everything a dreamy, nostalgic feel that digital can’t quite replicate.

As the sun dipped low and the sky turned that warm orange, the film picked up every golden highlight and shadow with buttery richness. The sage and olive greens of the hills took on a painterly quality, and the wind catching Kelsie’s veil looked like something from a vintage romance movie.

Every frame felt timeless. Romantic. Real.

If you’re considering adding film photography to your elopement or session—this shoot is proof it’s so worth it.

Planning Your Own Dreamy Idaho Elopement?

If you’re envisioning a romantic, cinematic elopement in the mountains, foothills, or wild open spaces of Idaho (or anywhere beyond!), I’d love to help bring your vision to life. As a destination elopement photographer, I specialize in creating space for intentional moments, editorial-inspired imagery, and documenting your love in all its real, wild beauty.

📍 Ready to create magic together?
Inquire here to start planning your destination elopement session.