Top 5 Places to Elope in Spokane and Coeur d' Alene

Elopements are one of my all-time favorite things to photograph. I am a huge outdoor enthusiast and so when I get the opportunity to combine my love for the outdoors with wedding photography, it is pure magic. I have lived in the Spokane and Coeur d’ Alene area for most of my life and have seen a lot of what it has to offer. Below is a list that I have compiled of my top 5 places to elope around Spokane and Coeur d’ Alene.

Mt. Spokane

Mt. Spokane is a local hot-spot for those who love winter sports but is relatively quiet during the summer and fall months. However, it is one of my all-time favorite recommendations for those looking to elope. There is a road that leads to the summit that is open from the beginning of July till the end of September. At the summit, there is a vista house that is always open; complete with outdoor tables and benches. This makes it perfect for an intimate celebration. The views from the top are incredible and are second to none in the area. It should be noted that a discover pass is required for visitors within the park but is very inexpensive and easy to attain.

Outside of the July - September season, there are still incredible spots to get married on the mountain. I personally got married at this location half way up to the top where there is a pathway leading through the trees that is incredibly beautiful. There is plenty of parking in that area and the pathway is an easy walk, being only 20 yards from the roadway.

Rocks of Sharon

Rocks of Sharon is a popular hiking location on the southern side of the South Hill. The rocks themselves are located on Browns Mountain. It is a relatively short hike though there are a few steep parts along the way. The view from the top is breathtaking, looking south toward the Palouse and Steptoe Butte. On the northern side, there are forests that are equally as beautiful. As stated, this location does require some hiking so keep that in mind.

Steptoe Butte/ The Palouse

Steptoe Butte and the Palouse is one of Spokane’s less known gems. The Butte itself is a 45 minute drive south of Spokane. There is a road that winds to the very top of the butte, making it very easy to access. The best time of year to visit this location is from mid May to the end of June due to the various colors of fields in the area. After June, the fields all become golden and so there is not as much variability between the colors of fields.

Tubbs Hill

Tubbs Hill is one of the more popular locations around lake Coeur d’ Alene. There is a trail that goes around the entire “hill” with parking on either side. Along the trail, there are beautiful forests and rocks that line the lake which makes for a beautiful place to elope. During summer, it is a very popular location for beach goers as there is cliff jumping and secluded beaches. If you plan to use this location, it would be recommended to aim for later in the day when people leave the area around 6-7 PM. Photographically, the light is best near the end of the day as well.

Fernan Saddle

Fernan Saddle is a little known location just outside of Coeur d’ Alene. To get here requires a short drive just beyond Fernan lake. The saddle boasts incredible mountain views and forested areas. There are forest roads that wind throughout the entire area and there are many locations where one could elope at. If you want a mountain feel and want it close to CDA, this is a perfect location.

Conclusion

This is by no means an exhaustive list of locations in the area; but does provide some of my top recommendations. If you are looking for something more specific or want any more ideas, please feel free to contact me. Likewise, if you liked this article and want to learn more about my services, go see my wedding portfolio as well as my wedding packages and pricing. If you’d love to read about more places to see in Spokane, be sure to check out the article 11 beautiful places in Spokane by Redfin which I personally contributed to. Thank you and have a great day!