Studio Ostendo operates in multiple creative fields including photography, design, and education.
Photographing Garrett and Ashley’s wedding at the Idaho State Capitol Building was a highlight of my spring season! After photographing their surprise proposal and engagement photos last year at the Idaho Botanical Garden, I JUMPED at the opportunity to capture another special day for them when Garrett asked me. They are two of the most romantic souls, and their elopement downtown Boise was perfect for them.
Garrett and Ashley scoped out the Capitol Building in advance and knew they wanted to get married on the Garden Level of the Capitol Building, at the very bottom of the rotunda. It was the perfect spot, with less foot traffic and a ceremony spot in the center of the building surrounded by columns reaching up to the top of the rotunda.
Garrett arrived early and Ashley came a few minutes later. Her mom and sibling walked her down the stairs where she met Garrett in the spot they would say their vows. With a friend officiating, Garrett and Ashley exchanged heartfelt vows that had everyone tearing up, laughing, and fixed on them and their story.
Following the ceremony, Garrett and Ashley took a few minutes to celebrate with the loved ones present for their elopement before sharing a dance in the center of the rotunda. It was one of my favorite moments, having seen them dance together last year during their engagement photos, to see them totally wrapped up in each other. We finished our time together capturing some photographs of the new bride and groom around the Capitol before walking downtown Boise for a slice of pizza at Pie Hole, a local favorite!
Garrett and Ashley, your Capitol elopement was such a beautiful way to celebrate your love and I am so thankful you asked me to be a part of it!
If you're looking for tips for planning your own Capitol Elopement, keep reading!
Thinking about getting married in the Capitol Building in Boise? Here are some tips for planning your elopement at the Capitol:
When planning your Capitol Elopement, double check the hours and arrive early. At the time of this writing, the Capitol Building is open Monday through Sunday, 7am to 7pm. The Idaho State Capitol Building cannot be reserved for weddings or private events, but you can still use public space inside the Capitol when it is open (that includes holding small, quiet ceremonies) and you are required to follow the rules/guidelines while using the space. Because you cannot reserve the space for a wedding, it’s possible you may have to wait for another wedding or for other guests to clear the area you’d like to use. (Fun fact, this actually happened to us for Garrett and Ashley’s elopement! There was another couple getting married and we waited a few extra minutes to have Garrett and Ashley’s ceremony in their desired location!)
When planning your Capitol Elopement in Boise, you can see some of the scheduled events and permits by checking this event calendar. Note that the Capitol is a traditional public forum dedicated to the free exchange of debate and political speech, so there is always a possibility of being exposed to language and ideas protected by the First Amendment while visiting the building.
During the legislative session, there’s often a large flag hung in the rotunda, and during the winter season the rotunda is often decorated with garland and other seasonal decorations, so keep that in mind when planning.
Hire a photographer to capture your ceremony! If you’re interested in chatting about wedding/elopement photography for your downtown Boise elopement, send me an email at becky@studioostendo.com.
Make the most of your Capitol Elopement in Boise! Having an intimate ceremony gives you the opportunity to spend the day how you want—choose locations and activities that mean something to you!
I’m Becky, a photographer based in Boise, Idaho where I live with my favorite guy and our son. I love photographing weddings—the celebrations that mark the beginning of lifelong stories that are so significant. Being invited into the most personal celebrations and intimate stories is one of my greatest privileges as a photographer. Beyond amazing locations and beautiful details, I love photography because of the people. Camera in hand, I simultaneously get to know people and give them the gift of seeing a deeper part of themselves and the people they love. If you’re looking for a photographer in Idaho, or considering eloping in Boise, let’s chat!
Get to know me or send me an inquiry, I’d love to connect with you!
Wedding photography is my heartbeat. For me, it holds the perfect tension between creativity and authenticity, observation and connection. In front of my camera clients transform to friends, and behind it you'll usually find me tearing up, cheering you on, or holding my breath because of the raw goodness of the moment at hand.
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