Two men in tuxedos hold hands and look at each other, standing in front of a white brick wall with a neon rainbow. Orange flowers in white vases are arranged on the ground beside them.

Two men in tuxedos stand close together at a bar, smiling and leaning their heads together affectionately. There are drinks and a small lamp on the counter in front of them. The photo is in black and white.

Two men in suits sit on brown chairs at a small table with flowers, outside a modern, retro-style building at sunset. The building has angular architecture and large glass windows, with trees in the background.

A black and white photo shows two people in suits sitting closely, one with a hand resting on the other's knee. Both wear boutonnieres and one wears a wedding ring, suggesting a formal or wedding occasion.

Two men in formal suits embrace closely, sharing an intimate moment. Warm lighting and a soft focus effect create a romantic, tender atmosphere.

Two men in tuxedos share a kiss in front of a small white cart decorated with flowers and drinks, as orange flower petals are tossed in the air around them outside a retro-style building.

Two men in tuxedos laugh and share a drink together, one holding a glass with ice and a beverage. They appear to be at a formal event, possibly a wedding, enjoying a joyful and candid moment.

Two men in tuxedos hold hands while walking outside at dusk. The image has a soft, blurred effect with colorful lights in the background, creating a romantic and dreamy atmosphere.

A man in a tuxedo stands against a white brick wall, lit from the front, while the dark silhouette of another man in a tuxedo is seen in the foreground, out of focus.

When I first envisioned this styled shoot, I knew I wanted to capture something different – something that felt both timeless and totally unique. That's exactly what happened with Zach and Derrick's neon-lit downtown elopement session. This shoot captures that magical "just married" afterglow when everything feels bright and bubbly, set against the unexpected backdrop of a converted car shop that perfectly embodied their playful, unconventional love story.

We chose a rich, warm orange theme that runs through everything - from the florals to the old-fashioned cocktails. We even added orange gel flash to make the photos pop with that signature retro warmth! The result? An elopement aesthetic that proves you don't need a traditional venue to create something absolutely stunning.

Two men in tuxedos share a joyful moment; one sits on the ground laughing as the other affectionately kisses his head from behind, both surrounded by elegant decor.

A blurred night photo of a lit-up building with a peaked roof, surrounded by darkness. Warm lights illuminate the structure, creating a glowing effect and streaks of light.

Two men in tuxedos stand smiling beside a decorated white bar cart with flowers, outside a modern building with large glass windows at sunset.

Two men in tuxedos hold hands and smile at each other while walking outside a modern, white building. Both are holding drinks. The atmosphere is joyful, and the photo is in black and white.

A glass table holds a vibrant floral arrangement with orange flowers, oranges, and decorative spheres. Two cocktails with garnishes sit beside the arrangement, and a modern building is blurred in the background.

Two men in tuxedos stand smiling outside a brightly lit retro-style building at dusk; one man is kissing the other on the cheek, both appearing happy and affectionate.

Two men in tuxedos hold hands and walk together on a city street at dusk, smiling at each other. Streetlights, cars, and trees appear in the background under a dim sky.

Two people in suits hold hands while walking past a white brick wall, with blurred orange flowers in vases nearby and warm light creating a soft, dreamy effect.

Meet Zach + Derrick: A Decade of Love

Zach and Derrick's story spans over 10 years. While they aren't actually married (though they certainly could be!), they jumped at the chance to participate in this styled shoot. They loved the unconventional color scheme and concept from the start, and more importantly, they wanted to showcase what it looks like when couples dare to do something completely different.

What made this shoot extra special was their desire to showcase diversity in Boise and prove that love stories come in all forms. During their gallery reveal, they mentioned something that touched my heart - they aren't typically a couple who shows outward affection or holds hands in public. Yet the photos show them laughing, dancing, and being totally themselves! They felt so comfortable during our session that their natural playfulness shone through.

Two men in black tuxedos hold hands and smile at each other while walking indoors, possibly at a formal event or wedding. The scene is softly lit, with reflections partially framing the image.

Two men in suits walk hand in hand on a sidewalk at night. One looks back toward the camera, while streetlights blur in the background. The image is black and white and has a soft, out-of-focus effect.

Two men in tuxedos smile and laugh together while holding cocktails, one playfully sipping from the other’s drink, outside in warm evening light.

Two men in tuxedos kiss while holding colorful drinks, standing outside a modern building. One man has dark hair, the other light brown hair. Both wear boutonnieres and look happy, celebrating together.

Two men in tuxedos hold hands and smile at each other while standing outside, each holding a drink. The photo is in black and white, creating a timeless, candid, and joyful moment.

A modern, brightly lit building with colorful red and blue patterns on the walls stands out against the dark night. Two people in formal attire stand outside near the entrance, illuminated by the building’s lights.

Two men in tuxedos pose outside a modern, retro-style building. One sits on a chair with a drink, while the other stands behind him, hand on the chair. A small table with flowers sits between two chairs.

Two people stand facing each other and share a kiss in front of a lit brick wall, creating a dramatic silhouette. Flower arrangements are placed on the ground around them.

Why Unconventional Venues Make Perfect Elopement Backdrops

The beauty of choosing a unique, non-traditional venue for your elopement is that it instantly becomes yours. Instead of blending into the crowd of couples who chose the same popular spots, you create something that reflects your actual personality. Unconventional venues offer:

Authentic storytelling opportunities that reflect who you really are as a couple
Unexpected visual elements that make your photos stand out
Intimate spaces that feel personal rather than commercial
Flexible styling options that let your creativity shine
Memorable experiences that guests will talk about for years

The key is finding a space that resonates with your love story, whether that's an old garage, a vintage bookstore, your favorite coffee shop, or even your own backyard transformed.

Two men in suits share a kiss, silhouetted against a bright light in front of a white brick wall.

A black-and-white photo shows two people standing side by side in suits, their hands close together and nearly touching, suggesting intimacy or support. The focus is on their hands and lower torsos.

Two men in tuxedos pose together, one seated on the ground and the other sitting on a chair behind him, with their arms around each other. A table with an orange floral arrangement is beside them. They are outdoors.

Two men in tuxedos smile and laugh together at an event, one holding a microphone and leaning in close to the other. The background is dark and out of focus.

Two men in tuxedos hold hands and smile at each other while walking outside a modern building at night. The image is black and white and slightly blurred, creating a dreamy effect.

Two men in tuxedos smile and hold hands while walking outside at dusk under streetlights, with a darkening sky and blurred city lights in the background.

Two men in suits spin each other joyfully on a city street. The black-and-white image is blurred, capturing their energetic movement and expressions of happiness.

Two men in suits hold hands and smile while walking beside a white bar cart decorated with orange flowers outside a modern building with large windows.

Two men in tuxedos sit closely together on a bench at night, smiling warmly at each other. One man sits on the ground, leaning back, while the other sits above, gently touching his arm. The scene is in black and white.

5 Tips for Planning Your Own Unique Downtown Elopement in Boise

1. Think Beyond Traditional Venues

Boise is full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered! Instead of defaulting to typical wedding venues, consider:

Historic buildings with character
Art galleries or creative spaces
Rooftops with city views
Industrial lofts or converted warehouses
Your favorite local restaurant or bar

Check out some epic places in the Treasure Valley for photos to spark your imagination, but don't limit yourself to "wedding" venues.

2. Choose a Bold Color Theme That Reflects You

Don't be afraid of color! Pick one bold shade that speaks to your personality (like our orange) and build your elopement palette around it. This creates visual cohesion across your photos while making a statement about who you are as a couple.

3. Mix Eras and Styles Thoughtfully

The best unique elopements blend elements from different time periods and styles. Consider mixing:

Vintage glassware with modern florals
Classic cocktails with contemporary attire
Retro lighting with minimalist decor
Traditional elements with unexpected twists

4. Embrace Dramatic Lighting

Unique venues often offer interesting lighting opportunities that traditional spaces don't. Whether it's neon signs, industrial fixtures, or dramatic shadows, use lighting to create mood and atmosphere. Golden hour is always magical, but don't overlook the drama of evening shots with artificial lighting.

5. Keep Your Guest List Intentionally Small

Intimate elopements let your chosen space shine while keeping the focus on your love story. With fewer people to accommodate, you have more venue options and can invest in creating a truly personalized experience.

Two men in tuxedos stand beside a decorated white bar cart with drinks, flowers, and a menu outside a modern building with large windows, smiling and looking at the cart.

Two men in tuxedos smile and toast with colorful cocktails, standing close together. One man wears a wedding ring and an orange boutonniere, suggesting a celebratory or wedding event.

Two men in tuxedos hold hands and smile while walking outside a modern building at sunset. Both have orange boutonnieres and drinks, with flower petals scattered on the ground and a decorated cart in the background.

Two men in tuxedos sit on chairs outdoors by a small round table with an orange floral arrangement, smiling and holding drinks near a retro-style building at sunset.

Two people in tuxedos sit on brown chairs beside a small table with flowers outside a retro-style building at dusk. The scene has a vintage feel, with modern architecture and a soft, warm glow.

Two men in black tuxedos hold hands and walk together outside at night. Both have boutonnieres on their jackets and are smiling, with blurred city lights glowing in the background.

Two men in tuxedos walk hand-in-hand outside a retro-style building at dusk, smiling at each other warmly. The building has colorful circular patterns on the wall and bright lights near the entrance.

A black-and-white photo shows two men in tuxedos; one is seated with his hand resting on his knee, wearing a wedding ring, while the other stands behind, gently placing a hand on his shoulder. A table with flowers and drinks is in the background.

Orange You Glad: Our Bold Color Story

Our orange theme wasn't random. It was a deliberate choice to create something warm, inviting, and totally unexpected for an elopement. We incorporated orange through:

Bold floral arrangements with burnt orange blooms and unexpected textures
Classic old-fashioned cocktails with fresh orange garnishes
Orange gel lighting for dramatic, moody photo moments
Subtle orange accents woven throughout the styling

This consistent color story created photos that feel cohesive and intentionally designed, exactly what you want when you're breaking away from traditional elopement aesthetics.

A small white cart decorated with orange flowers stands in front of a mid-century modern building with large glass windows and turquoise trim. Orange petals are scattered on the pavement around the cart.

A glass-top side table between two brown chairs holds a vibrant floral arrangement with orange flowers, marigolds, and round orange decorations, along with small pumpkins and mandarins. The scene is outdoors on pavement.

Two colorful cocktails with garnish sit on a white lace-patterned table next to a gold-framed "Signature Drinks" menu and a small lamp with a white shade.

Two men in tuxedos smile and clink glasses at an outdoor cocktail bar. A small lamp, flowers, and a cocktail menu decorate the table. Modern building windows reflect warm sunlight in the background.

A vibrant arrangement of orange and yellow flowers with green accents sits beside small oranges and a framed bar menu, all displayed on a paved surface near a white drawer.

A floral arrangement features peeled and unpeeled oranges, marigold flowers, and orange beads, artistically displayed on a reflective glass surface.

Building Your Dream Team for a Unique Elopement

The vendors you choose can make or break your vision for a non-traditional elopement. Look for creative professionals who get excited about doing something different: Want to recreate this magic? Here are the amazing vendors who made Zach and Derrick's session come to life:

A retro-style building with bright orange and blue geometric designs glows at night. Two people hold hands in silhouette, walking past the well-lit windows and angular roof.

Two men in suits stand closely together, looking toward the camera. The image is in black and white with a blurred foreground and illuminated lines framing the scene.

Two men in tuxedos, one seated and one standing, smile and hold drinks beside a small table with orange flowers, set outside a modern, retro-style building at sunset.

Two hands holding elegant glasses of cocktails—one orange with an orange slice and black garnish, the other purple with a lemon twist—on a white, ornate tray; both people wear dark suits.

Two men in tuxedos sit closely together; one sits on a chair with his arm around the other, who is sitting on the ground. A floral arrangement on a small table and an empty chair are beside them. The scene is in black and white.

Two people in formal attire share a kiss outside a building at night. The scene is in black and white.

Two men in suits walk hand-in-hand on a sidewalk at dusk. One looks back toward the camera, while the other faces forward. Streetlights and blurred car lights illuminate the dark, quiet street.

FAQs About Planning a Unique Elopement in Boise

How much does a non-traditional elopement typically cost in Boise?

Costs vary widely based on your choices, but many couples find unique venues more budget-friendly than traditional wedding venues. Most spend between $5,000-$15,000 for an elopement, often getting more personalization for their investment.

How do we find vendors willing to work at unconventional venues?

Look for vendors who showcase diverse work in their portfolios and specifically mention their love for unique events. These professionals are usually excited about creative challenges.

What if our chosen venue doesn't have typical wedding amenities?

That's where creative vendors shine! Mobile bars, portable lighting, and flexible catering options can transform any space into your perfect elopement venue.

How far in advance should we book for a unique elopement?

Since you're not competing for traditional wedding venues, you often have more flexibility. However, the best creative vendors still book 3-6 months in advance.

Can we still have a "real" wedding feel at an unconventional venue?

Absolutely! The emotion, commitment, and celebration are what make it real – not the venue. Often, couples find that non-traditional spaces feel more authentic to their relationship.

Two men in tuxedos with bow ties and orange boutonnières smile and stand side by side outdoors at sunset, with a blurred foreground and soft evening light in the background.

Two men in tuxedos hold hands and laugh joyfully outside a modern building with circular patterns on its wall, captured in black and white.

Two men in black tuxedos stand outside at night next to a large, illuminated "M" sign, with one man leaning on the other as they both look off to the side; a colorful geometric building is in the background.

Two men in tuxedos hold hands and share a kiss while standing on a city street at dusk. The image is in black and white, and streetlights, trees, and cars are visible in the background.

Two people in suits hold hands in front of a building, shown from the shoulders down. The photo is in black and white, highlighting their clasped hands and formal attire.

Two men in suits share a drink and conversation outside a retro-style building at dusk, sitting on leather chairs beside a small table with a vibrant floral arrangement.

Two men in tuxedos hold hands and smile at each other while walking outside a modern, brightly lit building at dusk.

Ready for Your Own Unique Magic?

If Zach and Derrick's orange-infused, unconventional elopement has you dreaming about breaking away from traditional wedding expectations, let's chat! I specialize in helping couples find and capture their perfect non-traditional celebration, whether that's in a converted garage, a downtown loft, or somewhere completely unexpected.

The most important thing isn't where you get married – it's that your venue choice reflects your love story and creates the perfect backdrop for your unique celebration.

Get in touch at www.katykahlaphotography.com/contact to start planning your one-of-a-kind elopement photography session in Boise, ID!