Turn to Coeur d’Alene for everything you need for your perfect wedding
When actress Julianne Hough wed NHL hockey standout Brooks Laich in a romantic outdoor wedding the summer of 2017, stunning images of sparkling Lake Coeur d’Alene were splashed on magazine covers and exploded all over the internet. The luscious photos and videos not only showcased the stunning couple but also put a spotlight on the sweeping lake views and unspoiled natural beauty of Coeur d’Alene. If the resort town wasn’t already considered an ideal location for a destination wedding, the images clearly illustrated the Lake City should be in the conversation.
Over the past several years, local wedding vendors say the region’s appeal has only grown.
“I think Coeur d’Alene is turning into a big market for destination weddings,” says Andreas John, the organizer of the Nspire Wedding Show, a boutique-style wedding expo. “We’ve got a lot to offer here.”
Wedding planner Sarah Day echoes that assertion. “I think that anytime a celebrity comes to the region, it helps. We’re definitely on the map, whether it’s because of Black Rock, or Gozzer Ranch or the work the Coeur d’Alene Resort or the Convention and Visitors Bureau.”
Day, who was recognized as a “Top 10 Wedding Planner in the World” by Destination Weddings and Honeymoons Abroad Magazine says that roughly 75 percent of her clients are from outside the area — places like California, Texas, Chicago and Boston. Like Hough, who grew up vacationing on the lake, some of Day’s clients spent time here before, but others simply seek out the region for its beauty and amenities.
While more brides and grooms are choosing Coeur d’Alene for a destination wedding, Day says she’s also seeing tremendous growth in the region’s vendors. “Even three years ago, if someone was to Google getting married in Coeur d’Alene, there weren’t a lot of options to make that happen. Now there are so many resources available.”
Many of those vendors are participating in the NSPIRE WEDDING SHOW, Feb. 22 from 4-7:30 pm at the Coeur d’Alene Inn. The intimate event will feature 40 hand-picked vendors (photographers, DJs, florists, etc.), a fashion show, complimentary mimosas, giveaways and a beauty bar for quick hair and makeup touch-ups.
So what are the biggest trends you can expect to see at the show? According to Day, the biggest trend going with weddings right now is all about personalization.
“It’s all about making the wedding your own,” Day explains. “It’s not just about hiring a caterer. It’s about saying this is my favorite food. My favorite place. My favorite experience, so this is what I want to give my guests.”
Now, more than ever, Coeur d’Alene is ready to deliver personalized products and services for brides and grooms, from Claddagh and Celtic knot and other traditional Irish wedding bands at ALL THINGS IRISH to four unique venues at the COEUR D’ALENE RESORT (where Hough chose to be married). Don’t be surprised if the Lake City also becomes known as the Love City.
Special Events
9 to 5 the Musical
FEBRUARY 13-16
Aspire Community Theatre presents 9 to 5 the musical, with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton — based on the seminal 1980 hit movie. Thursday-Saturday 7:30 pm, Sat-Sun 2 pm.
Scenic Hot Cocoa Cruises
FEBRUARY 14-16
Warm up this winter on Lake Coeur d’Alene! These fun 90-minute cruises feature a for-purchase hot cocoa bar — original cocoa for the kiddos, spiked cocoa for the adults. Cruises depart twice daily: 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm. Adults ($15), seniors 55+ ($14), children ages 5-17 ($10), ages 5 and under free.
Inlander Restaurant Week
FEBRUARY 20-29
The 10 most delicious days of the year are here — when more than 100 restaurants in the region offer three-course meals for one set price of either $22 or $33. To see all the participating North Idaho menus, go to InlanderRestaurantWeek.com.
