Last week’s destination was the quintessential exotic wedding venue—a magnificent palace in Istanbul along the Bosphorus Strait. This week, we’re heading to Idaho to a place designed for a down-home affair, with an ambience as comfortable as a two-year-old bra. If casual and laid back describe your dream wedding, welcome to Bogus Creek Ranch in Idaho’s Treasure Valley, not far from Boise!

Like stepping into the Old West, you’ll find yourself in the Badlands, a desert steeped in leftover relics of days gone by, and Prairie Marsh, a wetland with cattails, willows and migratory birds nesting in the quiet waters. The ranch has two locations for weddings and receptions—the wedding garden of “Serenity Cove” and the western town of “Coolwater.”

The beautiful garden setting at “Serenity Cove” is a “private garden and trellis park-like setting with vibrant foliage and a wisteria-covered arbor as the centerpiece.” Serenity Cove has a capacity of 100 -125 people.

“Coolwater,” with the life-size chapel or scenic Mirror Lake as your backdrop, has seating for more than 300—and it lives up to it’s name! Very cool “Coolwater” is a replica of an old western town complete with Wild Bill’s Saloon, Sheriff’s Office, Coolwater Hotel, bank, livery stables, various other buildings and, you guessed it, Sophie’s Pleasure Palace. There’s a quaint town square and Mirror Lake is close by. Lots of couples make the most of the venue. They wear western garb, dress their bridesmaids like dancehall girls and their groomsmen like cowboys!

Bogus Ranch offers a variety of packages from event site, music and catering, to complete wedding packages. Sounds like the perfect place to kick up your heels and get hitched!

Susan