Why BYOB or Dry Hire is Not Allowed at Idaho Wedding Venues and What To Do Instead
Keeping Your Celebration Safe—and Legal
If you’ve been dreaming about your wedding day, chances are you’ve thought about how you’ll celebrate with drinks—whether it’s champagne toasts, signature cocktails, or a mix of beer and wine. For many years, Idaho couples often chose a “BYOB” approach at weddings, bringing in their own alcohol to save money.
But here’s the reality: Idaho law does not allow BYOB at wedding venues. That means couples can’t simply bring in their own alcohol or have a family member or paid bartender serve it. While this may sound like a setback at first, it’s actually designed to make weddings safer, smoother, and far less stressful.
Here’s what couples across Idaho need to know about alcohol laws—and how to make your bar service work for your budget and your vision.
BYOB Is Not Allowed in Idaho
Idaho’s liquor laws require that any alcohol served at a venue must be handled by a business with the proper permits—beer/wine licenses or a full liquor license. The goal is to ensure that alcohol is served responsibly, by trained professionals who understand safe serving practices.
This change eliminates the risk of underage guests sneaking drinks, liability issues for the venue or couple, and the logistical headaches that come with trying to run a bar without experience.
In short: it protects you, your guests, and your celebration.
What This Means for Couples
Without BYOB, couples may worry they’re losing flexibility. But in truth, it takes a huge burden off your shoulders. Think about it:
No more last-minute runs to stock up on beer, wine, or mixers.
No worries about who will serve drinks, or if they’re insured to do so.
No stress about calculating how much to buy—or what to do with leftovers.
No liability if a guest overindulges.
Instead, all of that responsibility shifts to licensed, insured professionals who specialize in making sure your bar runs smoothly.
How to Choose a Bar Service in Idaho
If your venue doesn’t have its own bar service, here are a few things to look for when hiring one:
Licensing: Make sure they have the correct Idaho license for serving beer, wine, or liquor (depending on what you want at your wedding).
Insurance: Reputable bar services carry liability insurance to protect you and your guests.
Certified Bartenders: Ask if their staff is trained and certified to serve alcohol responsibly.
Flexibility: The best services will work with your budget—offering hosted, cash, or combination bar setups.
Extras: Find out if they provide cups, napkins, mixers, garnishes, and bar décor, or if you’ll need to supply those items yourself.
Hosted Bar, Cash Bar, or Both?
Most Idaho bar services will offer a few different models, and it’s worth deciding what fits your budget and style:
Hosted Bar – You cover drinks for your guests.
Cash Bar – Guests pay for their own drinks.
Combination Bar – You host for a set amount of time or dollar figure, and then switch to cash bar once your budget is met.
That last option has become especially popular—it allows couples to treat their guests while still keeping costs manageable.
How Sunnyside Farm Handles Bar Service
If you happen to book your wedding at Sunnyside Farm, you won’t have to worry about any of this. We provide bar service exclusively through our in-house company, Sunnyside Sips.
Here’s how we make it easy:
$350 Setup Fee – Covers professional setup, themed décor for the bar, cups, napkins, mixers, garnishes, and cleanup.
Flexible Drink Options – Choose 3 beers, 3 wines, and 2 signature cocktails (or we offer full bar set up options)..
Licensed Bartenders – Our certified team handles service safely and efficiently.
Budget-Friendly Choices – You can host the bar, set a limit, or switch to cash bar once your hosted budget is reached.
Optional Add-Ons:
Two bar locations (indoor + outdoor).
A second bartender for guest counts over 100.
Bridal suite mimosa packages or a groom’s room beer options.
It’s all designed to give you flexibility without the stress of trying to manage alcohol on your own.
Why Couples Love Professional Bar Service
Even beyond the legal requirements, couples often tell us they’re relieved to have a licensed bar team take care of things. Here’s why:
Peace of Mind: No worrying about guests sneaking coolers into the parking lot or someone overserving.
Less Stress: You’re not running a mini-bar operation on your wedding day.
A Polished Look: Professional bar setups feel intentional and beautiful, not like a folding table and a few bottles.
Better Guest Experience: Drinks are served quickly, safely, and with a smile.
While BYOB weddings are not an option in Idaho, that doesn’t mean your bar has to be complicated—or expensive. By choosing a reputable licensed bar service, you’ll get peace of mind, a polished setup, and the flexibility to work within your budget.
If you’re still searching for your venue, know that when you book Sunnyside Farm, our in-house service Sunnyside Sips will take care of everything: permits, setup, bartenders, and even bar décor. All you have to do is decide which drinks you’d like to serve.
So here’s to stress-free planning, safe celebrations, and unforgettable memories.
Ready to learn more? Contact us today and we’ll send you bar pricing details along with a link to schedule your tour.
Thanks so much for stopping by our blog! We hope you found this information helpful. We’re passionate about using our blog to shine a light on locally owned wedding venues. These venues often bring a higher level of expertise, service, and dedication to your big day. Plus, with less staff turnover than corporate or investor-owned venues, they’re able to provide a more personal touch. As you plan your wedding, we’d love for you to consider a locally owned venue like ours! Check out this wedding venue map to discover amazing locally owned venues across the country. And a big shout out to all the incredible locally owned wedding venues out there!