Most wedding days begin with the couple in separate rooms, trying not to see each other before the ceremony. But there is no rule saying your elopement has to start that way. For their Sand Harbor elopement, Tony and Briana chose to spend the entire day together from the very beginning.
They got ready side by side at their Lake Tahoe Airbnb in Incline Village, helped each other with the final details, and skipped the traditional first look.
The morning felt calm and completely natural. Instead of waiting for the “real” part of the day to begin, they were already experiencing it together.
Getting Ready Together at Their Lake Tahoe Airbnb
Their elopement morning began slowly at their Airbnb in Incline Village which is near Lake Tahoe.
There was no rushing between separate rooms and no complicated plan to keep them from seeing each other. They were able to relax, talk, laugh, and help one another get ready.
One of them worked on the tiny buttons and final details while the other adjusted clothing and accessories. These were simple moments, but they became such a meaningful part of their story.
Getting ready photos do not have to feel staged.
They can look like fixing a collar, fastening jewelry, helping with shoes, checking the mirror, or laughing when something does not go exactly as planned. It is less about pretending your partner is not there and more about documenting what the morning actually felt like.
Skipping the Traditional First Look
A first look can be a beautiful part of an elopement, but it is not something every couple wants or needs.
For Tony and Briana, getting ready together felt more like them.
They did not need a big reveal or a carefully planned moment. They wanted to share the quiet beginning of the day and arrive at Sand Harbor already feeling connected and present.
That is one of the best parts of planning an elopement.
You can keep the traditions that matter to you and leave out the ones that do not. You do not have to separate for the morning simply because that is how larger weddings are normally done.
If you’re wondering if a First Look is right for you, you can read Should You Have a First Look.
Heading to Sand Harbor
Once they were ready, we headed to Sand Harbor for the next part of their Lake Tahoe elopement.
The drive gave them time to settle into the day before arriving at the lake. There was no rush to create a dramatic first moment because they had already spent the morning together.
When we reached Sand Harbor, the clear water, granite rocks, and mountain views gave us a completely different setting from the cozy Airbnb.
That variety is one reason I love including more than one location in an elopement timeline. The Airbnb gave us quiet, personal photos of the beginning of their day. Sand Harbor gave them the wide Lake Tahoe scenery they had traveled for.
If you are interested in getting married at Sand Harbor, you can read my guide on How to Elope at Sand Harbor.
Their Sand Harbor Elopement
Sand Harbor is one of the most recognizable places in Lake Tahoe.
The shoreline is lined with large granite boulders, clear blue water, sandy areas, and views of the surrounding mountains. Every part of the park feels a little different, which gives us room to create a gallery with plenty of variety.
For Tony and Briana, the focus was never on putting on a performance.
Their elopement was about spending the day together, taking in the lake, and creating space for the moments that mattered most to them.
We explored the shoreline, said hi to the local Sand Harbor geese, stopped near the rocks, and gave them time to enjoy the views without turning the entire experience into a long photoshoot.
I guided them when they needed direction, but there was also room for them to walk, talk, laugh, and simply be together with me hanging back and just capturing it all.
Those in-between moments are often where the best photos happen.
A Private Ceremony On The Beach by Lake Tahoe
Their ceremony took place with Lake Tahoe behind them with Kate Leist officiating their day. Kate is my main officiant that I recommend to all of my couples.
Without the pressure of a large guest list or a packed wedding schedule, they were able to slow down and focus on what they were saying to each other.
There was no aisle to walk down and no crowd waiting for the next part of the day.
There was simply the lake, their vows, and the commitment they were making.
That is what made the ceremony feel so personal. It did not need to be long or complicated to matter.
If you want to know more about getting married in Lake Tahoe, you can check out my guide on How to Elope in Lake Tahoe.
Cake Cutting and a Toast at Sand Harbor
After the ceremony, they took a few minutes to celebrate with a chocolate cake and bubbly toast near the lake.
It was a simple part of the day, but it gave them a chance to slow down, take everything in, and actually enjoy the fact that they were officially married. They cut the cake together, poured their drinks, and toasted with Lake Tahoe behind them.
I love including a cake cutting and toast in an elopement because it adds another experience to the day beyond the ceremony and portraits. It creates natural moments, gives the couple a little break, and still brings in a few traditional wedding elements without needing a full reception.
My elopement packages are about creating an experience for couples, the photos come from those storytelling moments.
Why Getting Ready Together Worked So Well
Getting ready together gave Tony and Briana more time with each other.
They did not spend the first part of their wedding day waiting in separate rooms and they didn’t need to coordinate who was leaving first or hide one person away while the other finished getting dressed.
They were able to help each other, calm each other’s nerves, and share every part of the experience.
It also gave their gallery a more complete story.
Their photos did not begin once they reached Sand Harbor. They began at the Airbnb with all the small, personal moments that led into the rest of the day.
For couples who want their elopement to feel private and relaxed, getting ready together can be such a good option.
Do You Have to Get Ready Separately for Your Elopement?
No. There are no rules saying you have to spend your elopement morning apart.
Some couples love the excitement of a first look. Others prefer to get ready together, share breakfast, help each other dress, and head to the ceremony as a team.
Neither option is better.
The right choice is the one that makes the day feel most comfortable for the two of you.
You can also combine the ideas. You might spend the morning together, then separate for the final few minutes before exchanging letters or meeting at the ceremony location.
Your timeline can be shaped around what you actually want to experience.
Tips for Getting Ready Together
Choose an Airbnb or hotel room with enough space and natural light. A clean room with large windows will photograph better and give both of you room to move around.
Try to keep bags, food containers, and extra clothing in one area. The space does not need to be perfect, but clearing the area near the windows and mirrors helps.
Give yourselves more time than you think you need. Getting ready always seems to take longer once hair, clothing, accessories, and small details are involved.
Have your rings, vows, shoes, jewelry, invitations, and meaningful details together before photography begins. This keeps the morning moving without anyone digging through luggage.
Most importantly, do not worry about creating perfect moments. Focus on getting ready and spending time together. The photos will come from what is already happening.
Planning a Sand Harbor Elopement
Sand Harbor is located on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe and has specific rules for ceremonies, parking, and entry.
Wedding ceremonies must take place in the designated Ramada area and require a reservation. Portraits can be created throughout other approved areas of the park, but the ceremony itself cannot simply be held anywhere along the shoreline.
Sand Harbor is also extremely popular during the warmer months. Parking, seasonal entry restrictions, and visitor levels all need to be considered when building the timeline.
This is not a location where I recommend showing up without a clear plan.
I help my couples work through the ceremony reservation, timing, parking logistics, nearby photo locations, and backup plans so the day does not feel confusing or rushed.
Frequently Asked Questions about Eloping in Lake Tahoe
Can we get ready together before our elopement?
Absolutely. Getting ready together can make the morning feel calmer and give you more time to experience the day together.
Will we still get individual getting-ready photos?
Yes. I can photograph each person individually while you are in the same Airbnb or hotel room. We can also create detail photos, portraits, and candid images of you helping each other.
Do we need to have a first look?
No. A first look is completely optional. Some couples love the anticipation, while others would rather skip it and spend the full day together.
Can we have our ceremony anywhere at Sand Harbor?
No. Sand Harbor wedding ceremonies must take place in the designated Ramada area and require an advance reservation.
Is Sand Harbor crowded?
Yes, it can be very crowded, especially in summer. The time of day, parking restrictions, and seasonal entry rules should all be considered when planning your elopement. July is peak season for Sand Harbor and I would not advise going here during this time.
How much time should we plan for getting-ready photos?
Around 45 to 90 minutes usually works well, depending on how much of the process you want photographed and whether you are including details, letters, gifts, or a first look.
Can we use an Airbnb for our elopement?
An Airbnb can be a great place to get ready, share a meal, exchange letters, or celebrate afterward. Always review the property rules before planning a ceremony, gathering, or professional photography there.
A Sand Harbor Elopement That Felt Like Them
Tony and Briana did not spend their elopement morning apart.
They got ready together, helped with the little details, and traveled to Sand Harbor side by side. By the time they reached the lake, the day already felt like theirs.
Their elopement was simple, relaxed, and focused on being together.
That is the beauty of planning a wedding day without unnecessary traditions. You can begin the morning however you want, build in the experiences that matter, and create a day that feels natural from start to finish.
Planning your own Sand Harbor elopement?
I help couples with location guidance, ceremony logistics, timeline design, permits and reservations, vendor recommendations, and all the small details that make the day come together.
Still deciding where to elope?
You may also find inspiration in my guide to the Best Places to Elope in California.
I'm Kristin Smith
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California Elopement & Intimate Wedding Photographer, Planner & Designer
Helping you create a laid-back, intentional elopement in epic locations, without the stress.
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