Lake Tahoe is a large freshwater lake in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, straddling the border of California and Nevada. Lake Tahoe is the perfect destination for your elopement and this Lake Tahoe Elopement Guide will give you all the info you need to know about eloping in Tahoe!

So you’ve decided skip the big wedding and have an intimate elopement in Lake Tahoe! Let’s go! Lake Tahoe’s stunning landscapes, aqua blue waters, and majestic mountains make it a perfect spot for a romantic and intimate ceremony. We can find a spot on the beach, or find a meadow for moody forest vibes.

How do you even elope in Lake Tahoe anyway? It’s pretty simple, start with the basics, first, pick your date and lets go from there!

Elopement Planning

If planning your dream elopement seems overwhelming or stressful, let me take care of you! With our elopement photography and planning packages, I will plan your entire elopement AND photograph your wedding. How cool is that!? (Elopements are 20 people max.)

To get you thinking about your Lake Tahoe elopement I’ve put together a Lake Tahoe Elopement Guide and checklist to help you start planning your day.

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Helping couples from all over the United States plan their dream elopement in Lake Tahoe!

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Lake Tahoe Elopement Guide

1. Choosing the Best Time

• Summer (June-August): Warm weather, clear skies, and beautiful sunsets. It’s perfect for outdoor ceremonies and adventurous activities.
  
• Fall (September-November): Cooler temperatures and stunning fall foliage. Ideal for a more serene, picturesque setting.
  
• Winter (December-February): Snow-covered landscapes create a magical atmosphere. Just be prepared for colder weather and potential snow-related challenges.
  
• Spring (March-May): Mild temperatures and blooming flowers. It’s a quieter time before the summer rush.
  
  
  

Avoiding Crowds at Lake Tahoe

You’ll want to find a secluded spot for your elopement which is why I recommend tying the knot in Lake Tahoe in the off season, or take a hike to a spot you know no one will be at, or not as many people at least. Lake Tahoe gets packed during the summer months, more so during the winter as sometimes its tough to travel due to weather.

Places like Emerald Bay and Sand Harbor are popular locations for elopements and tourists in general, but will be significantly more crowded during the summer months. I would recommend spring/early summer or after Labor Day as the crowds start to fizzle out. Also, try to go for a weekday for your elopement so you can avoid crowds that way too!

To avoid crowds at Emerald Bay, take a hike and elope at sunrise! You won’t run into nearly as many people as you would in the middle of the day or even sunset!

To avoid crowds at Sand Harbor, have your elopement in the Spring, Early Fall, or aim for a weekday if you want a summer elopement.

2. Selecting Your Location

• Lakefront Spots: Consider places like Sand Harbor, Emerald Bay or Zephyr Cove for breathtaking views of the lake. Each location is different, some locations are better during sunrise and other locations are better for sunset! Pick your time of day for your elopement and we can find your location based on lighting and what you want!
  
• Mountaintop Views: Heavenly Ski Resort, Logan Shoals Vista, Monkey Rock are locations that offers stunning panoramic vistas. To get those panoramic views, some locations do require hiking. If hiking is not in the cards for your elopement, please let me know and we can find a location that is easy to get to!
  
• Secluded Forests: we can always find a secluded meadow or forest location if you are wanting more trees in your photos!
  
  

3. Permits and Regulations

Once you have your location picked out, before doing anything else, the next step is to do some research to get the right permits. You don’t want to be kicked out by a park ranger on your elopement day, sadly it can happen. Do your research and obtain the right paperwork so you don’t have to deal with that drama, no one wants that!

With my elopement photography and planning packages we’ll help you with all of this boring stuff so you don’t have to figure it out and guide you through the permit process. However, permits MUST be reserved by the couple per State Park Regulations.

• State Parks: If you’re planning a ceremony in a state park, you’ll need to apply for a permit from the California State Parks Department. This process is on their website and I can guide you through the permit process.
  • For example if you choose to elope at Sand Harbor (Nevada side), you’ll need to get a permit which runs $450. If you wanted to elope at Emerald Bay (California side) the permit is $450 and you will need insurance as well. We are licensed and insured, so this is no problem for us!
    
• Resorts and Venues: Many resorts and venues have their own rules and might include permits in their package. Couples do book wedding venues for intimate elopements and micro weddings.
  
  
  

4. Choosing a Officiant

California Regulations:
California requires an officiant to sign your marriage license. You can have a friend or family member perform your ceremony. California requires one witness, they must be over 18, so I can be your witness if needed! Did you know that you can ask any of your vendors to sign, or even find someone at your elopement location to sign your marriage license!?

Nevada Regulations:
Nevada requires that an officiant signs your marriage license and also requires one witness for your elopement. 

• Local Officiants: Look for local officiants who are familiar with the area and can help with permits.
  
• Personal Connection: Another option is, if you have a friend or family member who’s ordained, they can officiate your ceremony with proper documentation. If you need to have someone get ordained, hop on Universal Life Church, it’s so easy!
  
  

With my elopement photography and planning packages we can ever marry you too!

5. Planning Your Attire

• Weather Considerations: Dress appropriately for the season because it does matter, you don’t just want to “wing it.” Layers are essential for winter, while summer might call for lighter, breathable fabrics. During the winter months, you will want to be prepared with those extra layers, trust me!
  
• Footwear: Pick comfortable shoes, especially if you’re venturing into nature. Choose something practical for hiking or walking on uneven terrain because you want your feet to be happy! Also, you can always bring a backpack with your wedding shoes to throw on once we get to the elopement or photo spot!
  
  

6. Capturing the Moment

• Photographer/Videographer: Hire an expert who has knowledge and knows the best locations for lighting in Lake Tahoe. Firstly, you will want to hire a photographer that will make your dream photos become a reality. Since you are eloping in one of the most popular locations in the World, your photos should be a top priority and this is where I can help you!
  
  
• Permits for Photography: State Parks like Sand Harbor, will require permits for commercial Photography. This is just another thing to get when you are getting your permit for your elopement location.
  
  

7. Flowers and Decor

• Local Florists: Obviously you will want flowers! Work with a florist who can create arrangements that match your vision and the environment. The right color palette matters! Light colored flowers, neutrals, whites, light blues, compliment the scenery of Lake Tahoe, so that is something you’ll want to think about too!
  
• Minimal Decor: You don’t need a ton of décor which is why you choose to elope in Lake Tahoe right? While having a ton a decor may seem desirable, you’ll want to embrace the natural beauty of Lake Tahoe! I would suggest minimal decor to complement the surroundings rather than overwhelm them. Seriously you just need a bouquet for photos honestly! No confetti, no “biodegradable” confetti, we practice Leave No Trace.
  
  
  

8. Legal Requirements – Marriage License

Your marriage license needs to be obtained in the state where your ceremony will take place. Whether it’s Nevada or California, you will need to visit any county recorder’s office in the state.

• California: The nearest office to Lake Tahoe is El Dorado County. You can apply online ahead of time, but you will need to make an appointment to appear in person to pick up your marriage license. Most counties will have a similar process. Fees are different for each county so you’ll want to double check on the county’s website. There is no waiting period once you obtain your marriage license, however, it does expire after 90 days, so make sure to use it!
  
• Nevada: If your Lake Tahoe elopement takes place in Nevada, the nearest office is in Douglas County. They make it a little easier, they issue marriage licenses by mail, so you don’t need to make appointment to visit in person. You can find the application here with instructions on how to mail. Marriage licenses are good for one year and Nevada doesn’t have a waiting period.
  
  

With my elopement photography and planning packages we can ever marry you too!

9. Traveling to Lake Tahoe

• Lodging: From luxury resorts to cozy cabins, Lake Tahoe offers a range of accommodations. I stress to book early, especially during peak seasons because rooms and vacation rentals book up quickly!
• Travel: Consider how you and your guests (if any) will get to and from your chosen location. Plan for transportation if your ceremony spot is remote.
• Flights: Be sure to book your airfare early as well! The closest airport to get to Lake Tahoe is the Reno-Tahoe International Airport located in Reno, Nevada. Traveling to South Lake Tahoe from the Reno airport takes 1 hour and 15 minutes with no traffic. Traveling to North Lake Tahoe takes 1 hour with no traffic.
  
  Some couples will fly into Sacramento International Airport located in Sacramento, California. Travel to South Lake Tahoe will take over 2 hours from Sacramento, so flying into Reno is a better and faster option in my opinion!
  
  
  

10. Celebration and Activities

• Post-Ceremony Celebration: Plan a special meal or celebration at a local restaurant or bring in a caterer to your elopement location.
  
• Activities: Enjoy activities like boating, paddle boarding, hiking, or skiing depending on the season. Explore the beauty of Lake Tahoe together.
  
  
  

11. Weather Contingencies

• Backup Plans: Have a backup plan in case of unexpected weather conditions. Many venues offer indoor options or can assist with alternative arrangements.
• Winter is tricky and can unpredictable! Just be prepared for whatever Mother Nature may throw at you and if you are planning to elope in the winter, pick a location that will still be accessible in the snow.
  
  
  

12. Hiring Your Lake Tahoe Elopement Vendors

• Research: Look for a team of vendors who specialize in elopements and can take the stress away. That’s where I come in! I can help you with your planning process, help you create your vision board, styling, timeline assistance, vendor referral, everything you need to take that extra stress away. Permits do need to be reserved by the couple, but I can help walk you through the steps to get there, its all online. I make things easy, your elopement should be stress free, that is the whole reason you’ve decided to take this route!
  
  
  

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You won’t believe how EASY it is to plan your elopement with me! Relax, and let me take care of it all! 

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Lake Tahoe Elopement Guide Tips

• Visit Beforehand: Not everyone can I get it, but if possible, visit Lake Tahoe before your elopement to scout locations and meet with vendors. Otherwise, hop of YouTube a start browsing and watching Lake Tahoe videos. Also, Google Street view can be very helpful if you want to get an idea of what the streets look like! I use Google street view ALL THE TIME, it’s a great resource!
  
• Your Vendors Matter: Be sure to hire the right vendors that you connect with as you will be communicating and spending time with them, especially on your wedding day! You’ll know when you find the right ones! We always have fun with our couples!
  
• Relax and Enjoy: Remember, the essence of elopement is intimacy and personal connection. Focus on what makes the day special for you both and remember, I make it fun!
  
  

With these tips in mind, you’re well on your way to planning a magical elopement in Lake Tahoe!

If you still need assistance with your elopement or don’t know where to begin, please get in touch with me!

Lake Tahoe Elopement Guide – Helpful Resources

• California Marriage License
• Nevada Marriage License
• Getting Ordained Online by Universal Life Church
• Lake Tahoe Elopement Permit Details
• Sand Harbor Elopement Permit & Reservation

How much does it cost to elope in Lake Tahoe?

Lake Tahoe elopements are intimate, romantic, and are becoming more popular. The cost of eloping in Lake Tahoe can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars – there are so many variables and it depends on what you want.

Here are a few costs to consider:

• Lake Tahoe Elopement Photographer | $4,000+
• Lake Tahoe Elopement Planner | $1,500+
• Park Wedding Permit | $450+
• Marriage License | $70+
• Officiant | $500+
• Hair & Makeup | $500+
• Florist | $500+
• Lodging/Hotels (Per night) | $200+
• Dinner | $300+
  

Lake Tahoe Elopement Packages

Couples spend on average $5,000 with us for their Lake Tahoe Elopement.

We offer Lake Tahoe Elopement Photography and Planning Packages so you don’t have to worry about finding an elopement photographer and an elopement planner separately. With our vendor recommendations, we arrange it all and make it easy for you!

Elopement Photography and Planning Packages

People from around the world are drawn to Lake Tahoe because of its stunning variety of landscapes and beauty. Let’s celebrate your elopement day together in the most beautiful place and I will capture all of it.

Something Different and Fun!
I have underwater equipment! Lake Tahoe offers crystal clear blue waters (a lot of California locations do!), so take a dip during your couples session while I capture some underwater adventures. Want to trash your wedding attire at the end, I’m here for it! Sand Harbor is a perfect location for underwater photography.

What do elopement packages include?

• Elopement planning
• Elopement Guide and Checklist
• Timeline assistance
• Easy communication – always available by text
• Elopement day photo coverage
• High resolution images
• Online private gallery for download/viewing
• Printing rights
• Location scouting and research
• Permit assistance
• Vendor recommendations
  
  

Elopement package – add-on’s

• Second-Shooter (my husband!)
• Officiant (my husband is ordained! Woohoo!
  
  
  

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Helping couples make the process of eloping in Northern California super fun & stress free.

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How much planning is included?

Questionnaire
We send a detailed questionnaire to get to know you better, so we can begin location scouting. We want to help you find the perfect backdrop for your elopement ceremony.

Location
Once I receive your questionnaire, I will put together a location guide for you. After you choose your location, we send an email to advise you with the following steps reminding you to book your lodging and travel arrangements.

Vendor Recommendations
We’ll also send over our vendor recommendations for your area so you can start your vendor research. We want to make sure you have plenty of time to book you other vendors.

Permits
You’ll receive permit information and links to help you get the correct information for your location. You’ll need to secure special event permits for many sites. We will help guide you through the permit process.

Questionnaire #2
4 months before your elopement date, you’ll receive a second questionnaire to help us better understand your vision for your day. If you decided you would like to add on a second-shooter to your day or a toast picnic, first dance music, this is the last chance to do so.

Timeline
Once I receive your second questionnaire, I will start putting together your elopement day timeline.

Marriage License
At some point throughout this process, you’ll need to get your marriage license. We’re available to answer any questions about obtaining your marriage license— you can’t get married without it!

Final Details
We’ll reach out a few weeks before your elopement to check in on any last-minute details, discuss weather forecasts and ensure everything is ready for your elopement day!

Ready to Elope in Lake Tahoe? Let’s Connect!

I would love to chat with you about photographing and planning your Lake Tahoe elopement. Get in touch with us by using the contact form and we’ll be in contact shortly. We can go over my elopement collections together.  I can’t wait to hear from you!