Say your vows overlooking the bay, celebrate with your closest people, and leave time to enjoy Lake Tahoe together.

CEREMONY PERMIT GUIDANCE + LOCATION PLANNING

A CUSTOM TIMELINE FOR VOWS, CELEBRATING + photos

BOLD, VIBRANT PHOTOS OF YOUR PEOPLE + THE SCENERY

EMERALD BAY ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHY + PLANNING

Emerald Bay photography and planning, with permit guidance and a custom timeline. Packages start at $7,000 for four hours.

Your Emerald Bay elopement starts here.

Emerald Bay is one of the most iconic places to elope in Lake Tahoe and for good reason. The deep blue water, granite cliffs, and sweeping overlook views make it one of the most photographed locations in all of California.

If you’re dreaming about an Emerald Bay elopement, here’s exactly what you need to know before you start planning.

Start by securing your ceremony permit through California State Parks. The designated elopement site overlooks Emerald Bay near Mile Marker 53 on Highway 89.

Here’s how to get started:

Choose your preferred date and count everyone attending, including the two of you and your vendors.
Email [email protected] for current availability, fees, application requirements, and the ceremony-site map.
Complete the application and obtain your approved permit.
Plan transportation, portraits, and your celebration around your permitted ceremony time.

The site allows up to 25 attendees, including permittees, and 30 minutes of use, including photos at the ceremony site. Events are standing-only and non-catered. Your permit does not guarantee parking or exclusive access.

My planning advice: Keep the ceremony-site portion simple, then plan additional portraits and your celebration separately. I help you understand the ceremony permit steps and build a timeline around your guests, travel, and photography.

How to Elope at Emerald Bay

Planning your Lake Tahoe elopement?
Read my complete guide on How to Elope in Lake Tahoe.

Can You Elope at Emerald Bay?

Yes. You can legally elope at Emerald Bay, but because it's part of California State Parks, you'll need a Special Event Permit for your ceremony and must follow the park's ceremony guidelines.

Once you understand the permit process, guest limits, and approved ceremony locations, planning an Emerald Bay elopement is surprisingly straightforward.

Your Emerald Bay Ceremony Site and Portrait Locations

The Designated Ceremony Overlook

California State Parks permits elopement ceremonies at a specific overlook near Mile Marker 53 on Highway 89. This is where you can exchange vows with Emerald Bay and Fannette Island behind you.

Request the official site map when arranging your permit so you and your guests know exactly where to meet.

Many couples stay in nearby Airbnbs before their Emerald Bay ceremony. Here are some of my favorite Lake Tahoe Airbnbs for Elopements.

Portraits Beyond the Ceremony Site

Your ceremony and portraits don’t have to share the same backdrop. We can plan additional photographs at nearby locations where access and photography permissions allow.

We’ll choose those stops around your date, walking preferences, weather, and available time. Getting closer to the water can involve a longer walk, so it’s something to plan rather than assume.

My planning advice: Give your guests clear directions for the ceremony, then decide who will join any additional photo stops. You can share your vows with everyone and still have time afterward for portraits together.

Parking and Getting to Your Emerald Bay Ceremony

Your ceremony permit does not reserve parking. Spaces can be limited, especially during busy summer periods, so guest arrival needs its own plan.

Share the official ceremony-site map with every driver. Tell guests exactly where to meet rather than asking them to navigate to “Emerald Bay,” which can lead them to a different parking area.

Depending on your group, consider carpooling or arranging a shuttle. Confirm a suitable pickup and drop-off location beforehand, and allow time for everyone to reach the ceremony site.

My planning advice: Have everyone arrive and gather before your permitted ceremony time begins. The site’s 30-minute limit includes photographs there, so we’ll plan parking, walking, and family-photo groupings ahead of time.

If guests have mobility concerns, let me know early. We’ll discuss the route and standing requirements before deciding whether this ceremony location works for everyone.

Best Time of Day for an Emerald Bay Elopement

The best timing depends on your date, the photographs you love, and how you want to spend the day.

Morning can work well if you want an earlier ceremony and a celebration afterward. We’ll consider getting-ready time, temperatures, guest arrival, and the light before choosing your ceremony time.

An afternoon ceremony can leave room for a slower morning, a first look, and dinner with your guests. Summer visitor traffic makes parking and transportation especially important to plan.

Emerald Bay’s surrounding mountains affect when direct sunlight leaves the overlook. Published sunset time doesn’t tell us exactly when the ceremony site will fall into shade, so I plan around the location and season.

My planning advice: Start with your priorities rather than choosing a ceremony time simply because it’s labeled “sunset.” We can plan your vows at Emerald Bay and, if your coverage allows, visit another location for evening portraits.

What If It Rains on Your Emerald Bay Wedding Day?

Your Emerald Bay view can look completely different in changing weather. Fog may hide the lake, rain can make rocks slippery, and cold temperatures can make outdoor time harder on your guests.

I help you plan warming breaks, bring layers and umbrellas, and decide which portrait locations make sense for the conditions. We also discuss an alternative ceremony plan in advance, including any permissions needed for another location.

At C & K’s wedding, we worked warming breaks into the day and adjusted our portrait spots near Eagle Falls because the rocks were wet and part of the area was underwater. They exchanged vows in the rain, then celebrated with a first dance and cake at The Landing.

That’s why I plan beyond the ceremony: somewhere to warm up, time to eat, and flexibility around your portraits can make a real difference.

See C & K’s Rainy Emerald Bay Wedding

Emerald Bay Wedding Guest Limits and Restrictions

The designated ceremony site allows up to 25 attendees, including permittees. Count the two of you, guests, children, your officiant, and photography team when confirming your total with State Parks.

My Emerald Bay elopement services accommodate up to 15 guests, within the park’s overall attendance limit.

The ceremony site has a few important restrictions:

Standing-only, non-catered events
A maximum of 30 minutes, including photographs at the site
No throwing petals, confetti, rice, or other materials
No drone use
Public access remains open, and parking is not guaranteed

My planning advice: Talk with your guests about standing and walking before choosing this location. If someone needs seating or easier access, we can discuss another ceremony location and plan Emerald Bay portraits separately.

How Much Does an Emerald Bay Elopement Cost?

My Emerald Bay photography and planning packages start at $7,000 for four hours. Your ceremony permit, marriage license, officiant, and other wedding expenses are separate.

Here’s what to include in your budget:

Photography and planning: Starting at $7,000 for four hours with me.
Ceremony permit and event insurance: Contact California State Parks for current fees and insurance requirements.
California marriage license: Fees vary by the county issuing your license.
Officiant: Pricing depends on your provider.
Transportation, meals, and lodging: Costs depend on your plans and guest count.

My packages include location guidance, a custom timeline, vendor referrals, and help understanding the ceremony permit process. I handle the commercial photography permitting required for my work.

My planning advice: Choose the moments you want photographed before deciding on coverage. Getting ready, a first look, family photos, travel, and celebrating afterward all need time beyond the ceremony itself.

For current ceremony permit fees and insurance requirements, email [email protected].

view packages and pricing

Emerald Bay Elopement Packages

More than photography, I help you plan an experience. Every package includes location recommendations, permit guidance, timeline planning, vendor referrals, and support throughout the process.

To make your day feel even more special, I also include custom faux florals and can help coordinate a cozy cake cutting and toast.

view packages and pricing

$7,000

starting at

Includes 4 hours of photography, planning, experience design, faux florals, mini cake, toast, and all travel costs.

How much does an Emerald Bay wedding permit cost?

Contact California State Parks at [email protected] for the current permit fee and any insurance requirements. Your ceremony permit is separate from my photography and planning packages, which start at $7,000 for four hours.

How many guests can you have at an Emerald Bay elopement?

The designated ceremony site allows up to 25 people total, including the couple and vendors. My Emerald Bay elopement services accommodate up to 20 guests, within that overall limit.

How long can we use the ceremony site?

Your permitted use is limited to 30 minutes, including photographs at the ceremony site. We’ll plan your ceremony and family photos around that window, with additional portrait stops arranged separately.

Do you need a permit to elope at Emerald Bay?

Yes. A ceremony at the designated Emerald Bay overlook requires a special event permit through California State Parks. Email [email protected] for availability, application requirements, and the official ceremony-site map.

Frequently Asked Questions about Eloping at Emerald Bay

Will our Emerald Bay ceremony be private?

The permit does not close the location to the public or guarantee exclusive use. If having a private ceremony space is a priority, let’s discuss another location that better suits your plans. From my experience I have never had an issue with tourists being "rude" while a ceremony or photos are taking place, disclaimer, I cannot speak for everyone.

What is the best time of year to elope at Emerald Bay?

Choose your date around the conditions you’re comfortable with and how you want to celebrate. Summer requires planning around visitor traffic, while colder months need a backup for snow and possible road closures. Clear skies and an unobstructed lake view are never guaranteed.

Can we have a reception at the ceremony overlook?

The designated site allows standing-only, non-catered events. Plan your meal, cake cutting, and reception at a separate location, such as a Lake Tahoe restaurant or venue.

Can we choose any spot around Emerald Bay for our ceremony?

Your permit applies to the approved ceremony site, rather than any overlook, beach, or trail you choose. Request the official map from State Parks before making plans or sending directions to guests.

Ready to Plan Your Emerald Bay Elopement?

let's plan your day

Tell me your preferred date, guest count, and what you’re most excited about.
You don’t need every detail figured out before reaching out—that’s where we’ll start together.

Create Your Emerald Bay Elopement

From the moment we connected, her energy and vibe were absolutely amazing—warm, professional, and genuinely invested in making our elopement special. She paid attention to every detail, helped us feel relaxed and confident, and even had some incredible vendor recommendations that made the entire experience seamless. Most importantly, our photos turned out breathtakingly beautiful. I couldn’t be happier with how she captured the emotion, scenery, and intimacy of our day."

- shane & ashley eloped in lake tahoe

"Kristin is dependable, talented, and just an all-around wonderful person to have by your side on such an important day.

"If you’re eloping in Lake Tahoe, Kristin is the one."

- ashley & shane

Hey, I'm Kristin!

"We really wanted someone that was going to make our pictures fun while taking them and that’s exactly what we got."
- Hailie & Justin

Your wedding day should feel intentional, relaxed, and genuinely fun.

As a Lake Tahoe elopement photographer and planner, your experience goes far beyond just showing up for photos. From choosing the perfect location to creating a timeline that flows naturally, every part of the day is designed to feel calm, easy, and meaningful.

Elopements across Lake Tahoe and California are thoughtfully planned so you can focus on what matters most, being present with each other and enjoying every moment.

Kristin Smith Photography

Kristin is a Northern California elopement photographer who helps couples plan and photograph intentional, stress-free elopements in places like Lake Tahoe, Yosemite and epic California locations.

From location guidance and timelines to documenting the day itself, I’m here to make the entire experience feel relaxed, meaningful, and easy.