You’re dreaming of an adventurous elopement that feels totally YOU, surrounded by epic views without needing to spend hours trekking uphill, right? I’ve got good news for you! Lake Tahoe’s California side has some killer short hikes that are perfect for your intimate, adventurous elopement. Here are my absolute favorite trails for your Lake Tahoe hiking elopement that offer spectacular views with minimal effort, but still plenty of adventure.
South Shore: Eagle Lake & Emerald Bay
Distance: Less than 2 miles round trip
Best For: Couples + small guest count (under 10)
Season: Early summer to late fall (snow-dependent)
If you’re all about variety and gorgeous scenery, Eagle Lake is freaking perfect. At just under 2 miles round trip, it’s short, sweet, and great if you want an easy but adventurous hike. This gem has a little bit of everything—waterfalls, babbling creeks, granite peaks, lush greenery, and the prettiest alpine lake ever.
The hike itself is super approachable, but be aware that it has some rocky patches and a few steep stairs. While you don’t need an elopement permit for this location, you will need to get a day-use hiking permit, but you can easily obtain that at the trailhead.
Once you’re at Eagle Lake, you’ll be treated to mind-blowing views of Emerald Bay. Imagine sipping your morning coffee or saying your vows with these jaw-dropping views as your backdrop. Epic doesn’t even cover it. While ceremonies at the lower lookouts require a permit, you’re totally free to take photos there.
Pro tip: Plan for an early morning elopement. Not only is the parking situation way easier before 10 AM, but you’ll also get THE BEST lighting for your ceremony and portraits!
Restrooms? Seasonal at the trailhead
Parking: Can be tricky, so go early!
Lodging: Stay on the California side of South Lake Tahoe for convenience
Take a look at Adnan & Ben’s hiking elopement here for inspiration!
South Shore: Lily Lake & Glen Alpine Falls
Distance: Minimal hiking, easy drive between locations
Best For: Just the couple at Glen Alpine Falls, or 2-4 guests at Lily Lake
Season: Late spring to end of October
Lily Lake and Glen Alpine Falls are so close to each other that incorporating both into your elopement can be really easy, if you’d like to! Lily Lake sits above Glen Alpine Falls and is about a 45 minute drive from South Lake Tahoe. The drive takes you past Fallen Leaf Lake, mountain meadows, and golden aspen groves—so the journey itself is just as stunning as the destination. The road is accessible late spring through fall, though it’s a bit rough and narrow, so take it slow!
Lily Lake is easy to access from the parking lot. Glen Alpine trail is more rocky and can be slippery due to the water, so while breathtaking, it will require extra caution when getting around!
Restrooms? None at the locations
Parking: Limited but available near both spots
Lodging: South Lake Tahoe is ideal
East Shore: Chimney Beach Trail
Distance: The shortest trail version is ~ 2 miles round trip
Best For: Couples + up to 5 guests
Season: Late spring to early fall, depending on the weather.
This hidden-gem trail leads to a secluded beach with insane blue water and rock formations that make for an unreal elopement backdrop. The short hike down is mellow, but keep in mind that you’ll be hiking back up after your ceremony. It’s totally worth it for those dreamy, private shoreline moments.
You should check in with the U.S. Forest Service’s Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit to determine if a special use permit is required for your elopement. The information is ever-changing, but I also help all my couples figure that out!
Restrooms? None at the trailhead
Parking: Limited roadside parking, so go early or on a weekday!
Lodging: Stay in Incline Village or South Lake Tahoe
West Shore: Eagle Rock
Distance: Less than 1 mile round trip
Best For: Just the couple or a couple + 2-4 guests
Season: Late spring to late fall (depending on snowfall)
This trail is proof that short hikes can lead to BIG views. It’s under a mile round trip and way less crowded than some of Tahoe’s other spots, making it perfect for couples who want a private, chill atmosphere.
At the summit, you’ll find sweeping panoramic views of Lake Tahoe, a gorgeous mix of towering pines, and plenty of flat spots perfect for an intimate ceremony. Sunset here is out-of-this-world amazing—the golden glow hits the lake and lights up your faces beautifully for photos. Just prepare for some uneven, rocky ground, so solid shoes will be your friend!
Plus, no permit needed for a ceremony!
Restrooms? Nope! Plan accordingly
Parking: Easy to find
Lodging: I recommend finding lodging near Tahoe City
Check out Katherine & Matthew’s and Alizea & Michael’s elopements here for inspiration!
Getting Your Marriage License
Getting your marriage license for a Tahoe elopement is super simple! You can grab your license from any county in California—it just has to be filed at the same County Clerk’s office where you got it. The closest offices are in Carnelian Bay (Placer County), South Lake Tahoe, and Placerville (El Dorado County).
I recommend making an appointment and filling out your application online ahead of time to speed things up!
For a public license, you’ll need one witness and I’d be more than happy to be your witness as your Lake Tahoe elopement photographer. If you want to keep things extra private, California is the only state that offers a confidential license, which doesn’t require a witness at all.
And if it’s easier, you can legally tie the knot in your home state and have a symbolic ceremony and celebration in Tahoe. Many couples choose to go this route when planning a destination elopement!
Quick Tips for a Stress-Free Lake Tahoe Hiking Elopement
- Hydrate as much as possible.
- No one wants to deal with elevation sickness! Arriving at least three days before your elopement will help you acclimate to the elevation before setting out on your elopement day. (Eagle Lake is over 7,000 feet of elevation, and Eagle Rock is at 6,500 feet!)
- Invest in good hiking shoes or boots. Not only will they help you move more confidently and comfortably, but they also look super cute in photos! You can always carry in your dressier shoes in your backpack.
- Be comfortable with nature and the outdoors. While I do my very best to keep you comfortable, you will come into contact with earthly elements (hooray). Pine cones and pine needles love dresses. Changing at the top is always an option!
- There are no bathrooms at the top… Plan accordingly and remember to follow leave no trace principles!
- Be comfortable with weather changes. I will help you plan and prepare as much as possible. Having a chill attitude with less than perfect conditions will help make your day imperfectly perfect.
- Remember to eat, even if it’s just a trail mix. It helps. Trust me.
- Use a backpack! A roomy backpack or large comfy pack is way easier and cuter than trying to lug a tote bag up a mountain.
Are You Planning a Hiking Elopement in Lake Tahoe? Let’s Do This Thing Together!
There are many, many other hiking trails to explore during your Lake Tahoe elopement and as your elopement photographer and planner, I’ll help you find the one that checks all your boxes!
Whether you’re looking for a day for just the two of you or want to create an unforgettable experience with your loved ones, I am here to help you create an elopement filled with adventure, wonder, and ease. You can check out my portfolio here, and when you’re ready, send me a message here! I cannot wait to hear from you!
