Adnan and Benhur’s story is proof that sometimes, all it takes is one night of great conversation to set a beautiful love story in motion. From sharing stories over drinks in the Philippines to getting engaged in the heart of Times Square, their connection has always been about the little moments that matter.
When they decided to ditch the big wedding plans and go for a hiking elopement in Logan Shoals, Lake Tahoe, they wanted a day that felt completely them – laid-back, intentional, and stress-free. And honestly? Their day was perfect.
Choosing Logan Shoals for their Lake Tahoe Hiking Elopement
Adnan and Benhur initially considered Emerald Bay for their day. It is one of the most iconic spots around Lake Tahoe, after all. But after chatting with them during our planning consultations and considering the reality of eloping there (like the permits, tricky parking, and crowds), they decided Logan Shoals was a better fit.
Logan Shoals is a quieter, less touristy overlook with jaw-dropping lake views. It gave them the peace and privacy they were looking for during their ceremony without sacrificing the stunning Tahoe scenery. Plus, with the day planned out intentionally, they avoided feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
That said, if you’re set on somewhere like Emerald Bay, I always recommend sunrise.
And since Adnan and Ben also didn’t want to completely miss out on the beauty of Emerald Bay, so we started their hiking elopement with a sunrise session at Eagle Lake!
Adnan & Benhur’s Hiking Elopement Timeline
Adnan and Benhur’s day started with a sunrise hike to Eagle Lake. This spot is absolutely killer for adventure elopements! It’s got quiet trails, crisp morning air, and, of course, EPIC views. It was 100% worth the early wake-up call! And after spending the morning soaking it all in and taking photos, they headed back to Black Bear Lodge to get ready for their ceremony.
It was so sweet and intimate how they helped each other get ready. They wanted their elopement to reflect who they are and where they come from. Both born and raised in the Philippines, they included meaningful touches like handmade boutonnieres crafted by a close friend and custom-made shoes and suits.
Their sunset ceremony at Logan Shoals was everything they hoped for. It was personal and focused on their journey and love. They began by exchanging vows and then continued with a sand ceremony, where they each poured different-colored sand into a single vessel, representing the blending of their lives. And this was then followed by a handfasting ritual, where their officiant tied cords around their hands as a physical symbol of their lives being bound together. I loved how they added all these meaningful layers to their ceremony!
After the ceremony, they celebrated right there with a cake cutting and popping a bottle of bubbly. And of course, no epic elopement day is complete without a beer to toast the occasion. After the ceremony, we stopped by The Hangar, a local brewery, to capture those final celebrations. These two love discovering new beers together, so it was the perfect way to wrap up the day.
Kind Words from the Couple
“We just want to thank you again for making our elopement very breezy and fantastic! You really made it very special for us.”
Are You Planning a Hiking Elopement in Lake Tahoe? Let’s Do This Thing Together!
What I loved most about Adnan and Benhur’s day was how true it was to them. They wanted a calm, meaningful day filled with adventure and just the right amount of celebration—and that’s exactly what we created together.
If you’re dreaming of a hiking elopement that feels easy, authentic, and unforgettable, let’s talk. Whether you want to trek to an epic sunrise spot, find a quiet overlook for your vows, or end the day with a pint in hand, I’ll help you plan a day that’s everything you’re looking for and more!
Check out more Lake Tahoe elopement inspiration on my blog!
Vendors: Photographer and planning assistant – me, Amanda Kluesner Photography; HMU – Lunabelle Beauty; Officiant – Eileen Lynch; Cake – Lake Tahoe Cakes
