When Katherine and Matt decided to elope, they wanted a day that was as much about celebrating their love as it was about including their closest family. Their Lake Tahoe elopement with family was the perfect balance of intimacy, adventure, and time with loved ones. While this blog will be about Katherine and Matthew, I’ll also share some ideas on how you could include your loved ones in your elopement if you’re considering doing so!
Katherine & Matthew’s Intentional Elopement With Family
Katherine and Matt wanted a location that made it easy to include family while still carving out time for just the two of them. They wanted to elope in Lake Tahoe because they LOVE outdoors and this is one of Katherine’s favorite locations! We kicked off the day at a cozy Airbnb near Tahoe City, and this is where the couple shared a private first look, which was so sweet!
Their ceremony took place at one of my secret spots in North Lake Tahoe. It was peaceful, had stunning views, and was accessible enough for a few family members with limited mobility. After their ceremony, the couple spent a moment getting showered with love by their loved ones, and we took some photos together. We also managed to squeeze in some more couples photos before heading out to celebrate with a meal at Gar Woods.
After sharing a meal with their families and cutting a cake, their day wasn’t over quite yet. Katherine and Matthew wanted a little adventure just for the two of them, so we headed to Monkey Rock for a sunset hike. This trail is ideal for couples looking to add a bit of adventure to their elopement without a strenuous trek.
At the top, with panoramic views of the lake and the sun casting golden hues over the water, they read their private vows. It was such an honor to be a part of this moment!
Kind Words from the Couple
“We love our photos and videos so much! Thank you for helping to make our day so special and perfect and for giving us the photos/video that we will certainly enjoy forever ❤️”
How to Plan an Elopement With Family
Some couples choose to elope just the two of them, and some want to share their day with their closest loved ones – either way, is completely fine and totally up to you. But if you do choose to bring some people along for the adventure, these are some things to consider!
- Choose an accessible elopement location! If you have family members with limited mobility, pick spots that are easy to get to. There are plenty of breathtaking locations that don’t require a massive hike and will make it more enjoyable for everyone involved.
- Consider having private moments, like a first look or reading vows alone. Having some time for just the two of you will definitely make your day that much more special!
- Respect the local spots. Some locations aren’t meant to be visited by too many people at once. As your elopement photographer, I can definitely help you with this! I love finding a wonderful spot for your day and preserving nature for future generations.
- There are many ways to include your family in your elopement! You can have a ceremony with them present and then head out to adventure on your own. Or you can have a completely intimate start to your day and meet them at a restaurant for a celebration. Seriously, there are so many options, and I’m happy to recommend the best one for you!
- Keep your day simple to avoid feeling rushed, and try to be in the moment as much as possible!
Ready to Plan An Epic Elopement in Lake Tahoe? Let’s Do This Thing Together!
What made Katherine and Matt’s elopement with family so incredible was how true it was to them. They didn’t feel the need to follow tradition or fit into anyone else’s expectations. Instead, they created a day that celebrated their love, their family, and the adventure that lies ahead of them.
If you’re planning your own Lake Tahoe elopement with your family, I’d love to help you craft a day that feels effortless, meaningful, and uniquely yours. Just reach out to me here! I can’t wait to hear from you.
And if you liked this blog, you might also enjoy my Lake Tahoe Elopement Guide and Unique Elopement Ideas in Lake Tahoe!
Vendors: Photographer and planning assistant – me, Amanda Kluesner Photography; HMU – Lunabelle Beauty; Officiant – Christa Deane; Florals – Heartwood Floral Studio
