When it comes to elopements, the beauty often lies in the simplicity of the day, and Jess and Eric’s mountain elopement at Monkey Rock was no exception. They didn’t need an elaborate setup or grand production to make their day unforgettable. From a sunrise ceremony at Monkey Rock to an intimate sunset session near North Star Ski Resort, their day was all about being present with each other with breathtaking Lake Tahoe backdrops.
Sunrise Ceremony at Monkey Rock
Jess and Eric kicked off their day at sunrise with a hike up to Monkey Rock, a spot they discovered during their cross-country road trip. After seeing photos online, they knew this was the place for their ceremony. They were visiting Tahoe during the busiest time of the year (right after the 4th of July), so I suggested starting while it was still dark to avoid the crowds and traffic.
As the couple currently lives in Ireland, as Eric works towards his doctorate, I hiked the trail a few days prior at sunrise to get a feel for the terrain and sent them a video so they’d know what to expect.
The trails were super quiet first thing in the morning. It was so peaceful and romantic. The soft light across Lake Tahoe gave them beautiful lighting for their ceremony and those first moments as newlyweds together.
This is exactly what I love about being both a Lake Tahoe elopement photographer and planner. I get to help couples navigate the day from start to finish so they can fully enjoy their elopement!
The Uniqueness of Simplicity During Their Mountain Elopement
One of the most beautiful parts of Jess and Eric’s elopement was the way they embraced simplicity. They bought their flowers and cake from a local grocery store but added personal touches that made their day incredibly special. Eric wore his grandfather’s military pin, and Jess included a wax corsage her grandmother wore for her wedding, along with a photo of her grandparents from their wedding day. These details weren’t extravagant, but they were deeply meaningful, and they made their elopement feel personal and unique.
Midday Adventures
After their sunrise ceremony, we made our way down to Hidden Beach for portraits. It was a perfect 15-minute hike, allowing them to soak in nearly everything that Lake Tahoe has to offer. The quiet of the morning, the gentle waves, and the surrounding mountains made for some stunning photos.
Then, it was time for some celebration! Jess and Eric took a break at Alibi Brewing in Incline Village, a perfect spot to relax and grab a beer. The chef even gifted them a free pizza, which was so incredibly kind!
Sunset Elopement Photos Near North Star Ski Resort
To wrap up their day, we headed to an overlook near North Star Ski Resort for sunset. The warm golden hour light was absolutely stunning, and it felt like the perfect conclusion to their day!
Are You Planning A Mountain Elopement Lake Tahoe? Let’s Do This Thing Together!
What I loved most about Jess and Eric’s elopement was how down-to-earth and real it was. With a little planning, a stunning location, and meaningful details, they turned their wedding day into a beautiful adventure that was entirely their own. And that’s what it’s all about! Creating a day that feels authentic to you, without the need for anything extra!
If you’re dreaming of your own elopement in Lake Tahoe and want to explore the best locations for an intimate day, let’s connect! We’ll create something that feels authentically YOU and capture every epic moment along the way. If you liked this blog, you might also enjoy my Lake Tahoe Elopement Guide!
Vendors: Photographer and planning assistant – me, Amanda Kluesner Photography; Officiant – Christa Deane
