Lake Tahoe is one of the most breathtaking and sought-after elopement destinations in the world. Whether you’re drawn to the waters, the forests, or epic mountain views, eloping in Lake Tahoe will be the raddest experience!
If you’ve been planning a Lake Tahoe elopement, I gotchu! Here’s all you need to know to plan your day!
Table of Contents
- Why Lake Tahoe
- North vs South Lake Tahoe
- Lake Tahoe Elopement Locations
- Lake Tahoe Elopement Permits
- Intimate Wedding Venues in Lake Tahoe
- When to Get Married in Lake Tahoe
- Where to Stay
- Lake Tahoe Elopement Activities
- Getting Your Marriage License
- Lake Tahoe Elopement Vendors
- Leave No Trace
- Lake Tahoe Elopement Packages
Why Lake Tahoe
Having a Lake Tahoe elopement is going to be nothing short of epic – I promise! There are so many jaw-dropping landscapes around, from the crystal-clear waters to the mountains! Lake Tahoe’s natural beauty creates a sacred, intimate space perfect for couples who appreciate and respect nature. Whether you’re hiking up a trail, standing on a secluded beach, or exploring hidden coves, every spot is unique and perfect for being the backdrop for your love story.
North vs South Lake Tahoe
Another fun thing about eloping in Lake Tahoe is that you get to choose between two completely different vibes and atmospheres – the North and the South Lake Tahoe. The choice between the two can be influenced by several factors, including where your marriage license was issued and the officiant you’ve hired, as well as the type of experience you want for your special day.
North Lake Tahoe
The north shore is known for its slower pace and laid-back vibe, ideal for couples who want a more relaxed and intimate elopement.
In the North Shore, you’ll find:
- Kings Beach: Offers a beautiful sandy shoreline and stunning lake views. It’s busier than other north shore spots but still much quieter than the south.
- Tahoe City: A charming area with a good mix of amenities and natural beauty.
- Truckee: An old mining town further north with access to Donner Lake, which is a favorite gem of mine!
- Olympic Valley: A bit before Truckee and close to Palisades ski resort, this tucked-away stunner offers meadow views and the option to have your ceremony atop a mountain overlook, accessible by tram.
South Lake Tahoe
The south shore is the most populated part of Lake Tahoe, known for its vibrant atmosphere and a plethora of things to do and amenities. It’s perfect for couples who want a mix of natural beauty and fun, modern entertainment.
In the South Shore, you’ll find:
- Emerald Bay: One of the most famous spots in California, offering dramatic views and a stunning backdrop for your ceremony. As a state park, a ceremony permit is required.
- Casinos and Nightlife: If you’re looking to try your luck in a casino & enjoy busy nightlife, then South Lake Tahoe in Nevada is going to be perfect for you both!
- Shopping and Dining: South Lake has a lot of shopping, grocery stores, dining options and more amenities for your elopement day!
There’s also West Shore, which is the most quaint and forested area, offering secluded spots for a more private ceremony. Here you’ll also find a few local grocers and restaurants.
And East Shore offers the most beautiful shoreline, though it requires hiking to access some spots. The terrain can be steep, but the views are worth it. It’s also less busy than the South and North shores.
Lake Tahoe Elopement Locations
I know I mentioned some of these spots above, but they really are amazing options for your Lake Tahoe elopement, and I wanted to get more details!
Emerald Bay
Emerald Bay is a gem on the south shore of Lake Tahoe, known for its natural beauty and epic views. This breathtaking spot is surrounded by steep, forested slopes and offers panoramic views of the lake and Fannette Island, the only island in Lake Tahoe. Keep in mind that it’s a state park, so a ceremony permit is required. The area can get busy, so early morning or late afternoon ceremonies can offer a bit more privacy, but during peak season, it will still be busy.
Sand Harbor
Sand Harbor is one of the most picturesque spots on Lake Tahoe, located on the Nevada side. This area is renowned for its beaches, crystal-clear waters, and striking rock formations, providing a killer backdrop for your elopement. Sand Harbor is part of the Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park, so you’ll need to secure a permit for your ceremony. Sand Harbor is an ideal choice for those who love the idea of a beach wedding with a touch of mountain scenery.
Kings Beach
Kings Beach is a beautiful and accessible location for your Lake Tahoe elopement. It’s known for its wide sandy beaches, old-timey hotels, and overall fun downtown vibes. You can move further away from the downtown and explore the recreation area, where the beach is surrounded by lush pine trees!
Donner Lake
Located near the charming town of Truckee, Donner Lake is a hidden gem that offers a unique and intimate setting for an elopement. The lake is surrounded by pines and rugged mountains, and it’s honestly SO breathtakingly beautiful! For couples looking for a serene and more of an off-the-beaten-path spot, Donner Lake is a great choice.
Olympic Valley
In between Truckee and Lake Tahoe, you’ll find Olympic Valley, which is one of the most well-known mountain areas of Palisades Tahoe (formerly Squaw Valley). Here, you’ll get rad meadow views and the opportunity to have your ceremony at the top of a mountain overlook. You can take a scenic tram ride up the mountain, which adds an element of adventure. Those panoramic views from the top and during the tram ride are to die for!
Elopement on the Lake
You can also elope on the lake, as well, of course! There are several charters that can accommodate just the two of you, your officiant, the boat captain and your photographer. I highly recommend Lake Tahoe Classic Boats for the most unique and intimate elopement experience!
Lake Tahoe Elopement Permits
If you’re planning on having your ceremony within one of the state parks around the lake, a permit is required. Sand Harbor and Emerald Bay are the two most popular state parks for ceremonies, and for good reason! For more information on Sand Harbor Wedding Permits, click here. For Emerald Bay permits, contact their Special Event Coordinator at LSSEC@parks.ca.gov.
About 75% of the land surrounding Lake Tahoe is public land managed by the US Forest Service. Their regulations change frequently, but ceremonies are permitted as long as you meet certain requirements. For more information on ceremonies on Forest Service land, call the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit office at 530-543-2600 for information on available permits.
Figuring out and applying for your elopement permits, is something I help all my eloping couples with! If you’d like to learn more about my packages, check them out here!
Intimate Wedding Venues in Lake Tahoe
If you’d like to bring some guests with you for your Lake Tahoe elopement, want to stay on the safe side by having an indoor alternative or don’t want to deal with elopement permits – booking a small wedding venue could be a great option for you.
These are some of my favorite Lake Tahoe intimate wedding venues!
- Desolation Hotel in Hope Valley: About 30 minutes from South Lake Tahoe, this venue offers rustic elegance and mountain charm, perfect for an intimate ceremony and gathering afterward. The surrounding Hope Valley provides peaceful and beautiful photo locations.
- PlumpJack Inn: It is a cozy inn nestled in Olympic Valley and Palisades Ski Resort. The venue combines the charm of a mountain lodge with modern amenities and it has a private ceremony area. Here you can enjoy luxury rooms, fine dining and stunning views of Sierra Nevada.
- The HideOut at Kirkwood: A luxury experience in the Sierra Mountains, this venue is one of the most secluded and intimate around. The HideOut offers a rustic lodge feel with high-end amenities. It’s ideal for couples wanting a private, exclusive setting. The venue includes multiple ceremony sites, a beautiful lodge, and killer outdoor spaces!
- South of North Brewing: A fun, charming, and rustic brewery located right in the heart of South Lake Tahoe. This venue is perfect for couples looking for a laid-back and unique celebration. The brewery offers a casual atmosphere with great craft beers, outdoor decks, and a cozy indoor space. It’s great for intimate gatherings with a relaxed, personal feel.
Lake Tahoe Lakeside Wedding Venues
- The Arch: This venue provides a beautiful outdoor setting right by the lake, offering stunning water views and picturesque views of the Sierra Nevada mountains for your ceremony. The Arch is ideal for couples looking for a simple yet elegant lakeside wedding!
- Camp Richardson: A historic resort and marina that offers several beautiful outdoor locations for your ceremony. Whether you choose the beach, the meadow, or the historic resort area, Camp Richardson provides a charming and scenic backdrop. The venue also offers lodging options for you and your guests, making it convenient for everyone.
- Zephyr Cove Resort: Located on the southeast shore of Lake Tahoe, this resort offers a stunning beachfront setting for your elopement. The resort features a picturesque beach, cozy cabins, and a charming lodge. It’s perfect for couples wanting a beachside ceremony with all the comforts of a resort stay.
When to Get Married in Lake Tahoe
While summer and winter might seem like the obvious choices, they come with their own set of challenges. Summer brings an influx of visitors, resulting in traffic and road construction that can complicate your plans. In winter, main roads can close without much notice due to snowfall, making access tricky.
For a more seamless experience, consider the shoulder seasons—spring and fall—when kids are in school. September and October are particularly ideal for elopements. During these months, the trees still have their leaves, creating a beautiful backdrop of fall foliage, and popular locations are much easier to access without the summer crowds.
Keep in mind, no matter the season, we are at nearly 7,000 feet in elevation so mornings and evenings are always chilly. So, plan to layer up!
The 72-mile highway around the lake is mostly two lanes, and during busy seasons, travel time can be significantly impacted. Planning ahead and considering the traffic can help you have a smoother experience for your Lake Tahoe elopement.
Where to Stay
Lake Tahoe offers a variety of lodging options to suit your needs, from cozy cabins to luxurious resorts. If the weather doesn’t cooperate for your outdoor ceremony or you don’t want to be outdoors much in the first place, your lodging can provide a beautiful indoor alternative for your elopement.
You can check out the option of renting a private estate or using a local vacation rental company for an even more tailored and unique experience.
You can also check out Tahoe Little Black Cabins for an Instagram-worthy stay!
There are plenty of cute hotels in the Tahoe area as well. Two of my favorites are the Black Bear Lodge and Basecamp Hotels!
Lake Tahoe Elopement Activities
- Go hiking! Popular hikes include the Rubicon Trail, which offers stunning lake views, and the Eagle Falls Trail, which leads to a beautiful waterfall and panoramic views of Emerald Bay.
- Get out on the water! Rent a boat, kayak, or paddleboard and enjoy the crystal-clear waters. For a romantic touch, consider a sunset sail.
- If you’re eloping in the winter, hit the slopes at one of Lake Tahoe’s premier ski resorts like Heavenly, Northstar, or Squaw Valley.
- Pack a picnic and relax on one of Tahoe’s many beautiful beaches.
- Take a hot air balloon ride or a helicopter tour over Lake Tahoe.
- Visit local wineries and enjoy some wine tasting. The nearby El Dorado wine region offers a variety of vineyards where you can sample local wines and enjoy the beautiful vineyard scenery.
- Enjoy a spa day! Many local resorts offer luxurious spa services, including massages, facials, and other treatments.
There are so many fun things to do around Lake Tahoe, just depends on what YOU both want for your elopement day!
Getting Your Marriage License
Some couples choose to get their official marriage certificate in the state they reside in to make the legal side of their Tahoe elopement easier. If you choose to get your marriage license in Tahoe, you’ll need to obtain it from the state you’re having your ceremony in.
For California, there are two county clerk offices: one in Placer County (Carnelian Bay office) and the other in El Dorado County (South Lake Tahoe office). Appointments are required for both locations. California offers two types of licenses: public and confidential. Both types are valid for 90 days from the date they are issued and can be used anywhere in the state of California. For more information on CA marriage licenses, click here.
For Nevada, marriage licenses are valid for one year from the date they are issued. You can obtain a license from the Washoe County Clerk’s office in Reno (no appointment necessary) or the Douglas County Clerk’s office in Tahoe (appointment recommended).
Lake Tahoe Elopement Vendors
Here are my go-to creative partners that will help elevate your elopement experience.
Officiants:
California
Christa Deane with Mountain High Weddings
Kate Leist with Ceremonies By Kate
Nevada
Hair and Makeup Artists:
Sonia with Tahoe Hair N Makeup
Florists
Solo Musicians
Milton Murios – Guitarist
Consider hiring a personal chef instead of making reservations at a restaurant. This will keep the pace of your day intentional and easygoing. You can cut your cake in the privacy and intimate setting of your space. It’s so quiet and romantic!
Leave No Trace During Your Lake Tahoe Elopement
I believe in keeping Tahoe, the lake, and the land surrounding it clean and better than we found it, and if you’re into it as well – we’ll be great friends!
How do I help you Leave No Trace during your sessions? I do this by using reusable water bottles and not throwing confetti—even if it’s biodegradable. If you have to toss rose petals, each one will need to be picked up before leaving your ceremony site. You can find dried native flowers from a local florist to use instead. Non-native flowers should never be used. We stay on trails or hard surfaces and do not create shortcuts. We will pack in and pack out everything we bring in.
Wildlife is to be respected, not approached, fed, or taunted. We are in their space and should be respectful, diligent, and mindful of it. You can read more about the Leave No Trace Principles here.
Lake Tahoe Elopement Packages
Planning your dream elopement in Lake Tahoe should be an exciting and stress-free adventure. That’s why my elopement packages are designed to provide everything you need for an unforgettable experience. Here’s what’s included with every elopement package:
- Unlimited Consultations: You’ll have all the information you need about trails, my favorite vendors, where to stay, and how to pack for your adventure elopement. I’m here to answer all your questions and guide you every step of the way.
- Permit Information: I’ll share all the necessary permit information and handle the paperwork so you can focus on enjoying your day.
- Elopement Day Timeline: A personalized timeline crafted to ensure your day is truly and uniquely yours, capturing every special moment without any rush.
- 100% Comfort: Your safety and comfort are my top priorities. I’ll make sure you have all the gear needed for your elopement day, including permits, extra headlamps, snacks, water, first aid kits, and clear umbrellas.
- Beautiful Online Gallery: Receive 20-40 sneak peeks delivered within 48 hours of your elopement. A stunning online gallery will follow, showcasing your special day.
- My Travel: My travel expenses are always included in your package, with no hidden fees. Wherever your adventure takes us, I’m there with you.
For those who want to add a little extra to their elopement day, I offer add-ons such as a charcuterie spread, light breakfast, or tailgate picnic! Check out more about my Lake Tahoe elopement packages here!
Let’s Plan & Capture Your Lake Tahoe Elopement Together!
Hey, I’m Amanda! 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 that is 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!
