Elope in Lake Tahoe! - A How To Guide

There is nothing more magical than love with the backdrop of the most iconic lake in the world. Not only does Lake Tahoe have incredibly scenic outlooks, it also has endless activities. Below is everything your need to know about eloping in Lake Tahoe, see our Lake Tahoe elopement packages to skip the reading and let us do the rest.

  1. Select a side in Lake Tahoe: NORTH, SOUTH, EAST OR WEST?

First, select which side of the lake your are drawn to. While all sides of the lake are beautiful, there is a difference between each side. The most populated sides are the North & South side of the lake.

North Shore is quiet, quaint, and serene. There are less people and more mountainous terrain. This also means less stores, accommodations, and lyfts. Perfect for couples who are looking for something more intimate and private.

South Lake is known for it’s nightlife, casinos, and resorts. People can be found walking on the many trails and trying out the local restaurants or festivals. Perfect for couples who want more options for things to do with a beautiful scenery.

East Shore nestled into the East Shore is a beatiful 2.3 mile trail that hugs the shoreline. Perfect for biking or hiking. This quieter community is home to the Hyatt and Incline Village which has fun food and drink locations such as Alabi Brewery and Tunnel Creek Cafe.

West Shore is a beautiful part of the lake has Tahoe Gems such as West Shore Cafe, Meeks Bay, and Firesign Cafe. Homewood mountain ski resort lures skiiers and hikers all year long.

2. Select a Ceremony Location:

Here are a few of our favorites:

Emerald Bay State Park Lookout

Emerald Bay State Park Lookout is Lake Tahoe’s most popular place to elope. Emerald Bay is located in South Lake Tahoe on the California side. Known for the gorgeous turquoise water, lush pine trees, and tall mountains, Emerald Bay is the perfect elopement location for any couple. Plus, the state park itself has plenty of beautiful areas for couples portraits. Keep in mind though that this place is heavily populated!

Sierra-at-Tahoe

Sierra-at-Tahoe is primarily known as being a large wedding venue. However, you can also elope at this stunning location. Sierra-at-Tahoe is a ski resort located in California on the south side of Lake Tahoe that can be accessed year-round. This rustic Lake Tahoe elopement destination is best known for their ceremony site. Here, you’ll be greeted with gorgeous views of Pyramid Peak, Mt. Ralston, and the Desolation Wilderness.

Resort at Squaw Creek

Resort at Squaw Creek is one of the best places to elope in Lake Tahoe, in my personal opinion. I specifically love the dramatic meadow that offers 360 degree views of the nearby mountains. Squaw Creek itself has a handful of different wedding venues that are worth checking out.

Northstar California Resort

Northstar California Resort is another one of the best places to elope in Lake Tahoe, and definitely another one of my personal favorites. If you’re wanting something a bit more mountainous, you need to check out Northstar. You’ll be floored by the jaw dropping views of the nearby mountains and forests. Their ceremony site is one of the most beautiful places for pictures.

Sand Harbor

Sand Harbor is located in northern Lake Tahoe on the side of Nevada. Similar to Emerald Bay, this elopement location is also another wildly popular spot. Sand Harbor is right on the beach and is known for its crystal clear waters. This specific area is super popular during the summer months. I recommend this elopement location in late fall or early spring to avoid all the crowds.

2. Get a Marriage License -

Finalizing Details For Your Lake Tahoe Elopement

Don’t forget to tie all those loose ends up by booking your flights and lodging. Also, don’t forget to book your vendors! I highly recommend booking Lake Tahoe vendors as soon as you can, in order to make sure that they’re available for your special date.

Lake Tahoe Flight Information

If you decide to elope in Lake Tahoe, you’ll want to fly into the Reno-Tahoe International Airport. This airport is only 45 minutes away from North Lake Tahoe. You also have the option of flying into the Sacramento International Airport. However, the drive is 2 hours long to reach Lake Tahoe, but it might be a more accessible option for you if you decide to stay on the California side.

Lake Tahoe Airbnbs

Lake Tahoe has some of the best Airbnbs and hotels around. Below are a few Airbnbs I recommend for your Lake Tahoe elopement!

Mid Century Modern Cabin – The Tahoe A-Frame

The Little Dipper

West Shore Hideaway

The Stargazer

The Lake Tahoe House

Lake Tahoe Elopement Vendors

If you’re wanting to hire vendors for your Lake Tahoe elopement, I suggest hiring a photographer, makeup artist, hair artist, and florist. Hiring vendors who know the area well can help you plan your elopement.

Officiants

Hair and Makeup Artists

  • Luna Bella Beauty

Florists

Photographer and Planner

That’s us! I specialize in planning and capturing adventure and outdoor elopement photography all throughout California. I offer vendor recommendations, timeline assistance, and location scouting. I also offer all-inclusive elopement packages that include full planning services for elopements in and around Lake Tahoe.

Lake Tahoe Elopement Example Timeline

Wondering what to do for your Lake Tahoe elopement? Check out this example timeline to get some inspiration.

  • 9:00 am: Photographer arrives at the A-Frame Airbnb for some getting ready shots.

  • 9:45 am: Intimate first look and couples portraits in the nearby forest.

  • 10:30 am: Start a small hike up to a mountain near Lake Tahoe for some portraits and a picnic.

  • 12:30 pm: Hike down after the picnic and head towards the lake for an epic boating adventure.

  • 2:00 pm: Head back to the Airbnb to meet up with family, eat snacks, and touch up before the ceremony.

  • 4:00 pm: Start the intimate ceremony in your favorite Lake Tahoe elopement location.

  • 5:00 pm: Family and/or couples portraits.

  • 6:00 pm: Head back to the Airbnb for a romantic, intimate dinner with friends and family.

  • 8:00 pm: Catch the sunset and start your lives as a married couple.

Things to do in Lake Tahoe For Your Elopement

Lake Tahoe Planning Advice (Must Know Tips)

#1: Prepare for snow. Lake Tahoe is one of the snowiest areas in the United States. If you’re eloping during the snowy season, you’re required to have snow chains. A 4WD vehicle is also very useful!

#2: Plan ahead for traffic. In the summer, traffic can get pretty bad. Parking is also very limited in certain areas. Be sure to add some buffer room into your schedule to account for traffic.

#3: Set a budget. Rentals, food, and activities come with a higher price-point in the Tahoe area. If you’re wanting to stick to a certain budget, definitely plan ahead.

Lake Tahoe Elopement Packages

FAQ

How much does it cost to elope in Lake Tahoe?

It costs $60-$100 to elope in Lake Tahoe. All you need is a marriage license from California or Nevada, both of which vary from $60-$100.

Where can I get married in Lake Tahoe?

You can get married anywhere in Lake Tahoe. A few places you can get married include Emerald Bay State Park, California Northstar, Sierra-at-Tahoe, and Sand Harbor.

What do you need to get married in Lake Tahoe?

All you need is a marriage license from Nevada or California to get married in Lake Tahoe.

Can you get married at Lake Tahoe?

Yes, you can get married at Lake Tahoe. You can get married right on the lake if you want!

Do you need a permit to get married at Lake Tahoe?

Yes. Most places will require you to obtain a special use permit in order to get married at Lake Tahoe.

Here are the basics of what you need to elope:

  1. A marriage certificate.

    Since Lake Tahoe spans between both California and Nevada, your elopement ceremony location will determine which state you will need to file for your marriage license. For Nevada side elopements, you will need to corresponding with either Wahoe County, Douglas County, or Carson County for your marriage license. For California side elopements, you’ll need either a confidential marriage license (issued to the officiating minister) or a public marriage license (issued by the county clerk). Either of these require correspondence with either Placer County or El Dorado County.

  2. An officiant, and witnesses to sign the marriage certificate after your ceremony.

    There are several amazing officiants in Lake Tahoe who can make your ceremony one to treasure. Contact us and we can share our favorites that align to your vision.

  3. A venue to call your own. 
    Here are a few of our favorite Elopement Locations: 

EMERALD BAY STATE PARK LOOKOUT

Also know as Lake Tahoe’s brilliant gem, Emerald Bay is a vibrant blue-green bay that is surrounded by snowy mountain peaks.   

TAHOE PARADISE PARK

Just south of the lake, is Tahoe Paradise Park which is secluded area among the trees where you can have your ceremony under a redwood gazebo, next to a 1000-year-old cedar tree, or alongside a babbling brook.

REGAN BEACH

This centrally located beach is close to restaurants and shops and offers ease of accessibility for parking. It offers both a sandy beach or lush grass to be married on.  

LOGAN SHOALS VISTA POINT

Exceptional for sunset ceremonies and intimate ceremony’s, this private enclave located is a few steps away from the accessible path is easily accessible from Highway 50 and close to other attractions like Nevada Beach and Cave Rock.  

 

FIND A LAKE TAHOE ELOPEMENT PLANNER, OFFICIANT, AND FLORIST

To ensure a smooth and problem-free elopement, it’s best to hire a planner who knows the area and all the necessary permits and things that you should book in advance. Some ministers also do permits and marriage licenses included with their Lake Tahoe elopement packages, so it’s good to ask. Some of my favorite wedding planners are Tawni from Pomegranate Occasions and Karie from She Said Yes! Weddings. For officiants / ministers, check out Meredith from Ceremonies by Meredith or Cindie Wilding. Lastly, flowers! I love Drea’s special elopement flower arrangements at High Mountain Greenery.  

Depending on where you choose to hold the ceremony, there are Special Use Permits required to host a wedding or elopement ceremony on all National Parks and National Forest Land; this applies to both the California and Nevada side of Lake Tahoe. The permit for special events depends on the location and the size of your event. A smaller intimate event typically starts at $50. Read more about the special event permit at either the Lake Tahoe Basin Management and Nevada State Parks websites.   

LAKE TAHOE ELOPEMENT PACKAGES

 

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST FOR TAHOE ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHY?

It depends on how long you need photography services for. I usually recommend at least two hours to fully capture the elopement ceremony plus some wedding photographs with family and friends after. I offer half-day (4 hours) and full-day (8 hours) Lake Tahoe elopement packages. That gives us enough time to go on a hike, hop into some kayaks, or do any adventure that you desire around these beautiful mountains and lake.   All Lake Tahoe elopement packages for photography include archival quality prints, high-resolution image downloads, a print release, and a canvas or leather album to remember your elopement ceremony for many years to come.

Looking for ideas for the best places to elope?

We also have a guide on how to elope in Lake Tahoe.  

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