10 Best Places to Elope in Lake Tahoe

1. Emerald Bay
2. Sand Harbor
3. Thomas Regan Memorial Beach
4. Logan Shoals
5. Kings Beach
6. Sugar Pine Point State Park
7. Tahoe Paradise Park
8. Monkey Rock
9. Zephyr Cove
10. On the Lake

Lake Tahoe Elopement Locations

The crystal clear blue waters of Lake Tahoe straddle the border of California and Nevada, drawing visitors from all over to its beaches in the summer and ski resorts in the winter. With parks and recreation areas scattered around the 72 miles of the lake’s shoreline, there are countless Lake Tahoe elopement locations – it might seem impossible to narrow it down!

But don’t worry, my husband and I have spent a ton of time exploring Lake Tahoe as a Lake Tahoe photographer and videographer duo. We’ve got the scoop on all the best spots! Here are our top 10 Lake Tahoe elopement locations.

Emerald Bay

Towering overlooks, blue-green water, and even a century old castle can be found at Emerald Bay! Located within Emerald Bay State Park, this area holds tons of overlooks that you can drive right up to, as well as hikes of varying lengths that offer different vantage points of the bay. 

Why we love Emerald Bay:

• There are so many options for great photos! There are waterfalls views, forest views, high up mountain views and of course amazing lake views. 
• On the beach, you can rent a kayak or a stand up paddle-board and explore the water!
• Sunrises and sunsets at Emerald Bay will truly take your breath away.

To elope at Emerald Bay, you will need to obtain a special use permit for $450, even if your ceremony is just the two of you! You definitely don’t want to be hassled by a park ranger on your elopement day, so make sure to apply with plenty of time (at least 30 days) left before the big day. For more info, read our full Emerald Bay Elopement Planning Guide!

Sand Harbor

The rocky coves, clear blue water, and sandy beaches of this elopement location, Sand Harbor, make this an amazing place for couples who want to spend some time by the water on their elopement day. 

Why Sand Harbor is great:

• If you’re up for some adventure, the coves are incredible for snorkeling, and even exploring by paddle-board or kayak will give you a peek at the vibrant ecosystem beneath the surface of Lake Tahoe.
• You can say your vows right on the beach! Sand Harbor only allows ceremonies at the Ramada – but that doesn’t mean you have to get married in the hotel! There is a small pocket of beach where you can say your vows.
• Sunset here is absolutely stunning. The way the light hits the water and reflects off the smooth boulders creates a golden glow that makes for breathtaking photos. 

A permit costs $400, plus $10 per car, and the application and more information can be found here. And don’t worry, you can explore the beach and take photos in all the amazing locations after (or before) your ceremony! You can see photos and read all about Tori and Ean’s Sand Harbor elopement on the blog.

Thomas F. Regan Memorial City Beach

This city-owned beach on the California side of Lake Tahoe is popular for kayaking, swimming, and picnics! This area is shaded by pine trees, but the views and natural beauty of this panoramic backdrop of the water make this an incredible place to elope in Lake Tahoe. 

Why we love this location:

• This beach is spacious, so though it is popular, you can often find a private spot on the grassy knoll overlooking the shoreline.
• Or, you can elope right on the beach! This spot offers a beautiful and natural setting for your vows.
• It’s family-friendly and easy to access. This is a great option if you want to include guests in your elopement. The location is accessible, has amenities nearby, and offers plenty of space for loved ones to celebrate with you.

A permit to elope at this gorgeous spot costs $189 per hour (with a 2-hour minimum) Monday through Thursday, but increases to $244 per hour on Fridays and Sundays, and $298 per hour on Saturdays. Permits must be obtained at least 30 days in advance of your event, and information can be found here!

Logan Shoals

On the east side of Lake Tahoe, Logan Shoals offers a breathtaking, private overlook with panoramic views of the water and surrounding mountains. If you’re dreaming of an intimate ceremony with a stunning natural backdrop, this spot is an incredible choice.

Why we recommend Logan Shoals:

• Logan Shoals’ location on the east side makes this one of the best places to elope at sunset in Lake Tahoe, as the sun sets in the west and the mountains surrounding the lake light up in hues of red. 
• The Logan Shoals ceremony location is easily accessible, yet private as it is tucked away, and perfect for an elopement with just a few guests!
• After your vows, we can take advantage of the different vantage points along the cliffs for stunning post-ceremony photos with sweeping views of the lake. 

You’ll need to apply for a permit through the U.S. Forest Service to elope here. You can contact the LTBMU Special Use office at (530) 543-2600 to start the permit application process.

Kings Beach

Kings Beach is a quirky beach town on the north shore of Lake Tahoe, with easy access to the lake along with local shops, hotels, and restaurants. Elope at Kings Beach, and you can tie the knot by the blue waters of Lake Tahoe, then end the night with a relaxing dinner and try out a local brewery!

Why Kings Beach is on our list:

• It’s in a prime location with tons of activities for any friends or family coming to town for your elopement.
• It’s a family-friendly location, complete with a playground!
• Golden hour on the beach is stunning. The wide shoreline and open sky make for incredible sunset views over the lake.

As I’m sure you’ve realized, most places to elope in Lake Tahoe require a permit, and Kings Beach is no exception! You can read a little bit about special events here, and contact the Special Events office at (530) 546-7249.

Sugar Pine Point State Park

Sugar Pine Point State Park is located on Lake Tahoe’s western shores. With incredible views of the lake and the tallest pine trees in the world, the park is easily accessible, and is even popular in winter for skiers. From miles of lake to the dense forests, this is one of the best places to elope in Lake Tahoe!

Best things about Sugar Pine Point State Park:

• The Hellman-Ehrman Mansion makes a stunning backdrop for your ceremony and has some of the best lake views in the park. If you’re getting married in the summer, you and your guests can even take a tour of the mansion!
• As one of Lake Tahoe’s bigger outdoor venues, this one can host up to 100 seated guests either in front of the mansion or lakefront.
• The mix of forest and shoreline gives you variety! You can exchange vows under the towering pines or right by the water.

The park hosts small elopements and larger weddings. Permit information can be found here, and the Special Events Coordinator can be contacted by phone at (530) 525-5060 for an application.

Tahoe Paradise Park

This is one of the most private places to elope in Lake Tahoe. The Sierra Nevada Mountains peek through the trees, and Lake Barron sits tucked away in the upper section of the park. You can kayak, paddleboard, or take a stroll along the loop trail that circles the lake. Unlike some of the busier lakefront spots, Tahoe Paradise Park feels quiet and tucked away, making your elopement feel even more intimate.

Why we love working at Tahoe Paradise Park:

• We love how secluded this spot is! You won’t have to worry about big crowds, just the sounds of nature all around you.
• The variety of scenery is incredible. From the lake to the towering pines and mountain views, every spot feels straight out of a postcard.
• It’s a hidden gem! Many couples don’t even know about this spot, which means you get a truly unique Tahoe elopement experience.

You can read more about events at Tahoe Paradise Park and apply for a permit here!

Monkey Rock

Monkey Rock Trail is located near Incline Village, and it’s a 2.6-mile trail. It’s named after the carved granite rock which makes the shape of a monkey! It shares a trailhead with East Shore Trail, but Monkey Rock is the more challenging of the two with nearly 500 feet of elevation gain. The trail offers a great combination of a rewarding adventure and breathtaking scenery, making it perfect for couples looking for a little more of a challenge on their elopement day.

Things we love about Monkey Rock:

• Dogs are welcome as long as they’re on a leash. We love when couples bring their pups along for the adventure!
• The panoramic views are unbeatable. From Monkey Rock, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of Lake Tahoe, the surrounding mountains, and the forest below.
• The trail feels secluded, making it an ideal spot for couples seeking a more intimate elopement experience away from the crowds.

To elope at Monkey Rock, you’ll need to apply for a permit through the U.S. Forest Service. You can contact the LTBMU Special Use office at (530) 543-2600 to start the permit application process.

Zephyr Cove

Zephyr Cove is a stunning lakeside location for an elopement in Lake Tahoe. Offering beautiful beaches, a breathtaking mountain backdrop, and crystal-clear waters, it’s one of the most scenic spots in the area for couples looking for a picturesque and peaceful setting to exchange vows.

What’s great about Zephyr Cove:

• This spot is extra special in the winter! When the snow covers the ground, there’s something undeniably magical about the photos here.
• With a variety of backdrops, from the sandy beach to the forested areas, you can choose the perfect setting for your ceremony.
• You can add a little adventure to your elopement by renting a boat and heading out on the lake for some private photo opportunities!

A permit is required for all elopements at Zephyr Cove. You’ll need to apply for a permit through the U.S. Forest Service to elope here. You can contact the LTBMU Special Use office at (530) 543-2600.

On the Lake

Ever considered actually getting married on Lake Tahoe itself? You should! Lake Tahoe boat elopements are one of the most unique ways to exchange your vows, and they’re always some of our favorites to capture!

What’s special about Lake Tahoe boat elopements:

• This is such a unique and adventurous way to get married, and we don’t see it every day! 
• You’ll enjoy spectacular 360-degree views throughout your elopement day.
• Whether it’s just the two of you for a quiet, intimate ceremony or a larger group of close family and friends, a boat elopement offers flexibility.

Get inspiration for a Lake Tahoe boat wedding by checking out our guide on how to plan a Lake Tahoe Boat wedding!

Getting a Marriage License for Your Lake Tahoe Elopement

In order to legally get married, you will need to obtain a marriage license! Because Lake Tahoe lies in both California and Nevada, the process will differ a little, and you must get your marriage license in the state where your ceremony will take place.

California Marriage License

To get a marriage license in California, you will need to visit any county clerk’s office in the state. There is no waiting period, but the license expires after 90 days – so if you’re local to California, it is usually easiest to find a county clerk’s office close to home! But, if you’re traveling from out of state, make sure to arrive early and give yourself enough time to get this done. The closest county clerk’s office to the lake is the El Dorado County Recorder-Clerk’s Office, located at 3368 Lake Tahoe Blvd, and you can fill out an application in advance here. Make sure to bring a photo ID and a way to pay for the license fee, which costs $80.

Nevada Marriage License

If you’re eloping on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe, you can fill out a marriage application online here! Afterwards, you must appear in person at the county clerk’s office, located at 175 Highway 50 in Stateline, Nevada. If you live in Nevada, you can do this at any office in the state! If you’re traveling for your elopement, make sure to arrive at Lake Tahoe with enough time to grab your marriage license. There is no waiting period, so you can go right from the county clerk to your ceremony, but it’s always best to give yourself an extra day or two! You can apply for a marriage license up to a year in advance, and you will need to bring a photo ID and $102 when you visit the county clerk.

Looking for a Lake Tahoe Elopement Photographer?

While this list features 10 of the best Lake Tahoe elopement locations, I save the best information for my couples! As an elopement team, my husband and I have explored every corner of Tahoe, and lucky for you, we love to share! 

We specialize in adventure elopements, and along with photography, music, and officiating, we’re here to guide you to your customized, unique day – including off-the-beaten-path location recommendations. 

If you’re looking to elope in Lake Tahoe and are ready to start planning, contact us today to get started!

This post was originally published on February 3, 2021 and was updated on March 26, 2025.