Lake Tahoe Elopement Guide — Updated for 2024!

Nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, on the border of California and Nevada, is Lake Tahoe – a crystal clear blue oasis surrounded by mountain peaks and dense forests. With hiking trails, overlooks, and scenic views that could be explored forever, Lake Tahoe makes for the perfect adventure elopement location! 

As a California elopement photographer, I have explored nearly every square inch of Lake Tahoe. It is one of my absolute favorites, for great reasons! For any couple who wants a wedding experience that’s unique and that actually feels like them, a Lake Tahoe elopement might be just the thing. 

Keep reading to learn all about Lake Tahoe and how to elope there!

1. Set Your Lake Tahoe Elopement Date
   – Weather
   – Avoiding Crowds
2. Choosing Where to Elope in Lake Tahoe
   – Logan Shoals
   – Baldwin Beach
   – Sand Harbor
   – Monkey Rock
   – Emerald Bay
   – Zephyr Cove
3. Legal Parts of Your Lake Tahoe Elopement
   – License
   – Officiant & Witness
   – Permits
4. Lake Tahoe Elopement Vendors
5. Elopement Logistics
   – Flights
   – Lodging
6. Things to Do in Lake Tahoe
7. Lake Tahoe Elopement Next Steps

Set an Elopement Date

When you decide on a Lake Tahoe elopement, one of the first things you’ll need to do is set a date! This will depend on a few factors.

Weather is one of the biggest considerations when it comes to choosing an elopement date. You can plan a Lake Tahoe elopement any time of year, but your experience will be very different!

Winter Lake Tahoe Elopement

In the winter, Tahoe is a popular skiing destination. The lake turns into a winter wonderland, and the surrounding mountains are perfect for hitting the slopes. If you want to elope in the snow, this is a beautiful time of year. Check out my guide to planning a winter Tahoe elopement if you’re leaning toward this season!

Spring Lake Tahoe Elopement

In the spring, snow begins to melt and winter crowds fade away. Many higher elevation areas do remain blanketed in snow into summer, but most of Lake Tahoe will be easily accessible by May. The weather begins to warm up, though there are occasional chilly days and snow flurries.

Summer Lake Tahoe Elopement

Summer is the most popular time to visit Lake Tahoe, as the weather is warm and the lake is perfect for swimming, kayaking, paddle-boarding, and even diving. This is the best time to elope if you plan to hike, or to enjoy the water!

Fall Lake Tahoe Elopement

Fall can be a great time to elope as well, especially in the beginning, when crowds begin to thin out but temperatures are still warm. You’ll get to experience Lake Tahoe as the forest erupts into shades of orange and yellow, and you might even catch the first snowfall of the year.

Avoiding Crowds

Summer is the most popular time to visit Lake Tahoe, followed closely by winter. You’ll probably want a little more privacy for your elopement, so I recommend tying the knot in the off-season. If you elope in the spring or fall, you’re more likely to be able to find a secluded spot! Weather can be a little more unpredictable, so be prepared, but you will enjoy crowd-free trails!

I always recommend eloping on a weekday – Lake Tahoe is busiest on the weekends, so by eloping during the week, you’ll get a little more privacy as well. A sunrise ceremony is another great way to ensure you get the place (mostly) to yourself, and when you get to watch the sun come up as you say your vows, I promise you’ll forget all about the early wake-up call!

Choose an Elopement Location

There are tons of beautiful places around Lake Tahoe where you can elope – for a more complete list, you can check out my post on the 7 best places to elope in Lake Tahoe. For now, here are a few ideas to get you inspired!

Logan Shoals Vista

Logan Shoals Vista is a short, quarter-mile trail located on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe. It’s an easily accessible trail that ends in a stunning vista of the lake, with pine trees surrounding you and mountains in the distance. When you reach the end, you can descend a little on the rock scramble to get to the water, and walk lakeside!

Baldwin Beach

Baldwin Beach is a large, spacious lakeside area with amazing views of Mount Tallac. The water here warms up quickly, so it’s a great swimming beach, and you can even rent a kayak and paddle to Emerald Bay!

Sand Harbor

Sand Harbor is a wonderful location for a Lake Tahoe elopement! With its sandy beach and clear lake water, it’s a remarkable spot to say your vows. It’s ideal for couples looking for a serene celebration. Don’t miss Tori and Ean’s Sand Harbor elopement on the blog for some inspiration!

Monkey Rock

Located near Incline Village, Money Rock Trail is a 2.6-mile trail. The views here really can’t be beaten, and the carved granite rock in the shape of a monkey is sure to bring a smile to your face! 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. 

Another neat thing about Monkey Rock? Dogs are welcome here as long as they’re on a leash. We can’t say no to an elopement pup!

Emerald Bay

Emerald Bay is one of our favorite Lake Tahoe elopement locations! It is home to numerous picturesque overlooks and hikes. From waterfalls to forests to mountains to the lake, you’re sure to have a variety of photos from your Lake Tahoe elopement. 

Check out our full Emerald Bay Elopement Planning Guide for more details if you’re considering an Emerald Bay elopement! We’ve shared everything you need to know.

Zephyr Cove

Last, but certainly not least, is  Zephyr Cove. It’s a gorgeous lakeside setting for an elopement in Lake Tahoe. With marvelous beaches, an impressive mountain backdrop, and clear blue water, you’ll love everything that Zephyr Cove has to offer. I think it’s especially lovely in the winter when the snow covers the ground!

Legal Parts of Your Lake Tahoe Elopement

Because Lake Tahoe is on the border of California and Nevada, marriage laws will differ slightly – so once you know where you’re eloping, make sure you’re researching the right state!

Lake Tahoe Marriage License

Your marriage license needs to be obtained in the state where your ceremony will take place. Whether it’s Nevada or California, you will need to visit any county recorder’s office in the state.

California Marriage License:

In California, the closest office to Lake Tahoe is El Dorado County. On their website, you can apply online ahead of time, but you will need to make an appointment to appear in person to pick up your marriage license. Most other counties will have a similar process. You’ll need to bring a photo ID, along with cash for the license fee, to your appointment. The fee varies by county, but in El Dorado, it is $85. Once you get your marriage license, there is no waiting period – which means you can get married on the same day! But, it does expire after 90 days.

Nevada Marriage License:

If your Lake Tahoe elopement takes place in Nevada, the closest office is in Douglas County. They issue marriage licenses by mail, so you don’t need to go in person! You can find the application here, with instructions for mailing it in. With your application, you’ll need to mail copies of both your photo IDs and a check for $34. Nevada has no waiting period, and marriage licenses are good for one year.

Lake Tahoe Elopement Officiant & Witness

California Officiant & Witness Regulations:

California requires an officiant to sign your marriage license. You have a few options for this! You can have a friend or family member perform your ceremony. Getting ordained is quick and easy on ULC.org, and can add a personal touch to your ceremony!

California requires one witness – but the only requirement is that they be over 18, which means I can double as a witness on your elopement day! You can ask any of your vendors to sign, or even find someone at your elopement location.

Nevada Officiant & Witness Regulations:

Similar to California, Nevada requires that an officiant signs your marriage license. Nevada also requires one witness for your elopement. 

As a photographer who specializes in elopements, I offer all-inclusive elopement packages, with my husband as the officiant! So you don’t have to worry about finding someone who’s up for whatever adventure you have planned – we’ve got your back!

Lake Tahoe Elopement Permits

There are many different parks, trails, and recreation sites around Lake Tahoe, and permit requirements vary. For example, the Sand Harbor elopement permit is $400 and can be reserved for the year starting on the first of the year. If you’re considering Emerald Bay for your Lake Tahoe elopement, the permit is $450 and also requires you to have insurance for the event.

After you have your elopement location picked out, make sure to do some research and get the right permits! You definitely don’t want to be kicked out by a park ranger on your elopement day.

Helpful Legal Links

Here is a list of helpful links as you work through the legal elements of your Lake Tahoe elopement! 

• California Marriage License
• Nevada Marriage License
• Getting Ordained Online by Universal Life Church
• Sand Harbor Elopement Permit & Reservation
• Lake Tahoe Elopement Permit Details

Hire Your Lake Tahoe Elopement Vendors

Hiring a team of elopement vendors will take so much pressure off of you – because planning even a small ceremony can be stressful! Luckily, I know someone who can help… hint, hint, it’s us! As a husband and wife photo and video team, we also help with the planning process, from location recommendations to building a timeline – because we know how stressful the whole wedding thing can be, and we want your elopement to be absolutely perfect! My husband can help out as your videographer, officiant, and musician, and all-inclusive elopement packages make this as easy as possible for you!

The Elopement Logistics

Especially in the summer and winter, lodging in Lake Tahoe books up fast. Booking flights and accommodations early ensures you get to stay close to your elopement location, and that you get the best deals!

Flights

There are some small airports close to Lake Tahoe, but your best option for flying will be the Reno-Tahoe International Airport. This major airport has frequent flights from all over, so you’ll have no problem finding a flight! Once you land at either, it’s an hour to two hours (depending on where you’re headed) to get to Lake Tahoe.

Another option is to fly into Sacramento International Airport, which is located west of Lake Tahoe. Because of this, this airport is best for couples eloping on the western side of Lake Tahoe or in South Lake Tahoe.

Lodging

Whether you want to rough it and camp, level up with some glamping, or stay in a luxury resort, there are plenty of amazing places near Lake Tahoe. Finding somewhere to come back to after a day of adventuring is so important, so pick a place that will feel cozy! 

Have a peek at just a few of your options for lodging in Lake Tahoe!

Airbnbs in Lake Tahoe

• Modern Retro Tiny Home in Kings Beach, CA
• South Lake Tahoe Home
• Modern A-Frame Cabin in South Lake Tahoe, CA
• Chalet in Zephyr Cove
• Townhouse in Incline Village, NV

Resorts in Lake Tahoe

• The Landing Resort and Spa in South Lake Tahoe
• Zephyr Cove Resort
• Marriott Grand Residence Club in South Lake Tahoe
• Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort in Incline Village
• Black Bear Lodge in South Lake Tahoe

Things to Do in Lake Tahoe

Aside from your actual elopement, there are plenty of other activities in Lake Tahoe for you and any elopement guests you bring along. Here are some of my favorite activities for each season!

Spring & Summer Activities

Hiking: With hundreds of trails to choose from, your Lake Tahoe hiking options are nearly endless! Check out the trail options here.

Water Sports & Beaches: Summer in Lake Tahoe brings all the fun water sports and gorgeous beaches to explore! Whether you want to jet ski, parasail, or simply relax with your toes in the sand, Lake Tahoe has something for everyone. 

Biking: Lake Tahoe has biking options for riders of all skill levels. From rugged mountain biking to smooth paved trails, Lake Tahoe is a designated Bike Friendly Community with miles of trails to explore. Here’s a full list of options!

Fall & Winter Activities

Snowmobiling Excursions: Snowmobiling excursions are fun for everyone! Take in the breathtaking trails and enjoy the exhilaration as you go.

Ice Skating: Lake Tahoe is home to many outdoor rinks and resorts with rinks. Here’s a list of where you can find ice skating in Lake Tahoe! 

Skiing and Snowboarding: Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started on the slopes, there are locations in Lake Tahoe that cater to all skiing and snowboarding skill levels. Here’s a list of all the options.

Ready to Elope in Lake Tahoe?

If you’re ready to start planning your Lake Tahoe elopement, you’re going to need an adventure buddy and a planning assistant! That’s where we come in! 

Here at Mindful Media Photography, we’ve captured hundreds of Lake Tahoe elopements, and we love guiding our couples through the entire process to ensure your day is perfect and unique to you. With us as your elopement photographers, all that all you have to worry about is getting married to the love of your life. If you’re ready to begin planning your Lake Tahoe elopement, get in touch today!

This post was originally published on June 24, 2021 and was updated on March 22, 2024.