Having photographed countless Lake Tahoe weddings and elopements, we can confidently say that a Lake Tahoe boat wedding is one of the most unique and memorable experiences you can have! As a husband and wife photographer/videographer team, we’ve learned the ins and outs of planning them. Keep reading for our top tips and tricks for making your Lake Tahoe boat wedding unforgettable!
Lake Tahoe boat weddings are a summertime activity! Summer in Lake Tahoe is truly magical. The warm weather and clear waters make it perfect for a boat wedding. You’ll love the long sunny days and beautiful mountain views. Plus, the sunsets are breathtaking, adding a romantic touch to your special day.
Summertime brings a lot of other activities to Lake Tahoe! You and any guests you have will enjoy things like:
There’s something for everyone to enjoy! Lake Tahoe in the summer is truly one of our favorite places in the world.
Since Lake Tahoe is in both California and Nevada, you’ll need to follow the marriage rules of the state where you’ll be eloping. For a more detailed overview, check out our Lake Tahoe Elopement Guide, but here’s a quick summary.
In California, El Dorado County is the closest office to Lake Tahoe. You can apply online, but you’ll need to go in person to pick up your marriage license. Bring a photo ID and $85 cash for the license fee. There’s no waiting period, so you can marry on the same day, but the license expires after 90 days.
For a Lake Tahoe elopement in Nevada, head to Douglas County for your marriage license. They issue licenses by mail, so no need to visit in person! Just fill out the application online, mail it with copies of your photo IDs, and a $34 check. Nevada allows immediate marriage after receiving the license, which is valid for a year.
Just like your marriage license, make sure to follow the officiant rules of the state where you’ll be tying the knot.
In California, your marriage license needs an officiant’s signature, but don’t worry, you’ve got options! You can have a friend or family member officiate if they get ordained on ULC.org. Or, Lee can be your officiant! You only need one witness, so I can happily double up as your witness too. If not, any of your vendors or even someone at your elopement location can sign.
Just like in California, Nevada requires an officiant to sign your marriage license and also needs one witness for your elopement.
If all of this feels overwhelming, don’t worry! Our all-inclusive elopement packages cover all the planning, so you can relax and enjoy your special day without any stress about logistics!
First things first, you’ll need to decide where you want to have your ceremony. Most of the couples we work with opt for an Airbnb elopement, followed by a celebratory boat ride after saying “I do!”
Below are some ideas for beautiful locations and reliable boat rental companies to get you started!
Here are some of our favorite Lake Tahoe Airbnb elopement locations:
And here are a few Lake Tahoe boat rental companies we’d recommend:
Earlier this month we had the honor of capturing Lisa and Andrew’s beautiful Tahoe boat wedding! They stayed at a charming Airbnb located at 440 Pittman Terrace, Glenbrook, NV, 89413. It made for the perfect getting ready and celebration spot!
Here was their wedding timeline for inspiration:
We’re Angie and Lee! We specialize in wedding photography, videography, and all-inclusive elopement packages that cover everything from officiating your ceremony to planning your perfect day. Whether you’re dreaming of a Lake Tahoe boat wedding or a beautiful celebration on land, we’d love to be a part of it. Reach out to us to learn more today!
If you're thinking about eloping or getting married in NorCal, our blog is an excellent resource for inspiration. We've got sneak peeks of recent weddings, tips for eloping in Northern California, and more. Let The Adventure Begin is the perfect place to start planning.
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