Mammoth Lakes Elopement Guide

Mammoth Lakes is one of our favorite elopement locations, and that’s saying a lot coming from us, a Northern California elopement photographer and elopement videographer duo. We love it when we get to photograph elopements in Mammoth Lakes! There are so many awesome locations and breathtaking viewpoints to choose from. If you’re planning your elopement, check out this Mammoth Lakes elopement guide to help you out along the way. Plus, we’re also sharing a look at a recent real Mammoth Lakes elopement we captured. Have a peek!

1. Why Elope in Mammoth Lakes
2. Things to Consider When Planning Your Mammoth Lakes Elopement
   1. Timing for Your Elopement
   2. Locations for Your Mammoth Lakes Elopement
   3. Legal Elements of Your Elopement
   4. Accommodations in Mammoth Lakes
   5. Things to Do in Mammoth Lakes
3. Real Mammoth Lakes Elopement Photos
4. Booking Your Mammoth Lakes Elopement Photographer

Why Elope in Mammoth Lakes

Mammoth Lakes, California is the ultimate location for your epic elopement. Imagine this: jaw-dropping mountains, crystal-clear alpine lakes, and a whole lot of adventure in the mix. Whether you’re dreaming of saying “I do” on a mountaintop, by a serene lake, or on the porch of a cozy cabin, we’re here as your elopement photographer, videographer, and planner to bring your vision to life. Your elopement in Mammoth Lakes is sure to be an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind adventure that tells your unique love story.

Things to Consider When Planning An Elopement in Mammoth Lakes

Timing for Your Elopement

Mammoth Lakes experiences distinct seasons throughout the year, and each one offers a unique setting for your elopement. Here’s a breakdown to help you choose the best time of year for you.

Spring (March to May): Spring in Mammoth Lakes brings a sense of renewal as the snow begins to melt, revealing those lush meadows and blooming wildflowers. It’s a fantastic time for a colorful and vibrant elopement with milder weather, but you might still encounter some lingering snow at higher elevations. We think the snow-covered mountain tops make for especially amazing photos, though!

Summer (June to August): Summer is prime time in Mammoth Lakes. The weather is warm, and the mountain landscapes are alive with greenery. You can have your pick of outdoor activities, from hiking to paddleboarding on the lakes. Summer elopements are popular thanks to Mammoth Lakes’ natural beauty and outdoor adventure opportunities. However, summer is the most popular time for tourists to visit, so we may need to head out earlier in the morning or later in the evening to beat the crowds.

Fall (September to November): Fall is a photographer’s dream with vibrant foliage and crisp air. The changing colors of the aspens and willows create a breathtaking backdrop for your elopement. The crowds thin out in the fall, making it an ideal time for a more intimate celebration.

Winter (December to February): December to February in Mammoth Lakes is like a winter wonderland. The area transforms into a snowy paradise, perfect for a cozy and romantic elopement. You can exchange vows on snow-covered slopes, in a rustic cabin, or by a frozen lake. It’s magical but be prepared for colder temperatures.

It’s up to you! Choose the season that resonates most with your personality and vision for your special day. Spring and summer are great for outdoor enthusiasts and those who love vibrant landscapes, while fall offers a quieter and more colorful alternative. For those who cherish the magic of winter, a snowy wonderland elopement could be just what they’re looking for. Each season has its charm in Mammoth Lakes, and we’re here to help you plan your elopement in any of them.

Locations for Your Elopement

Mammoth Lakes offers a stunning array of locations for couples to choose from when planning your elopement ceremony and photos. Here’s an overview of some of our favorite options we’ve discovered over the years! 

Convict Lake (Inyo National Forest)

This is such a beautiful area with easy access for your guests. There is a parking area, bathrooms, and a hiking trail around the lake. Most couples choose to do their ceremony on the beach area overlooking the mountain backdrop. The sun sets behind the mountain, so this location is ideal later in the afternoon into sunset for photos. Bonus benefit: there is a little aspen grove on the other side of the lake that is absolutely beautiful in the Fall as well as very private. 

Best Time to Elope at Convict Lake: June-November
Permit info: No permit is required if you have fewer than 75 people.
Dogs:  Yes, they are allowed!
Trail: 2.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Trail Link: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/convict-lake-loop-trail

Minaret Vista (Inyo National Forest)

This is one of our favorite views in the Mammoth area for sunset. It overlooks vast mountain peaks. During the summer months, you can drive to the top where there is parking, but during the winter, you will need to hike. It’s a relatively easy hike and worth the views! During the summer months, they do have bathroom facilities as well.

Best Time to Elope at Minaret Vista: June-November
Permit info: No permit is required if you have fewer than 75 people.
Dogs:  Yes, they are allowed!
Trail (Winter months): 2.6 miles (Out and Back)
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail Link: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/minaret-vista-trail

June Lakes Area (Ansel Adams Wilderness)

This area is just outside Mammoth Lakes and is a beautiful loop drive that includes multiple lakes. One of our favorite lakes there is Silver Lake. There is parking and restrooms at the lake and no hiking is required to get to the beach for a ceremony.  There are many stops along this scenic route with plenty of photo opportunities. There are also many lodging options at June Lake! We think it would be great to pair a ceremony at Silver Lake with one of these great hikes in the area: Parker Lake Trail, Meadow to Rainbow Falls Overlook, or Gull Lake Loop.

Best Time to Elope in the June Lakes Area: June-November
Permit info: No permit is required if you have fewer than 75 people (Silver Lake, June Lake Beach).
Dogs: Yes, they are allowed!

McCloud Lake (Inyo National Forest)

This is an easy and short hike with stellar views all around! This lake also has some amazing mountain peaks in the backdrop. We especially love Twin Lakes Vista for a beautiful photo op! The Trailhead starts at Horseshoe Lake so you can really combine doing both of these locations pretty easily.

Best Time to Elope at McCloud Lake: June-November
Permit info: No permit is required if you have fewer than 75 people.
Dogs:  Yes, they are allowed
Trail (Mccloud Lake): 1.8 miles (Out and Back)
Difficulty: Easy
Trail Link: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/mcleod-lake-trail

Lake George (Inyo National Forest)

We love Lake George because you don’t have to go around the entire lake for the view! Both the parking and the ceremony location are close by, so this area is easily accessible for you and your guests. It’s known for its iconic Crystal Crag overlooking Mammoth.

Best Time to Elope at Lake George: June-November
Permit info: No permit is required if you have fewer than 75 people.
Dogs:  Yes, they are allowed!
Trail: 1.5 mile (loop)
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail Link: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/lake-george-trail

Hot Creek (Inyo National Forest)

Hot Creek makes for a beautiful elopement backdrop! There are three parking lots along this area that all have impeccable views. They’re all great options for us to pop out and capture great photos. There is also a little hike down by the hot river that has some beautiful mountain views, too.

Best Time to Elope at Hot Creek: June-November
Permit info: No permit is required if you have fewer than 75 people.
Dogs:  Yes, they are allowed!
Trail: 1.6 mile (out and back)
Difficulty: Easy
Trail Link: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/hot-creek-interpretive-trail

Hot Springs & Meadows (Mammoth Lakes)

There are many neat hot springs around the Mammoth Lake area.  Some of our favorites are Wild Willy’s, The Rock Tub, and Pulkey’s Pool (Hill Top). They are all in beautiful meadow areas with mountains in the backdrops.  Most of them have parking and flat areas that would be great for a meadow ceremony. I would recommend early sunrise or late sunset to avoid crowds. Some of the hot springs require small hiking, but there are also some that don’t require any! It’s your choice.

Best Time to Elope near the Hot Springs and Meadows: June-November
Permit info: No permit is required if you have fewer than 75 people.
Dogs:  Yes, they are allowed!

Legal Elements of Your Elopement

Marriage License

To get married in Mammoth Lakes, you must first obtain a marriage license from any county clerk’s office in California. The closest county clerk’s office to the park is located in Mono County. To get the marriage license, you need to bring valid identification for both parties, proof of age, and a witness if you are under 18.

Waiting Period: The license can be used the same day it is obtained, but it’s best to plan ahead to give yourself enough time if you are coming from out of state.

Cost: The cost of the license varies by county, but it typically is around $100.

Elopement Officiant

In California, you must have an officiant present at your elopement to sign your marriage license. There are several options for your elopement officiant, though! You can hire an elopement officiant who is up for whatever adventure you have planned or have a friend or family member perform your ceremony if you prefer.

Here at Mindful Media Photography, our mission is to make wedding days as relaxed and stress-free as possible so that you can focus on getting married! Book one of our all-inclusive elopement packages, and I’ll be your photographer and location scout and my husband will be your officiant (and musician, videographer, picnic basket carrier, and more).

Elopement Witness

Having a witness is a legal requirement in California. If you were planning on it being just the two of you, have no fear! We can be your elopement witness. Or, if you’re feeling spontaneous, you can even ask someone you meet on the trail!

Accommodations in Mammoth Lakes

Mammoth Lakes and its surroundings offer a huge range of accommodation options that are perfect for various preferences and budgets. The area features upscale resort lodges, cozy vacation rentals, such as cabins and condos, and a selection of hotels, ranging from boutique to well-known chains. You’re sure to have a comfortable stay, no matter what you’re looking for. 

For a personal touch, charming bed and breakfast establishments are available, often serving homemade breakfasts and fostering a sense of local hospitality. Adventurous couples can opt for camping in the numerous campgrounds. Lakeside lodging options provide serene and picturesque settings, with Convict Lake, June Lake, and Crawley Lake offering beautiful backdrops. 

Mammoth Lakes is known for its slopes and also features ski-in/ski-out accommodations for winter enthusiasts. 

Here are some of our favorites in Mammoth Lakes: 

• The Village Lodge – This is a great place to stay because you’ll be right in the heart of the shopping district area! 
• The Westin Monache Resort – We like this Marriott property because it has suites with kitchens and gondola access.
• Powderhaus Condo – Located in Canyon Lodge, this condo through Airbnb is a great option for your stay.

Additionally, nearby towns like June Lake and Bishop offer their own lodging choices, adding even more options to your list. You’re sure to find the ideal place to stay during your elopement!

Things to Do in Mammoth Lakes

Mammoth Lakes offers a wide array of activities and attractions for visitors year-round. In the summer, you can explore the extensive network of hiking and biking trails, go fishing in the pristine alpine lakes, or enjoy water sports like paddleboarding and kayaking. The region is also a paradise for rock climbers, with numerous climbing spots available. Here are some of our favorite summer activities:

• Via Ferrata Guided Climbing Adventure
• Kayak & Paddle Board in the Mammoth Lakes Basin
• Rock Climbing Wall, Zip Line, & More at The Adventure Center

In the winter, Mammoth Lakes transforms into a world-class ski destination, attracting snow sports enthusiasts from around the globe. Are you a beginner? Don’t worry, there are options for you too. You can hit the slopes for downhill skiing and snowboarding or opt for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Here are some of our favorite winter activities: 

• Snowmobile Adventures
• Tube Park
• Skiing & Snowboarding 

For those seeking a more relaxed experience, there are natural hot springs to soak in, and you can even take a scenic gondola ride to enjoy panoramic views. 

We love that Mammoth Lakes is also home to a vibrant dining scene, art galleries, and boutique shops, making it such a well-rounded destination for couples looking to combine their elopement with memorable activities and experiences.

A Look at Cole & Erin’s Real Mammoth Lakes Elopement 

We recently photographed Cole and Erin’s elopement in Mammoth Lakes and are excited to share a sneak peek of it! They chose to have a beautiful Minaret Vista ceremony with just their closest family members in attendance.

It was a dreamy fall day, with the leaves changing to lush fall hues. The wonderful yellow, orange, and green leaves made for gorgeous elopement photos. We loved capturing photos of the couple as the sun faded over the horizon! Have a look at some of our favorite photos from their elopement.

We are so happy we got to be a part of Cole and Erin’s special day! 

Book your elopement photographer!