Lake Tahoe Elopement Guide: How to Elope in Lake Tahoe
Everything You Need to Know to Elope in Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is truly one of the most stunning places on earth to get married. If you’re an outdoorsy, adventure loving couple, it might just be your perfect elopement destination. Now, I’m a little biased (I got married in Tahoe in 2013!), but this place really is magical, with dramatic mountain scenery, crystal-clear water, and a little bit of everything: hiking, skiing, and water sports. Whether you want to exchange vows in a snowy meadow in the winter or on a rocky shoreline in the summer, this guide covers everything you need to know to plan your Lake Tahoe elopement, from the best locations to places to stay and tips for planning!
Where is Lake Tahoe?
Lake Tahoe is high up in the Sierra Nevada mountains, straddling the border of California and Nevada. It’s about two hours northeast of Sacramento and about 45 minutes south of Reno. The most convenient airports if you’re flying in are Reno-Tahoe International Airport, or Sacramento International Airport. Keep in mind that Lake Tahoe is big, so it might also depend on the specific elopement location you choose!
The lake itself is huge – 22 miles long, 12 miles wide, and with about 72 miles of shoreline. About 90% of the Tahoe Basin is public land, so there’s a ton of nature to explore! Lake Tahoe is about 4 hours north of Yosemite National Park, and 7 hours south of the Redwoods, making it a great central stop if you’re planning a California road trip for your elopement.
Best Time for a Lake Tahoe Elopement
One of the best things about a Lake Tahoe elopement is that it’s genuinely beautiful year round! The area averages close to 300 sunny days per year, so even in the winter, you’re likely to see some blue skies. But, each season has its own unique character, so the right time to elope depends on the kind of experience you’re looking for.
Summer is the most popular time for elopements, because the temperatures are warm (80s and 90s), you can see the turquoise blue of the lake, and the outdoor activities are plentiful. Evenings can get chilly, and a lot of the trails (like the one in this engagement session) have trees for shade. It’s a popular time for visitors, so consider a weekday elopement for a little more privacy!
In my opinion, fall is the best time to elope in Lake Tahoe! September especially hits a sweet spot. It’s warm enough for hiking and lake activities, but the summer crowds have died down quite a bit. The aspen and cottonwood trees start turning golden as October arrives, and the whole basin takes on a quieter energy. As it gets later into fall, weather can be a little less predictable, and snow storms are possible, so just keep an eye on the weather!
Winter is a unique experience. Daily highs hover in the high 40s, and lows can get below 20° F! Snow is usually around all winter, which is why Tahoe is such a popular ski destination for people from all over the world. A snowy elopement requires a little extra planning and a lot of extra layers, but if you want to hit the slopes, go snowtubing, or just enjoy the winter wonderland, it can be an amazing experience.
Spring in the Tahoe Basin can be deceiving. Snowstorms are common through March and April, even while the rest of the country is warming up. The upside? “Bluebird days” with fresh snow and blue skies mean fewer people around, but amazing skiing and snowboarding!
Lake Tahoe Elopement Locations
With 72 miles of shoreline and hundreds of thousands of acres of public land, you have plenty of options! Here are some of the best Lake Tahoe elopement locations!
Hope Valley
About 20 miles south of South Lake Tahoe, Hope Valley is one of the best elopement locations in the area. The wide-open meadows and snow capped peaks make this spot stunning in every season.
Kings Beach
On the other side of the lake is Kings Beach, one of the best Lake Tahoe elopement locations if you want a sandy shoreline and gorgeous mountain backdrops. It’s also a good spot for eloping with guests, as there’s plenty of room!
Sand Harbor
Located on the Nevada side of the lake, Sand Harbor offers some really incredible views of the crystal-clear water. It has some of the best shoreline views!
Lake Tahoe Hikes
If you love hiking, there are some really amazing hikes around Lake Tahoe, whether you want to hike to your ceremony spot or save it for a little adventure after you tie the knot. The Tahoe Rim Trail (TRT) spans 165 miles around the Lake Tahoe Basin, but it’s made up of smaller trails throughout the area. No matter what your comfort level with hiking there’s a trail for you! For a moderate alpine hike, there’s Big Meadow to Round Lake. If you’d like something with a more expansive view, hike the moderate Spooner Summit to Snow Valley Peak Trail. For views that are just as gorgeous but a hike that’s on the easier side, visit the Mccloud Waterfalls Trail.
How to Get a Lake Tahoe Marriage License
One thing to be aware of is that Lake Tahoe straddles two states, so you need to get your marriage license in the state where your ceremony will be!
You can get your marriage license anywhere in the state you get married in, but the closest county clerk’s offices in California are El Dorado County (for South Lake Tahoe) or Placer County (for the north shore). In Nevada, it’ll be Douglas County in the south, and Incline Village in the north.
Both states require you to show your IDs, and have no waiting period. Nevada licenses are valid for up to a year, while California licenses expire after 90 days.
You’ll need an officiant to sign – I highly recommend inquiring with Megs Gurley or Cindie Wilding, two of the most talented officiants in the area!
Things to Do When You Elope in Lake Tahoe
Your elopement day isn’t just about the ceremony! Tahoe has an incredible range of experiences to make your day unique.
Year round, you can go hiking or see the mountains from above by helicopter!
In the spring, you can catch the annual event, Tahoe South Spring Loaded, for four weeks of fun events like Boarding for Breast Cancer and the Pond Skimming World Championship.
Summer is full of water activities like renting a jet ski, parasailing over Zephyr Cove, or snorkeling an underwater trail at Emerald Bay State Park.
Around October, you can spot aspen and cottonwood trees bursting with gorgeous fall colors. There are also fun events like the annual Lake Tahoe Autumn Food & Wine Festival!
Winter is of course ideal for skiing or snowboarding at Sierra or Northstar, but you can also go Disco Tubing at Squaw Valley, attend the Alpenglow Mountain Festival, or visit Heavenly Village for “Heavenly Holidays”. A month full of holiday events!
Tips for Your Elopement
- Wear sunscreen – year round! The high elevation, reflective snow, and white sand beaches mean UV exposure is higher than you might expect.
- Bring layers – temperatures can swing pretty dramatically, and mornings and evenings are almost always chilly.
- Leave extra time for travel – driving in the mountains, along with tourist crowds and snowstorms, can take longer than expected. Always build in some extra time to avoid stress!
- Elope on a weekday – weekends are always more busy, so a weekday elopement is the best way to avoid some of the crowds. For even more privacy, a sunrise elopement is the way to go!
Lake Tahoe Elopement Packages
As an elopement photographer, I bring more than just the camera. I help you choose a location that fits your vision, help you navigate permit requirements, build a timeline, and recommend vendors I trust. On your elopement day, I’m there to capture the big moments and the quiet ones in between.
I know Tahoe super well, and love helping couples experience it in a way that feels most like them! If you’re dreaming of a Lake Tahoe elopement, reach out and let’s start planning!
Ready to Elope in Lake Tahoe?
I’m here to help you create and document your unforgettable day
Hi, I’m Your Lake Tahoe Elopement Photographer!
I believe that the connections we build with those in our lives is what makes life worthwhile. I am truly a people person. I thrive being around others, and being part of a couples’ wedding day feeds my soul! My couples aren’t just my clients, they are my friends and we are building a friendship through your whole wedding journey.
As an elopement photographer, avid traveler, and outdoor enthusiast, I’ve visited tons of great places for elopement ceremonies. I’m excited to share them with you in this post!
