How To Elope At Alabama Hills
Nestled in the rugged beauty of the Eastern Sierra, lies Alabama Hills California, a breathtakingly beautiful elopement destination that has become a magnet for couples seeking an intimate and adventurous day. With its awe-inspiring vistas of Mount Whitney, unique rock formations, and the iconic Movie Road that has been in countless films, Alabama Hills offers a magical backdrop for saying your “I do’s.” If this sounds like the perfect destination for you as a couple, keep reading our Alabama Hills elopement guide for everything you need to know.
Range Of Light Wed
We're Range Of Light Wed, your elopement planning dream team. We are a group of seasoned local wedding professionals who want to support your elopement or small wedding journey. Our biggest goal is to give you a meaningful experience that feels just how you want it to.
We delight in sharing our home, the Sierra Nevadas, with couples ready to start their lives with big adventures or quiet moments. For us, it’s not just about your elopement itself, instead it’s about the experience of connecting with nature and each other in a deeply personal way. Whether it’s the allure of Alabama Hills camping under the stars, or the adventure that comes with exploring Lone Pine, we believe this elopement destination promises a truly unforgettable day or multi-day adventure.
Our Elopement Philosophy
Range Of Light Wed is perfect for those seeking a peaceful, intentional, commitment day experience among the magnificence of the Sierra Nevadas, nicknamed the Range of Light.
We've created a full-service elopement and small wedding service that takes all the stress out of your big day.
Our elopement packages include full-service elopement planning to include timeline planning and location scouting, hair, makeup, photography, florals, rentals, officiant, cake, and a gourmet reception meal in the California Sierra Nevadas. We also provide chair and table rentals and set-up for your ceremony and reception area. We are here to help you every step of the way.
Now, let's get into our Alabama Hills elopement guide.
Alabama Hills Elopement Guide
Why Should You Elope At Alabama Hills?
It’s beautiful. The landscape of Alabama Hills offers great views, flowers in the springtime, beautiful rock formations, gorgeous big skies, and so much more. It’s also so unique that your wedding photos will be the envy of everyone who sees them. It’s also an easy driving distance for you SoCal brides!
Whether you’ve got a small group, or it’s just the two of you, Alabama Hills is the perfect spot for an adventure elopement.
Best Time To Elope At Alabama Hills
The weather at Alabama Hills is unique due to its high desert location. This area sits at about 5,000 ft above sea level, and is nestled in the eastern foothills of the Sierra Nevada. This makes the climate here quite dynamic.
Choosing the right season for your elopement impacts your experience, and we want you to choose the best season for you. We believe eloping at Alabama Hills during the shoulder season is most ideal.
Alabama Hills Elopement In Spring & Fall
In our opinion both spring and fall elopements at Alabama Hills are ideal. These seasons offer the best weather conditions, mild temperatures during the day and the perfect chill at nights. Keep in mind that the fantastic temperatures tend to attract more visitors. We recommend eloping on a week day or an early morning/sunrise ceremony if you want to avoid the crowds.
Alabama Hills Elopement In Summer
Summer in Alabama Hills can be intensely hot (we mean really hot), with temperatures hovering between 80-100ºF. If you’re willing to wake up early, the breathtaking sunrise provides an intimate setting and a respite from the heat. Keep in mind that if you are eloping in the summer you should dress accordingly, because it’s easy to overheat.
Alabama Hills Elopement In Winter
We love winter elopements, and in Alabama Hills, winter presents a stark beauty with fewer visitors. If you’re looking for solitude and don’t mind the cold or snow (although it’s rare) then a winter elopement is perfect for you. Visiting in the winter gives you the best bet for privacy and camping access.
As with many locations in the Sierra Nevadas, each season in Alabama Hills carries its own charms and challenges. With a bit of planning (Hi, we’ll be by your side the entire time), your elopement can be an amazing experience. Remember, whether you’re wanting the crisp air of a spring morning sunrise or a serene winter dusk, these moments define the adventurous spirit of an elopement in the magnificent Alabama Hills landscape.
Sunset or Sunrise Elopement in Alabama Hills?
Sunrise & Sunset is the best time for taking photos in Alabama Hills - you can even have both!
Sunrise and sunset are both absolutely stunning in Alabama Hills! The mountains opposite of Mount Whitney take their turn to become a beautiful bright dusty red, and the cotton candy pink that lingers in the sky once the sun has set feels truly surreal.
Range Of Light Wed Alabama Hills Elopement Package
Eastern Sierras Elopement Package
ALABAMA HILLS, MAMMOTH LAKES, JUNE LAKES, BRIDGEPORT, BISHOP, LAKE TAHOE, INYO NATIONAL FOREST
On-site hair and makeup
Personal florals for 2 people
Complimentary Champagne
Elegant Picnic Lunch
A gluten-free, organic, non-gmo cake
A table for 2 where local laws allow
A ceremony arch or ground florals
Seating for 15 people where permitted
Collaborative Timeline Planning
Location Suggestions
6 Hours of Photography Coverage (with option to extend)
Full Resolution files with printing rights.
Online gallery for printing and sharing.
NO TRAVEL FEES
Permits & Legal Requirements For Your Alabama Hill Elopement
While Alabama Hills isn’t a National Park like many others on our top spots list, it is part of BLM (Bureau of Land Management) land. It’s common to ask anyone planning a wedding or elopement there to obtain a Special Recreation Permit.
The Alabama Hills Recreation Area is Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land, which means it’s a form of public lands that are less structured than others (like National Parks or Forests). The responsibility is heavily placed upon those who go there to take care and be careful. Range Of Light always practices Leave No Trace ethics.
Alabama Hills is designated as a Special Recreation Area, which means more resources for land management will be getting directed to this special place.
You may be wondering how you get the permit? We’ve got you covered…
First - Contact The Local BLM Office
Initially, you’ll reach out to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Bishop Field Office, which manages Alabama Hills. You can contact them at 760-872-5000 or via email at BLM_CA_Web_BI@blm.gov.
Request a Special Use Permit application specifically tailored for weddings or elopements. This application will require details such as the exact location within Alabama Hills, your preferred date, and the number of guests. They may ask other specifics for your event so we highly recommend reaching out once after your timeline is built and you know all of these details.
During peak seasons it’s essential to plan ahead as the BLM office may need several weeks, or even months, to process your request. Once you submit your application and the associated fee, which varies based on the size of your group and the specifics of your event, all you need to do is wait for approval.
Once you receive your permit make sure to keep it on hand during your elopement, as you might need to present it to BLM personnel on site.
Second - Understand Leave No Trace Principles
Embracing the Leave No Trace principles is paramount when eloping in such a pristine natural environment (we always practice these principles). These guidelines help preserve the stunning nature of Alabama Hills for future visitors and are especially critical given the area’s popularity.
Key principles include planning ahead, traveling and camping on durable surfaces, and minimizing campfire impacts.
Always stick to established trails and camping spots, pack out all your trash (including toilet paper), and use porta potties or pack out human waste. If you bring a pet, keep them leashed and clean up after them. These simple actions help protect the delicate desert ecosystem and ensure Alabama Hills remains a stunning backdrop for elopements for years to come.
Finding The Perfect Elopement Spot In Alabama Hills
Alabama Hills offers an array of stunning locations for your ceremony. In this beautiful place you can truly play it by ear and choose a spot on-site that captures your hearts. Just imagine exchanging vows amidst unique boulder fields, or against dramatic mountain backdrops, or under a majestic granite arch.
Each location within Alabama Hills provides a breathtaking setting that feels like it’s straight out of a movie, and quite literally, given the area’s rich cinematic history, it probably is!
Privacy is typically important to couple’s eloping here, so we recommend a location not in one of the popular areas. Then venturing to the popular areas for sunrise or sunset portraits.
We offer timeline planning and location planning services with each of our elopement packages.
Tips for Your Alabama Hills Elopement
Things To Do At Alabama Hills
Alabama Hills is known for its iconic views, but what is there to do outside of admiring Mount Whitney and the stunning rock formations?
Here are some of our top recommendations:
Off Roading - Check Out The Views On Movie Road
Hike Mobius Arch - .6 Miles
Camping
Star gazing
Rock Climbing, this is probably what this area is known for most when it comes to adventures!
Summit Mount Whitney - 21.2 Miles Of Difficult Trail
Packing Essential Supplies For Your Alabama Hills Elopement
Packing for the elopement also includes preparing for all weather conditions. The weather here can change quickly, so including layers and waterproof gear is a good idea. Ensure you’ve got a comfortable backpack, we recommend testing it out before the trip. Pack essentials like a good pair of hiking boots, sunglasses, snacks, and a first aid kit. Special elopement touches should include your rings, vow books (we can provide those thanks to Sweet Little Lilacs). We will take care of the rest!
When we plan your elopement adventure in the Alabama Hills, we will need to ensure that you have enough water. It’s critical. We recommend following this rule of thumb: 1 gallon per person, per day in Alabama Hills. It’s incredibly easy to get dehydrated in the desert, so make sure to stay on top of your water intake!
Getting To Alabama Hills
Despite its remote location, Alabama Hills is a popular destination. Most places this far from major towns are less popular just because of how long it takes to get there. However, Alabama Hills is special and appeals to so many people. So, what’s the best way to get here?
By Air
You have a few options for flights if Alabama Hills is a destination elopement.
Los Angeles International Airport: 4 hour drive from Alabama Hills, and the easiest way to get here.
Harry Reid International Airport, Las Vegas: 4-hour drive from Alabama Hills. This airport gives you the option to drive through Death Valley or around it. Make sure to check for road closures, especially in the late summer and during the winter months.
Mammoth Yosemite Airport: 1.5 hours drive from Alabama Hills. The shortest drive on this list is from an airport, but limited flights due to it being a small airport. These flights are also typically more expensive.
By Car
If you’re driving to Alabama Hills, there are a few things to consider.
The safest drive is from Southern California where roads don’t typically close. While Alabama Hills can be accessed with a regular vehicle, having a high clearance or a 4-wheel drive can be fun. It also allows you to get to the less accessible spots.
If you’re driving from Northern California, check for road closures. Highways like 120, 108, and 88 close during the winter months. And highways 50, 89, and 395 can close if storms are bad enough. Your best bet is to always check road conditions before heading out. But don’t worry, you’ll get here!
Where To Stay For Your Alabama Hills Elopement
Camping In Alabama Hills
The best place to camp when you visit the Alabama Hills is at campgrounds, all within a few miles of Movie Road. This includes the BLM Tuttle Creek Campground, the Inyo National Forest Lone Pine Campground, and the Inyo County Portuguese Joe Campground. All of these campgrounds offer bathrooms, picnic tables, and big sites that are perfect for RVs and travel trailers. Since Alabama Hills is BLM land, dispersed camping is a lot directly on site! Keep in mind that there are no amenities (ie water, power), and you must obtain a free permit. Our favorite way to camp is right on site. (At time of writing, permits are said to be coming soon, but may not be required yet).
Hotels In Alabama Hills
The town outside of Alabama Hills, Lone Pine, is quite small and fairly remote. You can also stay around 45 minutes north of Alabama Hills in Bishop, CA. There are a lot more hotels and Airbnbs in the area.
Best Western Frontier Motel - Lone Pine
Quality Inn - Lone Pine
Wayfinder Bishop - Bishop
Top Things To Do Near Alabama Hills
Maybe you want to spend half your day in Alabama Hills and the other half nearby. Or maybe you want to plan your honeymoon on the same trip as your elopement, and we LOVE that idea!
Here are the nearby things we recommend checking out in the area:
Natural Hot Springs like Crab Cooker
Hike in Inyo National Forest
Visit Yosemite National Park
Alabama Hills Not For You? Check These Out…
Joshua Tree National Park Elopement for the mecca of big rocks in unique Southern California.
Death Valley National Park Elopement for amazing rock formations and gorgeous colors everywhere you look.
The Top 8 Places To Elope In The Sierra Nevadas
Range Of Light Wed Alabama Hills Elopement Package
On-site hair and makeup
Personal florals for 2 people
Complimentary Champagne
Elegant Picnic Lunch
A gluten-free, organic, non-gmo cake
A table for 2 where local laws allow
A ceremony arch or ground florals
Seating for 15 people where permitted
Collaborative Timeline Planning
Location Suggestions
6 Hours of Photography Coverage (with option to extend)
Full Resolution files with printing rights.
Online gallery for printing and sharing.
NO TRAVEL FEES
We would love to help with your Alabama Hills Elopement. Let’s chat about what you are looking for and let us take the stress out of eloping!