How To Elope At Lake Tahoe
Did you know Lake Tahoe is North America's largest alpine lake? That's only one of the reasons that we love Lake Tahoe as an elopement destination. With shores lined with pines, towering peaks of granite, and clear blue water, there is nowhere quite like Lake Tahoe. Nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, on the border of California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe is unique because it's not a national park, so regulations and permits are fairly limited. Keep reading for our complete guide on How To Elope At Lake Tahoe.
Range Of Light Wed
We're Range Of Light Wed, your local Sierra Nevada's elopement planning dream team. We are a group of seasoned wedding professionals who want to support your elopement or small wedding dreams. 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. We can’t wait to help you elope at Lake Tahoe.
Should You Elope?
We understand that eloping is a huge decision, and if it’s been a struggle deciding between a bigger traditional wedding versus an elopement/small wedding, that’s ok! We’ve got a couple or resources that might help make that decision a little easier. Check out our 17 Real Life Pros and Cons Of Big Wedding vs Elopement guide. If you are over the "show" that traditional big weddings can be, tired of everyone else’s opinions on how YOUR day should look, or stunned by the insane cost of a big wedding, then eloping with Range Of Light Wed might be right for you.
We are all about an intentional elopement day that is all about you and your partner. We are here for those seeking a peaceful commitment day, and to experience the unique beauty of Lake Tahoe.
Your Guide To Eloping At Lake Tahoe
Why Should You Elope At Lake Tahoe?
We can almost guarantee you'll find something that speaks to you as a couple in Lake Tahoe! If you want to elope on a beach, you'll find stunning beaches around Lake Tahoe. Whether you want to relax in the sun on the morning or your elopement or hop in the water with a kayak as part of your celebration, we can absolutely include those things in your special day.
If you're looking for a beautiful mountain backdrop, you're in luck; you'll find some amazing mountain scenery here. Surrounding Lake Tahoe there are snow capped peaks, and hundreds of miles of hiking trails that offer gorgeous overlooks with stunning views.
Best Time To Elope At Lake Tahoe
Every single season in Lake Tahoe is unique and magical, and while it can be entirely unpredictable, we love that we experience all four seasons in Lake Tahoe.
Spring Lake Tahoe Elopement
Spring is a beautiful time of year in Lake Tahoe, but it's unpredictable! There are years when we've had a late spring that brings wildflowers, sunny days, and open hiking trails. Other years, believe it or not, ski season can last into June. If you want to avoid crowds for your big day, spring can be one of the best times to elope at Lake Tahoe.
Summer Lake Tahoe Elopement
If you want to hit hiking trails on your adventure elopement, summer is the best time to elope in Lake Tahoe. You'll love summer if you want to incorporate the beaches or be in the water on your elopement day. Keep in mind that snow can stick around In higher elevations until about mid-July. This is the most popular time to visit Lake Tahoe, so there will be crowds.
Range Of Light Wed Local Tip: It's important to be aware that summer in Lake Tahoe coincides with California's prime wildfire season. While we hope it doesn't happen, wildfires could potentially bring smoke and unsafe conditions to Lake Tahoe, especially in the late summer when everything is dry.
Fall Lake Tahoe Elopement
You know we love fall here at Range Of Light Wed. We believe fall is one of the best times for your Lake Tahoe elopement. Early in the season, most summer crowds are gone, and the weather is perfectly warm and sunny. The fall foliage will begin to pop in the mountains, and you can still enjoy the beaches in the sun. Typically, Lake Tahoe sees snow beginning in late October, but keep in mind that winter starts early in some years.
Winter Lake Tahoe Elopement
There is something to be said for the beauty of winter in California’s Sierra Nevadas. Lake Tahoe winters are often cold and snowy, which makes Lake Tahoe a popular skiing destination. If the thought of a winter wonderland elopement excites you, you can absolutely elope in the winter! However, you’ll need to be prepared with snow chains and be prepared for potential road closures or unexpected snow storms.
Best Place To Elope In Lake Tahoe
One of our favorite things about adventure elopements is helping our couples choose a spot that speaks to them. We’re talking about the place that takes your breath away. A place where you can be surrounded by beauty as you commit to spending the rest of your lives together. Here are a few of our favorite Lake Tahoe elopement locations:
First, we need to talk about North Lake Tahoe vs. South Lake Tahoe:
North vs. South Lake Tahoe
While both sides of the lake are absolutely gorgeous, there are some major differences between the two.
North Tahoe
If you’re looking for a more quiet and serene elopement destination, then we recommend North Tahoe. In North Tahoe, you’ll discover more mountainous landscapes and ski resorts. This is the place for you to elope if you’re looking for some snow during the winter months. Our couples who want something a bit more intimate and private tend to love North Tahoe.
South Tahoe
South Tahoe is known as vibrant and splashy—think the “Las Vegas of Lake Tahoe.” Couples looking for more nightlife, casinos, and luxurious resorts will love it. In the morning and afternoon, people walk trails or try out the local pubs. If you’re eloping during the summer months, keep in mind that this is also a popular area for festivals. Our couples looking for many things to do and beautiful scenery tend to want South Tahoe.
Our Favorite Lake Tahoe Elopement Locations
Logan Shoals
We love the Logan Shoals Vista because it’s a short quarter-mile trail with a stunning payoff. You’ll find Logan Shoals in South Tahoe. This easily accessible trail ends on a beautiful lake view, surrounded by pine trees and mountains in the distance.
Range Of Light Wed Tip: When you reach the end, you can descend a little rock scramble to walk lakeside.
Emerald Bay
Emerald Bay is one of our favorite places to elope at Lake Tahoe. It's home to numerous hikes with picturesque overlooks. From beautiful forests to majestic waterfalls and the mountains to the lake, you're sure to find a location that you love at Emerald Bay.
An Emerald Bay elopement does require a permit that costs around $450. You'll need to apply for the permit a minimum of 30 days in advance. Additionally, event insurance is also required. You'll be allowed up to 25 guests, and dogs are not permitted in the park at any time. So those wanting to elope with their pups in tow need to consider a different location. You can find more information here.
Sand Harbor
Sand Harbor is a beautiful place to elope at Lake Tahoe. With its sandy beach and crystal clear lake water, it’s a remarkable spot to commit yourselves to each other. Sand Harbor is ideal for couples looking for a serene commitment celebration.
Sand Harbor elopements require a permit that costs around $400 and can be reserved for the year starting on the first of the year.
Baldwin Beach
If you want to elope lakeside, Baldwin Beach is a large, spacious area with amazing Mount Tallac views. The water here is generally warm, making it great for swimming or relaxing on the beach. We love the idea of renting a kayak to paddle around Emerald Bay as part of your elopement day.
Zephyr Cove
Zephyr Cove is another gorgeous lakeside Lake Tahoe elopement destination. With beautiful beaches, a stunning mountain backdrop, and crystal blue waters, you’ll love everything about Zephyr Cove. This is also a great winter elopement location.
Range Of Light Wed Lake Tahoe Elopement Package
Our Eastern Sierra Elopement Package includes Mammoth Lakes, June Lakes, and Inyo National Forest, among other amazing locations. What’s included?
On-site hair and makeup
Personal florals for 2 people
Officiant
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
Wedding Permits For Eloping At Lake Tahoe
Your first step after choosing your Lake Tahoe elopement location is to get your wedding permits. We know that wedding permits at Lake Tahoe can be confusing. The area is made up of different state parks and recreation areas, all operated by different offices. The rules vary depending on where you want to elope, and some places may require a permit while others don’t.
Things To Do For Your Lake Tahoe Elopement
Lake Tahoe is perfect for adventure elopement couples with countless outdoor activities to choose from! When planning your elopement, think about what would make this day truly incredible for you as a couple. Whether it’s something you like to do together or something new you’ve always wanted to try, for us - eloping is all about the experience! Here are a few things you can do for your Lake Tahoe elopement.
Hike
One of the best things to do on your elopement day is to hike around the mountains surrounding Lake Tahoe. Whether you're hiking to your elopement destination or want to hit the trails in the morning before you get hitched, we're here for it! You'll find everything from short trails to scenic overlooks to longer treks, so there's a perfect hike for you.
Kayak or Paddle Board The Lake
One of the great things about eloping at Lake Tahoe is that there are tons of water activities to incorporate into your elopement day. Whether you want to hang out on the beach, kayak, paddleboard, or even take a boat tour, there is a water activity for you at Lake Tahoe.
Ski or Snowboard In Winter
During the winter months, Lake Tahoe is transformed into a winter wonderland. It’s one of the best destinations in the country for skiing and snowboarding. How perfect would it be to hit the slopes before eloping in winter to enjoy the snow truly!
Getting Your Marriage License For Your Lake Tahoe Elopement
Lake Tahoe is located right on the border of California and Nevada, so marriage laws differ slightly depending on your elopement location. Once you choose where you’re eloping at Lake Tahoe, make sure your marriage license is from the correct state.
You'll need to get the marriage license from the state where you’re getting married. If you live in California or Nevada, you can choose an office close to you. However, if you’re traveling to Lake Tahoe, the most convenient office will be:
If you're eloping in California - El Dorado County
If you're eloping in Nevada - Douglas County
You’ll need to go to the county clerk’s office in person for both states to get your marriage license. You’ll need both photo IDs and money for the license fee:
Marriage license fees are around $80 in El Dorado County
Marriage license fees are about $85 in Douglas County
In California and Nevada, you’ll get your marriage license the same day, and it's good for 90 days.
Lake Tahoe Elopement Officiant and Witnesses
California Officiant & Witness Regulations:
The state of California requires an officiant to sign your marriage license. This is completely up to you. However, you can have a friend or family member perform your ceremony. Or Alyssa, our resident officiant, will be happy to perform your ceremony.
California also requires one witness, who must be over 18 years of age. One of us would love to be a witness on your elopement day!
Nevada Officiant & Witness Regulations:
Similar to California, Nevada requires that you have an officiant sign your marriage license. And Nevada requires one witness for your elopement. We’ve got you covered with both!
Where To Stay For Your Lake Tahoe Elopement
Whether you want to camp under the stars, glamp in luxury, or stay in a fantastic resort, there are plenty of incredible places to stay around Lake Tahoe. It's not hard to find the perfect place to come back to after a day of adventuring, but your accomodations are totally up to you!
Camping In Lake Tahoe
Lake Forest Campground - Open May - Aug, First Come - First Served
Tahoe State Recreation Area Campground - Late May - Early Sept
Eagle’s Nest and Badger’s Den Campground - Not Pet Friendly
Fallen Leaf Campground - Mid May - Mid Oct
Zephyr Cove Resort - Year Round
Glamping Near Lake Tahoe
Airbnbs in Lake Tahoe
Resorts in Lake Tahoe
Zephyr Cove Resort (also listed under camping)
Getting To Lake Tahoe
There are a few small airports in close proximity to Lake Tahoe, but the most convenient one for your elopement adventure is the Reno-Tahoe International Airport. This major airport is well-connected and offers frequent flights from all over the United States. Once you land, it’s just a short drive of one to two hours (depending on your elopement location) to reach the breathtaking beauty of Lake Tahoe.
Another option is to fly into Sacramento International Airport, located west of Lake Tahoe. This airport is perfect for couples eloping on the western side of Lake Tahoe or in South Lake Tahoe.
Alternates For Lake Tahoe Elopements
If Lake Tahoe doesn't sound like your perfect elopement destination, we’ve got some others in mind!
Mammoth Lakes - If you’re looking for another Sierra Nevada Mountain elopement destination, we love Mammoth Lakes! Located south of Lake Tahoe, Mammoth Lakes offers mountain views and natural hot springs that are perfect for a relaxing elopement day.
Yosemite National Park - Arguably one of the most iconic elopement locations in California is Yosemite National Park. The beauty and adventure of Yosemite is pure magic, making it a perfect complement to the adventure and beauty you two share. Dramatic cliffs, towering waterfalls, and meadows filled with wildlife are just a few of the things that make Yosemite the perfect place to elope.
Still not sure? Check out our guide to The Best Elopement Destinations In The Sierra Nevadas.
Leave No Trace At Lake Tahoe
Our favorite places are often the most impacted by the presence of humans. If you’re familiar with this area in California, the growing popularity shows in terms of the amount of waste left behind. We love that people are getting outside and enjoying the Eastern Sierras, but it’s more important than ever to follow Leave No Trace (LNT) guidelines and protect these unique places.
Range Of Light Wed always follows Leave No Trace, but here are a few guidelines to keep in mind:
If you pack it in, pack it out.
Dispose of waste in proper receptacles.
Obey signs telling you to stay on the trail.
Don’t disturb local flora and fauna.
Be aware of what flowers you bring into the area (e.g., baby’s breath is an invasive species—our Susan always considers this when planning your elopement florals).
Are You Ready To Elope At Lake Tahoe?
Our Lake Tahoe Elopement Package Includes:
On-site hair and makeup
Personal florals for 2 people
Officiant
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 you plan your perfect Lake Tahoe elopement! We are ready to curate your perfect elopement day at stunning Lake Tahoe.