How To Have The Perfect Elopement At Mammoth Lakes
Mammoth Lakes is one of our favorite elopement locations, and that’s saying a lot coming from us, Northern Californians, who offer an elopement service. Mammoth Lakes is a charming town in the mountains, and it’s one of our absolute favorite places for an elopement! The area has a little bit of everything, whether you want to relax lakeside, grab a beer at a local craft brewery, or go hiking or paddle-boarding. Even just driving through this place is awe-inspiring, and we would love to help you elope in one of our favorite places! Let’s talk about how to have the perfect elopement at Mammoth Lakes.
Range Of Light Wed
Hi! We're Range Of Light Wed, your Mammoth Lakes 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.
We love Mammoth Lakes because it’s an excellent destination for couples seeking an intimate, romantic elopement/wedding experience. The Mammoth Lakes area is just north of Death Valley and is one of the most diverse and unique spots.
Why Should You Elope At Mammoth Lakes?
Mammoth Lakes is the ultimate location for your epic elopement. Imagine crystal-clear alpine lakes, jaw-dropping mountains, and a whole lot of adventure waiting for couples like you! The landscape around Mammoth Lakes is wonderfully wild and stunningly beautiful. There are hot springs, volcanic calderas, and sparkling alpine lakes. In addition, Mammoth Lakes offers some of the most accessible alpine locations in the United States.
Whether your dream is to exchange vows by a serene lake, atop a mountain, or in a cozy cabin, your dedicated elopement planning team at Range Of Light Wed are here to transform your vision into reality. Your elopement in Mammoth Lakes promises to be an indelible, one-of-a-kind adventure, as unique as your love story.
Range Of Light Wed Pro Tip:
One of our favorites is having a soak in a hot spring to kick off your wedding day or end the night with something slow and steamy, pun totally intended. For couples who don't want to hike for their elopement, you can drive to some of the best sites, and there's no need to get your dress dirty on a hike.
The Best Time Of Year To Elope At Mammoth Lakes
Mammoth Lakes experiences distinct seasons throughout the year, and each one offers a unique setting for your elopement.
Spring (March to May)
Spring in Mammoth Lakes brings renewal as the snow begins to melt, revealing lush meadows filled with dazzling wildflowers. This is a fantastic time to elope if you are looking for vibrant colors and milder weather. Keep in mind that there still may be a bit of snow lingering in higher elevations. We think the snow-covered mountain tops make for especially epic photos!
Summer (June to August)
Summer is the prime time for elopements and micro weddings in Mammoth Lakes. With the warm weather, the mountain landscapes come alive with greenery. You’ll have your pick of outdoor activities, from hiking in the mountains to paddleboarding on the lakes. Summer elopements are popular with adventurous couples thanks to Mammoth Lakes’ natural beauty and outdoor opportunities. However, during the summer, tourists flock to Mammoth Lakes. This means we may need to head out earlier in the morning or later in the evening to escape the crowds and get you some privacy. There is also a slightly elevated fire risk during the summer months.
Fall (September to November)
Fall is our photographer’s dream, with vibrant foliage and refreshing crisp air. The changing colors of the aspens and willows create a breathtaking backdrop for your Mammoth Lakes elopement. The crowds thin out in the fall, making it an ideal time for a more intimate celebration. While temps are cool and storm potential is higher, Mammoth Lakes is the perfect spot for getting fall color, especially in late September and October.
Winter (December to February)
December to February in Mammoth Lakes is a winter wonderland. The entire area is transformed into a snowy paradise, perfect for a cozy and romantic elopement. It’s magical but be prepared for colder temperatures. Get toasty by the fireplace or dip into the hot springs as part of your elopement day! Keep in mind the remote nature of this location, potential road closures, and chain requirements when snow storms hit.
We want you to choose the season that resonates most with your personality as a couple and the vision you have for your special day. Spring and summer are great for adventure elopements and those who love vibrant landscapes, while fall turns Mammoth Lakes into a quieter and more colorful elopement destination. For those who love the magic of winter, a snowy winter wonderland elopement could be just what you’re looking for. Each season offers its charm in Mammoth Lakes, and we’re here to help you plan your elopement in any of them.
Mammoth Lakes Elopement Locations
Convict Lake (Inyo National Forest)
Convict Lake 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 overlooking the beautiful mountain backdrop.
As the sun rises this location becomes ideal for a sunrise elopement. If sunrise isn't for you we can wait to have your ceremony during blue hour when the sun dips below the mountains.A small aspen grove on the other side of the lake is private and absolutely stunning in the Fall. We recommend elopements at Convict Lake from June through November, and no permits are required if you have fewer than 75 people in attendance. For those wanting to include their pups in their elopement, great news—Convict Lake is dog-friendly!
Hot Creek (Inyo National Forest)
Hot Creek makes for a beautiful elopement backdrop (and it's one of our favorites)! There are three parking lots in the area, all with impeccable views. They're all great options for popping out and capturing stunning elopement photos. Are you up for a short hike? We can hike down by the hot river and enjoy the beautiful mountain views.
We love elopements here from June through November, and no permit is required if your group is fewer than 75 people. The area is dog-friendly, so please bring your furry friends!
June Lakes Area (Ansel Adams Wilderness)
Just outside Mammoth Lakes, you'll find the June Lakes Area, a beautiful loop drive with multiple dazzling lakes. One of our favorite lakes at Range Of Light Wed is Silver Lake. There is parking and restrooms at the lake, and no hiking is required to get to the beach for a ceremony.
We recommend eloping in the June Lakes Area from June through November. If you have fewer than 75 people in attendance at Silver Lake or June Lake Beach, you don't need a permit. The area is also dog-friendly, so feel free to bring your pups!
Hot Springs & Meadows (Mammoth Lakes)
We love including hot springs in your Mammoth Lakes elopement day. There are many hot springs around the Mammoth Lake area. Some of our favorites are The Rock Tub, Pulkey's Pool (Hill Top), and Wild Willy's. They are all in beautiful meadow areas with mountains in the backdrops.
Most of the hot springs have parking and flat areas that would be great for a meadow ceremony. To avoid crowds, we recommend early sunrise or late sunset from June through November. Some of the hot springs require an easy hike, but some don't! You won't need a permit for your party if there are fewer than 75 people. Make sure to include the dogs!
Forest Chapel
If you want a more traditional micro or small wedding ceremony site, we love Forest Chapel. It's located across an arched footbridge over Twin Lakes. The enchanting timber chapel is in a beautiful lakeside clearing where you and your party can enjoy a private ceremony among the trees. Forest Chapel can accommodate 80 seated or 150 standing guests and is only available during the summer season.
A Few Other Options:
Mccloud Lake
Lake George
Twin Lakes
Range Of Light Wed Eastern Sierra 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
Things To Do For Your Mammoth Lakes Elopement
Mammoth Lakes is perfect for adventure elopers because it offers a variety of attractions and activities year-round. Explore hiking and biking trails in the summer, fish the pristine alpine lakes, or enjoy paddleboarding and kayaking. The region is also fantastic for rock climbers, with numerous climbing spots. Check out these fantastic summer activities:
If you decide to elope during the winter, Mammoth Lakes transforms into a phenomenal ski destination. Don’t worry if you’re a beginner; you can hit the slopes or try cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. We love these winter activities for your elopement:
If you want a more relaxed elopement experience, there are hot springs to soak in, or you can even take a scenic gondola ride to enjoy panoramic views. Mammoth Lakes also has a vibrant dining scene, boutique shopping, and art galleries, so you won’t find it lacking in things to do.
Mammoth Lakes Marriage License
To get married in Mammoth Lakes, you will need a marriage license from any county clerk's office in California. The closest county clerk's office to Mammoth Lakes is in Mono County. To get your California marriage license, you need to bring your valid ID, proof of age, and, if you are under 18, a witness.
Your marriage license can be used the same day it's obtained, but you should give yourself a few day's cushion. The cost of your marriage license varies by county in California, but most are typically around $100.
Mammoth Lakes Officiant & Witness
In Mammoth Lakes (and California), you will need a wedding officiant (we’ve got that covered for you), and you will also need an elopement witness (we can be your witness as well)!
Elopement Officiant
In California, you need (legally) to have an officiant present at your elopement to sign your marriage license. You have the choice of hiring an elopement officiant, or you can have a friend or family member perform your ceremony if you prefer. We’ve got you covered here! Alyssa is a fantastic wedding officiant.
Elopement Witness
Having an elopement witness is also a legal requirement for elopement in California. If you were planning on it being just the two of you, don’t worry! We can be your elopement witness(es).
Where To Stay For Your Mammoth Lakes Elopement
Mammoth Lakes and its surroundings offer a wide range of accommodation options perfect for any budget. The area features cozy vacation rentals, upscale resorts and lodges, and a variety of hotels, ranging from boutiques to well-known chains.
Adventurous couples can camp in the numerous campgrounds in the Mammoth Lakes area. Lakeside lodging options provide picturesque settings for getting ready with Alyssa, and Convict Lake, June Lake, and Crawley Lake offer beautiful backdrops.
We love these Mammoth Lakes lodging options:
Double Eagle Resort & Spa is ideal for an elopement or micro wedding (it’s alos a total bucket list spot!
Convict Lake Resort - You can also get married here, and it is a stunning setting for a small/micro wedding.
The Village Lodge – If you want to be in the heart of the shopping district area!
The Westin Monache Resort – For those who want gondola access.
We love these Mammoth Lakes campgrounds for adventurous couples:
Camp High Sierra (private campground owned by Mammoth Mountain)
The nearby towns of Bishop and June Lake offer even more lodging options! We also love the quaint town of Aspendell, where you can stay in the rustic village surrounded by aspens!
Getting Around Mammoth Lakes
The Eastern Sierra area is spread out from Tahoe to the Death Valley, but we’re focusing on Mammoth Lakes in this particular post. Renting a car is the best option to get around Mammoth Lakes.
The most beautiful spots are accessible without a 4x4, which is a bonus. However, the best places are all dirt roads, so you’ll need at least a high-clearance vehicle or a car that can handle a few bumps.
There is a small airport, but their flights are fairly limited. Here are the options if you are flying into Mammoth Lakes:
Mammoth Yosemite Airport, Mammoth Lakes, CA: Just 10 minutes from Mammoth Lakes, with limited flights.
Harry Reid International Airport, Las Vegas, NV: A 5.5-hour drive to Mammoth Lakes, this is an excellent option in the winter when driving from the south is easier.
LAX, Los Angeles, CA: A 5.5-hour drive from Mammoth Lakes, this is an excellent option in the winter when driving from the south is easier.
San Francisco International Airport, SF, CA: A 6.5-hour drive from Mammoth, this is not ideal for a winter elopement because the highway through Yosemite is closed.
Leave No Trace in Mammoth Lakes, California
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).
We would absolutely love to help you plan the perfect Mammoth Lakes elopement!