The Best Elopement Destinations In The Sierra Nevadas
Are you dreaming of a Northern California elopement? You're in the right place! The Sierra Nevada Mountain Range runs along the state's eastern side, through national parks, alpine lakes, desert hot springs, towering Sequoias, and some of the most jaw-dropping scenery. This guide to the best elopement destinations in the Sierra Nevada will help you decide on the perfect elopement location for you.
Range Of Light Wed
Hi! 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.
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 the best wedding destinations in the Sierra Nevadas.
The 8 Best Wedding Destinations In The Sierra Nevadas
In our opinion, the best thing about eloping in the Sierra Nevadas is the gorgeous outdoor locations. You can choose from deserts, mountains, hot springs, and incredible scenery around every corner. It can be challenging to choose a spot to say your vows when beautiful options surround you, but we've got some inspiration for you. Here are a few of our favorite elopement destinations in the Sierra Nevadas.
Sonora Pass
The Sonora Pass is within the Sierra Nevada Mountains and is accessible via California Highway 108. This lesser known elopement destination is just a few hours north of Yosemite but is a Sierra Nevada's hidden gem.
This winding mountain pass is the steepest highway in California, and as such offers sweeping views of the incredible granite mountain landscapes. As you climb in elevation, dense pine and fir forests transition to high altitude junipers and immense cliff sides.
This area is one of our absolute favorite northern California elopement destinations. One of our favorite parts - the options here are limitless! There is no shortage of free campsites, hiking trails, jeep trails and forest service roads.
If you want to say your vows by a river, overlooking a lake, in a quiet grove of aspens, in a meadow full of wildflowers or atop a granite mountaintop, the Sonora Pass has it all. And our team of vendors have spent countless hours exploring to find the best locations. We will transform any outdoor location you choose into your own private sanctuary.
Sonora Pass is also widely known across California as a Fall foliage hot spot. Every year, the aspens put on a show of changing colors, from fire reds, to ember oranges, and golden yellows. Saying your vows among the autumn colors is insanely romantic.
Depending on the size of your party, you may need a non-commercial group use permit for your Sierra Nevada wedding celebration. You can get the permit application here, and submit this form to the local permit administrator on the Ranger District where you would like to hold your event
Ebbetts Pass
If you’re looking for an intimate and untamed elopement destination in the Sierra Nevadas we love Ebbetts Pass. Along the scenic byway there are a number of beautiful locations to say your vows in private. Including alpine lakes such as White Pine Lakes, or Lake Alpine. Imagine hiking to Lake Alpine Inspiration Point, a moderate 2.3 miles, and having a private ceremony with a beautiful mountain lake as your backdrop. Then stay at the charming Lake Alpine Lodge on your wedding night. Sounds amazing, doesn’t it?
Ebbttes Pass also offers the stunning Calaveras Big Trees State Park, with beautiful wedding venues such as ‘The Big Stump’ and the ‘Standing Sentinel Tree.’ Keep in mind that weddings and elopements can be scheduled here from May 1 - Nov 1. If this sounds like the perfect spot for you, consider getting married surrounded by giant sequoias followed by a sunset reception lakeside alpine lake.
Adventure elopement couples also have the option of taking in the beauty of Mt. Reba by hiking the Bear Valley Mountain Ski Resort to Bear Lake trail. This easy 3.4 mile trail will give you amazing views of Stanislaus National Forest, and the best part is you can take in these views from the very beginning of the trailhead, at Bear Valley Ski Resort.
Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is the perfect combination of convenience and adventure, all with a truly exceptional lake. Lake Tahoe is known for it’s incredible size and dazzling water clarity with blue tint. A wedding in Lake Tahoe means unforgettable views at the largest alpine lake in the United States. With Lake Tahoe being 72 miles around, there are plenty of beautiful spots for your wedding.
You can elope in several of the state parks surrounding the lake, including Emerald Bay State Park and Sand Harbor State Park, just keep in mind you will need a permit for both. If you want to skip the permit process, lakeside vacation rentals abound, many with their own private docks and lake access. And there’s good news for all of our elopement couples who want to include their dogs in their ceremony, Lake Tahoe is incredibly dog friendly!
Lake Tahoe truly provides it all when it comes to elopement destinations. It’s a place where you can get married on a vista view point, a beach, on a hike, or even at a resort. And with a friendly mountain community, any wedding day splurges you can think of are not out of reach. Wedding day spa, massage, coffee, golf game or tattoo? It’s all easily available.
A few of our favorite Lake Tahoe wedding locations include:
Emerald Bay State Park
Baldwin Beach
Hidden Beach
Donner Lake
Read our full How To Elope At Lake Tahoe Guide
Glacier Point - Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is an iconic wedding destination, and it is one of the best places to elope in the Sierra Nevadas. If you're looking for absolutely epic views, Yosemite National Park is the elopement destination for you. In our opinion, this is one of the most incredible backdrops for your elopement.
Located in California's Sierra Nevada mountain range, Yosemite is famous for its awe-inspiring granite cliffs, including Half Dome and El Capitan, and many beautiful waterfalls and ancient towering Sequoias. There are countless activities for your adventure elopement, including hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, and so much more.
You will need to plan your Yosemite elopement in advance (that's where we come in), as the park requires day entrance fees and a permit to get married within park boundaries. Accommodations within and around the park fill up very quickly, so you need to make reservations as early as possible.
Remember that the road to Glacier Point does close in the winter months.
Yosemite National Park Elopements:
Yosemite National Park entrance fee is $35 for a passenger vehicle.
A permit ($150 fee) is required for your elopement in Yosemite, and you will need a California marriage license ($70 fee). You can find more information about that here.
Yosemite is on an entrance reservation system from April 13, 2024, to October 27, 2024. Driving through the park also requires a reservation if you are entering between 5 am and 4 pm. If you plan to visit after peak hours, do not arrive before 4 pm, and remember that vehicles blocking roads will be cited. You can make a reservation here.
You will also need to apply for a California Marriage License and meet the state's requirements.
Glacier Point is our favorite for a stunning view, but there are several other popular Yosemite National Park elopement destinations, including
Tunnel View
Artist Point
El Capitan Meadow
Yosemite Valley Chapel
Mammoth Lakes
Mammoth Lakes is an excellent destination for couples seeking a romantic and intimate wedding experience. The Mammoth Lakes area is just north of Death Valley and is one of the most diverse and unique spots.
The landscape in the eastern Sierras, 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. There are plenty of outdoor activities at Mammoth Lakes, including hiking, biking, skiing, and snowboarding, that you can enjoy together before or after your ceremony.
One of our personal favorites is having a soak in a hot spring to either 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.
There are a lot of places to elope here, from easy-access wildflower-filled mountain meadows to hidden lakes requiring a longer trek. With so many spots to choose from, such as Convict Lake, June Lake, the Forest Chapel, and Hot Creek, we'll find an elopement spot that speaks to you as a couple.
Do you like the idea of getting married with Mount Whitney as your backdrop? It's the tallest mountain in the lower 48 states, making Alabama Hills an iconic elopement destination. Between the view of Mount Whitney and the rolling granite hills, you won't find a more unique and beautiful place to elope. It's a great elopement destination for adventurous couples.
If you're looking for an incredible sunrise or sunset wedding location, Alabama Hills is the place. This area is also excellent for off-road driving, hiking, rock climbing, and horseback riding.
The contrast between the desert landscape and mountain tops is beautiful, and although this place gets busy during the spring and fall, the landscape is so vast that it always feels open. There are so many places tucked away between boulders and rocky granite walls it's easy to get a spot all to yourself. Alabama Hills is also located on BLM land, making it very accessible to everyone. It’s completely free to camp here! Although because the area is so popular, permits will be required in the future, but they will be free.
We had the pleasure of working with guest Hair & Makeup Artist Niki Van Tassel
Joshua Tree National Park
Does your heart belong to the desert? We think you should consider eloping at Joshua Tree National Park. The stark landscapes, surreal rock formations, and iconic Joshua trees create an insane adventure elopement atmosphere at Joshua Tree.
This southern California gem is otherworldly. With its desert landscape and airy feel, Joshua Tree National Park radiates boho vibes that we love. If you're looking for an effortlessly romantic and one-of-a-kind place, this elopement destination is for you.
Joshua Tree National Park Elopement:
The park has an entrance fee of $30 per vehicle upon entering. The pass is good for 7 days and you can purchase it ahead of time here.
You will need a special use permit and can apply for your date up to 6 months in advance. There is a $120 non-refundable application fee.
You will also need to apply for a California Marriage License and meet the state's requirements.
Our favorite Joshua Tree National Park Elopement Spots:
Turkey Flats
Split Rock
Cap Rock
Porcupine Wash
Death Valley National Park
If you want an elopement that feels completely private in an epically beautiful landscape, we love Death Valley National Park. The park is located in the northern Mojave Desert and is a below-sea-level basin that makes an epic camping spot for those who want to stargaze after tying the knot.
The surreal landscape of Death Valley provides a rugged and wild adventure elopement destination. There are a few extra rules here because it is a national park, but it's easy to get permits. You can find lodging at designated campsites, dispersed camp areas, and Oasis at Death Valley hotel.
Death Valley National Park Elopement:
The entrance fee is $30 per vehicle upon entry. The pass is good for 7 days and you can purchase it ahead of time here.
You will need a special use permit and can apply for your date up to 6 months in advance. There is a $300 non-refundable application fee. Depending on group size, there will be at least one permit monitor at the ceremony, which is charged to the permittee at an estimated rate of $50/hour per monitor.
You will also need to apply for a California Marriage License and meet the state's requirements.
Our favorite Death Valley National Park Elopement Spots:
Artist's Palette
Golden Canyon
Badwater Basin
Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
Check Out Our Guide On How To Elope In Death Valley National Park
Our team had the pleasure of working with a guest Hair Stylist Raquel Hightower and Guest Makeup Artist Taylor McKenzie from Paper Bag Beauty.
Secret Spots Only We Know As Sierra Nevada Natives
The best elopement destinations in the Sierra Nevadas are the ones less traveled. We are here to help couples find the perfect spot, which means finding a spot where you can have some privacy to say your vows on your elopement day.
Are you looking for something a little different? We will give you personalized recommendations and do all the heavy lifting. All you have to do is pick a spot, and we will take it from there.
What To Do For Your Sierra Nevada Elopement
When it comes to your elopement, no adventure is too big or too small for Range Of Light Wed.
If you love the idea of a mountain top view but don't want to hike on your wedding day- that's ok.
If you can't see yourself NOT hiking on your wedding day, that's ok too!
If your wedding day just won't fit into one day, we're up for more!
If you want to spend the night at your location in a tent, van, or under the stars, we do that too!
If bouncing down a Jeep trail is your favorite thing, we'll do that.
Once we get to know you, we can offer elopement location suggestions with details on how much effort it takes to get there.
Take A Hike
Hiking is one of the most popular things to do when eloping in the Sierra Nevada mountains. There are plenty of easy and short trails you can easily hike in a dress and longer treks. We are here to find the perfect hike for you! You can wander through a magical forest, in the mountains, or trek through the desert.
Soak In Hot Springs
We love the idea of incorporating the hot springs of the Sierra Nevadas in your elopement day. How does ending your elopement day with a relaxing soak in a natural hot spring sound? As you watch the sunset over the mountains, you can enjoy the stillness of the desert and reminisce on the incredible elopement day you just had. We want that kind of intentional day for you.
Ski Or Snowboard
If you are eloping with us in the winter, you will find plenty of incredible slopes for skiing and snowboarding. You can head to Lake Tahoe and Mammoth Lakes for some of the best slopes. Do you love winter fun and snow? You can incorporate that into your wedding day with Range Of Light Wed.
Sierra Nevada Elopement & Wedding Inspiration
For Sierra Nevada elopement inspiration, check out our Instagram and Pinterest. You can easily take our pins and create your own elopement inspiration board. Or follow along on Instagram for tips, elopement destinations, and more elopement resources.
The Best Time To Elope In Northern California
Northern California weather can vary greatly depending on where you want to elope. In the mountains, you can expect four very distinct seasons, including cold winters, hot summers, and more pleasant spring and fall temperatures. Golden foliage greets us each fall, and stunning springtime wildflowers bloom in the eastern Sierras.
The best bet for finding a great time of year for your wedding is to talk with us about the locations and vibe you are looking for, and we can go from there.
Winter In The Sierra Nevadas
Winters in the Sierra Nevadas are harsh, with cold weather and lots of snow. You will find that roads in Yosemite National Park are closed during this time of year. However, if you want to ski, snowboard, or enjoy the winter wonderland of the Sierras, then maybe winter is perfect for you! If you do decide to elope during the winter months, be prepared with snow chains, lots of layers, and potential road closures.
Spring In The Sierra Nevadas
We love spring in the Sierra Nevada mountains, and it's one of our favorite times for elopements. The blooming wildflowers make for a stunning backdrop for your vows, and the temperatures begin to warm up, making this a good time for adventure elopements, including hiking. Keep in mind that in the Sierra Nevada mountains, snow can stick around to mid-summer, but spring is the best time to elope in the desert (looking at those wanting to elope at Death Valley or Joshua Tree).
Summer In The Sierra Nevadas
For most couples who want to elope in the mountains, summer is going to be the best time for you to tie the knot. Trails are snow-free, the weather is sunny and warm, and you can explore high-elevation spots for stunning photos. However, we don't recommend summer elopements in the desert.
One thing to keep in mind if you are eloping during the summer is that this is wildfire season in California. August and September are usually the worst fire months, but if you elope during the summer, be prepared for a backup elopement destination if smoke or fires make your location inaccessible.
Fall In The Sierra Nevadas
Fall is one of our favorite times for adventure elopements in the Sierra Nevadas. You can usually hike in the mountains, and the temperatures in the desert cool down. In high-elevation areas, snow can begin accumulating by the end of October, but remember that fall weather is pretty unpredictable.
How Much Does It Cost To Elope In California?
This is subjective and entirely up to you! One of the great things about an elopement is that you can do whatever you want to fit your budget.
As a baseline, you will want a photographer and an officiant for your wedding (Hey, Joleen!). Additional vendors and wedding features you may want to consider are hair and makeup (Hi, Alyssa!), flowers and rentals (Hey, Susan!), a beautiful cake (Hey There, Meggie!), and a luxurious elopement reception picnic (Hi, Robin!).
Make sure to check out our elopement packages!
Your elopement budget allows you the freedom to decide what matters most to you as a couple on your day and what you want to invest in. Here are a few things to think about when it comes to the cost of eloping in the Sierra Nevada Mountains:
Travel To Your Elopement Destination – Will you need flights or transportation?
Accommodations – You will need somewhere to come back to after your adventure, so whether it's a campground, Airbnb, or a resort, you will find something that fits your vibe.
Meals – We've got you covered here with our beautiful personal cakes and luxury elopement reception meals. This isn’t your average picnic lunch, instead we provide a gourmet meal for you and your guests.
Marriage License – The fees for your marriage license may vary by county, but the average is around $90 across California.
Wedding Permit – Depending on the National Park and area, you may need a permit to elope. These permits average between $100 and $350.
Hair and Makeup – We've got you covered with hair and makeup in our elopement packages. However, you can do your own. Hiring a professional usually costs between $300 to $1000 for your elopement day.
Florals – We also provide florals! You can add a flower crown, bridal bouquet, boutonniere, or any other floral decorations to your day (depending on park regulations)! Professional florists typically range from $300 to $1500 for your elopement day.
Rentals - We will set up a romantic table for two! This includes a table, chairs and tablescape. For larger groups we have bistro tables and chairs or picnic blankets are also provided to go with your theme.
Photographer – Also included in all of our elopement packages. You will want to relive your memories over and over again, and the best way to do that is by investing in a photographer you love. Elopement photographer packages average from $4000 – $20,000.
Planning- We’re there with you every step of the way. Our first step is getting to know your elopement priorities and inspiration. From there we craft a custom timeline full of tips and reminders to help you enjoy your day to the fullest. We always help with location planning and logistics.
Our packages include all of these and make planning your perfect elopement day easy!
Getting Your Marriage License In Northern California
Marriage licenses in California cost between $90-$100, and prices vary from county to county. The good news? There is no waiting period for a marriage license in California, so you can apply for your marriage license and pick it up the same day.
You will need a valid ID, and be aware that some county clerk's offices only take cash. You do not need to apply for your license in the county where you are getting married. Your California marriage license is valid and legal anywhere in the state.
In addition to your marriage license, you will need a few more things to elope in California:
An officiant - we've got you covered
One witness - one of us would be happy to be your witness
Range Of Light Wed Sierra Nevadas Elopement Packages
Our elopement packages include everything you need to make your day easy, breezy, and all about you.
Our packages include:
Location Suggestions
Collaborative Timeline Planning
Complete Elopement Planning Services
6 Hours Of Photography Coverage (option to extend)
Full Resolution files with printing rights
Online gallery for printing and sharing
On-site Hair and Makeup
Personal florals for 2 people
Officiant and concierge marriage license service
Complimentary Champagne
Gourmet Reception Meal
A Personal Cake
A Table For 2 (where permitted)
A Ceremony Arch + Ground Florals
Seating For Up To 15 People (when selected)
No Travel Fees
We also offer A La Cart Services, which are stand-alone services, and you can find more about those here.
We can’t wait to help you plan one of the most special and memorable days of your life.
Range Of Light Wed practices Leave No Trace and we are here to help you to follow those principles on your elopement day.