August 8, 2026

How-to Guide: Planning a Lake Tahoe Elopement

The Lake Tahoe area is home to the largest alpine lake in North America, known for its near 100% pure waters. With crystal-clear waves framed by the Sierra Nevada peaks, Lake Tahoe is a place of serious beauty that will make you feel like you’re eloping somewhere one-of-a-kind.

I’ve been an elopement photographer for over a decade and Lake Tahoe has never failed to impress me. It’s naturally stunning and perfect for couples who want an elopement that feels epic and immersed in nature. So, here’s a general breakdown of what you’ll need to know in order to have one of your own! 

Frequently asked questions about eloping in Lake Tahoe:

What makes Lake Tahoe a great place to elope?

Straddling the California-Nevada border, Lake Tahoe is one of those places that effortlessly combines the tranquility of an alpine setting with the excitement of an adventure hub.

Whether you’re enjoying a quiet moment on the lake’s shores, floating in its waters, or exploring the wilderness around it, this place offers a variety of options when it comes to recreation—and each one is accompanied by stunning views of the lake itself as well as the Sierra Nevada Mountains towering over it. 

This is hands down one of my favorite places to recommend for couples who want to elope in California but are looking for something that feels like a natural escape from the busy world.

How do you get to Lake Tahoe?

While Lake Tahoe is technically a lake—located at 39°06’32.4″N 120°02’09.1″W, just south of US-80—the name also refers to the surrounding area. If you’re coming from out of state, the easiest airport to fly into would be the Reno-Tahoe International Airport, which is about an hour’s drive north-east of the lake. The drive itself is gorgeous and will give you a glimpse of the beautiful views that await you at the lake itself!

When’s the best time to visit Lake Tahoe? 

The best time to visit Lake Tahoe is during the spring or fall, with either one taking the edge over the other depending on what activities you prefer. Both seasons offer you the best weather and a higher likelihood of avoiding the heavy foot-traffic that comes with summer and winter, which also means you’ll find lower prices all around. 

Fall is great because the summer crowds are gone, but the weather is still warm enough to let you enjoy the lake and the many activities it offers. Plus, the surrounding forests start to shift colors, creating a super seasonal backdrop for your elopement. Spring, on the other hand, offers the same temperature benefit and vibrant foliage of the fall (in the form of blooming wildflowers), but it also gives you the opportunity to enjoy the slopes and catch some late-season skiing while the snow is still out if you time it right! 

Lake Tahoe Summer Elopement

With its deep blue water and clear skies, Lake Tahoe during the summertime is an alpine paradise in its own right. Surrounded by mountains and forests, this place is perfect for couples who want to elope somewhere where nearly any activity is possible and it’s all happening waterside in a beautiful place. Plus, the summer months offer later sunsets which means you can have an evening elopement and take advantage of that gorgeous golden hour lighting for your portraits.

Best places to elope in Lake Tahoe:

As the largest alpine lake in North America, Lake Tahoe has plenty of beautiful sites when it comes to deciding where you want to exchange your vows. Whether it’s along the shoreline or at an overlook, you are guaranteed stunning views of the vast lake and the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains surrounding it.

Here are a few of my favorite elopement spots in the Lake Tahoe area:

Note: These breakdowns include California marriage license fees, but you can change those if you’re signing the paperwork in a different state. Marriage licenses cost $102 on the Nevada side.

  • Emerald Bay State Park Overlook
    • Cost: $507
      • California Marriage License: $57
      • Special Event Permit: $450
    • Permit: As part of a California state park, a Special Event Permit will be required. You can apply for one by emailing LSSEC@parks.ca.gov. 
  • Eagle Rock
    • Cost: $57
      • California Marriage License: $57
    • Permit: No permit required as long as you keep the guest count below 75 people—just be sure to practice Leave No Trace principles!
  • Kings Beach
    • Cost: $317–$367 (cost varies depending on the permit)
      • California Marriage License: $57
      • Special Event Permit: $250–$300 (depends on location)
      • Parking Fee: $10
    • Permit: As part of the Kings Beach State Recreation Area, Kings Beach falls under California State Parks jurisdiction, which means you’ll need a Special Event Permit to elope there. You can apply for one through the California State Park’s official website (I’ve linked the application here for your convenience!). 

Best wedding venues in Lake Tahoe: 

Whether you’re looking for an intimate setting or something more elaborate, Lake Tahoe has countless options when it comes to wedding venues! A venue is particularly helpful if you’re expecting more than 15 guests and want an organizing force behind your reception. 

These are just some of the amazing venues in the Lake Tahoe area:

  • Zephyr Lodge at Northstar
    • Cost: Starting at $25,000 (you can submit a request for a proposal and exact quote on the venue’s official website here!)
      • Food & Beverage Minimum: Starting at $15,000
      • Venue Package: Starting at $10,000 (includes ceremony site, decor, tables, dancefloor, gondola transportation, and more)
    • Guest Count: 250 max
  • Rainbow Lodge
    • Cost: Starting at $15,500 (cost varies depending on your date & guest count—you can submit an inquiry for an exact quote on the venue’s official website here!)
    • Guest Count: 120 max
  • Heavenly Lake Tahoe
    • Cost: Starting at $13,000 (cost varies depending on your date & guest count—you can submit an inquiry for an exact quote on the venue’s official website here!)
    • Guest Count: 170 max (dining room) & 80 max (cabin room)
  • Palisades Tahoe
    • Cost: Starting at $13,000 (cost varies depending on your date & guest count—you can submit an inquiry for an exact quote on the venue’s official website here or reach out to weddings@palisadestahoe.com for more wedding information!)
      • High Camp
        • April–May:
          • $18,000 – $24,500
        • June–September:
          • $20,500 – $30,000
        • October–December:
          • $18,000 – $22,500
      • OV Event Center
        • January–May:
          • $18,500 – $25,000
        • June–September:
          • $21,000 – $30,500
        • October–December:
          • $13,000 – $20,000
      • Alpine Lodge
        • July–October:
          • $18,000 – $23,000
      • Apex Lounge
        • July–November 15th:
          • $12,500 – $15,500
    • Guest Count: 250 max (varies depending on venue)
      • High Camp: 175 max
      • OV Event Center: 225 max
      • Alpine Lodge: 250 max
      • Apex Lounge: 60 max

The above information is accurate as of the writing of this guide in 2026, but I suggest double checking all the details with your chosen venue before you book anything. If you’re still not sure about what it is you’re looking for or just can’t decide on a place, I’m happy to share more recommendations and work with you to find a venue that feels 100% you. 

How much does it cost to elope in Lake Tahoe?  

With plenty of gorgeous spots that are completely free, the cost of eloping in Lake Tahoe can be as low as $57, which is just the cost of the marriage license in California (licenses on the Nevada side cost $102). What’s great about this area though, is that it ranges from totally free locations to show-stopping venues. There’s something for every budget and taste. 

Beyond your chosen venue or elopement site, the total cost of your wedding will vary depending on your guest count, vendors, travel, etc. Most of the couples who hire me prioritize having an adventurous experience in a stunning location, which is why they typically invest a lot of their budget in photography to ensure every moment of it is captured and they can stay in the moment.

If you want to see a more detailed cost breakdown, you can check out my full cost of eloping guide here! 

Activities to do during Lake Tahoe elopements:

Lake Tahoe is open year-round and features the best that both lake and mountain destinations have to offer, which means there is no shortage of activities to enjoy during your visit!

Here are some of my favorites in the Lake Tahoe area:

  • Hiking the Rubicon Trail
  • Exploring Sand Harbor State Park
  • Hang gliding over Lake Tahoe
  • Visiting Bonsai Rock
  • Paddleboarding at Baldwin Beach
  • Visiting Emerald Bay State Park
  • Taking a cruise on the MS Dixie
  • Skiing in Palisades

Surrounded by the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Lake Tahoe is the perfect place to explore California’s wilderness and soak in its natural beauty at the same time, making it a great option for couples who want their big day to feel like a fairytale come to life.  

Lake Tahoe Elopement/Wedding Photos

Erin & Steven’s Lake Tahoe Summer Elopement  

Erin & Steven wanted three things out of their elopement day: 

  1. Beautiful views of the mountains & the lake,
  2. A day of being in their own bubble, and
  3. A first-look on a basketball court. 

Immediately yes. 

They had a full day together in Lake Tahoe and spent it perfectly split between exploring and spent every second of it determined to explore as much as possible. In a place like this, there’s no limit, so timeline curation in a thoughtful but exciting way was the name of the game. 

After Erin got ready, they did their first look at the basketball court near their rental cabin. They met talking about basketball and their experience as both players and lovers of the sport. Steven is also a basketball coach, so their love of this sport is baked into their relationship and had to be represented on their wedding day! 

They drove a little to a trailhead and then hiked up a short way to their first destination. Some people just hike to get somewhere, but Erin & Steven were practically playing. They raced each other down paths, swayed together near overlooks, and spent time looking at all the flora & fauna around. 

Their destination was where they had their ceremony, complete with those views they wanted of both the Sierra Nevadas and the bright blue lake. They exchanged rings & personalized vows, popped champagne, and let the emotions really flow.

To celebrate, Erin & Steven headed to the beach, where they shared some snacks and time by the water (and where Steven got to show off his socks with his and Erin’s faces on them). They inflated a couple of paddleboards and explored the little bay they were in together for quite some time, just floating and enjoying the view.

Erin & Steven wrapped up their day by watching the sunset over the lake and mountains, first from a protected little rocky cove and then from the beach. Totally peaceful and perfectly clear. The best way to tend the day. 

A bride and groom paddleboard together on clear, shallow water surrounded by large rocks; the bride wears a wedding dress and the groom is in a shirt and tie.
A couple dressed in wedding attire stands on an outdoor basketball court in a forest. The bride wears a white dress and denim jacket, and the groom holds a basketball. The backboard is covered in colorful stickers.
A bride in a white gown and denim jacket, and a groom in a black suit, share a kiss under a basketball hoop covered with colorful stickers, surrounded by tall pine trees in an outdoor setting.
A bride in a white dress and denim jacket and a groom in a suit play basketball together outdoors among tall trees, with a backboard covered in colorful stickers.
A bride in a white dress shoots a basketball while a groom in a suit watches on an outdoor court surrounded by tall trees. The hoop’s backboard is covered with colorful stickers.
A bride in a white dress shoots a basketball on an outdoor court decorated with stickers, while a groom in a black suit watches. Tall pine trees surround the court, creating a forest setting.
A groom shoots a basketball while wearing formal attire as a bride in a white dress smiles nearby. They are outdoors on a court surrounded by tall pine trees; the backboard is covered in colorful stickers.
A bride in a white gown playfully tries to steal a basketball from a groom in a vest and tie on an outdoor court in a forested area. Both are smiling and enjoying the game.
A bride in a white dress spins a basketball on her finger while a groom in a vest and tie stands beside her. They are outdoors on a court surrounded by tall pine trees.
A groom in a vest spins a basketball on his finger while standing next to a bride in a white dress. They are outdoors in a forest, with trees in the background.
A couple in wedding attire with backpacks walks a forest trail past a wooden signpost indicating hiking paths, including Castle Rock Trail and Tahoe Rim Trail, surrounded by trees and natural scenery.
A bride and groom wearing backpacks stand together on a large rock in a forest, holding hands and gazing at each other lovingly. The bride is in a wedding dress and the groom is in a suit.
A bride and groom, both wearing backpacks and wedding attire, share a kiss on a forest trail surrounded by trees and logs.
A bride in a white dress and a groom in a black suit joyfully run and jump along a sunlit forest trail, surrounded by tall trees and dappled light.
A couple in wedding attire with backpacks hike up a rocky, mountainous trail surrounded by pine trees, with distant peaks visible under a clear sky.
A bride and groom stand on a rocky ledge surrounded by tall trees, embracing each other under clear daylight in an outdoor, forested setting.
A bride and groom embrace on a rocky cliff surrounded by pine trees, with a vast forested mountain landscape stretching out behind them under a clear sky.
A bride and groom stand on a rocky ledge surrounded by trees and mountains. The groom gently holds the bride's hand as she steps forward, both dressed in formal wedding attire under a bright, clear sky.
A bride and groom wearing hiking backpacks, standing on a rocky mountain trail surrounded by trees, with a lake and snow-capped mountains visible in the background.
A bride in a white dress and sneakers climbs rocky terrain assisted by a groom in a suit. A lake and forested hills are visible in the background, suggesting an adventurous outdoor wedding.
A bride and groom sit on rocky terrain, overlooking a vast blue lake surrounded by forested hills and distant snow-capped mountains under a clear sky.
A bride in a white dress reads from a note while standing on a rocky ledge with a groom in a dark suit. Behind them, there are mountains, forest, and a blue lake in the background.
A bride and groom stand on rocky terrain overlooking a vast blue lake and distant mountains, with the bride reading from a piece of paper during an outdoor ceremony.
A bride and groom stand on rocky cliffs overlooking a vast lake and snow-capped mountains, exchanging vows under a clear sky.
A bride and groom stand together on rocky terrain, overlooking a vast forest and lake below, with mountains in the distance. The scene is in black and white.
A bride and groom stand on a rocky ledge, sharing a kiss with a scenic lake and mountains in the background under a clear sky.
A bride in a white lace dress sits on rocky terrain, holding her veil to her face as if wiping away tears. The background shows an out-of-focus landscape with trees and blue sky.
A bride and groom kiss passionately on rocky terrain outdoors, with mountains and a blue sky in the background. The bride wears a flowing white dress, and the groom is in a dark suit and sneakers.
A bride and groom stand on rocky terrain by a lake, smiling and spraying champagne into the air with mountains in the background. The bride wears a white dress; the groom is in a black suit.
A woman wearing hiking gear and a dress climbs up a rocky trail in a forest, carrying a backpack decorated with flowers. Sunlight filters through the trees above.
A couple wearing wedding attire and backpacks stands on a rocky mountain trail. The groom points toward the distant landscape while the bride, holding a bouquet, looks in the same direction. Both are seen from behind.
A bride in a white dress and a man in a shirt and tie set up a picnic blanket on a sandy beach beside a lake with clear water, mountains, and trees in the background under a clear sky.
A bride and groom sit on a blanket at a sandy beach, facing a calm lake with mountains in the background. A striped cooler bag, a water bottle, and a can are beside them.
Clear water with visible rocks in the foreground, a line of brown rocks in the shallow lake, and snow-capped mountains under a clear sky in the background.
A couple in wedding attire sits on a blanket on a sandy beach facing a calm lake with mountains in the distance. A paddleboard and a cooler are on the sand nearby under a clear blue sky.
A bride and groom walk barefoot along a sandy beach by clear blue water. The groom wears rolled-up dark pants and a white shirt, while the bride holds up her white dress. Mountains are visible in the background under a sunny sky.
A bride in a white wedding dress stands on a sandy beach, holding a surfboard near the water with mountains and blue sky in the background.
A woman in a white wedding dress kneels on a paddleboard, paddling across clear, shallow water with rocks and distant mountains in the background on a sunny day.
A man in a dress shirt and shorts and a woman in a white wedding dress paddleboard side by side on a clear lake, surrounded by mountains under a clear sky.
A bride in a wedding dress and a groom in dress clothes paddleboarding together on a clear, shallow lake with forested mountains in the background under a clear sky.
Two people in wedding attire stand on paddleboards in a calm lake, surrounded by dense green forest and rocky hills under natural sunlight.
A woman in a white, backless wedding dress kneels on a paddleboard, paddling across a body of clear green water under bright sunlight.
A bride in a white dress and a groom in a white shirt and black shorts paddleboarding on a lake, with a sandy beach and dense pine forest in the background.
A bride in a wedding dress and a groom in a shirt and shorts stand together on a paddleboard in the middle of a calm, greenish lake.
A bride and groom paddleboard on a clear blue lake near rocky shorelines, with a forested mountain rising in the background under a clear sky.
A person in a white shirt and dark shorts paddleboards on a calm blue lake, surrounded by forested hills and mountains under a clear sky.
A bride and groom paddleboard on a clear lake surrounded by rocks and forested mountains; the bride wears a white dress, and the groom is in a shirt and tie under bright sunlight.
A bride and groom paddleboard together on clear, shallow water surrounded by large rocks; the bride wears a wedding dress and the groom is in a shirt and tie.
A man in dress clothes kneels on a paddleboard in clear water, paddling toward a woman in a white dress standing on another paddleboard, with a forested shoreline in the background.
A bride in a white dress and a groom in a shirt and tie paddleboard side by side on a clear, shallow lake with mountains and blue sky in the background.
A woman in a wedding dress paddleboards on a lake, smiling over her shoulder. Another person, partly visible, is on a separate paddleboard nearby. Forested hills rise in the background under a clear sky.
A bride in a white dress and a groom in a white shirt and black pants kneel on paddleboards in clear lake water, paddling away from shore toward forested mountains under a clear sky.
A bride in a white wedding dress and a groom in a dress shirt and pants kneel on paddleboards, paddling on a clear lake with forested mountains in the background.
A bride and groom in wedding attire stand on paddleboards in clear, shallow water, with rocky shores and distant mountains under a clear sky.
A bride and groom stand together on a paddleboard in clear, calm water with rocky shores and distant mountains under a clear sky. The bride wears a white dress; the groom is in a shirt and tie.
A woman in a white dress and a man in dress pants and a shirt paddleboard on a clear lake. Both wear sunglasses and smile, with distant snowy mountains and rocks visible in the background.
A bride in a white dress and a groom in a shirt and tie paddleboard on a calm lake, kneeling on their boards with mountains and clear sky in the background.
A bride and groom paddleboard on clear, shallow water with snow-capped mountains in the background. The bride wears a white dress and the groom wears a white shirt and dark pants. The scene is calm and scenic.
A man in a shirt and tie and a woman in a wedding dress paddleboard together on clear blue water under a sunny sky, with distant hills in the background.
A man in a dress shirt and tie and a woman in a wedding dress paddleboarding side by side on clear, calm water, with mountains visible in the background under a clear sky.
A groom in a black suit gently kisses the forehead of a bride in a white lace dress as they embrace outdoors, with large rocks and sunlight in the background.
A bride and groom stand on large rocks by the water, gazing into each other's eyes and smiling. The bride wears a white gown and the groom a dark suit with sneakers. Sunlight highlights them, and mountains are in the background.

A bride and groom paddleboard on clear, shallow water with snow-capped mountains in the background. The bride wears a white dress and the groom wears a white shirt and dark pants. The scene is calm and scenic.
A bride and groom stand on large rocks by a lake, embracing and kissing. The bride wears a white dress and the groom a dark suit. The sun is setting, casting a warm glow on the rocks and distant mountains.
A bride in a flowing white dress twirls beside a groom in a dark suit as they stand on large rocks by the water, with sunlight highlighting the rocky lakeshore.
A bride in a white dress and a groom in a dark suit stand together on a large rock surrounded by water and boulders, sharing an intimate, sunlit moment by the shore.
A bride and groom stand on a large rock surrounded by water and boulders by the shore, sharing an intimate moment. The bride's dress flows as they embrace beneath a bright sky. The photo is in black and white.
A bride and groom walk along a sandy beach at sunset, with mountains and water in the background. The bride wears a white dress and a jacket that says "Mrs." on the back. The scene is warm and peaceful.
A couple stands by the water’s edge, embracing and looking out at a lake with distant mountains and trees under a clear sky. The focus is on the scenic background, with the couple slightly blurred in the foreground.
A couple in wedding attire stands holding hands on a sandy beach at sunset, with gentle waves, distant mountains, and pine branches framing the scene.
A bride and groom stand close together under tall pine trees by a lakeshore at sunset, with soft sunlight filtering through the branches and water in the background.
A bride and groom share a kiss on a sandy lakeshore at sunset, framed by pine trees, with gentle sunlight streaming in and water in the background.
A bride in a wedding dress and denim jacket walks hand-in-hand with a groom in a suit along a sandy lakeshore at sunset, both smiling with trees and mountains in the background.
A bride in a white dress and denim jacket leans her head on a groom in a black suit as they stand together on a sandy lakeshore, with trees and mountains in the background at sunset.
A bride in a white dress and denim jacket stands beside a groom in a suit on a sandy lakeshore at sunset, with trees and mountains in the background.

Hey I’m Maddie Mae

Lake Tahoe Elopement Photographer

If you’re looking for someone with years of experience photographing adventure elopements around the world, then look no further! I’ve been designing, planning, & photographing elopements for over a decade across 7 continents and more than 40 countries, so I can help you navigate the logistics of planning one for yourself and make sure it’s the most stress-free experience possible. 

A woman with long brown hair and glasses smiles at the camera. She wears a black blazer, a black top, and a pendant necklace. The background is a plain light gray wall.

Lake Tahoe Elopement Packages

Contact me here to check my availability and for a free planning consultation—I promise to help you plan the adventure of a lifetime!

Always included:

8+ Hours of guided, fun photography coverage by Maddie Mae with relaxed sightseeing & exploring

The Adventure Instead Elopement Experience™

Unique & secluded locations, bespoke activity ideas with pre-vetted guides, fun & luxurious lodging options, an experience-focused timeline, mood board & personalized styling suggestions, travel advice, VIP Planning Guide, and customized packing checklists

Free initial planning consultation call, direct access to Maddie Mae via text & email, unlimited planning consultations, unlimited collaboration & revisions, pre-vetted local vendor recommendations, and advice &and help with permits & marriage licenses

Guided + FUN photography experience, empathetic posing & directing, creative GIFS &and drone photography, hand-crafted editing, full-resolution image files with printing rights, digital gallery to view, download, & print, complementary album design, and convenient print ordering

My travel costs are covered and included to anywhere in the U.S.A (including Alaska & Hawaii)

$9,800 for all of the above including 8-hours of photography

Full-day, multi-day, and custom packages available.

No added travel costs. No hidden fees of any kind.

Hey there!

I’m Maddie Mae

Your Elopement Photographer, Experience Designer & Planning Consultant



For the last 14 years I’ve traveled to 40 countries, all 7 continents, and planned & photographed over 300 elopements all over the world.

A woman with long brown hair and glasses smiles at the camera. She wears a black blazer, a black top, and a pendant necklace. The background is a plain light gray wall.

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Ready to start planning your dream destination elopement?

Hey, I’m Maddie Mae

Your Elopement Photographer, Experience Designer & Planning Consultant

A person with long hair and glasses is sitting on sand, smiling at the camera. They are wearing a black lace cardigan over a beige top, with hoop earrings and a necklace. The background is a sandy expanse.

“The woman who sparked the adventure
elopement trend”  – Forbes

I don’t just photograph elopements –
I design and plan a curated, unique experience around the two of you—one you’ll enjoy every minute of.

I want to get to know what makes you two feel alive and create an experience worthy of this
incredible love you’ve found

“The woman who sparked the adventure elopement trend”  – Forbes

40

countries and 7 continents worth of travel experience and knowledge

13

years experience planning and photographing elopements & weddings

300

one-of-a-kind elopements & intimate weddings planned & photographed

2019

the year I eloped too (after planning my own destination elopement in just 6 weeks)

What makes my elopement packages different?

Every Adventure Instead elopement experience includes:

Reach out & we’ll start planning your dream elopement

Don’t worry, most couples who inquire with me have no plans at all. 
Helping turn vague ideas into a thrilling plan is my specialty.

I can’t wait to hear your ideas and help bring them to life

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Note: I usually only photograph weddings with 25 guests or less
A laptop displaying a planning guide and checklist titled "How to Plan Your Elopement" sits next to a plant and mug, setting the scene for an inspired workspace. A smartphone with text rests on the desk, hinting at an adventure instead of tradition.

Not quite ready to reach out, but want help planning your elopement?

I created the ultimate destination elopement planning guide & checklist to help you get started