HOW TO ELOPE IN LAKE TAHOE
THE ULTIMATE
2025 GUIDE
Lake Tahoe is one of the most beautiful places to elope, and is one of the top wonder of the world.
From the diversity in Lake Tahoe’s seasons and locations, to its amazing activities year round, Lake Tahoe has it all.
Come checkout the Ultimate Guide on How to Elope in Lake Tahoe:
Lake Tahoe is the best place to Elope
Welcome to the ONLY guide you need to learn how to elope in Lake Tahoe! In this guide we'll be covering: comparison of seasons, location ideas, how to secure permits, vendors, elopement packages, and so much more! Keep reading for all the info.
the ultimate 2025 guide: how to elope in lake tahoe
seasons || locations || permits || vendors || packages & more
table of contents
wink wink
A local photographer will know exactly how to help bring your dream elopement to life! From custom, local-secret locations, to other vendors to book, to helping with permits & plan your elopement, hiring a photographer is the best next step!
how to elope in lake tahoe
Lake Tahoe truly has the most incredible four seasons within a year.
Spring is warm with snow melt & wildflowers, summers get pretty warm with stunning beaches and aqua clear water, fall brings all the orange & yellow colors as the trees change, and winter brings lots of snow fall.
Every season is truly magical, and you really can't go wrong no matter which season you choose!
step 2: hire a photographer & other vendors
step 1: choose the time of year
in 4 easy steps
There's tons of accommodations for places to stay, car rentals, things to do, and places to eat that Lake Tahoe offers.
Keep reading to learn more!
Now that you've hired a photographer & possibly a few other vendors for your elopement, it's time to finalize your elopement locations!
There's so many epic locations in Lake Tahoe to choose from -- vast mountains with trees that go on for miles, cliff-sides overlooking the lake, beaches, meadows, forests, and so much more!
Once you choose your location(s), submit for a permit to make sure you can secure that spot, and no one else can!
step 4: book travel to lake tahoe
step 3: pick a location & secure your permit
PROS: Spring is one of the best times to elope in Lake Tahoe! The snow is starting to melt which means the waterfalls are starting to get bigger, the weather starting to warm up, and the flowers & trees are starting to bloom. Most roads in Lake Tahoe open by the end of April/beginning of May (if they were closed due to snowfall), which makes it so much easier to access more locations.
Weather tends to be between 30 degrees and 65 degrees. It rarely drops below freezing or exceeds the 70’s. Cool weather with a crisp breeze.
There's usually little crowds during these months, making locations pretty easy to access without big crowds.
CONS: During March-May, some snowfall is still a possibility. Some years it's snowed on Memorial Day (end of May) although it's rare. So although the temperature is warmer, a coat and boots are usually still a must.
SPRING IN LAKE TAHOE
cool weather
blooming flowers
little crowds
chance of snowfall
PROS: Summer in Lake Tahoe is absolutely gorgeous! Bring on the boat rides and paddle boarding, helicopter tours and all the summer activities that come with hot temps and clear skies. There's also little to no weather, meaning there's more spots available where we can access & you can elope at!
The temperatures in July and August tend to be the hottest all year. Temperatures have gotten as high as in the 100's, but typically stay around the 80's to 90's range. For this reason, June is a VERY popular month to elope. Although summer days tend to be very warm, the weather will still drop to the 50's or lower every night. A long sleeve and some pants are almost always a must during the evenings.
With warm temps always brings more crowds, but there's definitely ways around this! Whether you elope at sunrise, at a local-secret spot at the lake, or choose a day most people won't be there, you can beat the crowds.
CONS: Going into late summer/early fall also comes fire season. With the high temps and dry foliage, fires tend to happen in August/September. Lake Tahoe doesn't get fires every single year, but just something to keep in mind.
SUMMER IN LAKE TAHOE
warm weather
more spots accessible
bigger crowds
chance of fires
PROS: If I had to choose, the fall season in Lake Tahoe is the absolute best time of year to elope! The season has cool weather, with the most vibrant colors of fall everywhere you look. Bright oranges and yellows from the meadows and aspen trees around every bend. Fall in Lake Tahoe isn't nearly as hot as the summer months, they drop to mid 30's to high 60's. The perfect weather in my opinion!
End of August/early September is typically when the crowds/tourists start to leave for the summer, so top locations will be way less busy.
CONS: Sometimes as early as mid-October, Lake Tahoe will start bringing snow storms. Some years it's snowed a few weeks before Halloween, although it's rare.
fall IN LAKE TAHOE
cool weather
fall colors
little crowds
chance of snowfall
PROS: Winter in Lake Tahoe is so beautiful! It brings lots of skiiers and snow lovers in from all over the world. If you're an avid skier, snowboarder, or sledder, love colder weather and lots of snow, or love a good cozy cabin and a mountain town, winter is the best time to elope in Lake Tahoe for you!
On average, Lake Tahoe gets an average of 215.4 inches of snowfall, or a little under 18 feet! Lots and lots of snow for sure haha. I've lived down the hill from Lake Tahoe for over 25 years, and I can say this is true almost every single year! Some years are drier, and others get more snowfall, but you can always expect snow during the winter months.
Temperatures typically range from high 40's to low 20's. The temperature almost always drops below freezing during the winter, although it can fluctuate so much during the day! This is why Lake Tahoe is an avid ski town since it'll be gorgeous on the slopes, and freezing during the night.
Due to colder weather/snow, there's almost always no crowds. This makes the spots that are accessible, free reign!
CONS: Also due to snow levels and safety measures, parts of the lake will have road closures, making certain areas inaccessible by car.
winter IN LAKE TAHOE
cold weather
lots of snow
no crowds
chance of closures
best locations to elope in lake tahoe
Lake Tahoe is filled with so many diverse and gorgeous locations! You truly have so many options to choose from for your elopement locations -- from mountain and lake views, beaches, cliff-sides, wooded/forest areas, meadows and so much more!
EMERALD BAY
Emerald Bay is one of the top visited state parks in Lake Tahoe, so naturally it’s a great place! I would recommend eloping at sunrise, since the sun will peak over the mountains on the north side of the lake, which gives that gorgeous golden back-lit effect. Plus, sunrise means less tourists at this epic location. Or you can opt for mid-day like this couple did (see image).
The road leading to Emerald Bay from the Nevada side can tend to close down if Lake Tahoe gets too much snowfall, but Emerald Bay is still very accessible by foot if your heart is truly set on it!
sand harbor
Sand Harbor is a great location all year round as well. There’s so much variety from open beach to roam, large boulders to climb on, and forested areas to explore. So much diversity in one place! Sand Harbor with snow-capped mountains and boulders are such a gorgeous sight.
If you want to elope at Sand Harbor, I recommend doing so at sunrise, or in the off-season (not during summer), since it's the top beach to visit at the lake.
logan shoals
Logan Shoals is a great spot to elope in Lake Tahoe! Very accessible for a few guests, and room to hike & explore to get closer to the water. This location is also an option for guests that need wheel-chair accessible locations
I recommend eloping at Logan Shoals either during mid-day, or at sunset! Located on the East Shore in Lake Tahoe, you can expect the sun to go down on the other side of the lake, getting the most incredible golden sunset. You can't go wrong with this location!!
truckee
Truckee is such a gorgeous location, that's only 15 minutes away from West Shore in Lake Tahoe! Truckee is home to Donner Lake (see image) and so many incredible elopement locations. Very similar to Lake Tahoe, Truckee has so many epic spots to elope at!
If you'd want to elope somewhere the tourists don't know about, I'd love to share my top spots around Truckee with you!!
FLORISTS
vendors I'd recommend for your lake tahoe elopement
OFFICIANTS
HAIR & MAKEUP
CAKES
And of course you'll need a photographer for your elopement to capture all the moments, to remember forever!
wink wink
I'd be honored to capture this time in your lives, exactly how it felt, to remember for generations to come. I'll also help you plan every little detail, so you don't have to worry about a thing.
The honest truth? Of course I'd be honored to capture your elopement, but even if you don't hire me... I recommend hiring a local.
Local Lake Tahoe photographers know this terrain like no one else. The weather can be unpredictable, and there's soooo many locations that are local secrets, that are so much better than some of the main spots. These spots can be difficult to find, and after living down the hill from Lake Tahoe my entire life, I'm still finding new spots I'm adding to my list! It takes time finding the hidden gems, and you deserve someone who knows the area the best to give you all the options for your elopement.
If you want a photographer who will do it all -- capture your memories with love and care, help you plan your elopement (& create backup plans), share tons of locations that are private and epic for your story, and always go above and beyond for you, let's chat!
choosing the right photographer
hire local
When it comes to hiring vendors for your Lake Tahoe elopement, I always recommend hiring local! These vendors live right in Lake Tahoe, or right down the hill! They know the area, the weather conditions, and don't have to travel far (if at all) to help serve you & make your elopement the best it can be.
Especially when it comes to florists and cake artists, having a local is so beneficial! There's so much less risk when it comes to transporting your wedding bouquet (keeping it alive as long as possible), or transporting your cake!
These vendors are some of the best in the area, and I would recommend them to anyone I know. You'll definitely be in great hands with any/all of these vendors:
let's plan your elopement, together!
1001 E. 9th Street, Building A, in Reno
It’s $85 to get legally married in Nevada
You can also go to the Washoe County Clerk in Incline Village. It is located at the Incline Village General Improvement District, and is open Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, except holidays.
Washoe County Clerk
893 Southwood Blvd
Phone: 775-784-7260
If your wedding is on the Nevada side of Tahoe’s South Shore, you can pick up your marriage license at these locations:
Douglas County Administrative Building
175 Highway 50, Stateline
Phone: 775-586-7270
Carson City Courthouse
885 East Musser Street, Suite 1025, Carson City
Phone: 775-887-2084
Douglas County Administration
1616 8th Street, Minden
Phone: 775-782-9014
logistics
Great question! Securing a permit is so important.
Some locations in Lake Tahoe require permits, which are usually the State Parks, and other locations, do not require permits! This is where a local photographer's expertise comes into play, and they can submit for all of your permits, FOR YOU!
Rule of thumb - if it's a state park, you need a permit.
Typically permits are $450.
Since Lake Tahoe is split between Nevada and California, you'll have to secure your permit through the designated state park office of the location you're wanting to get married at.
If you're getting married at Emerald Bay, you can find the application here.
If you're getting married at Sand Harbor, you can find the application here.
Expect for this process to take about a month or so, give or take. Always start your application ASAP, to make sure you're locking in your preferred date/time.
nevada side
how do you get a permit to get married in lake tahoe?
11:00 am || Eat lunch
11:30 am || Photography coverage begins
11:30 am || You get ready together with your fiance and soak up the views of Lake Tahoe from the windows of your lakeside Airbnb. You see the water crashing on shore, help each other into your outfits, and then head out on the back patio to get some fresh air. You write your vows as the sun is hitting your skin through the pine trees.
1 pm || We pack-up and head to your ceremony spot! You bring champagne, your vows, your bouquet, and your favorite people. Your 10 closest people meet you there, and you commit your lives to each other!
2:30 pm || We celebrate, and take some photos with your loved ones! Afterwards, your guests can head back to the Airbnb and relax, while we head out on an adventure!
3:30 pm || You take a boat ride around the Lake as newlyweds, and you have every touch, goosebump, and memory captured. Down to the wind blowing through your hair and seeing your Airbnb and loved ones on the shore afar waving at you as you arrive! Oh and you also have some champagne and appetizers served to you lakeside -- yes please.
4:40 pm || Sunset
5:00 pm || We arrive back to your Airbnb to join your loved ones, and your private chef has just finished cooking dinner! Your sit down to a steak dinner and look around seeing your favorite people in the entire world. The fireplace is roaring, the sun just set, and you all share stories about your lives over dinner. You laugh, and cry, and soak in every moment.
6:00 pm || You share a candlelit dinner on the deck outside, and you can start to see some of the stars coming out in the night sky. You dance under the moonlight, chase the kiddos around with a frog you found in the bushes, and smile at your married partner from afar. You live out the best day and evening of your lives.
7:30 pm || Photography coverage wraps up
There’s so many ways we can bring your wedding vision to life, no matter what that looks like! I’d love to help you create the weekend of your dreams, and be there for you every step of the way!
example timeline for a lake tahoe elopement
If you are traveling up Highway 50 to South Lake Tahoe, you can stop at:
El Dorado County Clerk’s office
360 Fair Lane in Placerville
Call 530-621-5490 for an appointment
You can also get your marriage license in South Lake Tahoe at:
El Dorado Center
3368 Lake Tahoe Blvd., Room 108
Call 530-621-5490 for an appointment
You can also obtain a Marriage License right in North Lake Tahoe at:
Placer County’s satellite office
5225 N. Lake Blvd. in Carnelian Bay
However, you must have an appointment, and the office hours only run from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. To schedule an appointment, call 530-886-5610.
how to obtain a marriage license in lake tahoe
california side
let's plan your dream elopement
travel info
flights
If you’re eloping in Lake Tahoe and want to fly in, you have a few options.
The closest airport to Lake Tahoe is Reno/Tahoe International Airport. The Reno Airport is 45 minutes from North Lake Tahoe and about 1 hour 15 minutes from South Lake Tahoe.
The second closest airport is SMF – Sacramento International Airport. The Sacramento Airport is 2 hours from South Lake Tahoe and 2.5 hours from North Lake Tahoe).
car rentals
Since Lake Tahoe is a mountain/lake town, renting a 4 wheel drive vehicle is never a bad decision. If you're eloping in the winter, I'd highly recommend this!
Although most smaller cars/sedans do just fine in Lake Tahoe since the main roads are all paved. If you’re wanting to do some off-roading, I’d recommend renting a car with those capabilities like a truck or jeep!
You can easily rent any of these cars at the Reno/Tahoe International Airport.
where to buy snow chains
If you're planning to elope in Lake Tahoe in the winter, be prepared to buy chains for your car/rental car. The roads can get very slick, and it's always smart to carry chains in case you need to use them, so you don't get stuck!
If you don’t own snow chains or don't want to travel with them, here’s a few places you can buy snow chains in Lake Tahoe. Also, most of these places have the sweetest owners (as well as nice locals) who will be able to help you put them on if you’re not sure how!
where to stay
Tahoe Hideaway - Freestanding Luxury A-Frame Home
Completely Remodeled Cabin w/ Hot Tub, Near Beach
Hygge Barn Modern Cabin - 5 Min walk to the Lake
airbnb's
There's so many warm and welcoming airbnb's and hotels in Tahoe from cute little a-frame cabins, to bigger homes with lake front views, or larger hotel chains if that's what you're looking for! The options are endless when it comes to where to stay in Lake Tahoe. I also shared some camp sites too if that's more what you're looking for.
hotels
camping
things to do in lake tahoe
Ski or snowboard at some of the top Ski Resorts in Lake Tahoe
Hiking & Sightseeing
Swimming if it's warm enough at Sand Harbor!
Shop, dine and enjoy live music at Heavenly Village
See the lake from the sky on a helicopter tour
places to eat
Between North Lake Tahoe and South Lake Tahoe, there’s so many great spots to eat!! I broke down my tops around the lake so you can find one that hopefully fit’s what you’re looking for.
Checkout my blog post below for more:
Top 5 Dinner Reservations in Lake Tahoe
riva grill
https://www.rivagrill.com/
Located in South Lake Tahoe, Riva Grill is a must-visit destination for those seeking a memorable dining experience with stunning waterfront views. Whether you’re a local looking for a special night out or a visitor hoping to soak in the natural beauty of the area, Riva Grill offers a great experience and incredible cuisine.
garwoods
https://www.garwoods.com/
Located in the North-west area of Lake Tahoe, Gar Woods Grill & Pier is a captivating dining destination that offers a perfect blend of exquisite cuisine and breathtaking waterfront views.
"In every lifetime we would choose Bridgette to capture our special day!"
- Timi & Justin
"There are simply not enough words in the dictionary to describe how happy and pleased we are with our experience working with Bridgette! She is absolutely amazing & her energy is palpable! In every lifetime we would choose Bridgette to capture our special day!"
I'd be honored to help you bring your dream elopement to life! Even if you don't have a date yet or know where to start, I'm here to help! Tap the link below & let's DREAM TOGETHER.
I can't even wait to hear from you!!!
let me help you plan your dream elopement!
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