Elope in Lake Tahoe (updated 2022)

Name: Ian Chin Photography
Address: 762 10th Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94118
Telephone: 415 756 9335

The Ultimate Guide to Eloping in Lake Tahoe (with pricing, locations, and packages)

Considering eloping in Lake Tahoe? Looking for the best places to elope in Lake Tahoe? I’d love to be your Lake Tahoe Wedding Photographer and capture your big day with a focus on candid storytelling and creating unique portraits! Read below for the ultimate planning guide to help you decide if eloping in Lake Tahoe is for you!

Why Elope in Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is known for its tranquil blue waters and quiet solitude where one can enjoy being out in nature only a few hours away from a major city. With so many hiking trails, scenic vistas, easily accessible waterfalls and epic drives, it is no wonder more people are choosing to elope in Lake Tahoe now more than ever to have a more intimate ceremony surrounded by the perfect setting for wedding photographs.

Best Time for Eloping in Lake Tahoe

If you ask me, I would say Spring is the best time overall to elope in Lake Tahoe, ranging from March – mid June. Arguably the busiest (and best) time for an elopement in Lake Tahoe is during the summer months June to August, as most attractions are open and weather is perfect. In addition, catching the Fourth of July celebrations might also be something worth considering. For fall foliage, October up until mid-November is best, and there’s nothing like capturing the fall colors in your wedding photos! Of course, if the quiet of winter and snow are more appealing, the winter months of November through January are best for your Lake Tahoe elopement (although the second most busy time of the year in Lake Tahoe). For visitors who simply want to avoid tourist season, September through November is best.

Elopement Packages in Lake Tahoe

Elopement packages in Lake Tahoe start at $3000 for 4 hours to take full advantage of telling your wedding day story.
Please CONTACT ME to discuss eloping in Lake Tahoe!

The locations below are some of the best places to elope in Lake Tahoe and offer some awesome backdrops. Many people visit Lake Tahoe from out of town, then go to San Francisco afterwards to take in the sights in the popular City. If you are thinking of eloping closer to SF, check out the Best Places to Elope in San Francisco.

Permit Info to Elope in Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is a little notorious for being overwhelmed with elopement permits and photo permit requests. With such beauty and multiple places to elope in Lake Tahoe, your best bet is to call the office but here is the permit application page to start the process. It is recommended to allow at least 60 days to get a permit for your Lake Tahoe elopement. Any National Forest land requires a permit as well.

Depending on what state you are in, the photography permit is different. Here’s the Nevada photo permit office

Where to Elope in South Lake Tahoe

Emerald Bay State Park Lookout

138 Emerald Bay Rd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Rental Fee : $695 – $795 + site permit fee

If you look up the best places to elope in Lake Tahoe, Emerald Bay State Park is definitely at the top of most lists! With iconic views overlooking Lake Tahoe. this is also the most visited lookout in all of Lake Tahoe. It is best photographed during sunrise, since the surrounding hills block the sun as it sets in the afternoon.

Lakeside Beach

4081 Lakeshore Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Rental Fee : $700 – $900

A more unique elopement location in that it is located on a beach, a Lakeside Beach wedding has it all – seating, a ceremony arch, and the lake view! It shares the beach with the public technically, but is separated by a fence so you have a private area for your elopement.

Logan Shoals Vista Point

Lake Shore Blvd, Zephyr Cove, NV 89448
Rental Fee : $645 – $695 (site permit included)

This popular location is situated along the road, so it is one of the more common locations to pull over and explore in South Lake Tahoe. Seemingly made for elopements, they have a designated area within a short walk from the roadside parking. Gorgeous scenic views during sunset make this one of the best places to elope in Lake Tahoe.

Tahoe Paradise Park

1011 W San Bernardino Ave, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Rental Fee : $1025 – $1225 (ceremony only, site permit included)

This more hidden park is located in the middle of a residential area, so is more commonly visited by the locals using the pickle ball courts or going for a little walk around the small lake. With a clubhouse, tented area, and 2 hour minimum, this hidden elopement location could be perfect for you! This is one of the best places to elope in Lake Tahoe but also has room for up to 300 people in the tented area.

All sounds good? I’d love to discuss with you my elopement packages in Lake Tahoe

D.L. Bliss State Park

9881 CA-89, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150

Despite not as popular as Emerald Bay State Park, this park nevertheless offers stunning views of Lake Tahoe and is a great elopement location. If you enjoy hiking to your ceremony location, this is a solid choice.

Spooner Lake

Nevada 89703

This quiet Lake offers a few areas for your elopement ceremony, with the most popular and scenic area near the main entrance. If you walk further around the lake, you can easily find a quiet area amongst the trees to say your vows. This is one of the best places to elope in Lake Tahoe if you want to have fall foliage since the reflection of the trees in the water are quite memorable.

Sugar Pine Point State Park Pier

Tahoma, CA 96142

Sugar Pine Point State Park is known for its pier that offers unique opportunities for photography and of course your elopement ceremony. It potentially can be one of the windier locations on this list for some reason, but offers more variety in backgrounds from the pier, beach, and of course outdoor nature.

You scrolled all the way here and haven’t contacted me to discuss eloping in Lake Tahoe yet?

Where to Elope in North Lake Tahoe

Sand Harbor

2005 NV-28, Incline Village, NV 89452

When one wants to visit North Lake Tahoe, Sand Harbor is the first thing you think of to enjoy! With rock formations and clear and calm waters, this popular site easily proves its one of the best places to elope in Lake Tahoe

Airbnb in North Lake Tahoe

North Lake Tahoe is considered to have an overall higher income community compared to South Lake Tahoe. Given that South Lake Tahoe is more known for casinos, restaurants, and nightlife, it is fitting that North Lake Tahoe cater to those who are older and prefer the finer things in life. This being said, one of the best places to elope in Lake Tahoe could be at a nicely renovated Airbnb!

Check out my favorite Airbnb’s in North Lake Tahoe

High Camp at Squaw Valley

1960 Squaw Valley Road
Olympic Valley, CA 96146
Elopement Package : $3000

Having an elopement at a ski resort is the best idea to ensure things go as smoothly as possible. By having your wedding at an actual resort, you ensure the customer service and experience will be second to none. Comparing it to doing it on your own at more public spaces such as Emerald Bay State Park or Sand Harbor, you will have guaranteed privacy and not have to worry about the little things that naturally come with eloping.

Donner Memorial State Park

12593 Donner Pass Rd, Truckee, CA 96161
Lodge Rental Fee : $600 – $700

There is actually a Lodge in this area that can be used for any getting ready options, since a majority of this park is meadow and doesn’t provide the most cover in nature. Visiting Donner Memorial State Park will offer gorgeous scenic views that you cannot go wrong with for your elopement in Lake Tahoe.