How to Plan Weddings in Yosemite National Park
The Ultimate Guide for Planning Weddings in Yosemite National Park
(complete with pricing and photos)
If you are looking for information on planning weddings in Yosemite National Park you have come to the right place! There’s little doubt as to why it is among the most popular national parks in the US, with its granite domes, scenic viewpoints, and towering waterfalls. It is one of the best backdrops to have your wedding photos taken in any season! Read below for information
How to Get a Permit for Weddings in Yosemite National Park
Every ceremony requires a nonrefundable $150 permit, as well as a separate photo/video permit
You can schedule your wedding event for up to a year in advance or at least 21 days before the date. Yosemite is one of most popular National Park Wedding Venues so I highly recommend submitting your application sooner than later to avoid any delays and headaches in sheduling.
Locations for Yosemite National Park Weddings and Photos
Yosemite has iconic photo backdrops that blend perfectly with the surrounding. If you want the best sunset view, you can check out Taft Point for its daring views of the falls and valley. Glacier Point serves as the must have Yosemite background of Half Dome, followed closely by Tunnel View. If you want waterfalls, Bridalveil Falls is the most accessible and is a short easy hike. And finally on the outskirts of the park, Mariposa Grove serves as a more unexpected Yosemite National Park wedding venue if you want to be dwarfed by these majestic trees. The indoor locations include the central Ahwahnee Hotel, and the nearby Convict Lake Resort and Evergreen Lodge.
Check out the more complete list of ceremony specific locations. Check the availability of these locations as some are closed down during certain times, especially in the winter (such as Glacier Point).
Best Times for Weddings at Yosemite National Park
Choose a date or season that is special to you and will be for years to come. Have other options available because Yosemite tends to get crowded in peak seasons, during the summer and spring, when the waterfalls are gushing.
Summer is the most popular time, but doing a winter wedding can also allow for some spectacular and quiet images. Springtime has the most color and most water in the falls, however. If you are real lucky, you can be there during a “snowfall” whereas the trees are colored from the spring change, but there was a fresh coat of snow the day before to have the unique view of Yosemite that I personally have only seen once in my life!
Places to Stay
There are plenty of places to explore, so a single day wouldn’t be enough for your wedding in Yosemite National Park. To get the whole experience, check out accommodations in camping locations, cabins, and resorts within and outside the park or even Airbnbs. Top places include Yosemite Valley Lodge, Autocamp, and the Ahwahnee Hotel. Groveland is the nearest town right outside Yosemite. Oakhurst is a 30 minute drive outside the Park as well.
Most Popular Yosemite Elopement Locations
There are plenty of picturesque places for Yosemite National Park weddings. Some of the places for smaller elopements you can consider include Tenaya Lake, Mirror Lake, Cook’s Meadow, and Washburn Point. Each of these places is available all-year-round, but all still require a Yosemite National Park wedding permit.
Conclusion
Yosemite National Park Weddings offer the most magical outdoor experiences you can imagine. If you have ever been there, you know why it is one of the most popular national parks in the USA…and why it is one of my favorite places in the world to visit! With so much natural beauty, and so much variety all within the Park, it is arguably the best place to elope in the US! If you are thinking of other California elopement locations, see my posts about the Best Places to Elope in San Francisco or the Best Places to Elope in Lake Tahoe for more wedding planning help.
If you would like to discuss your Yosemite National Park wedding please CONTACT ME to discuss ideas!
20+ Places for an Elopement in San Francisco
20+ Best Places for an Elopement in San Francisco Ultimate Guide to the 20+ Best Places for an Elopement in San Francisco(with prices, photos, and packages) Eloping and curious about the best places for an elopement in San Francisco? Want to say your vows in the outdoors but don’t want to drive too far away from the City? Elopement locations in San Francisco range from redwoods to rooftops, and choosing a venue setting can be just as varied. While everyone raves about Yosemite or Lake Tahoe (with good reason), the reality is we don’t always have the time or desire to drive several hours one way to get married. This being said, I created this list of best places for an elopement in San Francisco (and locations outside of San Francisco proper) to help those who still desire an intimate and beautiful location in the San Francisco Bay Area for their wedding. If you would like to see what an elopement might look like, check out these full galleries from previous Bay Area elopements: SF City Hall Elopement (Mayor’s Balcony)SF City Hall Elopement (Rotunda)Golden Gate Park ElopementOld Mill Park ElopementMuir Woods ElopementMarin Civic Center ElopementHastings House Garden Weddings Elopement Where to Elope in San Francisco – My Top Picks 1) Muir Woods2) Shelldance Orchid Gardens 3) San Francisco City Hall4) Palace of Fine Arts5) Filoli Gardens 6) The Mountain Terrace7) Hastings House Garden Weddings8) San Francisco Botanical Garden9) Shakespeare Garden10) Deer Park Villa Where to Elope in San Francisco – My Top Picks 1) San Francisco City Hall Marriage License : $110Ceremony Fee : $901 Dr Carlton B Goodlett Pl, San Francisco, CA 94102 This is easily the most popular and best place to elope in San Francisco hands down. The stunning interior and exterior rival actual wedding venues and its centrally located in SF so you can easily explore the City afterwards. With over 200 weddings photographed here, I always strive to give you images that aren’t so cookie cutter and like anyone else’s. If you want to keep things as simple as possible, let San Francisco City Hall do it all for you! They will provide the officiant, standard vows, and your ceremony will be done in less than 5 minutes. Check out my Ultimate Guide to San Francisco City Hall Weddings for more detailed information! 2) Palace of Fine Arts Reservation Fee : $506Hourly Rate (2 hr min) : $144Refundable Deposit : $5003601 Lyon St, San Francisco, CA 94123 One of the most recognizable landmarks and best places for an elopement in San Francisco, the Palace of Fine Arts is known for its rotunda and architecture in the heart of San Francisco. For such a popular and ornate location, just having your ceremony is surprisingly affordable since it belongs to SF Park and Rec. Take a look at my ultimate guide to a Palace of Fine Arts Wedding for more detailed information! 3) Stern Grove (currently unavailable – under construction 2022) Reservation Fee : $50 – $150Hourly Rate (6 hr min) : $153 – $178Outside Fees : $200Refundable Deposit : $75019th Avenue and, Sloat Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94132 Locals will know this location for its free summer concerts, but for most of the year it is a quiet park that occasionally holds smaller weddings. This park sits near the edge of the City and offers a small redwood grove seemingly meant for intimate weddings. The Trocadero Clubhouse can also be rented out if you want to host a little reception as well. Since it’s not the most centrally located SF venue on this list, it is one of the more forgotten wedding venues, which makes it one of the best places for an elopement in San Francisco in my opinion. Check out my “Ultimate Guide to a Stern Grove Wedding” for more details! 4) Shakespeare Garden Reservation Fee : $506Hourly Rate (2 hr min) : $144Refundable Deposit : $500335 Martin Luther King Jr Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118 One of the more popular and best places for an elopement in San Francisco, this small garden in Golden Gate Park allows a great setting for an intimate place to say your vows. Because of its size and isolation from the other more popular gardens, this is a preferred setting for those wanting a more natural background with less natural foot traffic compared to the Botanical Gardens. Check out this Shakespeare Garden Wedding for inspiration! https://youtu.be/JIF4ytamSm0 CONTACT ME TO DISCUSS YOUR ELOPEMENT IN SAN FRANCISCO 5) San Francisco Botanical Garden Reservation Fee : $875 – $10,000 (5 locations to choose from)Golden Gate Park1199 9th Ave San Francisco, CA, 94122 This well manicured Garden in the middle of Golden Gate Park is a passed over gem from even San Francisco residents. With 55 acres showcasing plants from all over the world, they offer the perfect natural backdrop for your wedding ceremony. Several locations within the Garden are available for your elopement, with even a 1 hour rental package available. The more popular places to elope are the Moon Viewing Garden and the Redwood Grove. Check out my SF Botanical Garden wedding planning guide for inspiration 6) Fay Park Reservation Fee : $289Hourly Rate (2 hr min) : $72Refundable Deposit : $5002366 Leavenworth St, San Francisco, CA 94133 Located a short walk from the crooked street that is Lombard St, this small park has gazebos that act as natural backdrops for your elopement. Blocks away from North Beach and the Marina districts, it is conveniently located in between two of San Francisco’s more popular areas for food and nightlife. If you are wondering the less known places for an elopement in San Francisco this elopement venue is not as popular for now so take advantage of it while you can! Check out this previous Fay Park elopement gallery for inspiration https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xf42y9sNZRk 7) Fuchsia Dell Reservation Fee : $289Hourly Rate (2 hr min) : $72Refundable Deposit : $500Conservatory Drive E, San Francisco, CA 94117 This site is a hidden area in San Francisco right next to the Conservatory of Flowers. With the Conservatory garnering all the attention, it is easy to miss this secret garden in Golden
Carmel Valley Wedding Venues
Carmel Valley Wedding Venues The Ultimate Carmel Valley Wedding Venues Guide (with Pricing + Photos) Carmel Valley wedding venues offer an authentically Californian experience with wineries, rustic landscapes, and golf courses, making it a favorite choice for destination weddings. Just a short drive from the Pacific Ocean, Carmel Valley offers a rustic respite from the busy coastal life. Whether you live nearby or are traveling from around the world, there are plenty of perfect options for your Carmel Valley Wedding. Here are some of the top Carmel Valley wedding venues to consider! Gardner Ranch Rental Fee: $8,000 Gardner Ranch is a great location for wedding large and small alike. The sprawling estate provides many locations including three banquet rooms, a clubhouse, an outdoor patio, and many different lawn locations. The backdrop of the Santa Lucia Mountains makes for a great setting for an outdoor wedding in virtually any season. This is also surprisingly one of the more affordable Carmel Valley wedding venues given its elegance and charm. All weddings include exclusive use of Gardner Ranch, plenty of on-site parking, wine barrel cocktail tables, landscape lighting, wooden chairs, and plenty of other perks. This is one of the more popular Carmel Valley wedding venues around for good reason. Bernardus Lodge & Spa Rental Fee: $5,500 – $13,500 This is one of the larger Carmel Valley wedding venues that offers six different wedding locations that range from vineyard views to rose gardens. For intimate ceremonies or elopements of 10 people or less, the Vintner’s Suite is a favorite or can be used as a bridal suite. Of all the locations, the Wedding Garden is possibly the most beautiful with immaculate landscaping, over 100 varieties of roses, and the chef’s own vegetable garden. Wedding packages include luxury accommodations for the couple and an open bar with Bernardus’s own wines. Los Laureles Lodge Rental Fee: $2,500 – $3,300 One of the more unique Carmel Valley wedding venues, Los Laureles Lodge is a ten-acre ranch with three different options for settings. The largest is the Terrace Garden, a stunning area beneath cascading oak trees where guests watch from wooden pews. This holds up to 200 people. Intimate weddings of up to 30 guests can celebrate at Hill House, a beautifully adorned home with a hillside deck. The Hill House has a full kitchen and, true to its namesake, supports sweeping views of Carmel Valley. Finally, the Terrace Garden Banquet Room can hold a small reception or rehearsal dinner. Quail Lodge & Golf Club (Carmel by the Sea) Contact for pricing Quail Lodge Golf Club provides six different options for your ceremony. Quail Meadows is likely the favorite for outdoor weddings, which features a lush meadow on the banks of a stream, creating a perfect location for wedding photos. The Peninsula Ballroom in the Clubhouse is a great choice for a reception whether opting for buffet style or a sit-down dinner. This venue specializes in weddings from small groups to up to 200 guests. This is one of the more affordable Carmel Valley wedding venues for the budget-conscious bride and groom, providing beauty at a lower price than many local venues. Stonepine Estate Resort Rental Fee: starts at $9,000 As you approach through a road lined with oak trees, you will soon catch a glimpse of Chateau Noel, an architectural experience that will have you thinking you have somehow landed in Tuscany. Guests can opt for a California Country package which includes use of the Paddock Lawns or a Chateau Exclusive which involves use of Chateau Noel. Can’t decide? Book the entire estate to have one of the most regal wedding venues in Carmel Valley all to yourself! For a more Old West style feel, try the Blacksmith Bar where guests can practice archery and horseshoes while drinking beer. Needless to say, this is one of the most varied Carmel Valley wedding venues on this list. Holman Ranch Packages: $18,000 – $35,500 Holman Ranch is one of the few Carmel Valley wedding venues that can accommodate a larger number of guests with a capacity of 500. With 400 acres of land, Holman Ranch provides several wedding location options, but most couples choose the recently restored 1928 stone hacienda, an iconic building with an intimate courtyard. Others opt for a stone terrace adorned with flowers with the Santa Lucia Mountains serving as a great backdrop. Combine your ceremony with an elegant reception at the Carriage House, allowing guests to dine beneath twinkling lights. This huge estate offers something for everyone! The Holly Farm Rental Fee: starts at $28,000 One of the most beautiful Carmel Valley wedding venues, The Holly Farm is filled with winding gravel paths, towering bamboo and banana trees, and rustic cottages. The unique design of the grounds presents a variety of options for photos, ensuring you will have plenty of mementos of your wedding. In addition to no corkage or cake cutting fees, you’ll also find a number of other perks including hundreds of island orchids for décor. CONTACT ME TO DISCUSS CARMEL VALLEY WEDDING VENUES Best Wedding Venues in Carmel Valley for Elopements Joullian Vineyards Rental Fee: starts at $6,500 Located high above Carmel Valley, Joullian Vineyards’ Venue in the Vines is a premier wedding location. This is a place for weddings of many sizes, able to accompany as few as 50 guests or as many as 250. Smaller parties may instead be interested in The Overlook, which allows couples to exchange nuptials in front of a wood and floral arch with the entire Carmel Valley as the backdrop. With 20 to 50 guests, this is one of the more popular Carmel Valley wedding venues that caters to smaller weddings. Best Outdoor Carmel Valley Wedding Venues Chateu Carmel Ranch Contact for pricing Holman Ranch is one of the few Carmel Valley wedding venues that can accommodate a larger number of guests with a capacity of 500. With 400 acres of land, Holman Ranch provides several wedding location options, but most couples choose the recently
How to Plan a Wedding in Big Sur
How to Plan a Wedding in Big Sur The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Wedding in Big Sur (complete with tips and venue information) There are few places on the west coast as stunning as having a wedding in Big Sur. Known for state parks and coastal scenery, countless couples have planned their wedding in Big Sur and it is becoming one of the more popular locations to exchange vows and take wedding photos. Below is the ultimate guide for all your planning needs for a wedding in Big Sur. 1 Simple Method to Having a Wedding in Big Sur All you really need to plan your elopement or wedding in Big Sur is an officiant, a marriage license, and one witness. And of course, CONTACTING a photographer like me! Getting the Marriage License Your wedding in Big Sur can’t be official without a marriage license. In California, a marriage license can be obtained in any county for a ceremony held in the state, even if the marriage is held in a different county. Big Sur is in Monterey County, so you can get the license from San Francisco County, for example. However, you must return the license to the county that issued it, along with the signature of the officiant and at least one witness. For out of town couples, it’s popular to stay in San Francisco while having your wedding in Big Sur. If this is the case with you, read up on how to get your marriage license in my San Francisco City Hall Weddings Planning Guide And if you are flexible with locations, take a look at the Best Places to Have an Elopement in San Francisco Big Sur Wedding Permit Best Times of the Year for a Wedding in Big Sur There are more ideal times to have your wedding at Big Sur. Perhaps the safest is Fall for its warmer weather, color, and clear skies. However, anytime between March and October is suitable while the winter months may be a bit too cold and overcast. Rain does tend to occur in early Spring so plan accordingly. If you plan it right, you can time your wedding in Big Sur with the warmest time of the year around September and October and if you’re lucky, can make a stop to see the visiting monarch butterflies nearby in Pacific Grove Photo Locations for a Wedding in Big Sur Regardless of where you host your wedding at Big Sur, you will have many breathtaking locations for photos nearby. The Bixby Bridge on Highway 1 provides a unique backdrop and is probably the most popular. Pfeiffer Burns State Park is a majestic location, particularly near sunset. Rocky Point Restaurant provides a scenic overlook set aside rugged coastal cliffs. Finally, Garrapata Trail is a perfect backdrop filled with wildflowers during spring and summer. Bixby Bridge Iconic Big Sur Coastline Big Sur Elopement Packages Big Sur elopement packages are typically customized to fit your needs, but start at $2000 for 3 hours. A sample elopement in Big Sur consists of getting ready/details, the wedding ceremony, group photos, couples portraits, and a reception. For the more adventurous couples, doing multiple photo locations around gorgeous Big Sur is highly recommended to take advantage of the stunning coastline and scenic views Best Wedding Venues in Big Sur CA Big Sur is popular for elopements and marrying on cliffs overlooking the ocean, but for those who want an actual venue that’s no problem either! Let’s take a look at some of my favorite wedding venues in Big Sur CA. Big Sur Lodge Rental Fee: $599 – $1,199 This is one of the most classic Big Sur wedding venues around the area. Big Sur Lodge is located in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park with indoor and outdoor seating. Most popular is the Redwood Patio, located next to a flowing stream. There is also an option for a picnic style rehearsal dinner in the state park. This is easily the most popular place to have a wedding at Big Sur. Ventana Contact for pricing Ventana is a resort that prides itself on a wide variety of options for your wedding in Big Sur. The blending of the ocean, forests, and mountains at this Big Sur wedding venue will leave you in awe. With over 12,000 feet of event space, there is a setting for a wedding of any size. Sur Visa is an outdoor overlook adorned with picnic tables and elegant landscaping. Redwood Cathedral provides a space surrounded by towering trees. The Loft blends natural woods with modern décor to create an intimate indoor setting. This is definitely one of the most diverse wedding venues in Big Sur CA to fit your needs. Check out my Ventana Big Sur Wedding Guide for more details Loma Vista Gardens Rental Fee: $5,400 – $18,400 depending on size and day Loma Vista was named for the its beautiful views, making this one of my favorite wedding venues in Big Sur CA. The location is backdropped by mountains and has elegantly manicured landscaping including cactus gardens. With packages for traditional and elopement weddings, Loma Vista Gardens can customize the perfect ceremony for any types of wedding in Big Sur. This locale is a great choice for couples wanting a rustic feel for an outdoor ceremony. Point 16 Contact for pricing Located about half an hour outside of downtown, Point 16 is an area off of Highway 1 that is frequently used for planning a wedding in Big Sur. There is perhaps no better view in the area as Point 16 overlooks the beauty of the Pacific Ocean from a lush hillside meadow. There is no bad time for a wedding here as any time of day will provide an excellent view for your wedding at Big Sur. Post Ranch Inn Rental Fee: $6,000Small weddings: $5,500 – $6,600Elopements: $3,900 You haven’t seen Big Sur until you’ve seen a sunset from the Post Ranch Inn’s view of the Pacific Ocean. Couples will find a variety of packages
15 Best Wedding Venues in Monterey CA
15 Best Wedding Venues in Monterey CA The Ultimate Guide to the 15 Best Wedding Venues in Monterey CA(complete with pricing and photos) Couples seeking to take advantage of the Pacific Coast’s splendor for their weddings can take a look at the 15 best wedding venues in Monterey CA. Located in the center of California’s coastline, Monterey is known for its history, architecture, seafood, and local arts scene. For Californians seeking a beautiful place to get married, Monterey provides an excellent choice for a weekend escape. Let’s take a look at some of the top Monterey wedding venues. Best Times for a Wedding in Monterey CA Old Whaling Station Adobe & Gardens Rental Fee: $1,900 – $2,400Ceremony Only: $1,500 The Old Whaling Station may not sound like the most romantic spot; however, this is a beautiful space indoors and outdoors with flexible rental periods by the hour that focuses on affordable yet elegant weddings. The garden is the perfect spot for beautiful wedding photos, making it one of the more cozy and intimate wedding venues in Monterey CA. The Barns at Cooper Molera Rental Fee: $2,500 – $6,500 Formerly part of a National Trust, this historic property is perfect for a beautiful ceremony. This is one of the more unique wedding venues in Monterey CA in that you can get married in a beautifully restored barn or outdoors beneath oak trees. Memory Garden (Monterey State Historic Park) Rental Fee: $1,500 – $3,600 (depends on day of the week / number of hours)Processing Fee: $150Refundable deposit: $1,000 This park actually has six different gardens that are excellent choices for an elopement or small wedding. Stevenson Garden is enclosed by a rustic gated adobe wall and is named for author Robert Louis Stevenson. First Theatre Garden and Larkin Garden, in particular, also provide excellent settings for a wedding. The variety in settings makes this one of the more popular wedding venues in Monterey CA that appeals to most. Monterey Beach House Rental Fee: $1,500 – $5,000 Do you dream of a beach wedding? There is perhaps no better place in Monterey than Monterey Beach House. With the peninsula and ocean as a backdrop, this location provides one of the best views compared to other wedding venues in Monterey CA. Sunset ceremonies are popular here and al-inclusive packages mean you can rest assured you’ll be well taken care of. Perry House Rental Fee: $1,500 – $5,000 The Perry House provides an elegant setting with an ocean view. The Victorian style home was originally built in 1860 and has lush gardens. Renovated specifically to cater to weddings, this is an excellent choice to include in your list of wedding venues in Monterey CA. Jabberwock Inn Rental Fee: $1,000 – $1,500 for 4 hours Small weddings and elopements: $350 – $750 (depends on time of year) One of more popular bed and breakfast wedding venues in Monterey CA, Jabberwock Inn is an elegant craftsman style house that overlooks Monterey Bay. Tall hedges and stone-lined gardens form a perfect place to exchange vows while you can relax in style with your pick of charming rooms. Jabberwock Inn is an excellent choice for a Monterey wedding venue. Club Del Monte Contact for pricing Located on the campus of the Naval Postgraduate School and part of Hotel Del Monte, named the world’s most elegant seaside resort, this art deco facility is perfect for saying your vows whether you’d prefer the intimate La Novia Room or a spot next to the Roman Plunge Reflecting Pool. Monterey Stone Chapel Rental Fees: $300 – $750 (depends on number of guests / spaces reserved) You’ll find this chapel located amidst redwoods and gardens next to a turtle-filled pond. For a more intimate wedding, an outdoor gazebo garden wedding is an excellent decision with a quaint, intimate setting to exchange your vows. This is one of the best wedding venues in Monterey CA because the 5 star Tarpy’s Restaurant and steakhouse is right next door! CONTACT ME TO DISCUSS MONTEREY WEDDING PACKAGES Wedding Venues Near Monterey CA Lover’s Point Park (Pacific Grove) Contact for pricing While this community park just outside of Monterey has plenty of things for the community, it also serves as a beautiful site for a wedding. With an ocean view, a small beach, and manicured lawns, there are many different settings for wedding venues in Monterey CA. A rocky outcropping on the edge of the beach makes a great place for photos. A reservation and use permit is required for a wedding. Check out this Lovers Point Park Wedding to give you an idea of what I’ve done in the past. Big Sur Lodge – Pfeiffer State Park (Big Sur) Packages: $599 – $1,199 Big Sur is extremely popular with nature lovers and this rustic getaway right in the middle of Pfeiffer State Park provides easy walking access to many potential sites. Reserve a cozy cabin and take advantage of a ceremony surrounded by California’s majestic redwoods. The Lodge itself has four different indoor and outdoor venues and wedding consultants, making this one of the best wedding venues near Monterey CA. Huckleberry Hill (Pebble Beach) Contact for pricing This is one of those wedding venues near Monterey CA that you will feel was made for your elopement. Here you’ll find Huckleberry Hill Nature Preserve, which is home to several trails with plenty of picturesque spots. Find you and your love immersed in a wooded oasis amongst groves pine and cypress trees. There is a bit of elevation gain and a short hike, so this spot is best for a small, casual no-frills ceremony for outdoor lovers. Leal Vineyards (Hollister) Packages: $4,000 – $7,500 This facility has excellent options for elopements, small ceremonies, or mid-sized weddings. Leal Vineyards features three different settings and is one of the larger wedding venues in Monterey CA. Say “I do” surrounded by sweeping hills of vineyards at the Lavanda, have a quaint candlelit ceremony in the Barrel Room, or opt for the Olea with twinkling lights and a tunnel of olive trees. River Road Mansion (Salinas)
10 Best Places to Elope in Lake Tahoe – with Pricing
Elope in Lake Tahoe (updated 2025) 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 $4000 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 96150Rental 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 96150Rental 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 89448Rental 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 96150Rental 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 CONTACT ME TO DISCUSS ELOPING 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
Venues for Weddings in San Francisco
The 50+ Most Popular Venues for Weddings in San Francisco Ultimate Guide to the Top Venues for Weddings in San Francisco (with pricing, photos, and videos) Here is a list of the best venues for weddings in San Francisco (updated for 2022!). We are so lucky to have such a wide variety of settings in the Bay Area ranging from giant redwood groves, rustic barns, elegant historic buildings, and more, and within a short drive from San Francisco. With so many options for venues for weddings in San Francisco and throughout the Bay Area, it is inevitable I missed some so please feel free to let me know. I will periodically update this page with more photos, individual blog posts, or videos to give you the best most comprehensive information to help plan your dream wedding. If you would like my honest opinion of your venue choices feel free to CONTACT ME – happy to help! Favorite San Francisco Elopement Locations: The Mountain Terrace, Shelldance Orchid Gardens, Hastings House Garden Weddings My Personal Favorite Venues for Weddings in San Francisco: Muir WoodsShelldance Orchid GardensPalace of Fine ArtsSan Francisco City HallLegion of HonorStern GroveThe Olympic ClubThe Mountain TerraceHastings House Garden Weddings Best “Only in San Francisco” Venues for Weddings in San Francisco: Want a location that shows off that you are in San Francisco? All of these wedding venues in San Francisco have views of the Golden Gate Bridge or other San Francisco landmarks. Hornblower Cruises (SF) Rental Fee : $118 / person For one of the more unique venues for weddings in San Francisco, why not sail around the San Francisco Bay! This popular and unique excursion allows you and your guest unique views of San Francisco as well as the ability to sail under the Golden Gate Bridge for some unique photographs. In addition, their food is world class from my own experiences. Cavallo Point (Sausalito) Rental Fee : Contact for pricing Located across the Golden Gate Bridge in Sausalito, no other wedding venues in SF shows off the Golden Gate Bridge as nicely as Cavallo Point. Sitting across a hill overlooking the Bridge and the Bay, choosing this San Francisco wedding venue will treat your guests to one of the most breathtaking views of San Francisco. Hotel Vitale (SF) Packages : $185 – $260 / person Situated along the Embarcadero, Hotel Vitale offers a panoramic view of both the Bay Bridge and the San Francisco Bay. It is one of the few rooftop venues for weddings in San Francisco as well. Being a hotel, they offer all inclusive services for you and your guests. Fort Mason Center (SF) Rental Fee : $1,650 – $11,000 The Fort Mason Center offers several wedding venues in SF but the most popular ones are the General’s Residence, Gallery 308, and the smaller Firehouse, each offering their own unique setting for your wedding day. Best Outdoor Wedding Venues in San Francisco: Love to be surrounded by trees and being outdoors in nature? These are the best wedding venues in SF and beyond with gorgeous views. The Mountain Terrace (Woodside) Rental Fee : $2,500 – $4,500 (ceremony only) With decades-old trees acting as a wedding ceremony backdrop, The Mountain Terrace is the ideal setting for anyone who appreciates natural beauty and basking in the sun and fresh air. With a recently remodeled mega deck, they allow several options for outdoor and indoor receptions, making this one of my favorite wedding venues in SF. Read more about The Mountain Terrace with my walkthrough https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibmrGG9xbac Muir Woods (Mill Valley) Permit Fee : $60 for up to 30 guests This popular elopement destination offers the perfect escape to nature by surrounding you with redwood groves all around. It is centrally located between San Francisco and Napa, allowing your out of town guests options in how they explore northern California. In addition to SF City Hall, this is one of my favorite wedding venues in SF for its simplicity and beauty for elopements and small weddings. Check out my Ultimate Guide to Planning a Wedding in Muir Woods for more details! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHcJNX09nCk Hastings House Garden Weddings (Half Moon Bay) Packages start at : $12,000 If you are looking for a secluded “secret” garden look no further than the Hastings House Garden Weddings for your elopement! This enchanting garden only allows for a small number of guests and is seemingly made just for elopements. You need little to no decor at this wedding venue in Half Moon Bay since the beauty is all around you! Read more about Hastings House Garden Weddings with my walkthrough Shakespeare Garden (SF) Reservation Fee : $506Hourly Rate : $144 (2 hour min)Refundable Deposit : $500 One of the best places to elope in San Francisco, this small garden in Golden Gate Park allows a great setting for an intimate place to say your vows. One of the more affordable and secluded wedding venues in SF, this is also the most popular Golden Gate Park wedding venue for those wanting a more natural background. Check out this Shakespeare Garden Wedding for inspiration! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIF4ytamSm0 Like what you see? Which venues for weddings in San Francisco fit your style? CONTACT ME TO DISCUSS SAN FRANCISCO WEDDING VENUES Old Mill Park (Mill Valley) Rental Fee : $125 – $275 / hourRefundable Deposit : $100 – $1,000 Located in Mill Valley across the Golden Gate Bridge, Old Mill Park is one of the most popular venues for weddings in San Francisco and perfect for those who love nature. They have a separate ampitheater that comes with its own staging and seating, making it a convenient wedding venue in San Francisco for large and small weddings. Check out my Ultimate Planning Guide for an Old Mill Park Wedding SF Botanical Garden Rental Fee : $875 – $10,000 This well manicured Garden in the middle of Golden Gate Park is one of the more forgotten wedding venues in SF since Golden Gate Park is so large. With 55 acres showcasing plants from all over the world, they offer the perfect natural
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