Elope in South Lake Tahoe! - A How To Guide
There is nothing more magical than love with the backdrop of the most iconic lake in the world. Not only does Lake Tahoe offer incredibly scenic views, but it also offers endless activities. Below is everything you need to know about eloping in South Lake Tahoe. See our Lake Tahoe elopement packages to skip the reading and let us do the rest.
Select a Ceremony Location:
Here are a few of our South Shore favorites, but contact us directly, and we are happy to offer even more iconic spots.
Photography by Lauren Lindley
Photography by Emily Jenks
Photography by Starscape Photography. Planning by Pomegranate Occasions
Emerald Bay State Park
Emerald Bay State Park Lookout is Lake Tahoe’s most popular place to elope. Emerald Bay is located in South Lake Tahoe on the California side. Known for the gorgeous turquoise water, lush pine trees, and tall mountains, Emerald Bay is a dreamy elopement location for any couple. Plus, the state park itself has plenty of beautiful areas for couples’ portraits. Keep in mind, though, that this place is heavily populated!
Permit required.
Regan Beach
A wedding at Regan Beach in South Lake Tahoe offers a beautiful and intimate setting with a park-like lawn and scenic views of the lake. Couples can choose between a semi-private ceremony on a grassy knoll overlooking the water or a more informal service on the public shoreline. It is a versatile, year-round venue suitable for a wide range of wedding styles, from simple and casual to formal events.
Permit required.
Logan Shoals Vista Point
A wedding at Logan Shoals Vista Point offers an intimate and scenic experience with panoramic views of Lake Tahoe from a high, rocky perch. Located on the east side of the lake in Nevada, it is a popular spot for small weddings and elopements due to its breathtaking backdrop and year-round accessibility.
Permit required.
Kristin Smith Photography
Sand Harbor
A wedding at Sand Harbor State Park, located on Lake Tahoe's scenic Nevada shore, is defined by its breathtaking natural beauty, featuring pristine sandy beaches, massive granite rock formations, and clear turquoise waters. It is a popular yet strictly regulated location primarily suited to smaller, low-impact ceremonies.
Permit required.
Cave Rock
Cave Rock offers both a dramatic and intimate setting for adventurous couples who don’t mind a short hike, with the reward of breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Tahoe and a little adrenaline rush. It also offers a small beachfront perfect for a simple elopement with friends and family.
Planning & Photography by Pomegranate Occasions
Courtney Aaron Photography. Planning by Pomegranate Occasions
Pioneer Trail
For couples seeking a serene, intimate, and quintessentially "Tahoe" setting for their elopement, a section of the Pioneer Trail offers a beautiful escape into nature without sacrificing convenience. This spot provides a stunning, forested backdrop, a sense of tranquility, with just a short hike up a dirt trail, embodying the rustic elegance of a mountain wedding.
Photography by Starscape Photography
Fallen Leaf Lake
Fallen Leaf Lake is a serene, secluded, hidden gem offering a tranquil atmosphere for an intimate elopement. Surrounded by towering pines and majestic mountain peaks, its crystal-clear waters offer a breathtaking, picturesque natural backdrop for exchanging vows away from the crowds.
Secret Beach
True to its name, Secret Beach offers a secluded ambiance ideal for intimate ceremonies with minimal beach traffic. It provides a private space for you to exchange vows in tranquility.
Photography by Starscape
Camp Richardson
Elope to historic Camp Richardson Resort, nestled on the picturesque southern shore of Lake Tahoe. Exchange your vows against a backdrop of crystal-clear waters, towering Sierra Nevada mountains, and lush pine forests. This charming, rustic location offers a naturally beautiful and inviting setting, perfect for an intimate and unforgettable ceremony. Whether your "I do's" are on the sandy beach with breathtaking sunset views or in a quiet, wooded area, Camp Richardson provides a warm, cozy, and scenic escape for your special day.
2. Get a Marriage License.
Depending on which side of the lake you are on, you may need a Nevada Marriage License or a California Marriage License. Both licenses are easy to obtain with an appointment in advance.
3. Book your Elopement Package!
We specialize in planning and capturing adventure and outdoor elopements in Lake Tahoe. Our all-inclusive packages offer a descriptive timeline for your perfect day, photography, officiants, flowers, bubbles, bites, and more!
To ensure a smooth, problem-free elopement, it’s best to hire a local who knows the area and the necessary permits and services to book in advance. Depending on where you choose to hold the ceremony, Special Use Permits are required to host a wedding or elopement on all National Parks and National Forest Land; this applies to both the California and Nevada sides of Lake Tahoe. The permit for special events depends on the location and the size of your event.
