Lake Tahoe Elopement Packages
As a Lake Tahoe wedding photographer, I love photographing big, traditional weddings, but not all weddings are lavish affairs. I have a soft spot for small, informal weddings and elopements.
Whether it’s a last minute decision, or something you’ve been planning for months, eloping to Lake Tahoe is as dreamy as it sounds. These intimate weddings focus on you, and maybe also your closest friends and immediate family in one of the most beautiful places on Earth (I’m definitely biased). Not only are elopements less stressful than taking the traditional route, they’re usually less expense (woohoo!).
There are no hard and fast rules to eloping in Lake Tahoe, but there’s one thing that’s for sure: if you’re the adventurous type, or just want to do things differently, you’ll want a local photographer (*cough cough*) who knows the ropes to capture your day as authentically as it unfolds.
Location, location, location
So you’ve seen the breathtaking Tahoe views for yourself (or on social media), and you want a beautiful backdrop for your elopement? You may have a spot in mind, or, as a local, I can help you brainstorm your ideal location, whether you’re looking for privacy in a secluded cove or the wide open sky at the top of our mountains.
Investment
Unlike most Lake Tahoe wedding and elopement photographers, I don’t require a minimum. I do recommend at least two hours of coverage, so I have time to photograph your elopement ceremony and time afterward for formal photos. Elopement coverage is $650/hr.
No matter what you decide, booking elopement photography with me includes high-resolution image downloads and a print release. You’ll also have the opportunity to add on prints, albums, and more. Albums range in price from $550-$1150.
Questions? Let’s work together to build a completely customizable elopement photography package that suits your needs.
Getting to Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is pretty accessible, with a few airport options if you’re visiting from afar. Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) is the closest and has transportation options to get you all around the lake.
If you’re looking for a deal, coming from NorCal, or just want to take the scenic route, you can fly into Sacramento International Airport (SAC), which is about a two-hour drive from the lake. I wouldn’t recommend San Francisco International Airport (SFO) or Oakland International Airport (OAK) unless you have several hours to spare.
Other important considerations
Elopements take a lot of stress out of a wedding day, and that’s one reason they’re my favorite. That doesn’t mean they’re without planning. If you’re planning your elopement without the help of a planner, make sure you’re up to date on any permits (Special Use) and vendor requirements, especially if you plan on getting married in a national park. If you want to make your day a breeze and pair great locals who love working together, then here is my list of my favorite and the best Tahoe wedding vendors.
Keep in mind that depending on where you tying the knot, you’ll need either a California or Nevada marriage license. There are five counties surrounding the lake, so double check that you’re getting your marriage license from the right place. You’ll also need to have a witness or two, depending on the county and I’m always happy to oblige if it’s just your officiant, y’all, and myself.
Lake Tahoe is a prime destination year round, so if you’re looking to secure a reservation, you’ll want to get on that as soon as you can. If you’d rather have someone work out the details for you, check out these local planners and vendors I’ve enjoyed working with.
Elopement photography in the US and beyond
If you’re thinking about eloping somewhere other than Lake Tahoe, keep in mind that I travel anywhere within the continental US for free. Yup, you read that right. Passport required? No problem. Travel arrangements for Alaska, Hawaii and outside the US are arranged on a case by case basis.
Featured Wedding and Resources
Emerald Bay Wedding | Chris and Stacy
Should you choose to completely disregard my advice in my previous blog post about all the reasons why you should hold your Emerald Bay wedding by boat, then I am still here for you, albeit perhaps a bit begrudgingly. It is the hard truth that although picturesque, getting married or eloping at the top of Emerald Bay comes with significant challenges. You might think that an intimate wedding with less people provides less stress, but I can tell you with certainty (as can Chris and Stacy) that it does not in Emerald Bay. Still dedicated to an Emerald Bay elopement? Read on my friend.
Sailing into Forever: Your Ultimate Guide to Emerald Bay Elopement by Boat
Embark on an enchanting journey with a guide to the best way to hold an Emerald Bay elopement: by boat! All the reasons by eloping in Emerald Bay by boat solve all the headaches of this stunning location and all the amazing boat rental companies that I recommend.
The Arch at Lakeside Beach LGBTQ Elopement | Gage + Nathan
Small intimate elopements and micro weddings have always been popular in Lake Tahoe, and now so more than ever. I believe that everyone, no matter what their budget or the size of their event, deserves amazing photography. Often, intimate weddings hire me for only an hour and that was the case with Gage and Nathan's The Arch at Lakeside Beach LGBTQ elopement. More from their intimate day here!
Love on Two Wheels: Incorporating Bicycles into Your Lake Tahoe Wedding
I love bicycles more than anything, and I especially love clients who decide to incorporate their shared love of bicycles into their weddings! It's Bike Month here in Tahoe, so here's all the reasons why you should consider incorporating bicycles into your wedding, whether it's in Lake Tahoe or elsewhere!
Capturing Love Without Boundaries: Essential LGBTQ Friendly Wedding Resources for Inclusive Celebrations
Y'all means all! It's pride month y'all, and I'm here to help celebrate it. As a wedding photographer, it is my privilege (and thrill) to capture the essence of love in all its forms. I believe that every couple deserves to have their unique story told and cherished through great images. Wedding planning can be an enormously stressful undertaking all by itself, but when you add in the additional worry that you might not be treated fairly, or have your concerns taken seriously, it just exasperates the stress. In celebration of Pride Month, here are some LGBTQ+ friendly wedding resources for all y'all.
The Best Tahoe Wedding Vendors
Whether you love wedding planning or hate it, choosing your vendors is one of the hardest decisions you'll ever make. If you're planning a Lake Tahoe wedding and want to know who my favorite people and the best Tahoe wedding vendors are, look no further! All my favorite people, all in one easy to navigate guide for getting married in Lake Tahoe.