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
Read this when choosing a Lake Tahoe wedding venue
Thinking about getting married in Lake Tahoe? Congrats! It’s one of the most beautiful places in the world (and that’s why I live here). Before choosing a Lake Tahoe wedding venue, it’s important to consider what you want your photos to look like, or, in other words, how you want the lake to appear in your photos. Depending on the venue location and time of day, our majestic body of water serves as a giant mirror (eek), so you’ll want to keep these tips in mind before booking your venue and selecting your ceremony time. Never fear, though, your trusty neighborhood photographer is here to help.
Elope at Sand Harbor State Park | Jeremy + Siobhan
With crystal clear blue waters, the mountain backdrop of Lake Tahoe, and white sandy beaches, Sand Harbor State Park is one of the best locations on Lake Tahoe to elope or have a small intimate wedding. Lake Tahoe is an incredibly special place to Jeremy and Siobhan and their intimate perfectly planned event reflected that.
Prickly Pear Wedding Photographer | Sterling + Ido
Looking for a nursery with a purpose? Want an event space with no need for decor? Look no further than the Prickly Pear! Located in Southside Park near Midtown Sacramento, this charming botanical garden has everything you need for a budget friendly elopement or intimate wedding and I was bowled over by it's charm and whimsy.
A relaxed wedding day is possible. Here’s how to have one.
At this point in my career as a photographer, I’ve photographed just about every style of weddings there is: elopements, micro weddings, 300+ guest weddings, private weddings, and spontaneous weddings. Whether you have zero or 200 guests at your wedding, it’s possible to have a relaxed day. Don’t @ me—I’m totally serious. In my experience, there are a few common threads to the most relaxed wedding days. It’s possible for your day to flow smoothly if you follow these three tips.
Sterling Hotel Wedding Photographer | Emily + Justin
Emily and Justin's elopement was all sorts of charming and had plenty of their quirky dry humor infused into it. When Covid altered their plans for an intimate wedding in Tahoe, they finally settled on the Wedgewood Sterling Hotel. The neighborhood surrounding the Sterling Hotel in Downtown Sacramento has tons of great options for portraits within walking distance!
How to prioritize what photos are important to you on your wedding day
I’m glad we found each other to be a good fit for your wedding day. Seriously, nothing brings me more joy than being on the same wavelength as my clients. After we’ve met, covered the basics and some logistics, we need to talk expectations about day-of photos. This is something you’ll want to take time to think about and discuss with your partner (and family, if they’re involved). For example, everyone has different expectations about first looks. Let’s make sure we’re clear on these with plenty of time to spare so your day can be worry-free. Here are my general recommendations (based on many years of experience in the wedding photography industry) on how to prioritize what photos are important to you on your wedding day.