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 $800/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
County Clerk COVID Elopement | South Lake Tahoe, CA | Kierney + William
With SO many of my clients faced with the tough decisions to cancel, postpone or downsize their weddings, many have decided to go this route: just get married and I am 100% here for it. Like so many of my clients, Kierney and Will are still planning on partying later (now in their renovated and redone backyard, thanks to COVID house projects), but they were overjoyed to just go ahead and solidify their union in the most Tahoe-esque way possible.
Downsizing Wedding Expectations without Downsizing Excitement
In the face of a global pandemic, many couples are having to make difficult choices regarding the days they have, in some cases, spent their lives or at least the last year or two, dreaming about. As wedding vendors, we are incredibly aware of how difficult these decisions have been for folks as they also directly affect our livelihoods. Downsizing your wedding expectations without downsizing your excitement is possible, I promise! Head here for some suggestions on reframing your expectations but not minimizing your joy.
How to include your fur babies in your wedding
If you’re like any (respectable) pet parent, you likely want your fur babies to be a part of your day. I get it, I’m a dog mom--they’re basically our children. But there are some important things to consider before you make the call on whether or not to include your dogs in your wedding. Here are some planning tips and resources to have your four legged pals join you on your special day.
Timeless LGBT+ Wedding Trends
LGBT+ weddings are like heteronormative weddings in many ways--except there’s one major standout: the individuality is fierce and unapologetic. Photographing LGBT+ weddings is like coming up for fresh air. Couples tend to customize nearly all parts of their day, skirting the traditional route. Since I started photographing weddings, LGBT+ wedding trends have changed quite a bit. Yet some trends have stood the test of time. Some of my favorites are up on the blog!
Summer 2020 Wedding Trends
If you’re looking for summer wedding inspo, it’s probably because you want your wedding to be different, to be more you. Here are some ideas and summer 2020 wedding trends for making your summer wedding shine in your own way, including bold statement furniture, refreshing menu options, and fun flowy wedding party attire.
Cave Rock Elopement | Glenbrook, NV | Annie + Carter
Couples choose elopements for a variety of reasons over traditional weddings, and now, in light of current events, I think that many couples may be forced into elopements over weddings for financial reasons. This is not a bad thing! Living in such an incredible, epic location, I have the good fortune to photograph a LOT of elopements and I absolutely love them. Annie and Carter had the ultimate adventure for their elopement: hiking, climbing and scaling Cave Rock for incredible sunset memories!