Lake Tahoe is one of the most scenic wedding locations in California, bordering Nevada and featuring beautiful beach-lake views. Lake Tahoe is filled with different venues and variety, from the sunny, serene North Tahoe lake side with mountainous views and terrain, to the busier, but beautiful South Tahoe lake side, that is filled with luxurious resorts, nightlife, and all things Las Vegas. Here is a helpful elopement guide, complete with a cost breakdown, information on how to get a marriage license and permits in Lake Tahoe, Lake Tahoe venues, and an elopement timeline! If you are planning to elope in Lake Tahoe, this blog is for you, see Best Places to Elope in Lake Tahoe.
Reasons to elope in Lake Tahoe
- Beautiful Sites
Lake Tahoe is filled with beauty, and features so many different elopement locations. Today we’re featuring 10 of our favorite elopement spots at Lake Tahoe. From national parks, to mountains, to sunny beaches and ski resorts- Lake Tahoe is filled with beauty and adventure.
- The Versatility of North Lake Tahoe and South Lake Tahoe
You’ve got California on one side, and Nevada on the other, what’s not to love? Lake Tahoe is perfect for an elopement because it gives your spouse and you so many options for where you want to hold your ceremony! Whether you want to elope at a luxury Airbnb, try your luck at a Casino, go parasailing over the grand lake, or ski in the mountains – all of it is possible at Lake Tahoe. North Lake Tahoe is the more serene, scenic, mountainous side of the lake, belonging to the state of California. South Lake Tahoe, by comparison, is filled with festivities, casinos, and nightlife! Lake Tahoe is perfect for couples of all kinds – start planning your elopement now!
- When you book in advance and with the right vendors, you can ease your elopement experience and make your Lake Tahoe elopement affordable.
Given how busy Lake Tahoe is throughout the year, booking with a wedding planning app like Wedy, will ensure you get the best deals on venues and vendors at Lake Tahoe. Though the permit process may seem a bit tricky – and that’s why we’re here to help. When you book a Lake Tahoe elopement with the Wedy app, you get a bundle of services including the venue, photography coverage, officiant services, on-site hair and makeup and custom florals with one price tag. You can customize your packages to your liking, to meet your budget needs.
How to get a marriage license in Lake Tahoe
To get a marriage license in Lake Tahoe, you will need to find out which county you are getting married in. Since Lake Tahoe borders California and Nevada, you will need to apply to either for a license at either a Californian or Nevadian Wedding Registry. This depends on elopement location.
Getting married in North Lake Tahoe
If you are getting married in North Lake Tahoe, you will need a California marriage license. Here is a helpful article with steps on how to get a marriage license for North Lake Tahoe, a division of Placer County, California.
Getting married in South Lake Tahoe
If you are getting married in South Lake Tahoe, you will need a Nevada marriage license. Here is a helpful article on how to get a marriage license in South Lake Tahoe, a division of Clark County, Nevada.
Best Places to Elope in Lake Tahoe
1. Sand Harbor
Site Fee: $400 + $10 per vehicle
Elevation: 6200 feet
Capacity: 200 guests, 100 seated
Found in North Lake Tahoe, the rocky coves and clear blue waters will take your breath away at Sand Harbor. For deep water adventures like boating and snorkeling, Sand Harbor is perfect, and offers a beach setting under clear blue skies, with many recreational activities nearby for couples and their guests! Be aware that because this area is incredibly popular, it gets booked up quite quickly.
Permit Info: Weddings are permitted within the Ramada area, by signing an agreement for Group Use of Sand Harbor, through Ramada hotels. You will be permitted to get married on the beach, for a $400 fee. An Officiant, wedding planner, and photographers are all required in order to be granted a reservation.
Permits are granted on a first come, first serve basis. Payment and agreement is due within two weeks of booking, so that Lake Tahoe can secure your date. To apply for a wedding permit for Sand Harbor, click here. For help booking Sand Harbor, and to see all inclusive Lake Tahoe packages, click the button below!
2. Kings Beach
Elevation: 6250 feet
Capacity: 300 Guests
Kings Beach is a beach on the North end of Lake Tahoe, located by a beach town that’s nearby local shops, hotels, restaurants, and other festivities! The beach itself features clear blue waters, and a 200ft long porch that leads out to the lake. For adventurous couples – Kings Beach is beautiful and calling your name.
Permit Info: To get a permit for Kings Beach, you will have to contact the Special Events department of the park, by calling the Special Events office at (530) 550-6165 or emailing the parks department here: NorthTahoe.SpecialEvents@parks.ca.gov. For more information about the parks’ department, click here. For help with booking Kings Beach, click the button below!
3. Logan Shoals Vista Point
Site Fee: $645 – $695 (includes permit)
Elevation: 6247 feet
Capacity: 20 guests
Logan Shoals is a beautiful elopement location overlooking the east side of the lake. It is located near Highway 50 in Nevada, just North of Cave Rock.
Though quite popular, the area offers some seclusion and privacy to look onto the sunset and away from the recreational parts of South Lake Tahoe. It is handicap accessible, and perfect for smaller groups who still want a lakeside experience with scenic views.
Permit Info: Permit information for Logan Shoals Vista Point can be found by clicking the button below, and scrolling down to “Vista Recreation.” The Lake Tahoe Management team allows couples to get married, so long as they go through an authorized officiant. For more information on Logan Shoals, you can check out their website or call the special permit use office at (530) 543-2636.
4. Emerald Bay Park Lookout
Site Fee: 695 – $795 + permit fee
Elevation: 6830 feet
Capacity: 20 guests
Emerald Bay Lookout, found in the Emerald Bay State Park in Lake Tahoe, features an elevated overlook that showcases the beautiful lake, with a century old castle featured on the site! Sunrise and sunset elopements are ideal at this beautiful elopement spot.
You can even go kayaking, paddle boarding, or boating on the lake. There are also several hike trails, and the overlook is at an elevation of 6830 feet, allowing you to look out onto the mountains and see the world! Emerald Bay will take your breath away and is perfect for elopements in Lake Tahoe.
Permit Info: You can find permit information for Emerald Bay here, you can also contact the main office for Lake Tahoe services, including special permits by calling: (530) 543-2600. For help booking Emerald Bay Lookout, click the button below.
6. Tahoe Paradise Park
Site Fee: $1025 – $1225 (permit included, ceremony only)
Elevation: 6,250 feet
Capacity: 300 guests
The Tahoe Paradise park is one of the more hidden scenic gems of Lake Tahoe, found in the residential area, with a great view of the lake and Sierra Nevada Mountains that peak over the forest. You can go for a hike, kayak, or paddle board while at the park.
There is also a clubhouse, and tented area that holds up to 300 people! One more thing to note is that there is a 2 hour minimum if reserving this elopement spot. Truly a park of paradise for your Lake Tahoe elopement.
Permit Info: Permit included with site rental fee. Application link can be found here! For help with booking this elopement site, click the button below!
7. Sugar Pine Point State Park
Site Fee: $250-$750
Elevation: 6200 feet
Capacity: 150 guests (seated), 200 guests total
Sugar Pine Point State Park is a beautiful park, offering a unique elopement location for those wanting to elope in Lake Tahoe. Known for its extensive pier, Sugar Pine Park offers accessibility, scenic views, a beach lakeside, and views of the mountains surrounding Lake Tahoe.
This location works for both summer and winter, and is popular for winter weddings and couples who ski. It even features the historical Hellman-Ehrman Mansion as a backdrop. This breathtaking site is a gem of Lake Tahoe and perfect for elopements!
Permit Info: Permit information can be found here, and the Special Events Coordinator can be contacted at LSSEC@parks.ca.gov or by phone at (530) 525-5060 for an application. For help with your permit application, click the button below.
8. Donner Memorial State Park
Site Fee: $600 – $700 + permit
Elevation: 6000 feet (7,239 feet at the top)
Capacity: 75 guests
Donner Memorial State is a beautiful venue found in North Lake Tahoe, that features a ceremony site that overlooks Squaw Valley and features views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
The picnic area is nearby the beautiful one-and-a-half-mile-long Donner Lake beach front, so you have versatile options for your elopement, a beach lakeside and mountain views – all in one. For a stunning ceremony in North Lake Tahoe, Donner Memorial State Park is perfect for you!
Permit Info: To inquire about booking a wedding at Donner memorial State Park, you can contact the Special Events Office of the department of California Parks and Recreation at (530) 550-6165 or email NorthTahoe.SpecialEvents@parks.ca.gov for the fee information and site availability. For help booking a Lake Tahoe elopement, click the link below for more!
9. Spooner Lake
Elevation: 6225 feet (7150 feet at top of trail)
Spooner lake offers scenic views and a secluded area for elopements, near the main Park entrance. Perfect for fall and summer weddings, Spooner Lake offers all of the amenities of Lake Tahoe while also allowing you a relaxing ceremony for just you and your spouse. With luscious forests and mountains surrounding the lake, Spooner Lake is perfect for a serene Lake Tahoe Elopement.
Permit Info: The Lake Tahoe Management team allows couples to get married, so long as they go through an authorized officiant. For more information, you can call the special permit use office at (530) 543-2636.
10. Lakeside Beach
Site Fee: $700-$900
Elevation: 6225 feet
Capacity: 200 guests
For a more unique elopement experience next to the shores of Lake Tahoe, Lakeside Beach is perfect for you! This site is found near downtown South Lake Tahoe, but is secluded enough for you to have an intimate ceremony. With clear blue waters, comfortable hospitality, and a beautiful beach view – Lakeside Beach has it all!
Permit Info: To book a wedding at Lakeside Beach, Lake Tahoe, you can call (530)-545-8453 for the main office or email weddings@laketahoebeachweddings.com for more. For help getting a permit and booking Lakeside Beach for your Lake Tahoe elopement, click the button below.
Lake Tahoe Elopement Cost Breakdown
Low End Elopement Budget
Here is the cost breakdown for a lower end elopement budget for a Lake Tahoe Elopement.
Marriage license: $100
Permits for Lake Tahoe: $410
Photographer: $1600
Bridal Hair and Makeup: $400, includes 1 hour hair & 1 hour makeup trial consultation ($300 without trial consultation)
Wedding dress, accessories and shoes for bride: $1500
Floral bouquet and light arrangements: $400
Suit, accessories and shoes for groom: $500
TOTAL BASE COST: $4910
Moderate Elopement Budget
Here is the cost breakdown for a moderately priced Lake Tahoe Elopement.
Marriage license: $100
Permits for Lake Tahoe: $600
Photographer: $2500
Bridal Hair and Makeup: $500, includes 1 hour hair & 1 hour makeup trial consultation ($300 without trial consultation)
Wedding dress, accessories and shoes for bride: $1500
Floral bouquet, arrangements, arch and more: $600
Suit, accessories and shoes for groom: $500
TOTAL BASE COST: $6300
High End Elopement Budget
Here is the cost breakdown for a high end elopement budget in Lake Tahoe.
Marriage license: $100
Permits for Lake Tahoe: $700
Photographer: $4500
Bridal Hair and Makeup: $600, includes 1 hour hair & 1 hour makeup trial consultation ($300 without trial consultation)
Wedding dress, accessories and shoes for bride: $1500
Floral bouquet, arrangements, arch and more: $1100
Suit, accessories and shoes for groom: $500
TOTAL BASE COST: $9000
Upgrades to your Elopement
- Wine tasting: $125 for 2 hours
- Private Yacht rental: $1500 for 3 hours (up to 13 guests)
- Helicopter ride for two: $900 for a ride over the sunset
To learn more about upgrading your Lake Tahoe elopement, and to inquire about all inclusive Lake Tahoe elopement packages, click the button below!
Lake Tahoe Elopement Timeline
Wondering what to do for your Lake Tahoe elopement? Check out this example timeline to get some inspiration.
- 4:00pm: Arrive at your favorite Lake Tahoe elopement spot
After many days of planning, pack your bags and eagerly head to Lake Tahoe! Bring along hiking gear, your spouse – and anything or anyone else you might need for the trip. Make sure your photographer and hair and makeup artist arrive with you around the same time.
- 4:15pm: Start getting ready
Once everyone has been accounted for and you’ve scoped out the area, now is the time to start getting ready! Take time to change into your wedding dress and suits, advice your guests to take in the scenic views while they wait.
- 5:00pm: Take some intimate first look photos with your spouse
Take some couples portraits together before heading back to the ceremony spot. Make sure to stay hidden from your guests – and one another, until that perfect first moment.
- 6:15pm: Time to say “I do”
Start the intimate ceremony at your favorite Lake Tahoe elopement site. Exchange your vows, sign your marriage license, and break out the champagne! - 7:00 pm: Take more pictures!
Pose with friends and family. Take some couples portraits with your spouse for more memories.
- 8:00-10:00pm pm: Celebrate being married
Now is your chance to spend time with your guests anyway you want. You could head back to a cozy Airbnb and throw a grand romantic dinner reception, you could head over to the casinos and try your luck on the Vegas side of town, you could even rent a boat for the evening and cruise over the Lake with your guests! The world is your oyster at Lake Tahoe, so take time to celebrate your new life with your soulmate!
End of day, congratulations, you’re married!
Frequently Asked Questions about Lake Tahoe
Yes, you can elope and get married at Lake Tahoe, CA. There are several locations you can visit to elope, including right on the lake shore.
To elope in Lake Tahoe, you will need a marriage license from California or Nevada, and a permit to hold your ceremony. The scenic location is quite popular, so apply for your license and permit in advance, to avoid any delays or stock outs.
Yes, you will need a permit for most of the elopement locations at Lake Tahoe. The cost of a permit depends on the site, and the permits generally range from $400-$1225. To find out more about getting a special use permit for your ceremony, click here! You will need a permit and marriage license to elope or get married in Lake Tahoe.
Yes, here are three tips you must know from long-time Lake Tahoe wedding planners.
1. Be prepared for snow, especially if you are eloping during the winter season, as Lake Tahoe is one of the snowiest areas in the States.
2. Budget time for driving, as Lake Tahoe is quite a popular location, so be prepared for some traffic, and difficult parking.
3. Budget your funds wisely. Rentals, food, and recreational activities can sometimes be on the steeper end in the Lake Tahoe area, especially if you don’t book in advance. To make your elopement more affordable, plan ahead! You can also check out the Wedy app for some all-inclusive elopement packages in Lake Tahoe, to save money.
All Inclusive Elopement Packages
If panaromic lake views call to you, look no further than Lake Tahoe for your wedding ceremony. Whether the dream is a small mountaintop elopement or a lakeside wedding with cocktail hour in a boathouse surrounded by your closest family and friends, we know quite a lot about getting married in Lake Tahoe 
Picture this: you say “I do” in a stunning Lake Tahoe lodge featuring wood details, luscious greenery, simple florals, and twinkly lights. Sink your toes in the lake after you say “I do” and embrace a sun kissed fairytale of a wedding.
This location is perfect for California natives who love boho vibes or those looking for a unique destination elopement. Convinced? Lucky for you, we’ve put together this package which basically plans your entire Lake Tahoe wedding — from your ceremony + reception venue to all the vendors you need to host a complete wedding! Click here to learn more about all inclusive Lake Tahoe Elopement packages!
