Are you planning an elopement at Lake Tahoe and searching for the best locations to host your adventurous vows? Lake Tahoe is as stunning as it is massive! In fact, its so large that it is bordered by both California & Nevada. Typically, when discussing Lake Tahoe, folks divide it into two categories. North Lake Tahoe and South Lake Tahoe. So, the first decision you’ll need to make about your elopement is which side you’d like to be on. Each side of the lake is equally gorgeous and offers up its own picturesque landscape and unique experience. If you’re stuck on choosing a location, it really all boils down to a matter of personal preference. But here’s what I can tell you.
Eloping in North Lake Tahoe
This side of the lake is far less developed than the South side. If you want to plan an outdoorsy elopement that focuses on the landscape and experiencing the beauty of the natural setting, this side of the lake is 100% for you. If your elopement is all about creating an intimate experience with just the two of you or less than 20 guests, you’ll love what the north side of the lake has to offer.
Eloping in South Lake Tahoe
Conversely, South Lake Tahoe is much more bustling than the north side of the lake. On this side of the lake, you’ll find more ‘city-like’ amenities, including dining options and shopping experiences. If you’re looking for entertainment options for guests who are attending your elopement, you’ll find them here, too. South Lake Tahoe also offers tons of options when it comes to lodging, including five-star hotels, making it easier for you to host an elopement with a larger size guest list
Obtaining a Marriage License for Your Lake Tahoe Elopement
Once you’ve decided which side of the lake to host your elopement, the next step is to determine whether or not your elopement will be held in a national park. If you do choose to get married in a national park, you will be required to obtain a special use permit. The total cost of a special use permit typically begins at $50, with the cost increasing depending on guest count and other factors. Here is how to obtain a permit in each state.
California
For elopements at Lake Tahoe in California, you can file a special use permit with the California State Parks website at this link. The total cost of the filing is $50 and must be submitted at least 45 days in advance of your elopement. If your filing is not submitted within 45 days prior to your elopement, you will be required to pay an additional fee of $75. The last point I’d like to mention is that if your application is sent within 30 days of your elopement, your special use permit will not be considered. I know how exciting last-minute elopements can be, but if you both have your heart set on saying I do at Lake Tahoe in California, please make sure you mail in that application early! At the bottom of the application, you’ll also find additional fees pertaining to events, so please read the fine print very carefully.
Nevada
When it comes to eloping in Lake Tahoe on the Nevada side, you’ll need to apply for a special use permit if your wedding day includes more than 75 guests. Or if you have made a payment to any party for the purposes of your wedding (officiant, photographer, videographer, etc.). The permit for your elopement can be obtained from the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit. However, they do not currently offer an online process for obtaining your permit. You’ll have to email them directly at sm.fs.paltbmu@usda.gov or call them at 530.543.2600. They do provide additional details and information about the permit application process on their website, and you can view that here.
Does my elopement photographer need a permit for our Lake Tahoe elopement?
If you are interested in getting married at one of the national parks, then yes, your elopement photographer will require a permit as well. However, I believe that elopements should be a fun, carefree, adventurous experience. So I take care of this documentation for all of my couples!
The Most Amazing Lake Tahoe Elopement Locations
Now comes the fun part! You’ve decided which side of the lake to elope, and you know how to obtain your permit in either state. So, where exactly should your elopement take place? There is no shortage of idyllic locations at Lake Tahoe to say I do, but here are some of the best!
North Lake Tahoe Elopement Locations
Sand Harbor
One of Lake Tahoe’s most popular beaches, Sand Harbor, lives up to its name because it is, in fact, super sandy! Sand Harbor features a boat launch, picnic areas, and a visitors center. If you’re curious about the views for your Sand Harbor elopement at Lake Tahoe, they’ll be completely picturesque, with massive granite-sized boulders and panoramic views of the lake and the mountains.
Secret Cove
Secret Cove is Lake Tahoe’s ‘hidden’ secret. It’s a dog-friendly beach that features views of the glittering blue-green waters of Lake Tahoe’s shores. It is definitely for the adventurers because Secret Cove is located at the end of a steep trail. If you want to continue the adventure after your vows, you can hike to Whale Cove Beach!
Sugar Pine Point State Park
The lake-side stretch of land at Sugar Pine is nearly two miles long, providing plenty of space and privacy as far as Lake Tahoe elopement locations go. Leashed dogs are allowed within the park if you’d like your furbaby to attend your wedding. However, they are not allowed on the beaches, unpaved trails, or in undeveloped areas. If you are an outdoorsy couple who is looking for a true adventure-driven experience, Sugar Point also offers their camp ground for overnight stays.
Logan Shoals
Logan Shoals is another one of Lake Tahoe’s elopement locations that is a bit more tucked away and lesser-known. I cannot say this enough, but the views at Logan Shoals are absolutely breathtaking! Resulting in vibrant wedding photos with that alpine glow. If you want to plan a sunset wedding in Lake Tahoe, I highly recommend Logan Shoals.
Kings Beach
Kings Beach is an ever-present, never-changing piece of Lake Tahoe’s old-world charm! This quintessential piece of Lake Tahoe is located just outside of CA Highway 28, which is lined with tons of cool shops, restaurants, and ‘Mom & Pop’ hotels. One of the major draws to choosing Kings Beach as your elopement location is that from within the nearby city, you can experience surrounding views of Lake Tahoe in every direction!
South Lake Tahoe Elopement Locations
Emerald Bay
Located on the scenic shores of southwest Lake Tahoe, you’ll find Emerald Bay. It is undoubtedly one of the most popular Lake Tahoe elopement locations. So, if what you’re after is a highly private elopement experience, this location is probably not for you. However, it’s also one of the most stunning locations for an elopement at Lake Tahoe. Surrounded by pine and cedar trees, Emerald Bay also features wildly vivid vertical cliffs. This idyllic location definitely lives up to the hype!
Cascade Falls
Cascade Falls is a fantastic place to say I do if you’re dreaming of a more rugged and adventure-filled elopement in Lake Tahoe. The greenery is sprawling, the mountain views are epic, and yes, there are flowing streams and waterfalls. This is one of those elopement locations in Lake Tahoe that comes with a caveat. That’s because there is a mile-long hike involved if you want to experience the waterfall. But it’s well worth every second.
D.L. Bliss State Park
Do you want a Lake Tahoe elopement location that provides the same views as Emerald Bay but with less foot traffic? If so, I highly recommend D.L. Bliss State Park. It’s located just north of Emerald Bay and features Rubicon Point, the highest-elevation lighthouse located in the United States. The shoreline at D.L. Bliss is over six miles long, providing plenty of privacy for you to recite your heartfelt vows.
Lakeside Beach
Lakeside Beach is privately owned and operated. However, they do provide access to the public year-round. It is a total hot spot for water sports, though. So, if you want a wedding along the shores, Lakeside Beach may not be the best place for you. Additionally, it’s important to note that Lakeside Beach comes with an entry fee of $30 per adult aged 18+. They also cap their daily sales to 200 people per day. Want to plan an early morning wedding in Lake Tahoe? Lakeside Beach would be an excellent location for vows and enjoying the sunrise!
Reagan Beach
Reagan Beach is Lake Tahoe’s oldest beach. The draw with Regan Beach is that it is pet-friendly. Additionally, you can inquire about a private rental of the beach for your wedding by emailing them at facilityrental@cityofslt.us. The views at Reagan Beach feature the mountains off in the distance, and it is definitely one of the more easily accessible locations for a Lake Tahoe elopement.
