Best Elopement Locations in Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe is such a special place filled with epic tree lined scenery, wavering hues of alpine blue water, stunning views, hiking galore, open meadows, kayaking, boating, OH YEA and sandy beaches! Not a bad place to share your vows.

If you’re dreaming of tying the knot and eloping in South Lake Tahoe this little guide will help you narrow down the exact location of where to have your perfect ceremony location, I’ll be sharing 5 worthy elopement ceremony locations for you to consider.

But First, A Few Helpful Tips…

When To Visit

Permits - Do You Need One?

1.) Emerald Bay

EMERALD BAY

This location is stunning and it’s accessible via a short (and a little scramble-y) walk from the parking lot. It overlooks the beautiful little island and you’re surrounded by trees and beautiful sweeping views. You can opt to have your ceremony on the rocks overlooking the bay or using the Vikingsholm paved cement overlook area.

2.) D.L. Bliss State Park

D.L BLISS STATE PARK

I could easily spend days here, but this is by far one of my favorites for elopements or just for portraits because it has a lovely variety! The clear blue water along the sandy beach, if you go on the trail, you get great sweeping shots, there’s also trees for those forest vibes, and even a little adventure draw bridge.

Once you follow the road all the way to the end, (there is a day use fee), you can park right near the water, there are restrooms near by, and you’ll have easy access down to the sandy beaches that are lined with trees. If you’re feeling adventurous you can take some of the trails that surround you with trees and give you access to a higher view point!

If it’s just you two or a very small group (6max), you can find a little nook along the rubicon trail and have your ceremony there. If it’ll be more than 6 the best bet would be along the beach for more space.

You can even finish off the day by going for a just married swim, go kayaking, and even have a picnic here, it’s truly such a good spot!

3.) Cave Rock

CAVE ROCK

If you’re just planning a “just us” experience for your elopement (just you two) then you can opt to have your ceremony on TOP of Cave Rock. It’s a short but steep hike with a bit of scrambling up the rocks to reach the top, once on top you have a beautiful sweeping view of Nevada and California! I will mention that once you are at the top it is very limited, no more than 5 people can walk around, I would suggest to have your ceremony here at sunrise because during sunset it can get a bit crowded/less private.

Or you can have your ceremony down on the small beach stretch of Cave Rock - Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park (which you can see the parking for on the top image), here you can have up to 15 people with you!

4.) Beaches!

Kiva Beach, Pope’s Beach, or Baldwin Beach

There are lots of great big sandy beaches to choose from for an elopement! I would highly recommend Kiva beach as it has a great beach but also provides a bit of variety since it has a “nature/tree lined” section which would be beautiful.

Also little side note, Nevada Beach Camp To Lam Watah Nature Trail is a great “backup location” I have on hand. You can start at the Nevada Beach Camp and have your ceremony on the beach and make your way on the Lam Watah Nature Trail which will give you a peaceful and easy walk onto open meadows lined with beautiful trees!

5.) Lower + Upper Eagle Falls

LOWER EAGLE FALLS + UPPER

This is a great area because you have access to some pretty amazing locations within a short distance. Lower Eagle Falls has a running waterfall (depending on the season will indicate how big or small the stream), but it makes for a unique location. You can access it rather easily a small walk down from the side of the road, (you can park along the designated parking pullouts, the Upper Eagle Falls Trailhead parking, or even a little north at the Vikingsholm parking lot). This would be a great choice for a two person elopement or up to 6-7 people. It also over looks Fanette Island. The ground is uneven so standing room only like most locations.

(Lower Eagle Falls above)

Across from Lower Eagle Falls, is Upper Eagle Falls which will be noticable as it has it’s own designated parking area. A short trail leads you up through some brush, and you can see Upper Eagle Falls as you’re walking. You could potentially have a small ceremony at the bottom at one of the overlook areas, or you can keep hiking up and reach the bridge. I enjoy coming here for portraits too.

Upper Eagle Falls

Extra Locations

Lake Tahoe is filled with so many options for an elopement. I will list a few more locations below to consider.

Location List

• Eagle Lake Trail - A continuation of the Upper Eagle Falls trailhead that leads to an alpine lake, (for the more adventurous couple).

• Sugar Pine State Park - beach access, trees, and wooden dock.

• Eagle Rock Trailhead - a hiking trail that leads to a rocky overlook

• Cascade Falls Trail

• Fallen Leaf Lake - apart of a longer hike but for a ceremony it has a rather accesible rocky shoreline lake with a gorgeous view.

• Glen Alpine Falls + Lily Lake

• Zephyr Cove

That’s A Wrap!

Hopefully by now your day dreaming of planning your elopement and (super excited) to share your vows in Lake Tahoe!

Whether you choose to overlook Emerald Bay, or enjoy the sandy beaches, or you opt for a hike in location, remember an elopement means you get to choose the type of experience you want to have , you make the rules, and you get to make your day a representation of who you are as a couple. Have fun with it, and enjoy the process!

Not many couples are brave enough to elope so CONGRATS on being totally awesome!