With housing, gas, and travel costs, planning a huge wedding isn’t feasible for everyone. More importantly, it isn’t going to be in everyone’s budget. So even if you had dreamed of a large ceremony with a grand reception, you might be deciding to hold off on getting married or downsizing your expectations.

On the other hand, you and your partner may be a spontaneous couple, always looking for the next adventure. You may be the type of person who never wants to be the center of attention and having some extravagant event creates anxiety you don’t want to face.

Elopement could be the answer!

Elopement is when two people decide to marry without the knowledge and/or presence of close friends/family members. This doesn’t mean you can’t invite a few friends/family members to the elopement, but the purpose of eloping is to keep the wedding intimate and simple. 

One of the best things about eloping is the amazing availability of locations! You can choose to have a destination elopement or drive to a spot right down the road. 

Nevada and California residents are incredibly lucky! Lake Tahoe is a short drive away and a gorgeous place to get married. We have gathered some of the best places to elope in Lake Tahoe. But before we look at these locations, let’s take a look at a few important reminders about eloping in Lake Tahoe.

How To Elope In Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe straddles the California/Nevada border. So, besides remembering to check which state you are getting married in, remember to check the county. You need to visit the clerk’s office for the county you are getting married in. There are five counties in the Tahoe basin alone!

To get a marriage license in California or Nevada, you must visit the state’s correct county clerk’s office. There is no waiting period, and the process is relatively straightforward. Just show up with your partner, ID, and the money for the license (under $100), and you will be able to walk out with a marriage license.

Permits You’ll Need To Elope In Lake Tahoe

It’s important to remember that most locations in and around Lake Tahoe will require a special license and/or charge a fee to utilize the park/location. So, before setting up your elopement date, check with the site via their website and find out what you need to do. 

Hire A Professional Photographer

Hiring a professional wedding photographer is something you don’t want to miss out on. So even though you are not going the big wedding route, spend the money to have a photographer with you during your elopement. 

Your family and friends will want to see all of the fantastic pictures from your wedding day. Plus, you will want to keep these photographs for the rest of your lives.

8 Places To Elope In Lake Tahoe

1. Hidden Beach – Located right on the side of Hwy 281, this beautiful beach features warm waters, rocky alcoves, and crystal clear water! One of the attractions of Hidden Beach is the seclusion. Unlike many other Lake Tahoe beaches, this Nevada location is less known to tourists. 

2. Cave Rock – With only a 15-minute walk, you can experience the beauty of this beautiful location. This location features a small beach but has plenty of space to launch a boat, kayak, or paddleboard. Parking is limited, so arrive early enough if you plan to elope on a boat. 

3. D.L. Bliss State Park – Located on the western shore of Lake Tahoe, D.L. Bliss is one of those beautiful beaches that you have to see to believe. There is plenty of shoreline here to make all of your beach wedding dreams come true. This park is busy during the summer months and can be full by mid-morning, so plan accordingly. 

4. Emerald Bay State Park – Emerald Bay features beaches, boating, camping, hiking, snorkeling, and the historic Vikingsholm. With plenty of things to do, you will have a fantastic day. This location is always busy in the summer hours, so plan ahead.

5. Logan Shoals Vista Point – If you dream of eloping at sunset, this is where you need to be. Getting to Logan Shoals takes only a few minutes of walking to some of the lake’s most breathtaking views and vantage points.

6. Sugar Pine Point Beach – Located in California, Sugar Pine Point boasts some of the lake’s most dense forests. So if you want to capture the lake and the pines during your elopement, this is the place!

7. Sand Harbor – Sand Harbor is probably the most well-known beach for weddings, so be sure to prepare your elopement early if you want to utilize this amazing location. There are specific areas where you can elope at Sand Harbor, so be sure to follow the guidelines they have set forth. Even though this location is busy, Sand Harbor is everything Lake Tahoe is about – beautiful and majestic.

8. Donner Lake – 30 minutes from Lake Tahoe, is a beautiful lake, easily accessible by one of the many public piers through Donner Memorial State Park or the West End Beach Park. However, Donner Lake is extremely busy during the summer months, but consider this location during any season. The winter months are picturesque, with mountains covered in snow surrounding every side of the lake.