Vanessa & George

When Vanessa and George reached out to me about a Big Bear elopement, I let them know I hadn’t been to the area in years. That’s the funny thing about growing up in Southern California—there’s so many places to see that you end up missing a few.

I explained to them my process—every place I’ve photographed, was once the first time I photographed there. I can confidently say I put the work in for every new place I photographed a wedding. And so they put their trust in me.

What’s even wilder is the quick turnaround from planning to wedding day. This elopement was planned in just 5 weeks! So, yes. With the right flexibility, you can absolutely plan a last-minute elopement that perfectly celebrates your love.

A Two-Person Lakeside Wedding Ceremony in Big Bear, CA

My husband and I met up with Vanessa and George on the north side of Big Bear Lake. As a photographer-officiant duo, we are sometimes the only attendees to our couple’s most special moments — and that’s a really big honor!

Vanessa was wearing a vintage-style wedding dress with florals and a boutonniere they made together. And even though we got a light drizzle earlier in the day, the weather was beautiful. The air felt and smelled so clean, while the sky gathered just the right amount of clouds.

The couple had picked out a location for their ceremony, so we hopped on the trail and went looking for it. We ended up with a beautiful spot amongst the sagebrush and under a Western Juniper tree. Who needs a fancy backdrop when the ceremony spot looks like this? Sometimes natural wonders are the most incredible.

These two had some truly beautiful vows that just me and Isiah (the officiant) got to hear. That’s an extra special treat, one of the things we love about two person elopements.

Afterwards, we took photos at the various beautiful locations around the lake. We were treated to hours full of the best lighting I’ve seen all year, and an amazing sunset to cap off the day. What a way to celebrate your future together!

Tips for Your Big Bear Lake Elopement

Here are a few things to know when planning your Big Bear Lake elopement:

Work with your photographer regarding locations, permits, and venues. Big Bear is an easy place to elope due to the amount of permit-free national forest land. Speak with your photographer to make sure you’re in one of these beautiful locations.
Practice Leave No Trace when getting married outdoors. Keep the natural world happy and healthy by following LNT guidelines: like packing out what you pack in, staying on trails, and respecting the local flora and fauna.
Consider the timing. Weather? Crowds? Keep these things in mind when planning your Big Bear elopement, where temperatures can be cold and snowy in the winter and crowds can be high in the summer. What to Expect When Getting Married in a National Park >
Looking for adventure and activities? If so, Big Bear is a great spot for all sorts of outdoor fun! Talk with your photographer about including some activities.

Ready to take the next step? Book a call with Love & Latitudes, your Big Bear elopement photographer!