Phoenix & Keion

What other spot in California treats couples to natural hot springs, rolling hills of sage, and snowcapped mountains? Why, that can only be Mammoth Lakes, California, of course!

I affectionately think of Mammoth Lakes as my home away from home. And it’s an amazing place to elope with your special someone.

That’s exactly what Phoenix & Keion had in mind when planning their two-person adventure wedding. More than anything else, they knew they wanted a day full of fun, relaxation, and outdoor ease. So, they headed out to the East Side for their special day.

Wedding Day Picnic, Portraits & Hot Springs in Mammoth Lakes

Phoenix & Keion wanted their focus to be on one another, rather than on planning a traditional wedding. So, each activity they chose was about spending one-on-one time together. That being said, they still wanted to capture all the magic—so they prioritized an elopement wedding photographer to accompany them on their romantic journey.

Our first activity was a picnic in a wide-open field overlooking the mountain range. Dressed in the height of wedding fashion, our couple set up their blanket and basket—snacking on berries, nuts, and crackers. When these two weren’t snacking or snuggling, they were cracking jokes and laughing!

These two were so cute, tossing food into each other’s mouths with decent accuracy, before exploring the open plain. I, of course, was snapping photos like crazy the whole time.

Phoenix & Keion enjoyed a first dance, attended by the cloudless blue sky and towering mountains in the distance. There was lots of kissing, dips, and closeness as these two let the gentle breeze move them.

Phoenix & Keion knew they wanted nighttime photos, so after a break, we met up again at the hot springs.

As twilight turned to night, our couple sank into the warm water. At first, it was exhilarating—the temperature change from the cool night air into the bubbling pools. Phoenix & Keion splashed one another, keeping up with their theme of laughter and joy. But soon the soothing nature of the hot springs took hold, and these two melted into each other.

One of my favorite photo opportunities was playing with the lanterns to see the steam drifting up, as our couple embraced, kissed, or simply wondered at the heaven above.

With each passing moment, the stars began to shine brighter and brighter. Once things got too cold, Phoenix & Keion dried off and got dressed, just so they could gander at the sky a little bit longer.

Tips for Your Mammoth Lakes Wedding

Mammoth Lakes has so much to offer. From hike and lakes to mountain and valleys, there’s so much natural wonder here to soak in on your perfect adventure wedding day. Here are some tips to make sure you make the most of it:

Ask your elopement photographer about locations, permits, and venues. Your wedding day is all your own. So, tell your photographer your desires. Do you love the idea of a lakeside wedding? How about visiting the mountains for portraits? Or maybe a forest is more your vibe? Your photographer can help you navigate local regulations and provide helpful recommendations.
Keep the area happy and healthy by following Leave No Trace guidelines. This includes packing out what you pack in, staying on trails, and respecting the local flora and fauna.
Consider seasons and time of day. As a simple rule of thumb is that weekdays are less busy than weekends. As for seasonality, summer can be hot, spring and early autumn are quite lovely, and winter is more gentle than in higher elevations.
Add in some activities! Mammoth Lakes draws people in who love the outdoors. Talk with your photographer about including climbing, hot springs, picnics, and more!

Ready to take the next step? Book a call with Love & Latitudes, your Mammoth Lakes wedding photographer!