Elope in Lone Pine, California

Alabama Hills looks like another planet. As you stand in the desert, amongst the boulders and dry sagebrush, you see Mount Whitney—the highest peak in the continental US—in the distance. The apparent size difference between the mountains is staggering.

As a photographer, I simply cannot get enough of the layers created by the low desert and high mountains. It’s no wonder people want to get married in California, where there’s so much natural beauty and such diverse landscapes.

Nestled in Payahuunadü, or the Eastern Sierra, Alabama Hills is a striking place in the homeland of the Paiute and Shoshone peoples. Believe it or not, this landscape is movie-famous. You might recognize it from such films as Gladiator, Django Unchained, Iron Man, and more.

Do you and your fiance want to get married in Alabama Hills? Here’s everything you need to know about eloping in Alabama Hills.

Why You Should Get Married in Alabama Hills

This one is easy. It’s beautiful. The landscape offers great views, flowers in the springtime, wild rock formations, big skies, and so much more. It’s an ideal wedding spot for desert lovers. It’s also super unique, so your wedding photos will be the envy of everyone who sees them.
Alabama Hills is also great for groups. Yes, two-person elopements work here too. But if you’re having trouble finding an outdoor wedding spot in California that can fit your wedding guests, you might want to check out this area just outside of Lone Pine.

Permits for Eloping in Alabama Hills

Special event permits are fairly common for outdoor elopements and adventure weddings. Think of it as a venue fee—just much, much cheaper and focused on keeping the land healthy.
Although each wedding or photoshoot is reviewed by the BLM office on a case-by-case basis, a permit is almost certainly necessary. Less is more when it comes to getting married in Alabama Hills. The more set-up you require, the more it affects the land, and the more you’re likely to pay in fees.
As an elopement photographer, I help my couples apply for permits. So, don’t feel like you’re tossed into this process alone.

Leave No Trace Is of Utmost Importance in Alabama Hills

Real talk—You should ALWAYS practice leave-no-trace principles. If you’re new to the concept, LNT is a set of principles to ensure we take care of the land. These common-sense guidelines are easy to follow and include things like:

Planning ahead and making proper preparations
Properly disposing of trash
Respecting wildlife and plants
Hiking and camping only on durable surfaces
Minimizing the impact of campfires
Packing out what you pack in

Again, these are always good rules to follow. But in some places like Alabama Hills, this is all the more serious and crucial.

Back in the day—just a few years ago, believe it or not—you were able to camp anywhere in Alabama Hills. This is no longer the case. This is a tremendously popular spot, and for good reason. But with that popularity came overuse, especially during the pandemic when many parks and campgrounds were closed. Unfortunately, the folks who came during that time failed to protect the land. Plants were crushed, trash was left everywhere, the ground was torn up by off-roading vehicles, and human waste was poorly managed.

Because of all this, there are now regulations in place as to where you can camp. While that may feel like a bummer to some, it’s important to let the area heal and recuperate.

Protect Alabama Hills from damage and closures by following these simple regulations:

Only camp in designated spots
Use the 6 porta potties or pack out waste
Only light fires in pre-built rings, away from rocks where they can leave marks, and obtain a permit. Douse fires entirely with water. You should be able to rest your hands where the fire was for 10 full seconds
Stay off of vegetation and out of restoration areas
Pack out all trash, including toilet paper

Together we can protect this amazing place for years to come.

Read the Leave No Trace Blog

Seasons & Weather in Alabama Hills

Alabama Hills is a high desert, meaning it gets really hot in the summer and cold in the winter. It can snow sometimes, and in recent years, it can get flooded (thanks, El Nino).

The best seasons to elope in Alabama Hills are spring and fall. The temperatures are lovely, but that also means crowds. If you want to elope in these seasons, I highly recommend a weekday or early morning wedding ceremony.

Either way, you will see people on your wedding day. In my experience, it’s usually not disruptive. People are fairly respectful about weddings; which is nice. But it’s something to keep in mind since everyone has access to the land.

Winter is a tougher season due to the low temperatures and high winds, but that also means less foot traffic. Snow is rare, but not unheard of. It’s all a part of the experience, and no matter how cold it gets, you can still sit outside with a good fire. This is a good option if you’re the adventurous type and ready for a challenge.

Summer is also a tough season due to the heat, but that also means fewer people. Expect high temps of 80-100ºF during the summer. Early morning and late evenings are the best for lighting and temperature.

Where to Stay for Your Alabama Hills Elopement

Alabama Hills is just outside of Lone Pine, a “census-designated place” with a population of just 2,000 people. As you might expect, that leaves a lack of services you might find in an actual town or city. Not to worry—there are still some amazing stays near Lone Pine.

Here are some of our favorite Airbnbs:

Or, if you’re feeling lucky, you can try to snag a camping spot in Alabama Hills. These spots go fast and are almost impossible to get on weekends and holidays. But for those of you who want a dirtbag-style wedding adventure, this is a perfect way to celebrate with a reception of sorts in the same place you’re getting married. Just remember to camp only in spots with a camping icon sign next to them, use the porta potties, don’t build new fire rings, and leave no trace.

If you’re not feeling lucky, since spots in Alabama Hills are hard to come by, there are other camping options. Check out Tuttle Creek Campground, Lone Pine Campground, or Portuguese Joe Campground.

Getting to Alabama Hills

Despite its location, Alabama Hills is fairly popular. Most places this far from major towns are less popular just because of how long it takes to get there. But Alabama Hills is special and appeals to so many people. So, how do you get there?

**Airports**

You have a few options for flights if you’re coming from farther away.
**Los Angeles International Airport:** 4 hour drive, the easiest way to get here
**Harry Reid International Airport, Las Vegas:** 4-hour drive. The option to drive through Death Valley or around. Make sure to check for road closures, especially in the late summer and winter.
**Mammoth Yosemite Airport:** 1.5 hours. The shortest drive on this list is from an airport, but limited flights due to how small it is.

**Cars**

If you’re driving in, there are a few things to consider.
Alabama Hills can be accessed with a regular vehicle, but having a high clearance or a 4-wheel drive car can be fun and you may be able to get to less accessible spots.
The safest drive is from Southern California where roads don’t typically close
If you’re driving from Northern California, check for road closures. Highways like 120. 108, and 88 close in the winter. Highways 50, 89, and 395 can close if storms are bad enough.
Your best bet is to always check road conditions before heading out. Not to worry, you’ll get there!

Activities for Your Alabama Hills Elopement

Alabama Hills has the benefit of having many things to do. Like an empty canvas, this place can be whatever you want it to be as long as you are following LNT regulations.

Here are some ideas for activities during your Alabama Hills elopement

Camping with friends: A few spots are big enough for multiple cars. As a bonus, you can come early and make sure you get a camping spot before the wedding and explore the area.
Have a campfire: Smores and more! Protip: Campfires require a permit. Only have campfires in existing firepits.
Hike: There are a couple of trails in the area and you can scramble around on the rock stacks. Just remember—don’t crush the brush and stay on hard surfaces or designated routes.
Climbing: Are you a rock climber? There are a few fun bolted spots in the park.
Stargaze: Do it fancy! Get pillows and blankets and cuddle up to watch the nighttime sky, weather permitting.
Picnic: Lay out some blankets and bring your favorite foods to have a casual reception after the wedding. Dress it up with your own decor or string light. Just make sure everything is sufficiently tied down because it’s likely to be windy.
Dirt bike: Only street-legal vehicles are allowed in the recreation area. But if your bikes are street-legal, you can drive around the area on them.
Bring your dog: Yes, you can bring dogs to Alabama Hills! Just make sure to keep them out of the roads and clean up their waste.

Fun Activities for Your Elopement

Similar Locations

Love the look and feel of Alabama Hills but just aren’t feeling it? While the uniqueness of this area comes from the layered granite and towering mountains, you can still find granite boulders all over California.

Joshua Tree National Park: The mecca of big rocks in Southern California.
Bishop: Just an hour north, you can find boulders all over this popular climbing area.
Mojave National Preserve: Boulders, sand dunes, Joshua Trees, and more!
Trona Pinnacles: Another remote spot nearby with unique rock formations.
Death Valley National Park: No boulders here, just amazing rock colors everywhere you look.

Unique Places to Get Married in the Southern California Desert

Best Advice for How to Elope in Alabama Hills

Interested in eloping in Alabama Hills? Here’s a quick rundown of some helpful tips:

Due to the remote nature of this area, it’s perfect for couples who want to rough it.
Amazing spot for DIY camping weddings and outdoor receptions.
Follow leave-no-trace principles at all times. This area is unique, delicate, and popular—making for a difficult combination. The area has a history of overuse and abuse. Keep this place wild, and open, by following LNT.
There aren’t many vendors in the area, so be prepared to DIY or pay travel fees.
The desert is dry, even in the winter. Come prepared with water and electrolytes
The wind is almost guaranteed. Consider this when choosing hairstyles and outfits. Tie everything down if you have decor or equipment.
Use established porta potties.