Elopement used to specifically mean getting married in secret. These days, the term elopement is closer to a small, destination wedding. But hush-hush weddings are still a thing, and some couples simply can’t resist the romance of getting married in private.

Our couple, Caitlin and Keith, straddled the line of a true elopement—only letting a few family members in on the secret that they were tying the knot. Yes—I know what you’re wondering—they announced their big news when they went home.

A Short & Sweet Ceremony All Their Own

We met Caitlin and Keith at Emerald Bay State Park and got the ceremony started immediately. My spouse and business partner, Isiah, always interviews our couples before officiating their wedding ceremony. It’s an important step to understand their vision for the big day. When asked, Caitlin and Keith shared that they wanted a short and sweet ceremony—the quicker the better! That way they could focus on enjoying each other’s company, enjoy Tahoe, and take photos.
The couple was together so long that they were just ready to do the damn thing, and we love to see that. This might be silly, but it reminds me of the Parks & Rec scene where Ron and Diane eloped saying, “I can’t stand not being married to this woman for one second longer.” It’s just too cute for me to handle.

Caitlin and Keith had a handfasting ceremony with a beautiful cord they made themselves—which just added to the sentimentality of the whole day. Plus, look at this view. What an incredible way to start married life—overlooking the epic cliffs of Tahoe’s coast.

Wild Weather Changes Plans for the Love & Latitudes Crew

If you’ll excuse the discretion, I want to flashback to the week before Caitlin and Keith’s wedding day. We’ll return to the main story in just a moment, but I wanted to include a bit of a travel story here.

It was May in Tahoe. Even now, I clearly remember pulling off on the shoulder of Highway 80. It was snowing—and I realized that Isiah and I didn’t have the right tire chains. Such is the life of a SoCal girl trying her hand at mountain life. We struggled to get some newly purchased chains onto tires, our hands chapped and our clothing filthy.

A cold comfort was that we weren’t the only ones struggling. A trucker asked Isiah for tips on how to put chains on his semi-truck. So if a trucker was having a tough time too, I guess we aren’t so incapable.

When we finally landed on the north end of Lake Tahoe, we quickly realized we were out of our element. While we planned to kick it vanlife style, our van was already getting buried in snow. So we made a fast decision to trade in our van for an Airbnb and watched the week-long blizzard from the comfort of a heated room. Definitely a smarter move.

A Wonderful Wrap-Up to a Tahoe Wedding Day

Getting back to Caitlin and Keith’s big day—the skies miraculously cleared just in time for their wedding. There was still snow on the ground and a chill in the air, but this made it all the more lovely.

Our couple was equally surprised by the wild weather ahead of their Tahoe elopement. But in all honesty, that’s what it’s like to get married outdoors. We’re at the whims of nature—and that’s a beautiful thing in a lot of ways.

As the cloud parted and the snow melted, Caitlin and Keith were treated to sunny, cold weather. It was no problem for the two, who enjoyed exploring the state park. We headed back to their Airbnb to wrap up the evening. Their rental was a black cabin—what a vibe!

We snapped some photos by the lake, popped a bottle of champagne, and cut the cake. It was a spectacular way to get married and celebrate Caitlin and Keith’s love for each other.

Good Advice for Lake Tahoe Weddings & Elopements

The Norwegian saying goes, “There’s no bad weather, only bad clothes.” Well, the same is true for weddings and elopements. Planning and setting expectations are key when eloping in the great outdoors.

Here are a few need-to-knows for couples planning to get married or elope in Tahoe:

Elevation: Lake Tahoe sits at 6,224 ft—and that’s not considering the other higher areas like Truckee and the Donner Pass. If you’re sensitive to elevation, come early to get accustomed to it. Drink lots of water and electrolytes too. Remember that activities like hiking or even drinking alcohol can affect you more dramatically at higher elevations.
Time of day: You should elope at sunrise on the California side and sunset on the Nevada side for the best lighting.
California vs Nevada: Lake Tahoe straddles two states. You need to know in which state you’re getting married in order to get married legally. This will affect where you’ll get your marriage license and where you’ll drop it off.

If you get married on the California side, you’ll need to get your license in California. Your nearest county clerk’s office is El Dorado County Office.
If you get married on the Nevada side, you’ll need to get your license in Nevada. Your nearest county clerk’s office is Douglas County Clerk.

Crowds: Lake Tahoe is notoriously busy, especially in the summer. Get married on a weekday or at sunrise to avoid the crowds. And remember to leave no trace. It’s always important to respect the area and the locals nearby.
Finding vendors: Lake Tahoe is a small community. Finding vendors in the area might be harder or they might have travel prices. Look at Reno, Truckee, Sacramento, and the Bay area for vendors if you run into trouble.

Vendors We Love Near Lake Tahoe

Art in Bloom Floral | Awesome Blossom Floral Design | Hair Artist Jess | Kiss and Makeup

Wedding & Elopement Photography in Lake Tahoe

Ready to grab your special someone and have your own Lake Tahoe wedding? Contact Love & Latitudes for your wedding photography and the adventure of a lifetime.