Nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountains straddling the northern California-Nevada border, Lake Tahoe is a dream elopement destination. The impossibly deep, clear blue lake surrounded by both beaches and soaring mountain peaks is an unforgettable sight, and add to that endless outdoor recreation in all four seasons and great dining and nightlife scenes. If you want to elope in Lake Tahoe, I can certainly see why!

Because of its unique geography, there are some quirky specifics to be aware of when planning your Lake Tahoe elopement. For example, which state will you technically be married in?! This guide walks you through all those important details, as well as plenty of fun stuff, like the best places to elope in Lake Tahoe, the best time of year, where to stay, and what to do!

Where is Lake Tahoe?

Lake Tahoe sits directly on the border between Nevada and northern California, situated in the northern Sierra Nevadas. It’s less than one hour from Reno, Nevada, and about 200 miles (roughly 3.5 hours by car) from San Francisco.

What state is Lake Tahoe in?

Lake Tahoe sits in both California and Nevada, with more of its shoreline on the California side. However, there is plenty to do and see around every part of the lake, in both states.

What part of Lake Tahoe is best?

When you hear about Lake Tahoe, it’s almost always in the context of either North Lake Tahoe or South Lake Tahoe. While the two have some notable differences, Tahoe overall is one of those destinations that actually has something for everyone, regardless of where you visit.

North Tahoe

The biggest thing that sets North Lake Tahoe apart from South Tahoe is the high concentration of ski resorts. Powderhounds will most certainly want to plan their winter visit to the North Shore, but otherwise, you’ll find similar amenities anywhere around the lake. It’s also much quieter and laid-back than South Tahoe (in fact, there’s a term for this: “Tahoe time!”), although you’ll still have a wide range of dining and entertainment options.

South Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe has a notoriously lively nightlife and entertainment scene. With a dense concentration of casinos, bars, and hip restaurants, it’s no surprise that many people refer to this part of the lake as the “Las Vegas of Tahoe.” If you enjoy being in the heart of all the action, South Lake is a perfect choice!

Where to elope at Lake Tahoe

North Lake Tahoe elopement locations

South Lake Tahoe elopement locations

How to Elope in Lake Tahoe

Like anywhere else (even the easiest places to elope in the US), you need to follow certain steps to elope in Lake Tahoe. However, this is a unique destination for one very specific reason: the side of the lake you get married on dictates the exact process. If you elope on the California side of the lake, you’ll need a California marriage license and if you elope in Nevada, you need a Nevada marriage license.

Fortunately, this sounds a lot more complicated than it actually is! Let’s break down the legal marriage requirements of each state for Lake Tahoe elopements.

Lake Tahoe marriage & license requirements

Both states share a few basic requirements to elope in Lake Tahoe. First, you need an officiant to sign your marriage license and make it legal. You are also both required to pick up your marriage license in person, together, from a county clerk’s office in either state.

Neither state has a waiting period, so you can pick your marriage license up the day of your wedding. This can be convenient, especially for couples traveling in for their elopement, but I honestly don’t recommend it — your wedding day should be stress-free, and taking care of the marriage license the day before takes one thing off your plate.

California marriage & license requirements

California is unique in terms of its marriage licenses, in that the state offers two types: public and confidential licenses. Public licenses, the “standard” license, are far more common. The main difference is that confidential marriage licenses are not public record. Instead, they’re only available to the couple. As the name implies, public marriage licenses are public record, which is the norm across the US. You are required to specify which license you’re applying for at the time of application.

The application process for public versus confidential marriage licenses in California is nearly identical, but confidential licenses have a very specific requirement: you must be living together and be able to prove it. This could be both of your names being listed on your mortgage or lease, home utility bills in both of your names, etc.

• For public marriage licenses only: one witness, in addition to the officiant, who must sign your marriage license (confidential licenses do not require a witness, but they do still require an officiant)

• California marriage licenses are valid for 90 days from the day they are issued

Where to apply for your California marriage license

California marriage licenses can be issued anywhere in the state, but the two closest locations to Lake Tahoe are Tahoe City (Placer County) and South Lake Tahoe (El Dorado County).

In Placer County, you must apply for your license in person via a self-service kiosk in the County Clerk’s Office. No appointment is necessary, but you may still want to call a few days ahead of time to verify that this is still accurate. Public licenses are $57 and confidential licenses are $60.

In El Dorado County, marriage licenses are issued by appointment only, in either the South Lake Tahoe or Placerville office. You may fill out your application online in advance, then appear in person to verify your ID and pay your application fee. Public licenses are $80 and confidential licenses are $85.

Nevada marriage & license requirements

First, complete your Nevada marriage license application online. This link is the application specifically for Douglas County, NV, which is the closest to Lake Tahoe. Once you’re in town, go to the Douglas County Clerk’s Office to show your ID’s and pay your marriage license fee in person.

If you’re flying into Reno and would rather take care of this there, the process is identical. Pre-fill the marriage license application, then go to the Washoe County Clerk’s Office to complete the process.

• $85 marriage license fee, payable by cash or credit/debit card when you pick up your license

• One witness, in addition to the officiant, who will be required to sign your marriage license

• Nevada marriage licenses are valid for one year from the date they’re issued

There’s one more thing to know about the “red tape” involved with eloping in Lake Tahoe: you may also need a special-use permit if you’re eloping in one of the national forests, state parks, or national recreation areas surrounding the lake. But don’t worry — I’ll walk you through every step of the process, from figuring out whether or not you even need one to helping you apply for it.

Lake Tahoe Elopement Packages

All elopement packages include my travel to anywhere in the United States (no hidden or extra fees!), customized location scouting and research, permit assistance, personalized vendor recommendations, unique-to-you + your location activity suggestions, and a customized elopement timeline for your one of a kind day. Every elopement gallery also includes high-resolution digital images with printing rights and a private online gallery to view, print, download, and share your gallery with your family + friends to relive the day with you!

4-Hour ~ $3000

Perfect for the couples who want to take a more simplistic approach to their elopement day. Typically this package is ideal for capturing getting ready, a close ceremony location with a short hike, and couples portraits.

8-Hour ~ $5000

Perfect for couples wanting a day of adventure like a long hike, off-roading, or traveling to multiple locations. This package is best for telling the complete story of your elopement day. Typically couples who elope just the two of them select this package to document their day for the friends + family who are not in attendance, to have that opportunity to experience the day. Also ideal for couples bringing friends + family who would also like to have their reception documented. Your reception could look like pizza at your Airbnb around a fire with your parents + siblings or a private chef serving you a 3-course meal on a table decorated in flowers.

12-Hour ~ $7000

Perfect for couples looking for complete coverage of their elopement story. This package offers the ultimate storytelling experience. From waking up and having coffee with your partner to roasting marshmallows on a fire after dawn. Couples who are eloping just the two of them select this package to document their day for the friends + family who are not in attendance to have that opportunity to experience the day. Also ideal for couples bringing friends + family and would like to have their full day with their guests documented.

Multi-Day ~ $9000

Perfect for couples wanting a multi-day experience with a lot of adventure. This package is best if you want to elope in one epic location and also experience another location the following day. An example of this is eloping in North Lake Tahoe and the following day going skiing at Northstar California Resort, or eloping in South Lake Tahoe and renting paddle boards to paddle around Emerald Bay the next day.

What to do in Lake Tahoe

• Hiking - from waterfalls to high-altitude hikes, Lake Tahoe has dozens of trails

• Set up camp

• Go trail riding on horseback

• Skiing or snowboarding

• Charter a private boat or take a sailing tour (or even a lesson!)

• Go kayaking, canoeing, or paddle-boarding

• Rent jet skis

• Take a helicopter tour to see Lake Tahoe from an aerial perspective

• Ride the Ridge Rider Mountain Coaster

• Have dinner on a paddle wheeler

• Ride a gondola to the Heavenly Observation Deck

• Go parasailing

• Go fishing

• Take a hot air balloon ride

• Ride the zipline at Heavenly

• Have a beer at South Lake Brewing Company

• Snorkel the Emerald Bay Heritage Trail

• Take a snowmobile tour

• Wakeboarding or water skiing

• Go ice skating in Heavenly Village (Thanksgiving through Easter)

• Go on a paragliding adventure

• Go rafting along the Truckee River

• Drive more than 70 miles of jaw-dropping scenery on Ring Road

When to Visit Lake Tahoe

The best time to elope in Lake Tahoe depends entirely on you because, truthfully, there’s no bad time! Unlike many destinations that have one clear-cut “best” season, Lake Tahoe is incredible year-round.

When you picture your Lake Tahoe elopement, what does your vision look like? Is it skiing down the slopes of one of the many resorts? Basking in the sun as you leisurely cruise the lake on a sailboat? Hiking among fall foliage or blankets of colorful wildflowers? Getting a clear idea of what the ideal scenery and activities look like is important to planning your perfect elopement.

Let’s take a closer look at all four seasons in this heavenly paradise (pun very much intended!).

Winter

Lake Tahoe itself sits at over 6,200 feet elevation, and many of the surrounding peaks soar to nearly 11,000 feet. Because of this high-elevation environment, snow begins falling as early as October and generally lasts through April — especially in the mountains.

Winter is a particularly busy season in Tahoe, as ski season starts in November and the area has more than a dozen ski resorts. If you have your heart set on a winter wonderland for your elopement, Lake Tahoe is the perfect destination, but I highly encourage you to consider a weekday elopement to avoid (most of) the crowds.

Spring

For many reasons, spring is a fantastic time to elope in Lake Tahoe. Depending on exactly when your date is, you may be able to catch the tail end of skiing season and some epic spring hikes. There’s also plenty to do indoors for days when the weather isn’t favorable, including world-class shopping and the infamous casino, a Lake Tahoe must.

Spring is also considered a “shoulder season” in Tahoe, sandwiched between the bustling ski season and summer beach season. This means there are far fewer visitors in town in the spring months, and it’s also a great time to take advantage of lower prices and increased availability at premium accommodations.

Summer

If your perfect elopement day involves sunshine, a lake, mountains, or adventure, it’s hard to top summertime in Lake Tahoe. Temperatures rarely exceed the high 70s and there are endless ways to stay busy both on and off the water. The one drawback is that summer is by far Tahoe’s busiest season, so you’ll have to deal with both crowds and sky-high prices. Again, it’s helpful to choose weekdays, and I encourage you to book accommodations and activities as far in advance as possible.

Tahoe summers also mean wildflower season. Although short, it’s absolutely breathtaking, especially when there’s still some snow lingering on the mountaintops in the background. It typically begins in mid-July and lasts through August, but a couple of natural factors determine the exact dates: the previous winter’s snow pack, and the varying elevation across the Tahoe Basin.

Fall

Fall in Tahoe is just as gorgeous as any other season, but without any of the crowds. There’s a mass exodus every year after Labor Day, so if you're hoping to really get a feel for the area and explore it without the hustle and bustle, this is a perfect time. The weather is gorgeous as well, with temperatures in the 50s and 60s through much of October.

Fall foliage starts to really pop near the end of September in higher elevations, and throughout October around the lake. Insider tip: one of the best places for leaf-peeping is Hope Valley, just south of South Lake Tahoe. Once you get into late October and early November, keep in mind that some businesses close for a month or so to prepare for ski season and the weather changes dramatically, transitioning to winter.

Where to stay when visiting Lake Tahoe

One of the best things about eloping in Lake Tahoe (aside from the jaw-dropping scenery and endless outdoor activities, that is!) is that there’s a huge array of places to stay. Whether you prefer a posh luxury hotel or like to “rough it” and sleep under the stars, you’ll be spoiled for choice here!

Camping in Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe Camping:

• Fallen Leaf Campground

• Camp Shelley

• Campground by the Lake

• Camp Richardson

• Tahoe Valley Campground

North Lake Tahoe Camping:

• Tahoe State Recreation Area

• Lake Forest Campground

East Lake Tahoe Campgrounds:

• Zephyr Cove Resort

• Nevada Beach Campground

West Lake Tahoe Campgrounds:

• DL Bliss State Park

• Eagle Point Campground

• Meeks Bay Resort

• Sugar Pine Point State Park

• Kaspian Campground

• William Kent Campground

Best Airbnbs near Lake Tahoe

• Tahoe Pines Treehouse Cozy Retreat

• Lighthus: A Contemporary Tahoe Retreat

• Woodsy Tahoe Cabin

• Lakeside Paradise

• Heavenly Waters

Best Upscale Hotels & Resorts 

• The Ritz Carlton, Lake Tahoe

• The Landing Lake Tahoe Resort & Spa

• Edgewood Tahoe Resort

• Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort

• Marriott Grand Residence Club

Ready to Plan Your Lake Tahoe Elopement?

Regardless of where you are in the planning process, and even if you haven’t fully decided to elope in Lake Tahoe just yet, I’d love to chat with you and hear all about your wedding day vision! Please feel free to reach out with any questions or to set up a free, no-obligation consultation call. Congratulations, and enjoy this elopement planning journey!

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