Emerald Bay feels like it was made for elopements — quiet mornings, alpine light, and the deep blue water stretching endlessly below. When Danielle and Cory chose to exchange vows here, it wasn’t about grand gestures or a big guest list. It was about their connection—to each other, to Lake Tahoe, and to the moment. As a documentary wedding and elopement photographer, I love how places like this allow the story to unfold naturally, without rush or distraction. While I’m based on the east coast, I travel to California every year for weddings or elopements just like this one in Emerald Bay State Park. Get in touch through my contact form to reserve your date for your own Emerald Bay elopement or wedding! Head here to see more of my documentary-style wedding work or read about more wedding stories on my blog. Keep scrolling to see more from this day and their whole elopement weekend in Lake Tahoe!
Danielle and Cory’s Intimate First Look in South Lake Tahoe
Before heading to Emerald Bay State Park for their elopement and exchange of vows, Danielle and Cory picked a spot on the beach in South Lake Tahoe for their first look. This beach was super convenient since it was right outside of The Landing where they were staying. Guests who stay at the hotel get free beach passes, but if you’re not staying here, you can also pay for a day pass to go onto the beach. Since the overlook and elopement area within Emerald Bay State Park isn’t on the beach, this was a perfect spot for us to get some photos of them both lakeside before heading up the mountain.
Why Emerald Bay is perfect for eloping
There’s something really nice about having all of the accommodation and food options in South Lake Tahoe nearby while being able to quickly get to a place like Emerald Bay State Park. The views here are endless and if you’re adventurous, there are tons of incredible hiking options to find even quieter, epic views with your significant other. Since eloping in Tahoe has become more popular over the last few years, there are tons of amazing vendors to work with and choose from depending on what you’re looking for. Danielle and Cory had Kate Leist of Soulrise Movement officiate their wedding ceremony on Emerald Bay and I would highly recommend reaching out to Kate if you’re looking to book your own officiant. She was super helpful with tips and advice and overall such a kind person to work with.
Tips for planning your Emerald Bay elopement:
- Emerald Bay State Park is about 40 minutes from South Lake Tahoe
- You’ll need a permit to have your own elopement which must be applied for 30 days in advance and the permit fee is $450
- There’s a max guest count of 25, which is perfect for intimate elopements like Danielle and Cory’s
- Phone service is basically nonexistent in this area so it’s important to keep your group together and have clear meeting points if anyone’s driving separately
- Parking at the site where elopements are held is extremely limited, I would recommend researching and hiring one of the local transporation services to save you headache
- The views from the elopement area at Emerald Bay State Park are out of this world and some of the best in the entire Lake Tahoe area
- Weather here is extremely unpredictable (this wedding day was on the summer solstice and it snowed!) keep an eye on the weather and always have a plan for cold rain or snow anytime of the year
Danielle and Cory’s Intimate Emerald Bay Ceremony
Lake Tahoe’s weather is notoriously unpredictable. When I saw the clouds in the sky on the beach where Danielle and Cory had their first look, I thought we might be in for some colder weather on the mountain but I had no idea we’d be faced with snow and wind in the middle of June. We made the best of what was a pretty cold and wet experience and ultimately, the photos turned out uniquely special since they don’t look like the typical summer day in Tahoe.
Exploring Lake Tahoe after the vows
Not more than 30 minutes after their ceremony, the sun came back out and it was a beautiful afternoon on the lake. We drove over to a spot by South Lake Tahoe to take some more photos with family and then went to Jimmy’s at The Landing for an incredible dinner. The next day, Danielle and Cory had a boat/wine tasting with Tahoe Tastings on the lake and we cruised back over to Emerald Bay to see it from the water. We had coffee at Three Pines Coffee Company and beers at North of South Brewing. We also managed to squeeze in a dip in the lake together before the weekend ended. In short, it was an unbelievably beautiful weekend in a place that meant the world to Danielle and Cory.
Get in touch to book your Emerald Bay elopement!
My availability for destination elopements books up fast each year and I take on a limited number of couples to prioritze working with those who I align with best. If you’re dreaming up an intimate, adventurous Emerald Bay elopement on Lake Tahoe, get in touch now to book your date or feel free to reach out to me with any questions. Head here for more info on pricing and check out my blog to read about more wedding stories.
