Amanda & Sean’s elopement day was such a spectacular day to be a part of. I met Amanda and Sean a few months prior when they inquired with me, we set up a call and booked their engagement and wedding session that same day! I was immediately stoked when they told me their plan to have an intimate elopement at Emerald Bay in Lake Tahoe California. We started their elopement day at their Hotel, the Beach Retreat and Lodge in South Lake Tahoe California. This beautiful hotel is right on the water of the lake, and made the perfect backdrop for their detail, getting ready and first look photos.
The first look and private vows was set up on the shore of Lake Tahoe, right outside of their hotel room door. After exchanging their vows, we headed up to Emerald Bay State Park for the ceremony.
The Ceremony at Emerald Bay State Park, California
Getting married at Emerald Bay State Park does require a permit, but is relatively easy to file and get approved in advance. Photography is covered under the ceremony permit, so if you are wanting to get married out there all you need is a permit for the ceremony location! Emerald Bay only allows ceremonies in a very specific spot, while you can take photos in other locations, the only approved area is the ceremony location.
Amanda and Sean invited their closest friends and family members to witness this special moment in their lives, the ceremony was beautiful against the fading sunlight across the lake. We headed down closer to the lake to complete their couples portraits, and then it was time to head to Camp Richardson for their first dance at sunset.
First Dance at Camp Richardson, Lake Tahoe
The sunset showed off when we arrived at Camp Richardson Beach and Docks for Amanda and Sean’s first dance. We captured a few more portraits on the beach with the sunset because it was too pretty not to, and then Amanda and Sean had a beautiful, intimate first dance on the dock, with the fading sunset and blue hour light surrounding them. Their elopement in Lake Tahoe was such a special day to be a part of, and their love for each other was so sweet to witness. If you are looking to get eloped in Lake Tahoe, reach out to me! I would love to help you capture the moment, and offer any advice on locations, permitting, and timeline details to ensure you have a beautiful elopement day.
