Table of Contents:
- Where Are the Sierra Nevadas?
- Why Elope in the Sierra Nevadas?
- 4 Beautiful Places to Elope in the Sierra Nevadas
- Sierra Nevada Elopement Photographer
As an elopement photographer based in Northern California, I get to visit a lot of cool places with my couples, from dense redwood forests, to rugged coastlines, to dramatic mountain ranges. It’s always hard to narrow down my favorites, but I will say that everywhere in the Sierra Nevadas completely has my heart. These mountains are every outdoor lover’s paradise, boasting some of the most stunning scenery in the state, and are home to a diverse range of nature and wildlife. If that sounds like exactly what you’re looking for for your elopement, then you’re going to love this guide—I’ll be giving you 4 of the most beautiful places to elope in the Sierra Nevadas!
Where Are the Sierra Nevadas?
Before we dive into the best locations to elope in the Sierra Nevadas, let’s clarify where the Sierra Nevadas even are! If you’re not familiar with the Sierra Nevadas, they’re a mountain range located primarily in California that also expands into Nevada (did the name give you spoilers?). With 25 MILLION acres of breathtaking landscapes from Lake Tahoe all the way to Yosemite, these mountains span across all the most iconic parts of California’s Central Valley and the Great Basin. They offer such a wide range of opportunities for world-class adventure, and endless exploring It’s no surprise that people travel in from all over the world to explore both the most iconic spots in the Sierra Nevadas, as well as the many hidden gems available for those willing to take the roads less traveled.
Why Elope in the Sierra Nevadas?
Okay, I may have already gotten into this a little bit in the last section, but that’s okay! There are endless reasons why you should elope in the Sierra Nevadas, especially if you’re dreaming of a once-in-a-lifetime adventure in some of the most gorgeous landscapes in the US. I could write an entirely separate guide with all the reasons you should elope here, but for now, here’s a list of the key reasons that eloping couples are drawn to the Sierra Nevadas:
1. They’re home to not one, not two, but THREE national parks (plus two national monuments).
That’s right! If you want to have a national park elopement, look no further than the Sierra Nevada mountain range, because there are three different ones to choose from: Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon—AKA three of the most stunning National Parks in California. There are even two national monuments that are a bit lesser known, but are equally as beautiful in their own right: Giant Sequoia & Devils Postpile. Really, no matter which park you choose, you’re guaranteed to have an unforgettable and breathtaking day!
2. There are a ton of diverse landscapes to choose from.
I know I personally love visiting places that have a lot of diverse landscapes to choose from, as that adds so much variety to my experience — and will add a beautiful variety to your elopement photos, too! One reason I love the Sierra Nevadas is simply because of how many different landscapes there are to choose from, whether you want to explore one or three completely unique types of scenery. Forests? Check. Mountains? Check. Lakes? Check. Waterfalls? Check. Dramatic views? Check. You get the picture!
This is also a big pro of eloping in the Sierra Nevadas because it means you can usually find an open, accessible place to elope at any time of year. While winter will have many of the high elevation locations inaccessible due to snow, you’ll still be able to find spots in the forests or at lower elevations where you can elope! And if you’re into winter sports then you’re in luck, because the Sierra Nevadas are a freakin’ playground for winter-lovers.
3. It’s paradise for adventure-loving couples.
The Sierra Nevadas are truly heaven on Earth for couples who love adventuring and exploring out in nature, whether you want to go on a short hike to a stunning viewpoint in the mountains, on a paved trail through the giant sequoias, or on a backpacking adventure to a bright blue alpine lake. In addition to some of the best hikes in the western US, the Sierra Nevadas offer world-class skiing and snowboarding, amazing camping opportunities, swimming, biking, fishing, stargazing. . . you name it, and these mountains have probably got it. You seriously could not spend enough time exploring this area.
4 Beautiful Places to Elope in the Sierra Nevadas
Speaking of places you’ll never want to leave, let’s dive into my top favorite Sierra Nevada elopement locations. There are obviously so, so many more than this (and I’d be more than happy to help you find other ones if these don’t fit your day), but these four will cover a good range of landscapes and types of adventure that the area has to offer!
1. Alabama Hills
Kicking off this list is Alabama Hills, which is a set of hills and rocks on the south eastern slopes of the Sierra Nevadas. Located on protected BLM land, Alabama Hills boast some pretty insane views — the sharp ridges of the snow-capped peaks of Mount Whitney combined with the rocky landscape in the foreground make for super dramatic scenery, no matter the season.
A fun fact about Alabama Hills is over 400 movies and hundreds of TV episodes have been filmed here. So you know you’ll be treated to some of the most epic landscapes around!
If you love any of the following, then you have to consider an Alabama Hills elopement:
- Views of Mount Whitney
- Cinematic landscapes
- Rock climbing
- Massive natural arches
- Mountain biking
- Off Roading
- Hiking
- Camping
Check out this blog post to see some dreamy Alabama Hills elopement inspiration!
Best Time to Elope
Because temperatures are often pretty hot and dry in Alabama Hills in the summer, the best time to elope in the Alabama Hills is in the spring or fall. Spring and fall are when you’ll have the most comfortable temperatures during the day and into the evening. In the fall, I’ve also witnessed some of the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets of my life!
Permits
Because Alabama Hills is on BLM land, you’ll need to make sure you follow all the local BLM rules and regulations—this includes getting the proper permit. Most of the time, you’ll need to get a Special Recreation Permit in order to get married on BLM land, which you can find information about here. You’ll need to contact the local BLM office via email, and they will then supply you with the information needed to apply for your permit, including an application, a checklist, payment, and details about local procedures. It can take up to 180 days to complete the process of getting a permit, so you should apply as early as you can!
As of October 1, 2024 you will also need a permit to camp at the Alabama Hills, which you can find out more about here.
Where to Stay
Speaking of camping, one of my top recommendations if you choose to elope in the Alabama Hills would be to take advantage of the amazing camping opportunities. With multiple different campgrounds available within a few miles of Movie Road and designated camping along Movie Road (which you will need a Camping Permit), you’ll have an amazing experience sleeping under the stars in this wild, expansive landscape. You can find info about camping in the Alabama Hills here, including permit info, campfire regulations, and more.
If you’d rather cozy up in a real bed at the end of the night, a great alternative is finding a rad Airbnb in Lone Pine, which is the local town nearby. Here are some awesome Airbnbs that would be perfect for your adventure elopement in Alabama Hills, all of which have their own unique vibes, charming decor, and unforgettable experiences for guests:
2. Mammoth Lakes
Mammoth Lakes is a little mountain town at the base Mammoth Mountain, most known for its lakes (duh), spectacular mountain vistas, beautiful national forest-land, top-notch skiing, and endless outdoor activities. One of the biggest reasons I love Mammoth Lakes for elopements is the diversity it offers: you can be walking through dry, high desert locations one minute and then, after a 20 minute drive, be exploring alpine lakes and pine trees the next. This gives tons of variety to your photos and to your elopement experience as a whole, as you have endless opportunities to find adventures/activities that fit your vision! If you’re looking for a place where you can really unwind and escape from your regular life into a laid back mountain town, then the natural beauty of Mammoth Lakes is ready and waiting for you, friend!
Best Time to Elope
The overall best time to elope in Mammoth Lakes is the summer, if you want the most potential for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking, etc. —but if you’re okay with cooler temperatures, then opt for an early fall elopement instead! While summer is spectacular and offers so many opportunities for outdoor recreation, fall is when you’re more likely to encounter fewer visitors, cheaper travel costs, and milder temperatures, if that’s a big factor for you. The crisp mornings and magical autumn colors are absolutely to die for, and make up for the lack of warmer weather that the summer brings. It’s entirely up to you and what your priorities are, because you can truly make any time of year in Mammoth Lakes an amazing experience!
Permits
Whether or not you’ll need a permit for your Mammoth Lakes elopement will depend on where you’d like to hold it, and what activities you’ll be participating in.
To get married in Inyo National Forest, you only need a permit if you have a group of 75 or more people — in which case you can learn more here. If you want to hold your elopement somewhere within the town of Mammoth Lakes, you may need a Special Event Permit depending on the size and location of your celebration.
Where to Stay –
Just like the Alabama Hills, Mammoth Lakes has a ton of awesome campsites (more than 800, in fact) for you to choose from—making it one of the top camping destinations in Northern California. The Inyo National Forest is filled with campgrounds, both in the dense forest and along lakeshores, some of the most beautiful ones being in the Mammoth Lakes Basin. Campgrounds in Mammoth Lake typically open between late May and June and close around October, but it depends on the snowfall for the year — so if you’re set on camping, I’d recommend eloping in the mid summer, or early fall. You can visit recreation.gov to find the perfect Mammoth Lakes campsite for you + get it reserved!
Prefer to find an Airbnb with plenty of space to lounge around in, and views of the area around you? There are plenty of amazing little mountain retreats in Mammoth Lakes, from tiny homes to condos to larger cabins to host your family and friends. Whether you want to snuggle up by a campfire during the winter after you skii to your Airbnb, or you sit on the deck outside looking out at the summertime scenery, there are options for everyone. Below are some of the top-rated Mammoth Lake Airbnbs to start your search with!
- Modern Mammoth Chateau
- Bright and Cozy Condo near the Village
- Tiny Home on a Ranch
- Earth Tone Cozy Condo
- Modern Pet Friendly Oasis
- Creekside Townhome
3. AutoCamp Yosemite
Next up is one of my all-time favorite parts of the iconic Yosemite National Park – AutoCamp! Obviously the entirety of Yosemite is a phenomenal elopement location (and I’ll give you a list of the best elopement spots below), but AutoCamp is a super unique way to experience the park that I love recommending to couples. It’s a luxury glamping hotel nestled just outside the park, offering a variety of boutique accommodation options ranging from upscale airstreams to gorgeous glamping tents. AutoCamp Yosemite is the ideal location for couples who want either a unique stay for themselves, or who want to create an unforgettable experience to gather with their favorite people, with delicious dining opportunities, space for cozy gatherings, and endless list of upscale amenities to enjoy.
One of the best locations for an elopement in Yosemite is the Tuolumne Meadows area. This high-elevation valley offers stunning views of the Tuolumne River, the Sierra Nevadas, and obviously lush green meadows that make for the most backdrop for a private vow exchange! I also recommend checking out Tenaya Lake and Olmestead Point, both of which are similar drive times from AutoCamp to Tuolumne Meadows as the popular Yosemite spots – Glacier and Taft Point.
It would be incredibly epic to have a private vow exchange in Tuolumne Meadows at sunrise, then head back to AutoCamp to meet up with your family and friends for a day of celebration, photos, and fun adventures around the area. You could choose to have a picnic at sunset under El Capitan in Yosemite Valley or venture up to Taft Point for sunset portraits, and then wrap up the evening with a campfire at AutoCamp! The possibilities for elopements at AutoCamp Yosemite are honestly endless, and no matter what you do during your time there, it’s going to be unforgettable. Did I mention it’s dog-friendly, too!!
Best Time to Elope
The best times to elope in Yosemite are spring and fall, typically around May and September / Early October, when there aren’t as many crowds. Because Yosemite is so iconic and breathtaking, there are tons of visitors during the summer who are looking to enjoy the scenery just as much as you are! So if you want to prioritize privacy, then you should elope in the spring or fall. Planning for Sunrise Photos in the park, or a weekday can also be a good way to avoid people. Many roads and trails in the park also close down throughout the year due to snow, so sticking to the spring, summer, or early fall is important as far as being able to access your ideal locations. You can monitor current park conditions and alerts here to find out about any closures that may affect your elopement!
Permits
If you decide to have your elopement ceremony within Yosemite National Park, you’ll need to get a Special Use Permit from the park. You can apply up to one year and no later than 21 days in advance, and I recommend applying as early as possible to get the process started. There’s a nonrefundable application fee of $150, in addition to the regular park entrance fees, and if you have a group of over 11 people, you’ll be limited to Yosemite’s permitted list of ceremony locations. I recommend keeping your group under that cap, if possible, so that you have freedom to get married anywhere in the park! If you do have over 11 people and you don’t like any of the locations on their list, another option is to have your official ceremony with guests at AutoCamp, and then head into the park for just portraits later that day/the next day.
4. Hope Valley
Last but not least on this list of the top Sierra Nevada elopement locations is Hope Valley, which is a gorgeous mountain valley located on the eastern slopes of the mountains in Alpine County, California. It’s just a short drive from South Lake Tahoe, so it’s an ideal place to elope if you want to explore both Tahoe and this stunning valley with expansive mountain vistas! South Lake Tahoe would be perfect for a sunrise vow exchange or portrait session before exploring Hope Valley, either on your own or with your guests!
If you’re into the idea of exploring Tahoe and Hope Valley, allow me to recommend a super fun idea that I would love to see a couple do: a glamping elopement or outdoor micro wedding at Desolation Hotel. It’s a super unique hotel in Hope Valley, with beautiful yurts, cabins, exquisitie dining, and incredible recreation opportunities… you get the picture. It’s a dream come true for couple who love being out in the wilderness, but want to do so in comfort – AKA inside of a deluxe, eco-conscsious accommodations with access to a sauna, cozy fireplaces, and a top-rated restaurant. In addition to the many trails and lush meadows nearby, there’s actually a hiking trail on the premises of the hotel—how freaking cool?! You don’t even have to leave the property to get in some amazing outdoor time + to enjoy the natural beauty of the area!
Best Time to Elope
While summer is beautiful in the area, Hope Valley and Lake Tahoe really shine in the fall (especially around mid-October), when the leaves are bright with shades of orange, and yellow. Hope Valley is actually known as one of the top destinations in the Sierra Nevadas for fall foliage, so take advantage of it if you can! Tahoe gets very crowded during peak tourist season, which is typically between June-August, so I would definitely recommend eloping either in the fall or spring, from April-May or September-October.
Permits
Permits will depend on where you want to have your wedding ceremony. If you want to get married on national forest land around Lake Tahoe, you’ll need to contact the Lake Tahoe Basin Management office at (530) 543-2600 to find out more info about whether or not you’ll need a permit. Desolation Hotel in Hope Valley also has gathering spaces for you to host an intimate dinner with your closest friends and family, you can learn more about their events here.
Sierra Nevada Elopement Photographer
Hey – I’m Jess! Now that you know the inside scoop on all of my favorite places to elope in the Sierra Nevadas, let’s take it one step further and chat about your vision and how we can plan a beautiful and authentic experience in the Sierra Nevadas. I’m all about helping you plan the day that truly expresses who you are, and lets your unique personalities shine, whether that’s atop the cliffs of Yosemite, deep in the valleys of the Sierras, or a Glamping Micro Wedding at AutoCamp with your favorite humans. Drop your info on my contact page and I can send you more details about my Sierra Nevada elopement packages!
Want more Northern California elopement resources like this? You’re in luck—here are a couple of my recent faves:
