Lake Tahoe Wedding & Elopement Photographer
Lake Tahoe Weddings & Elopements
The largest alpine lake in North America, surrounded by the Sierra Nevada. From intimate lakeside ceremonies to full weddings at Olympic Valley, I know every corner of Tahoe.
Why Lake Tahoe
A Cabin in Tahoe City, and a Decade of Tahoe Weddings
My cabin is in Tahoe City, and has been for over ten years. When I'm not photographing weddings around the country, this is where I am — hiking the Tahoe Rim Trail, kayaking Emerald Bay at sunrise, and knowing when the light is going to hit just right at every one of my favorite ceremony spots around the lake.
Lake Tahoe is unique among my destinations. It's the only place where you can have a full beach ceremony, a mountain-top ceremony, a lakeside winery ceremony, and a ski resort ceremony — all within 45 minutes of each other. The water changes color with the weather. The granite peaks glow at sunset. And the best time of year depends entirely on the feel you're going for.
Whether you want a full wedding at Everline Resort in Olympic Valley, a lakeside elopement at Sand Harbor, or a quiet ceremony at West Shore Cafe with just your closest people, I know the spots, the permits, the light, and the locals.
Selected Work
Lake Tahoe Moments
Top Venues & Locations
Best Places to Get Married in Lake Tahoe
The venues and ceremony sites I've shot at most often, and why each one is worth considering for your day.
Everline Resort & Spa
Formerly Resort at Squaw Creek in Olympic Valley. Full-service luxury wedding venue with multiple indoor and outdoor ceremony sites, on-site accommodations, and spa facilities. Preferred by couples with larger guest lists.
Palisades Tahoe
The combined ski resort of Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows. Mountain-top ceremonies accessible via tram, base village receptions, and dramatic winter or summer backdrops.
Edgewood Tahoe Resort
South Lake Tahoe's premier lakefront resort with a championship golf course, private beach, and ceremony locations directly on the water. Full wedding venue with reception spaces.
The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe
Luxury mountainside resort in Northstar. Elegant ceremony spaces, full-service wedding coordination, and some of the most refined wedding experiences at the lake.
The Hideout at Kirkwood
A boutique mountain venue at Kirkwood Mountain Resort. More intimate than the bigger resorts, with rustic charm and high-alpine views.
West Shore Cafe & Inn
Historic lakefront venue on the quieter west shore of the lake. Small-to-medium weddings with the kind of old-Tahoe character most venues have lost.
Emerald Bay / Eagle Falls
Iconic state park with one of the most photographed viewpoints in California. Permit required for ceremonies. Short hike to Eagle Falls overlook for truly dramatic elopements.
Sand Harbor State Park
Nevada's most famous Tahoe beach — crystal-clear water, boulder-strewn shoreline, and postcard-perfect alpine beach ceremonies. Permit required.
Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe
Incline Village lakefront resort with full wedding services, beachfront ceremonies, and reception spaces for 50-200 guests.
When to Visit
Best Time of Year for Lake Tahoe Weddings
Live Conditions
Lake Tahoe, California
Live conditions update every time the page loads. Check this widget close to your date for real-time planning.
Summer
June – August
Peak season. Warm sunny days, cool nights, every venue open, and the lake at its most inviting. Book 12+ months in advance for Saturdays in July and August.
Fall
September – October
My favorite Tahoe season. Warm days, cold nights, golden aspens, fewer crowds, and dramatic light. Early October can still be t-shirt weather at lake level.
Winter
December – March
World-class skiing, snow-covered beaches, and a completely different aesthetic. Best for couples who want a winter wedding with true mountain atmosphere.
Spring
April – May
Shoulder season. Lake levels are high from snowmelt, wildflowers bloom in May, and weather is variable. Great for couples who want lower pricing and fewer crowds.
Permits & Logistics
Getting Married in Lake Tahoe: What You Need to Know
Lake Tahoe crosses both California and Nevada, which means different permit requirements depending on where your ceremony takes place. California State Parks (Emerald Bay, D.L. Bliss, Sugar Pine Point) require permits and have strict group size limits. Nevada State Parks (Sand Harbor, Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park) have their own permit process. Private venues like Everline Resort and Edgewood Tahoe handle permits internally. I'll walk you through exactly what you need based on your chosen ceremony location and group size.
Common Questions
Lake Tahoe Wedding & Elopement FAQ
How much does a Lake Tahoe wedding photographer cost?
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Lake Tahoe elopement packages start at $4,995 for 4 hours of coverage. Wedding packages start at $5,995 for 6 hours. Full wedding day coverage with a second shooter typically runs $7,500-$10,000. Every package includes planning support, location guidance, color-enhanced digital files, and an online gallery with download access.
What's the best time of year for a Lake Tahoe wedding?
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Late June through early October is peak season, with July and August being the most popular months. My personal favorite is mid-September through early October — the weather is still warm, crowds thin out, aspens start turning gold, and the light gets dramatic. Winter weddings at ski resorts (December-March) are also gorgeous for couples who want a true mountain winter aesthetic.
Which side of the lake is best for weddings?
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It depends on the experience you want. North Shore (Tahoe City, Incline Village, Olympic Valley) is quieter, more upscale, and closer to the major ski resorts. South Shore (Stateline, Heavenly, Camp Richardson) has more nightlife, Edgewood Tahoe, and larger hotels. West Shore (Sunnyside, Homewood) has the most classic, old-Tahoe character. I can help you match your venue to the vibe you want.
Can we have a ceremony right on the beach?
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Yes, but with permits. California State Parks beaches (Emerald Bay, D.L. Bliss, Sugar Pine Point) require a Special Event Permit. Nevada's Sand Harbor requires a park wedding permit. Private resort beaches like Edgewood Tahoe and Hyatt Regency handle permits internally. Group sizes on public beaches are typically limited to 50 or fewer.
Do you travel to both North and South Lake Tahoe?
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Yes. My cabin is in Tahoe City on the North Shore, but I photograph weddings and elopements all around the lake — South Shore, West Shore, Nevada side, and everywhere in between. No travel fees for ceremonies anywhere in the Tahoe basin.
Also Serving
Nearby Destinations
Other places I shoot regularly that pair beautifully with Lake Tahoe.
Free Planning Tools
Plan Your Day
Planning your Lake Tahoe day? These free tools are built for couples doing exactly what you're doing.
Estimate your total elopement budget — photography, permits, travel, and more.
Open →✓Permit DatabaseCheck permit requirements for every national park and wilderness venue.
Open →◑Golden Hour TimelineBuild a photo-optimized wedding day timeline with local sunrise and sunset data.
Open →→Location QuizAnswer a few questions and find the destination that fits your style.
Open →
Your Lake Tahoe Adventure
Planning a Lake Tahoe Wedding or Elopement?
Tell us your date, your vision, and what draws you to Lake Tahoe. We'll get back to you with location recommendations, availability, and a custom proposal.