Your Guide To Planning A Perfect Mammoth Lakes Elopement
Mammoth Lakes is a rugged and untamed landscape perfect for the most adventurous couples. With tranquil lakes, snow-capped mountains, rocky beaches, and deep valleys, this spot feels as though it was made for intimate elopements. If you have been considering this area for your wedding day, we’re here to help you out! As Mammoth Lakes elopement photographer, we love working with couples to plan their dream celebrations. Here’s your guide for a Mammoth Lakes elopement!
Discover All You Need To Know To Plan A Beautiful Mammoth Lakes Elopement
When You Should Elope & How to Pick Your Date
Before you start planning your elopement, you will want to figure out what kind of Mammoth Lakes weather you want. Mammoth Lakes is gorgeous all year long, but parts of it can get pretty darn chilly during the winter. And because the landscape is so diverse, the weather of each season can vary wildly. We always suggest deciding what you want the backdrop of your wedding to look like, and we can help you take it from there.
Mammoth Lakes Elopement Locations
Because Mammoth Lakes features a lot of difficult hikes, you’ll have a more private elopement without the same amount of onlookers you might catch at the National Parks. At the same time, this is going to be a choose-your-own-adventure kind of situation. We always recommend this spot for people who don’t mind a good calf workout. Here are our favorite locations:
- Blue Lake: This will be a 6-mile hike with an elevation gain of 1500 feet. As a reward, you will have a completely secluded, positively otherworldly lake as your backdrop.
- Lake Sabrina: With drive-up access, this is the perfect spot to ditch the Merrills and take in the aspens!
- Owen’s Lake: This is a good spot for weddings with a handful of guests. They keep this open field plowed and allow permits for chairs.
- Convict Lake: Always accessible, always epic. The landscape changes dramatically throughout each season, making it a picturesque backdrop all year long!
- Hot Creek Geological Site: This is another drive-up location that offers pretty gorgeous views. Because it can draw crowds, we always recommend checking it out on a weekday. Sunrise elopements can also be pretty iconic here!
How Much Does It Cost?
In order to have your elopement in Mammoth Lakes, you will need a permit. Each location will have its own pricing, but you can expect to pay $50-$200. You will also pay around $82 for a marriage license through Mono County. From there, you can customize how much you want to pay. Remember to calculate transportation, lodging, food, and attire. Oh, and budgeting in some adventures is never a bad idea!
If you’d like to host a reception, there are a couple of different options! R+W (the elopement gallery you’ll see below) chose to have a reception at the Double Eagle Resort in June Lake. It was the perfect spot to end an awesome day! Reception prices start at $3,000 at this particular Resort.
Hiring a Mammoth Lakes Elopement Photographer
One of the best investments you can make for your wedding is a photographer who will be there throughout every second of your planning process. As Mammoth Lakes elopement photographers, we’ve gotten pretty familiar with the area, and we love helping our clients so they can have the day of their dreams. We provide a complete guide so you can know all about the different locations, local vendors, tips, and pretty much everything else you need to know to plan your elopement. We also happen to love walking uphill in altitude (pretty much a requirement for any hike in Mammoth Lakes). With us, you’ll have a day you will cherish for the rest of your life!
We Would Love To Help Capture Your Dream Mammoth Lakes Elopement
If you have been considering a Mammoth Lakes elopement, we really hope this guide helps you out. And if you do want to learn more about working with us, well, send us a message today so you can decide if we’ll be the ones to tell your story.
