A Guide to Eloping in the Eastern Sierra

From Alabama Hills to Inyo National Forest to Mammoth Lakes, the Sierra Nevada provides a variety of backdrops for the perfect adventure elopement

The Eastern Sierra region of California offers a breathtaking and dramatic backdrop for couples looking to elope. With towering mountain peaks, crystal clear alpine lakes, and scenic vistas, it's no wonder that the area has become a popular destination for outdoor weddings and elopements. Whether you're looking for a rustic and intimate ceremony among the pines, a dramatic mountaintop vista, or a unique desert backdrop, the Eastern Sierra has something to offer every couple. In this guide, we'll explore the best locations, tips, and advice for planning your dream elopement in the Eastern Sierra.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Elopement locations in the Eastern Sierra
Getting to & around the Eastern Sierra
Best times to elope in the Eastern Sierra
Activity Ideas/Things To Do
Where to Stay for your Eastern Sierra Elopement
Eastern Sierra Elopement Timeline Ideas
Step-by-Step breakdown of how to plan your Eastern Sierra Elopement

Eastern Sierra Elopement Locations

First off, let’s clarify what the Eastern Sierra specifically refers to. The Eastern Sierra region of California is a very large expansive area, spanning from Lone Pine in the south to Bridgeport in the north, and includes a variety of stunning locations for elopements.

Here are some of the top areas within the region:

Mammoth Lakes: Located in the heart of the Eastern Sierra, Mammoth Lakes offers a variety of scenic locations for elopements, including Convict Lake, Lake Mary, and Minaret Vista.
June Lake Loop: The June Lake Loop is a scenic drive that includes four picturesque lakes surrounded by mountains. It's a popular spot for fishing, hiking, and camping, and offers several locations for elopements, including Gull Lake and Silver Lake.
Bishop Creek Canyon: Bishop Creek Canyon is a beautiful alpine canyon located on the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada range. It features several lakes, waterfalls, and hiking trails, and is a popular location for fall foliage elopements.
Alabama Hills: Located just outside of Lone Pine, the Alabama Hills offer a unique desert landscape with stunning rock formations and panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada range. It's a popular spot for outdoor adventure and offers several locations for elopements, including Mobius Arch and the Movie Road.
Bodie State Historic Park: Bodie is a well-preserved ghost town located north of Mono Lake. It offers a unique and historic backdrop for elopements and is a popular spot for photography.

In addition to the above, as an Eastern Sierra elopement photographer (and avid adventurer!), I have both personally and virtually scouted a LONG list of lesser-known locations with varying accessibility in the Eastern Sierra region. Whether you’re looking for a more intimate, private ceremony in the backcountry, or something more accessible for guests, I’ve got you covered!

Getting To & Around the Eastern Sierra

The Eastern Sierra region is accessible by car, with several major highways and scenic routes leading to the area. Here's a breakdown of the main transportation options:

Car: Driving is the most common way to reach the Eastern Sierra region. US Highway 395 runs north-south through the region, and can be accessed from major cities such as Los Angeles, Reno, and Las Vegas. The drive is scenic and offers several pull-offs for photo opportunities.
Air: The closest major airports to the Eastern Sierra are Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) and Mammoth Yosemite Airport (MMH). RNO is approximately 2.5 hours north of Mammoth Lakes, while MMH is located in the heart of the Eastern Sierra.
Public Transportation: While public transportation is limited in the Eastern Sierra, there are some options available. Eastern Sierra Transit Authority (ESTA) operates bus service throughout the region, including stops in Mammoth Lakes, Bishop, and Lone Pine. Additionally, the YARTS (Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System) bus service offers connections to Yosemite National Park from Mammoth Lakes during the summer months.

It is worth noting that if you do fly into MMH, public transportation options into Mammoth Lakes is limited (but do exist!). There are several taxi companies that service Mammoth Yosemite Airport (MMH) and can provide transportation to Mammoth Lakes and other locations in the Eastern Sierra. Here are a few options:

Mammoth Taxi: This is a locally-owned taxi service that provides transportation to and from MMH, as well as around Mammoth Lakes and the surrounding areas. They offer a fleet of vehicles, including SUVs and vans, and can accommodate groups of all sizes.
Eastern Sierra Taxi: This taxi service provides transportation to and from MMH, as well as around Bishop, Lone Pine, and the surrounding areas. They offer a variety of vehicles, including sedans and SUVs.
Sierra Express Shuttle: This shuttle service provides transportation to and from MMH, as well as around Mammoth Lakes and the surrounding areas. They offer shared and private shuttle options, and can accommodate groups of all sizes.
Mammoth Shuttle Service: This shuttle service provides transportation to and from MMH, as well as around Mammoth Lakes and the surrounding areas. They offer shared and private shuttle options, and can accommodate groups of all sizes.

It's always a good idea to book your transportation in advance, especially during peak travel times. Additionally, some hotels and resorts in the Mammoth Lakes area offer complimentary shuttle service to and from MMH for their guests.

Mammoth Yosemite Airport (MMH) does also have a car rental service available for visitors. There are several car rental companies located at the airport, including:

Hertz
Enterprise
Avis
Budget

It's a good idea to reserve your rental car in advance, especially during peak travel times, to ensure availability. Their operating hours & vehicle options are limited, so I strongly recommend reaching out in advance to make sure they will be open and a car will be ready for pick-up at the time of your arrival.

In addition to the airport rental car companies, there are also several car rental agencies located in Mammoth Lakes itself, which may offer additional options and flexibility for those looking to rent a car during their stay in the Eastern Sierra.

Once you've arrived in the Eastern Sierra, the best way to get around is by car. There are several car rental agencies located in the area, and driving offers the flexibility to explore the region at your own pace. Keep in mind that several trailheads/areas require driving on a dirt road to get to, which means AWD vehicles with high ground clearance is recommended.

ActivitY Ideas for your Eastern Sierra Elopement

Adventurous Activities:

Hiking: There are thousands of trails in this area with varying length and difficulty, all offering stunning views of lakes, forests, creeks, waterfalls, jagged mountain peaks, and deep valleys. The trails here might be some of my favorites that I’ve ever been on!
Camping: There are some absolutely beautiful campsites scattered throughout this region. Many require reservations in advance on Recreation.gov, so be sure to check their availability before making any camping plans for your elopement! Talk to me and I’ll share some of my favorite campsites ;)
Kayaking in Mammoth Lakes: There are many larger, more accessible lakes that you can rent kayaks at, such as Lake Mary, Convict Lake, June Lake and Crowley Lake. Here is a more extensive list of boat/paddle rentals in the area: https://www.visitmammoth.com/boating-kayaking-paddle-boarding/
Take a scenic flight: For a unique and unforgettable experience, consider taking a scenic flight over the Eastern Sierra region. Several companies offer aerial tours of the area, providing a bird's-eye view of the stunning landscape.

Relaxing Activities:

Rent a bike in Mammoth Lakes: There are several bike rental places in Mammoth Lakes, including Footloose Sports and Get Outdoors 365, which have a collection of mountain bikes AND townie bikes for cruising around town
Visit hot springs: The Eastern Sierra region is home to numerous natural hot springs in the area, including Wild Willy’s Hot Springs, Keough’s Hot Springs, and Travertine Hot Springs. Considering starting your day with a dip in the hot springs as the sun rises — I promise you it will be a relaxing and epic way to begin a wedding day!
Hammocking
Picnic at a lake
Go fishing: The Eastern Sierra region is home to some of the best fishing in the country, with numerous lakes, streams, and rivers offering opportunities to catch trout and other fish. Many of the area's lakes also offer boat rentals, making it easy to explore the water and take in the scenery.

Best Time of Year for an Eastern Sierra Elopement

The best time to elope in the Eastern Sierra depends on your preferences and priorities. Here are some factors to consider:

Weather: the Eastern Sierra experiences four distinct seasons. If you prefer milder weather, late spring (May-June) and early fall (September-October) tend to have comfortable temperatures and less precipitation. Summer (July-August) can be hot and crowded, while winter (November-April) can be cold and snowy. Keep in mind some higher elevation backcountry areas may not be accessible until June or even July.
Scenery: The scenery in the Eastern Sierra changes dramatically with the seasons. If you want to elope among wildflowers, late spring is the best time to see them. Fall offers colorful foliage, while winter provides a snowy wonderland. Summer has the most abundant wildlife and is perfect for exploring the high country.
Crowds: If you prefer a more private and intimate experience, avoid peak tourist season. Summer and holidays can be particularly busy, while winter weekends can be popular for skiing and snowboarding.

In general, midweek elopements tend to be less crowded and offer more flexibility with vendors and accommodations. Keep in mind that weather conditions can be unpredictable in the mountains, so always be prepared with appropriate clothing and gear.

Overall, the Eastern Sierra offer a beautiful and diverse backdrop for elopements year-round. No matter when you choose to elope, you'll be surrounded by stunning natural beauty and an abundance of outdoor activities to enjoy.

Where to stay in the Eastern Sierra

Since the Eastern Sierra comprises of many different towns and areas that are very spread apart, it is best to first identify which part of the Eastern Sierra you’d like to elope in, before doing research on accommodations. If you have already narrowed down your specific area and are now looking into accommodations, below are recommended accommodation options in several of the main towns within this region.

If you don’t see your chosen area listed below, I recommend going directly to your photographer or any local group/vendor for specific recommendations!

Lone Pine:

Bishop:

Mammoth Lakes:

For a more comprehensive list of hotels and motels in the area, check out this link: http://www.easternsierranevada.com/hotels

Elopement Timeline ideas

2-Day Just-Us Camping & Helicopter Adventure Elopement (18 hours)

Day 1:

3:00pm: Set up camp
4:00pm: Finish setting up camp, short hike to nearby lake
5:00pm: Arrive at lake, evening picnic by lake, exchange gifts
6:00pm: Day-before sunset photos by lake
7:00pm: Sunset, start hiking back to campsite
8:00pm: Arrive at campsite, make dinner & roast s’mores over campfire
9:00pm: Wrap Photography

Day 2:

9:00am: Breakfast at campsite
10:00am: Details, Getting ready at campsite
11:00pm: Partner 1 gets dressed
11:30pm: Partner 2 gets dressed
12:00pm: First Look under the pines
12:30pm: Head out to Yosemite Mammoth Airport
1:00pm: Arrive at airport, check in for scenic helicopter flight over Mammoth
1:30pm: Enjoy a quick packed lunch
2:00pm: Take off!
3:00pm: Arrive back on ground, photos at airport/with helicopter
3:45pm: Depart for trailhead
4:00pm: Arrive at trailhead, gather items
4:15pm: Hike to lake
5:45pm: Arrive at lake, exchange vows
6:15pm: Sunset photos around lake
7:00pm: Sunset
7:15pm: Start hiking back to trailhead
8:30pm: Night photos by car headlights/with stars at trailhead
9:00pm: Wrap Photography

Just-Us Relaxing All-Day Elopement (12 hours)

7:00am: Take a dip in hot springs as the sun rises
7:30am: Dry off, head to local coffee shop
8:00am: Breakfast & coffee at coffee shop
9:00am: Head back to cabin to start getting ready
9:30am: Details
10:30am: Partner 1 gets dressed
11:00am: Partner 2 gets dressed
11:30am: First Look outside cabin
12:00pm: Drive out to lake
12:30pm: Arrive at Lake Mary, explore area, set up lunch picnic
1:00pm: Lunch picnic by lake, open up letters and gifts from friends & family
2:00pm: Pack up picnic, find a shaded spot under the pines for vow exchange
2:30pm: Ceremony/Vow-exchange
3:00pm: Rent kayaks at Lake Mary
3:30pm: Kayak around lake
4:30pm: Return kayaks, set up hammock under the pines, relax/nap!
5:15pm: Touch-up makeup/hair, change into evening dress/outfit
6:00pm: Sunset portraits around lake
7:00pm: Sunset, wrap photography

All-Day Partial Hiking Elopement with Guests (10 Hours)

4:00am: Meet at trailhead, apply finishing touches of makeup at trailhead/in car
4:30am: Start hike
6:00am: Arrive at lake, change into wedding attire
6:30am: First look
6:45am: Exchange vows
7:00am: Sunrise photos
8:00am: Picnic breakfast at lake
9:00am: Start hiking back down
10:30am: Arrive at trailhead, drive back to cabin
11:00am: Arrive at cabin, freshen up, candids with guests
12:00pm: Head out to ceremony site
12:30pm: Arrive at ceremony area, get set up
1:00pm: Ceremony
1:30pm: Family/friends photos
2:00pm: Head to nearby restaurant/brewery for celebratory lunch
2:30pm: Lunch & toasts
4:00pm: Wrap Photography

All-Day Relaxing Elopement with Guests (8 hours)

1:00pm: Details, getting ready, candids of everyone hanging out at cabin
2:00pm: Partner 1 gets dressed
2:30pm: Partner 2 gets dressed
3:00pm: First Look
3:30pm: Head out to Convict Lake for ceremony
4:00pm: Arrive Convict Lake, park, walk over to ceremony site
4:30pm: Ceremony
5:00pm: Family/friends photos
5:30pm: Head to nearby second location for portraits
6:00pm: Sunset photos
7:00pm: Sunset, blue hour photos
7:30pm: Head back to cabin
8:00pm: Arrive back at cabin, dinner with guests, roast s’mores over fire in backyard
9:00pm: Wrap Photography

There are a million different ways for how your day could go, and these are just some ideas to get those brain juices flowing! Depending on what you enjoy, where you choose to have your ceremony & portraits, the activities you want to include and more, your day could look very different from the above examples. And that’s the beauty of elopements — you get to choose your own one-of-a-kind day. There are no rules as to how your day can look like, so start brainstorming! :)

Step-by-Step on How to Elope in the Eastern Sierra:

If you're considering eloping in the Eastern Sierra region of California, there are a few things you need to know to make your special day a success.

Decide on a time of year/date
Start by choosing a season you’d like to elope in (see above section on ‘Best Times to Elope in the Eastern Sierra’ for a quick breakdown on the seasons). This will help you narrow down a month and subsequently date for your elopement.
Hire a photographer
Yes, really, that’s the next step! Oftentimes, elopement photographers (like myself!) will help you with locations, permits, accommodation recommendations and more. So once you have a date in mind, start looking into booking your photographer and take advantage of all the services they offer in helping you design a one-of-a-kind day!
Choose the perfect location
The Eastern Sierra is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, including desert, mountains, lakes, and forests. You'll want to choose a location that suits your tastes and preferences. Since the Eastern Sierra comprises of a very large area, it is first important to narrow down a specific region/area within the Eastern Sierra before booking your accommodations and activities.
Obtain any necessary permits
Depending on where you choose to elope, you may need to obtain permits for your ceremony. Since the Eastern Sierra comprises of a large area that falls under various jurisdictions, who you reach out to will depend on your choice of location.
Obtain a marriage license
To elope in the Eastern Sierra, you'll need to obtain a marriage license from any county clerk’s office in California. The closest one to this region is the Mono County Clerk's office. You can apply for a license online, and pick it up in person (you’ll need to make an appointment at your chosen county clerk’s office).
Hire an officiant
If you’re considering getting legally married on your elopement day, you'll need to hire an officiant to perform your ceremony. You can choose to either hire a professional officiant or have a friend or family member who is ordained to perform weddings. If you’d like a friend or family member to officiate your ceremony, they can get ordained at ulc.org or theamm.org . (It’s free and super simple to become ordained!) I’m also an ordained officiant and can help you sign your marriage license if you’d like to keep your ceremony super intimate and private.
Plan your day
While eloping is meant to be a stress-free and simple experience, you'll still need to plan your day to ensure everything runs smoothly. If you are planning a day that’s more involved with regards to guests, activities, locations, details etc, consider hiring a wedding planner or coordinator to help with the details, such as transportation, flowers, and accommodations — especially if you’re unfamiliar with the region. This is when you’ll start booking your accommodations, activities, and putting a timeline together.
Dress appropriately
The Eastern Sierra is known for its outdoor adventures, so be sure to dress appropriately for the weather and terrain. Choose comfortable shoes for hiking and explore the area beforehand to ensure you feel confident and comfortable on your wedding day.
Enjoy your day!
Your day is here and it’s time to let it unfold! Eloping in the outdoors often means being prepared to deal with the elements, so my biggest encouragement to anyone having an outdoor elopement (especially in the Eastern Sierra) is to embrace whatever happens. Your experience of your day is intimately tied to your mindset, and being open and embracing what happens is key to having a memorable and fun wedding day :)

Eloping in the Eastern Sierra can be a beautiful and intimate way to celebrate your love. With careful planning and preparation, you can create a memorable and stress-free wedding day that reflects your personalities and values.