Mammoth Lakes Elopement Guide | Updated for 2025 & 2026
Mammoth Lakes Elopement Guide
Your guide to beautiful elopement locations in Mammoth Lakes
20 Amazing Mammoth Lakes Elopement Locations
Welcome to my comprehensive Mammoth Lakes Elopement guide! There are so many lakes here, it would be impossible to list or rank them all in this Mammoth lakes elopement guide. Lake George, Lake Mary, Twin Lakes, Horseshoe Lake and Lake Mamie make up the main area of Mammoth. These lakes are the busiest and most popular with boaters and fishermen. In high season, these areas are good for a quick photo, but I wouldn’t recommend holding your ceremony here unless it is early in the morning to avoid crowds. Avid hikers should also check out the nearby Sherwin lakes and Duck lakes.
Convict Lake Elopement Location
A fishing dock on the south side of Convict lake is ADA accessible, making it a great option for any couples with mobility needs. Another area further down the road or up on the hill offer spectacular views.
McLeod Lake Elopements
This turquoise blue jewel is a short 1 mile ish hike up from Horseshoe Lake, and offers plenty of solitude and views of the stony cliffs.
Lake George at Mammoth Lakes, California
Lake George is the best of the Mammoth Lakes loop, with similar views to Lakes Mary and Mamie. Crystal rock dominates the alpine skyline above the lake.
TJ Lake, Mammoth Lakes Elopement Location
TJ Lake is a beautiful small lake located just a mile’s hike from Lake George. It’s less busy than the nearby Crystal lake hike.
Crowley Lake near Mammoth Lakes
Crowley Lake is located a 30 minute drive from the town of Mammoth Lakes, and required 4wd /high clearance to reach. Once you get there, the views and solitude are incredible.
Mountain Elopement Locations at Mammoth Lakes
Not every location includes a lake! Check out the forested Earthquake Fault for a forest location. Venture up Panorama dome for big views, or explore one of the green meadows. This is a backpacker’s heaven, though just a 1-5 mile hike will reward you with great views, total privacy and.. more lakes!
Minaret Vista at Mammoth Lakes
One of the biggest views in the Sierras is just a short drive up the mountain! Located just inside of Devil’s Postpile National Monument, you can breeze right up to this panoramic view during summer and fall. In the winter, the access road is unplowed, so you can only hike in.
McGee Creek Elopements
This trail-ride ranch is located at the end of a Valley just south of Mammoth Lakes and Convict Lake. This stunning trailhead starts at a running creek and makes a perfect spot for just-us-two elopements.
Mammoth Mountain
You can take the Mammoth Mountain Gondola to 11,500 feet and see epic panoramic views of the entire area. Purchase your scenic lift tickets in advance and be prepared for snow in almost every season.
Mammoth Meadow
Mammoth Rock towers over a green meadow in Mammoth Lakes, California, which makes a great elopement location if you know how to access this hidden gem.
Waterfall & Hot Springs Elopement Locations in Mammoth Lakes
Horsetail Falls is located near June Lakes and also requires a 2 mile hike to access. Twin Falls flows between lake Mamie and Twin Lakes, and you can mostly view it from the top of the falls.
Elopements at Rainbow Falls, California
The most famous waterfall in Mammoth Lakes is Rainbow Falls, located in Devil’s Postpile National Monument. Your national park pass will get you in! In summer, this area is so popular that a shuttle is required to access the trailhead. After that, its a 5 mile roundtrip hike to see this stunning waterfall where there is often a rainbow on a sunny day.
Twin Falls at Mammoth Lakes
Twin lakes is a popular area at Mammoth Lakes, but there’s not room for a ceremony along its banks. Flowing into it is Twin Falls, a double drop waterfall that is only accessible from the top.
Horsetail Falls near June Lakes
An easy hike of less than two miles takes you to a viewpoint of the falls, which are best in May and June. Reaching the falls or the lakes beyond it requires a harder and longer hike.
The Hot Springs at Mammoth Lakes
Across highway 395 from Mammoth, you’ll find BLM-managed scrub lands dotted with natural hot springs! The view of the mountains from the hot springs is to die for.
- Crab Cooker Hot Springs
- Shepherd Hot Springs
- Hilltop Hot Springs
- Rock Tub
- Willy’s
Hot Creek Elopement Location
One of the best drive-up views in all of California is simply called “Hot creek.” Just beyond the interpretive area, a small campsite is first-come, first served – so it is often occupied.
June Lakes Elopement Locations
Grant Lake, Silver Lake, Gull Lake and June Lake make up the June Lakes loop north of Mammoth. It is essential to plan a morning and or weekday elopement here. June lake has a big beach for swimming, making it one of the busiest spots – and for that reason I’d steer clear of it.
Gull Lake in June Lakes Loop
Gull lake is a small lake lined with a loop trail with great views. The best site for a small elopement ceremony is on the east shore. There’s a rope swing over the lake on the west side too.
Parker Lake, California elopement location
One of my favorite hikes in the area is Parker Lake in the Ansel Adams wilderness. Groups must be kept to under 12 in this area.
Silver Lake Campground Elopement Location
Silver Lake is the best lake in the June Lakes Loop for a beautiful elopement in nature. I know a great spot along the shoreline, away from the busy fishing pier.
Grant Lake, California elopement location
Grant Lake at first feels inaccessible, but there is one place along the shoreline that would be suitable for a just-us-two elopement.
A real elopement at Silver Lake, California
Natalie and Alex married in a simple ceremony on the shore of Silver Lake in October. Their dog, Daniel the Spaniel, was in attendance, and kept things light when the vows got emotional. This giggly pair knew they wanted privacy and couldn’t decide between having a mountain background or a waterfall – so we decided on both! Congratulations N&A!
Unique Elopement Locations Near Mammoth Lakes
The entire eastern sierras of California are underrated and spectacular. Don’t miss out on a chance to make yours a road trip elopement. From north to south, You should visit Lake Tahoe, Mono Lake, June Lakes, Mammoth Lakes, The hot springs, Convict & Crowley lake, Alabama hills and Death Valley.
See a real unique elopement in Mammoth Lakes
Christy and Matt began their day at their favorite lake at sunrise. Their immediate families joined them for an intimate elopement at Convict Lake’s peaceful shore. Then we went off-roading to the Crowley Lake Stone columns, simply one of the coolest geographical features in the entire Eastern Sierras. The newlyweds shared private vows in the cave-like shade of the columns. After lunch, we explored Mono Lake’s unique tufa spires and then met up with family again for a delicious French dinner. A night of bowling was the perfect end to this fun-loving couple’s unique elopement in Mammoth Lakes.
Unique Elopements in Mammoth Lakes
Want to make your elopement unique? Embrace the volcanic nature of Mammoth and hike to volcanic craters, the earthquake fault, obsidian dome, or go off road to one of a kind stone columns! You can rent paddleboards, canoes, kayaks, and cruise boats. You could even get married on a boat for an unforgettable experience! Think outside the box and Mammoth will reward you for it.
Lake Tahoe Elopements
Lake Tahoe is a HUGE lake on the border of California and Nevada, a few hours drive north of Mammoth. Cross onto the Nevada side for the most beautiful shoreline locations!
Mono Lake
Mono lake is an incredible unique geological feature because it is a salty, brine lake. Spires of Tufa deposits rise up from the shoreline.
Inyo Craters
North of Mammoth Lakes scenic loop, you can view the extinct craters of two volcanos with greenish lakes at the bottom. Neat!
Crowley Lake Stone Columns
This may be one of my favorite elopement locations in all 50 states. The combination of the clear lake, privacy and extremely cool natural stone columns can’t be found anywhere else on earth.
Alabama Hills Elopement Location
This BLM Land near Lone Pine is a rock climbing, off-roading, primitive camping couple’s dream! The unique rock arches frame the tallest mountains in the lower 48.
Here is my Mammoth Lakes Elopement Locations Map:
This map is like a virtual tour of Mammoth Lakes and the surrounding highlights with color photos I’ve taken of each place. There are over 50 pins! So you can see all the great spots without leaving your living room. If you’re planning from afar, this is a visual key to picking out the elopement spot that works for you. Details like what seasons and time of day are best for each location are included. It will help you plan your activities, accommodations, and your day’s itinerary. Lastly, it’s easy to have a great backup location picked out with this map in front of you. Having that Plan B in your back pocket will keep your planning stress-free!
About your Mammoth Lakes Elopement Photographer
I’m a colorful Mammoth Lakes elopement photographer with an obsession for mountains, hiking, and sharing my favorite places with others. My photography style emphasizes the epic landscape of your dreams and the authentic moments that make you two.. well, you two! I love my job and my nature-loving clients. Mammoth Lakes is the best place in California for a mountain elopement. Maybe I’ll see you there!
When to Elope in Mammoth Lakes
In the summer this area is busy, but never as busy as nearby Yosemite. June is the best time if waterfalls are your jam; Summer is warm but great for taking a dip after hiking. September and October are incredibly idyllic for fall elopements as the Aspens and cottonwoods turn gold. Winter is long, from December to mid May, and Mammoth is one of the snowiest towns in the USA, receiving about 17 to 20 feet of snow per year on average. In the winter of ’22 to ’23, Mammoth got a whopping 59 feet of snow. This is a popular ski town for this reason, and Mammoth Mountain has a ton of terrain. Be advised that many of the access roads are closed in winter, so don’t get your heart set on a spot that may be inaccessible.
April at Witsanap Lake 
July at Witsanap Lake 
October at Witsanap Lake
How to elope at Mammoth Lakes
This is not a National Park. While it’s always best to check with the forest service to ensure your plan will work for the lands they manage, I’ve found that the forest service in Inyo & Mono county is pretty amenable and willing to work with you. As long as you follow Leave No Trace principles and go low-key, chances are good that you can have the adventure elopement of your dreams here without a permit. Group size limits can be confusing, but if you plan for a weekday or early morning with fewer than 12 people you don’t need a permit.
Step by Step guide to planning a Mammoth Lakes Elopement
- Select a date or date range that suits your schedules and the season you love.
- Book a Mammoth Lakes elopement guide & photographer who will help create a blueprint of your day
- Book your accommodation and excursions like trail rides or canoe rentals
- Get your best outfit ever and ELOPE!
An epic fall Elopement at Mammoth Lakes
Tee & Danny came all the way from the UK for their road trip elopement to Mammoth Lakes! Having already had a taste of the area once before, they knew this place was special and wanted to see it all! We toured the whole area, from a sunrise first look at Twin Lakes, an early morning ceremony at Convict lake, canoeing, waterfall chasing, and hot spring dipping. Their first dance by campfire light was one I’ll never forget!
Do I need an officiant at Mammoth Lakes?
Yes, California law states you must have an officiant and 1 witness to make your marriage license legal. You can obtain your $91 California marriage license in Mono County at the Bridgeport courthouse, or Inyo county at the Bishop Courthouse. You can hire an officiant, nominate a friend to get ordained, or use me as your officiant and photographer since I am ordained! I am happy to pass on this cost savings to you.
Hiking Elopement at Mcleod Lake in Mammoth
Sarah & Nick took their day to new heights with a hiking elopement in Mammoth Lakes! They regularly hike in the Sierra Mountains and already had a big love for Mammoth, and each other. So to be true to themselves, they decided to elope on a hike. No performative or inauthentic wedding plans here! They read vows at sunrise and then adventured in the mountains with their backpacks on. This elopement took place in June in Mammoth Lakes.
Where to stay at Mammoth Lakes
Since this area is vast, it’s best to decide on your ceremony location first before booking your accommodation. If you are eloping near the main Mammoth Lakes loop, choose the cabins at Tamarack Lodge. Don’t stay at Edelweiss lodge – the cabins are cute but unheated! Similarly, avoid the Motel 6 if you prefer mattresses without bloodstains. Browse my list of Mammoth lakes Airbnbs, from A frames to riverfront cabins and modern homes. I’m happy to be your Mammoth lakes elopement guide for every step of the way.
Here is a sample timeline for a Mammoth Lakes elopement.
5:00 Begin Sunrise hike
6:30 Change into wedding clothes
6:45 First look as dawn approaches
7:00 Exchange vows alone at sunrise at the lake
7:30 Picnic breakfast – granola parfaits and coffee
8:00 Begin hike down
9:30 Hammock naps in the shade
12:00 Five star lunch
1:30 Spa for couples massage
3:00 Swim in the lakes, hike to a waterfall or rent a canoe for an adventure
6:00 Sunset first dance at the Stone Columns
7:00 Private chef dinner with family at Airbnb
See Winter Mammoth Lakes Elopement Photos
Sara & Kunyu got married on their 9 year anniversary by planning a trip to Mammoth Lakes in April! They had woodsy first look photos at dawn, then their ceremony at Witsanap lake. They rode up the Mammoth Mountain gondola and visited hot springs before having dinner with a small group of friends back at the condo. See their full day Eastern California Elopement here! This elopement took place in Mammoth Lakes in April.
Mammoth Lakes Elopement Packages
I offer Mammoth Lakes elopement photography packages that include my planning services. There are no travel fees, download fees, watermarks or other hidden fees. These prices are valid for 2025.
All inclusive elopement packages start at $15,000
2 Day elopements in Mammoth Lakes – $10900
1.5 Days of elopement photography – $8900
1 Full day adventure elopement in Mammoth Lakes – $7900
Why elope in Mammoth Lakes?
The eastern Sierras around Mammoth Lakes are full of amazing diversity. Ancient volcanic activity in this area created calderas, cinder cones, stone pillars, hot springs, postpiles, waterfalls and the unique saltwater Mono Lake. These mountains and pristine lakes are some of the most beautiful and accessible on our continent. It’s a dog friendly small town that isn’t overrun with visitors. You can and should spend several days exploring this amazing area.
Contact Me
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