If there’s one word to describe Anna and Wilson’s Mammoth Lakes elopement this spring, it’s intentional. Together, we crafted a day that blended private, meaningful moments with time celebrating alongside their closest people. Their day was filled with personal details, breathtaking Sierra views, and things that felt so uniquely them.

Why Choose Mammoth Lakes for Your Elopement?

Anna and Wilson love the outdoors. They used to live in Utah and fell in love with the mountains and endless trails, so when it came time to plan their elopement, the Eastern Sierras were a no-brainer. Mammoth also really has it all! There are alpine lakes, vast meadows, hot springs, forests, and hidden gems everywhere you turn. It’s also a little more off the beaten path than Yosemite or Tahoe, which made it feel intimate while still offering those epic Sierra views.

If you’re considering your own celebration here, check out my Mammoth Lakes Elopement Guide for location tips and planning advice!

Anna & Wilson’s Mammoth Lakes Elopement

When Anna and Wilson first reached out, Wilson was in the middle of military training and waiting to hear where he’d be stationed next. We knew we might need to be flexible, so I assured them that I’d hold space for their plans no matter what. In the end, we moved their date up by a month, and it turned out to be perfect.

Their dream VRBO was still available, and the timing landed right between seasons. There was still snow at the top of Mammoth, so some of the views were inaccessible, but we also avoided the very busy high season and crowds. As all things in life, it worked out just as it was meant to!

Sunrise Adventures at Hot Creek + Convict Lake

Anna and Wilson chose to plan an 8-hour, split-day elopement, which I loved, because it allowed them private time together and moments with their guests. They kicked off their elopement for their first look at Hot Creek Geological Site, with the steam rising from the earth around them. It was such a surreal, magical moment to start the day.

From there, they headed to Convict Lake for a private hike, where they shared letters from their families and exchanged their vows surrounded by jagged peaks reflecting off the water.

Breakfast on the Lake

After their private morning, Anna and Wilson met up with friends for breakfast on a pontoon boat. Everyone made breakfast together on board, and it was laid-back, fun, and such a unique way to include their people.

Afternoon: Getting Ready at Their “Castle”

Back at their accommodation (which was a stunning VRBO that looked like a castle), Anna and Wilson got ready again for the evening. Anna got ready with her friends, while Wilson changed into his white military dress uniform for their ceremony.

The details Anna designed herself were stunning! They had hand-drawn invitations, a colorful tablescape, and even a homemade wedding cake. Every touch was intentional and made with love!

Florals: @fairyforestflorist, HMUA: @bridalstylesco

Their Mammoth Lakes Elopement Ceremony at a Giant Rock

Just outside their bedroom window was a massive rock formation they’d been eyeing all trip long. As luck would have it, that very spot became their ceremony site!  With panoramic mountain views and their friends gathered around, Anna and Wilson exchanged their vows during sunset, and it was absolutely gorgeous! Afterward, we explored for sunset portraits, chasing golden light through the Sierras.

Mammoth Lakes Elopement Celebration with Loved Ones

The evening ended with everyone gathered at the VRBO for dinner. A private chef prepared the most incredible meal (Anna and Wilson could not stop raving about how good it was!). They toasted with champagne that Wilson opened with a sword, and shared their first dance under twinkle lights in the backyard, just as the sun disappeared.

Kind Words from the Couple

“OMG!! I love these! Thank you so much, I know our family is going to appreciate seeing some photos so soon. Thank you so much for finding these unreal locations! Missing the magic of the mountains and the weekend.”

Tips for Planning a Mammoth Lakes Elopement

• Consider the seasons. Some locations are snowed in until summer, while peak seasons bring crowds. Plan around the weather and bring layers, you just never know with the weather! It can change fast!
  
  
• Explore beyond the lakes, if you have the time. There are waterfalls, hot springs, and forests, just gorgeous to visit!
  
  
• Expect spotty service, so make sure to download maps and set meetup points in advance.
  
  
• You may need a high-clearance vehicle depending on the location you’re heading to.
  
  
• Double-check whether your elopement location needs a permit. Information online can be outdated, so it’s better to be safe than sorry!
  

If you’d like more planning tips, make sure to check out my Mammoth Lakes Elopement Guide!

Ready to Plan Your Mammoth Lakes Elopement?

Hi! I’m Christina, your California and beyond adventure elopement photographer. I love planning, traveling, and finding beautiful locations and experiences. Helping you create and document the celebration of a lifetime brings me the utmost joy! I want you to make amazing memories and have stunning photos that you can share with all of your loved ones. This is a day where you get to look back and say, “Wow, we did that!” 

My Mammoth Lakes elopement packages offer a half-, full-–, or multi-day experience! I offer a ton of flexibility in designing our time together and would love to get to know you more to help you plan! To learn more, head over to my contact form, and we can get together on a call!

Every elopement package includes:

• Custom location scouting and on-the-ground research
• Timeline options that create breathing room and magic
• Permitting help, vendor recs, and meaningful add-on options
• Joyful guidance from the start, along with swoon-worthy photos in your own online gallery (plus sneak peeks in 72 hours)