Last Minute Mammoth Lakes Elopement

Plan Your Dream Wedding—Elope in Mammoth Lakes

When Ange-Elise reached out to me about her Mammoth Lakes elopement, her message was as spontaneous as it was exciting:

“Mert and I met in college four years ago and have decided to sign papers next weekend… are you available?”

Of course, I said yes! From that first text, we jumped straight into planning their perfect day. Ange-Elise and Mert knew they wanted a simple yet meaningful elopement surrounded by the beauty of the Eastern Sierra. Together, we crafted a day that reflected their love, their story, and the adventurous spirit of Mammoth Lakes.

The Magic of a Mammoth Lakes Elopement

Mammoth Lakes is a dream destination for couples who want to skip the stress of traditional weddings and embrace the beauty of nature. With its towering mountains, pristine alpine lakes, and secluded hot springs, it’s no wonder so many couples choose to elope here.

Ange-Elise and Mert’s day started with photos along the picturesque Owens River, where Mt. Morrison provided a stunning backdrop. They shared a quiet picnic by the water before heading to a hidden hot spring for their vows. The hot spring, surrounded by steaming water and rugged beauty, created a serene and unforgettable setting. I had the honor of officiating their ceremony, crafting a script that reflected their unique love story and values. Ange-Elise and Mert wrote their vows that morning, exchanging heartfelt promises with tear-filled eyes and laughter that brought lightness to the moment. It was an intimate and personal experience—a day they’ll treasure forever.

3 Steps to Plan Your Mammoth Lakes Elopement

If you’re dreaming of your own Mammoth Lakes elopement, here are three steps to help you get started:

1. Pick the Best Time to Elope

Mammoth Lakes shines year-round, but each season offers a different vibe. Want dramatic snow-covered peaks? Winter is your season. Dreaming of wildflowers and sunny skies? Late spring or summer is ideal. For vibrant fall colors, plan for late September to early October.

I’ve written an entire blog post about the Best Season to Elope in Mammoth Lakes—it’s a must-read to help you decide when to plan your big day.

2. Choose Your Location

Mammoth Lakes is bursting with incredible spots to say “I do.” Some popular options include:

• Hot Creek Geological Site: Perfect for adventurous couples who want dramatic landscapes.
• Convict Lake: A serene and romantic setting with crystal-clear waters.
• McLeod Lake: A quiet hike-in lake surrounded by pines and mountain views.

Not sure where to go? I offer location suggestions tailored to your vision, whether you’re dreaming of panoramic vistas or secluded meadows.

3. Find Your Photographer (That’s Me!)

Your photographer is more than someone who snaps pictures—they’re your planner, location scout, and biggest cheerleader. As your Mammoth Lakes elopement photographer, I’ll help you create a day that feels effortless and true to your love story.

From sunrise hikes to cozy hot spring ceremonies, I’ve got you covered with packages that include everything from photography to officiating. Whether you’re planning a half-day adventure or a full-day celebration, I’ll be there every step of the way.

Why Choose Desert Paintbrush for Your Mammoth Lakes Elopement?

Planning an elopement can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. As a Mammoth Lakes local with over five years of experience photographing elopements here, I’m uniquely equipped to make the process seamless and fun. My deep knowledge of the area means I can guide you to the best locations, navigate changing weather with ease, and offer insider tips to ensure your day is as smooth and memorable as possible.

Here’s what I bring to the table:

• Customized Planning Support: From finding the perfect ceremony spot to building your timeline, I’ll help bring your vision to life.
• Creative, Natural Photography: I capture candid moments, emotional connections, and the stunning landscapes that make Mammoth so unique.
• Local Expertise: As a Mammoth local, I know the hidden gems and best times to visit each location. When the weather changes (as it often does here), I have backup plans ready.
• Officiating Services: Need someone to officiate your ceremony? I craft personalized scripts that reflect your unique love story.

Packages for Every Adventure

Every couple is different, and I believe your elopement photography should reflect that. That’s why I offer a range of packages, from quick weekday elopements to full-day adventures that include multiple locations and activities. My elopement packages generally range from $2,500 to $5,500, depending on the length of coverage and locations involved.

Want to hike to a remote lake for a sunrise ceremony? Let’s make it happen. Prefer a cozy afternoon exchanging vows in a meadow? I’ve got you covered. Whatever your dream, we’ll create a plan that fits your needs.

What’s Next?

If you’re ready to elope in Mammoth Lakes, I’m here to help every step of the way. From tips on timing and location to capturing the big day itself, we’ll craft an experience that’s as unique as your love story.

Check out my blog on the Best Season to Elope in Mammoth Lakes for more inspiration, or reach out to learn more about my elopement packages.

Your dream day is waiting—let’s plan it together.

Vendors That Made Ange-Elise & Mert’s Day Special:

• Flower Crown: Red Lily Design
• Cake: Dessert’d
• Florals: Idlewild Floral
• Hair & Makeup: Done by the bride