How to Elope in Mammoth, California
Eloping in Mammoth, California
Imagine overlooking a gorgeous alpine lake nestled between stunning rocky ridges that could just take your breath away. The fresh alpine air, Sierra Nevada mountains everywhere you look, trees dancing in the light wind, and a peacefulness that this kind of setting invites you into again and again. Then turn to face the person you are about to say yes to forever with, holding onto this indescribably beautiful moment as you start your adventure together that will last a lifetime. Eloping in Mammoth California offers this incredible experience and more for you and your loved one. Whether it’s an intimate elopement hiking up to one of the magnificent views just the two of you or celebrating with a group of your friends and family at a local lake after a night in a mountain cabin together, I would love to help film this once in a lifetime day so that you can experience these precious moments once again.
Check out some of my intentional and intimate films here!
How to Elope in Mammoth, CA
Step by step guide
Choose when you want to elope and during what time of year
Hire your videographer and photographer
Decide where to elope in Mammoth (there are endless breathtaking spots to elope in the area whether you’re wanting lakes, mountains, desert, or forest!)
Book and figure out your travel logisitcs
Apply for a permit if necessary for the location you are eloping
Need more help figuring out how to plan your Mammoth elopement? Keep reading and don’t hesitate to reach out to me at any time! Contact Me!
Best Time of Year to Elope in Mammoth
Summer
It’s hard to beat the summer months in Mammoth with so many outdoor activities, stunning hikes, mountain lakes and rivers, and endless sunshine. If you’re looking for an adventurous elopement or beautiful outdoor scenery for your ceremony, Mammoth has countless great spots for your special day.
Fall
This Eastern Sierra town’s mountainsides, lakes, rivers, and roads get covered in gold, crimson and orange during the fall months making it the perfect area for a fall inspired elopement. With cooler temperatures and summer activities still lingering, its a great in between season to both adventure and cozy up in with your friends, family, or loved one.
Winter
Mammoth surprisingly gets a significant amount of snowfall each year making it a popular place for a variety of winter activities like skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and sledding. Despite the colder temperatures, this blanket of snow each year makes Mammoth Mountain and the surrounding landscapes a beautiful and breathtaking backdrop for a winter elopement.
Spring
Spring is the perfect season if you’re looking for a mix of both winter and warmer weather for your elopement location. Mammoth’s spring is filled with snow and skiing in the sunshine while at the same time opening up hikes and great spots for mountain views and time spent by crystal clear lakes.
Credit: Kayla Wicks, Michelle/ The Wandering Queen, Explorest, Mammoth Guide
Credit: Aspiring Wild
Where to Stay for Your Mammoth Elopement
There are a lot of different factors to consider when picking where to stay for your elopement like... How many people will be with you? What kinds of activities do you want nearby? Do you prefer a house, condo, hotel, or to create an adventure camping? Thankfully, Mammoth has a variety of choices to cater to your ideal elopement experience with the people you love. Here are some of the best options to consider when choosing where to stay.
The Village at Mammoth The Village offers a variety of condos for nightly rental with an incredible array of local restaurants, coffee shops, stores, a pool, and year around festivities down below in the village. It is the perfect place to dine, entertain, and relax for both a casual or elegant experience.
Mammoth Mountain Inn Located right across from the main lodge at the base of Mammoth Mountain, this hotel accommodates larger parties, has great views, a long list of amenities to use throughout your stay, and is a prime location for elopements on or near Mammoth Mountain.
Mountain View Airbnb This cozy airbnb has incredible mountain views, two decks, club pool and sauna, and instant access to Mammoth Mountain right out its front door. If you’re looking for a small group mountain getaway during your elopement, this condo is one of the top spots with gorgeous views that you’ll find.
Gorgeous Townhome Located in Snowcreek Resort, this townhome is a great spot for larger groups and families with kids or a smaller group looking for a stylish but comfortable stay. With a modern interior and great views right outside your door, this townhome is a great spot to stay and get ready for your big day.
Convict Lake Lodging If you’re wanting more of a camping experience but with a comfortable arrangement and amenities, Convict Lake Lodging has a variety of incredible cabins with options to host from 2-24 people. The cabins are nestled right in the middle of Mammoth’s Sierra Nevada mountains and has easy access to Convict lake.
Credit: Mammoth Village, Airbnb, Convict Lake Lodging, Mammoth Mountain Inn
Best Locations for a Mammoth Elopement
Venues/Locations to elope
Convict Lake Resort is a beautiful and unique mountain elopement location. Imagine a ceremony in their Aspen Grove, reception at the indoor/outdoor Convict Lake Restaurant, sunset photos near Convict Lake, and staying the night at one of their beautifully finished mountain cabins.
Sierra Meadows Ranch is a 17 acre ranch at the edge of Mammoth Lakes including flexible event spaces with open lawn and mountain views for your ceremony and reception. Group lodging is also available for an easy elopement all in one place.
Lake George is the highest road-accessible lake in the Lakes Basin. With views of Crystal Crag and Mammoth Crest, this lake offers stunning views just steps away from the parking lot. Bring a kayak or rent a boat in the summer months for an adventure and beautiful photos with your love.
Convict Lake is one of the most breathtaking lakes with clear water, little beaches, and backdrops of the Sierra Nevada, including Mount Morrison in all of its glory. This lake has drive up access as well as a three mile long trail that runs along the lake to explore and fit your perfect elopement spot for the day.
destination hikes for your elopement
Little Lakes Basin -Easy. This easy route passes multiple glacial carved lakes within a 2 mile hike while also being surrounded by beautiful meadows and granite peaks. This is a popular hiking area so I would advise getting an early start to your special day!
Crystal Lake - Medium. A 1.75 mile hike up steep elevation with incredible viewpoints along the way. Crystal Lake lies right beneath Crystal crag and Mammoth Crest in the Mammoth Lakes Basin with tons of great spots to elope along the lake.
Minaret Lake - Adventurous. The hike to Minaret Lake is 13.4 miles round trip but has stunning views around every turn. The view at the top is absolutely breathtaking for an alpine lake elopement surrounded by beautiful jagged peaks.
Top 5 things to do in Mammoth
Check these out
Scenic Gondola Ride Experience breathtaking views at 11,053 feet with your friends and family at the top of Mammoth Mountain. While overlooking the Sierras, you can take photos of the panoramic views, enjoy lunch at the cafe, or explore the Interpretive Center at the top!
Rainbow Falls A flat and easy 2.5 mile hike to stunning views of the 101 foot waterfall just after a stop at Devils Postpile National Monument. Rainbow falls is also known for the rainbow it creates from its’ mist on a sunny day.
Kayak Mammoth Lakes Basin Kayak, paddle board, or canoe in one of Mammoths five alpine lakes within a two mile drive on Lake Mary Road. Bring your own gear or rent nearby one of the lakes for a beautiful and relaxing adventure. Easy access to each lake from the main road and stunning views of the Sierra Nevada around every turn.
Mammoth Village The Village is home to some of the best establishments in Mammoth Lakes as well as a popular spot for year-round activities and festivals. If you’re looking for a delicious meal, quick coffee, shopping, or dessert with a fun atmosphere, you’ll find it here.
Duck Lake Hike If you are looking for something a little more adventurous, this 10.2 mile hike is definitely worth your time. Duck Lake has gorgeous deep blue water and views of the 11,000 ft ridges and peaks surrounding it. Throughout your 5.1 miles up to Duck Lake you will also pass by stunning views and great stopping points at Emerald Lake, Skeleton Lake, and Barney Lake.
Above four images credit: Aspiring Wild
Travel Logistics to Elope in Mammoth
A few things to note when making your travel plans to Mammoth, California.
Flights
There are a few options when it comes to traveling by air to Mammoth, but there are limited flights and most of them are seasonal. You could fly into the extremely small Mammoth Yosemite Airport with routes from Burbank, Los Angeles, and San Diego. Another option would be to fly into the Eastern Sierra Regional Airport in Bishop with seasonal flights from Denver, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. Lastly, you could fly into any larger major airport near Mammoth such as Reno, Nevada and rent a car, traveling the rest of the way by car.
Rental Cars
If you end up traveling to Mammoth by flight, it’s worth noting that Enterprise, Hertz, and National car rentals are available at the Mammoth Yosemite Airport (Rentals at MMH). Enterprise Rent-A-Car and National Car Rental also run out of the Bishop Airport. Otherwise, renting from your favorite rental car company at one of the larger airports nearby is a great way to go.
Road Trip
Traveling by road is usually the most popular way to get to Mammoth, plus road tripping can be both a great and memorable way to start off your elopement. Mammoth is located on the US Route 395 corridor which is a highly scenic highway with the Sierra Nevadas offering incredible views as well as a variety of great places to stop along the way!
If you are traveling south to Mammoth, stopping at Woah Nellie Deli at Mobil Gas Station is a MUST! What may seem like a casual pit stop to get gas or a snack is a hidden gem of incredible food with views to match. If your route takes you through Bishop, Schat's Bakery is another stop well worth your time. Grab a loaf of their famous sheepherder bread, a freshly baked pot pie, or top of the line sandwiches to fuel up for the rest of your road trip.
Your Mammoth Elopement Videographer
In college I picked up a new favorite hobby, rock climbing. I’ve now climbed all over Washington, Oregon, California and Utah, but my very first climbing trip was to Bishop and Mammoth Lakes in California. On that trip back in 2016, I fell in love with this area and all the outdoor adventures that it has to offer. Now, tying together my technical background in videography & filmmaking with my love for the outdoors, I get to walk alongside couples and film one of the most impactful days of their life as they get married in stunning places that allow you to feel the full weight of the beauty of the moment. Mammoth is one of the prettiest places you could elope and say yes to forever with the person you love.
Your Mammoth Elopement Videographer,
Kassidy Sherburne
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