Natasha & Brian’s canoe wedding photos in Lake Tahoe were a little adventurous and a whole lot of joy! These two had just celebrated their wedding back home, but wanted to squeeze in one more adventure with just the two of them, in wedding clothes, soaking in those ‘just married’ moments.
Natasha had a few photo ideas for the big lake itself, so we started with my favorite little dock with drop-dead Tahoe blues, and then headed toward Lily Lake and Glen Alpine Falls for something a little wilder and quieter.
Why We Chose This Spot for Their Canoe Wedding Photos
When I suggest a canoe session, I almost always steer couples toward a smaller alpine lake instead of the busy shoreline. It will have less wind and fewer crowds, while still being absolutely stunning.
Tucked in the Sierras, this area is an absolute dream, with water for paddling, granite overlooks, meadows, dirt roads, and amazing waterfalls.
Natasha and Brian were instantly on board (literally) when I mentioned it. Canoeing is one of their favorite summer activities, and they even have sweet memories of Fallen Leaf Lake from a past trip. And Lily Lake? Well, their very first apartment together was on Lily Road. Tell me that’s not fate!
The Plot Twist: Road Closed
Everything was going smoothly until… road closure. A small brush fire had broken out at one of the homes up there, and the fire department had the only road in completely blocked.
I had to put my brave face on and walk up to 4 firefighters – hello, anxiety! – to ask if we would be able to get by at any point and explain that I had an eloping couple on board, and we’re not just tourists.
They were so kind and told me we’d be on our way in about 20 minutes. While we waited, a couple of residents offered us their docks if we couldn’t make it in. My fiancé (already at the lake) was busy setting up the canoe with flowers.
I may or may not have panicked a bit on the inside, however, I managed to keep it light and easy for the couple, and everything worked out perfectly!
But this is a testament to expect the unexpected when eloping! Fires, weather, or road closures are part of life here, and if you have me as your Lake Tahoe elopement photographer, you can simply focus on soaking in the moment, and I’ll have alllll the backup plans set in motion.
Their Dreamy Elopement Day on The Lake
Once we got up there, we had to move fast, but you wouldn’t know it from the photos. The wind calmed down, the light turned golden, and the whole lake felt still.
There’s something about a canoe that slows everything. Just you, your person, paddles dipping into the water, and the mountains holding the moment still. We could’ve stayed out there for hours.
From there, we made our way to Lily Lake for vows on the granite and Glen Alpine Falls for a burst of wild Sierra energy. Even with the hiccup earlier, the evening was peaceful, joy-filled, and exactly what it needed to be.
Thinking About Your Own Lake Tahoe Canoe Wedding Photos?
Canoe sessions aren’t just for “outdoorsy” people. They’re for anyone who wants their day to feel like them. Playful. Romantic. A little adventurous. And you don’t have to save it for your elopement day either! We can do this for your engagement session or just-because photos with your love!
Natasha & Brian’s day was proof that even with detours, the magic still happens. Sometimes it’s even better because of them.
If paddling into the middle of a quiet lake, barefoot in wedding clothes, sounds like your kind of vibe, let’s make it happen. Hey, I’m Amanda — your Lake Tahoe elopement photographer and behind-the-scenes calm-in-the-chaos. Whether you’re dreaming of a day for just the two of you or planning an intimate adventure with your favorite people, I’ll help you bring every detail to life so you can be fully present.
Let’s Plan Your Lake Tahoe Canoe Wedding Photos!
Nervous about the “what ifs”? Check out my How to Elope as Smoothly as Possible guide! Here, I’ll walk you through everything that could go sideways (and how to keep it magical).
Vendors: photography & planning: me, Amanda Kluesner; florals: @create_with_t; hair + makeup: @sarapylemakeup
