Kari and Rob’s Airbnb micro wedding in Lake Tahoe was an unforgettable day filled with personal touches, stunning locations, and all the epic moments that make elopements so special. They originally had planned for a 4-hour photography package, but after realizing how meaningful every aspect of their day would be, they upgraded to an 8-hour package—allowing us to capture every detail, from getting ready at their Airbnb in Tahoe City, to their private first look at Logan Shoals, and finally, their stunning sunset ceremony at Monkey Rock.
Kari and Rob were a dream to work with, making my job not only enjoyable but also deeply meaningful. Their journey from the initial phone call to scouting potential ceremony locations together weeks before the wedding helped us create a seamless, unforgettable day. Their Lake Tahoe micro wedding was the perfect example of how to blend intimacy and adventures with family and have a day that was so uniquely theirs.
Kari and Rob’s day started at a beautiful Airbnb in Tahoe City. The space was cozy yet elegant, providing the perfect setting for getting ready and hosting their family after the ceremony. The lovely kitchen space was put to good use when they hired a private chef (highly recommend!) for their intimate micro wedding reception. What made the reception even more special, was that the table settings were styled by Kari’s daughter! She is so talented!
Their first look took place at Logan Shoals, one of my absolute favorite viewpoints in Tahoe. This spot is ideal for couples seeking a private, intimate experience without the crowds. With its stunning views of the lake and quiet atmosphere, it’s perfect for just the couple or a very small group of up to 4 guests. Kari and Rob decided to share this moment alone, allowing them to truly enjoy the emotion without any distractions.
Kari & Rob chose Monkey Rock for their intimate ceremony, and wow, was it an epic choice! This incredible lookout requires a moderately difficult 3.5-mile roundtrip hike, which isn’t the easiest but is SO worth it. Kari and Rob embraced the adventure, hiking to their ceremony site together. Their family was already waiting at the spot, with signs greeting us along the trail—such a sweet and personal touch!
I really recommend Monkey Rock for sunset ceremonies, and it can also accommodate slightly bigger crowds, so it’s a great choice if you want to share your big day with your closest loved ones.
From the moment I first spoke with Kari and Rob, I knew this was going to be a day to remember. They were down-to-earth, easy-going, and completely in love with the idea of including their family in every aspect of their wedding. However, they still wanted to keep certain moments private, like their first look at Logan Shoals. Helping them plan the logistics between their Airbnb, first look, and ceremony site took some coordinating, but everything went off without a hitch!
As we arrived at Monkey Rock for their ceremony, Kari and Rob took a small break to change shoes and take a breath before walking down the aisle. The tender look Rob gave Kari as they walked together is a moment I’ll never forget. It’s moments like these that make elopements so special and unique, and I love breaking away from tradition!
After the ceremony, it was time for some fun! They popped champagne with their guests before heading to a small beach for family photos. Kari and Rob wanted to make sure their loved ones were part of every aspect of their day, so after photos, we all returned to the Airbnb for more celebrating. They cut their cake, had a first dance, and some extended family portraits.
As we were wrapping up photos and saying our goodbyes, we were all surprised by a neighborhood bear that made a quick appearance from a safe distance at a neighboring house. This definitely made for a fun story to add to their already memorable day! And that’s a good thing to keep in mind when you’re eloping in the great outdoors – there will be wildlife, so it’s important to prepare and also ALWAYS Leave No Trace!
Kari and Rob’s micro wedding was the perfect example of how to make your wedding day uniquely yours. By including their family in meaningful ways while still breaking from traditional wedding formats, they created a day that felt completely personal. Whether it’s finding the perfect Airbnb with space for a private chef or hiking to an epic lookout like Monkey Rock, your elopement can be anything you dream of!
So, if you’re dreaming of your own micro wedding in Lake Tahoe and want to explore the best locations for an intimate day, let’s connect! We’ll create something that feels authentically YOU and capture every epic moment along the way.
If you liked this blog, you might also enjoy my Lake Tahoe Elopement Guide!
Vendors: Photographer and planning assistant – me, Amanda Kluesner Photography; Dress – Anthropology; and Chef – Chef Yorkey