How to Elope in Lake Mead, Las Vegas, NV
If you’re dreaming of an elopement that blends wide-open desert landscapes with sparkling blue water, Lake Mead National Recreation Area might just be your spot. Just 30 minutes from Las Vegas, Lake Mead is a hidden gem for couples who want the beauty of the desert with the bonus of lakeside views. It’s adventurous, it’s intimate, and it feels like you’ve snuck away into your own little world. In addition, there’s so many beautiful places to access after your elopement without the Strip crowds and price tags.
As an elopement photographer and planner, I’ve guided couples through desert ceremonies, mountaintop vows, and city celebrations—and Lake Mead is one of those places that always feels special. Here’s everything you need to know about how to elope in Lake Mead, from permits and guest limits to the best spots for your “I do’s.”
Index
Why choose Lake Mead for your elopement?
Permits + Legal infor for a Lake Mead elopement
How many guests can you have?
When’s the best time of year to elope at Lake Mead?
The best spots to elope in Lake Mead
What to do after your Lake Mead elopement?
Tips + Tricks for Eloping in Lake Mead
How much does it cost to elope at Lake Mead?
Our Lake Mead elopement packages
Final Thoughts
Why Choose Lake Mead for Your Elopement?
🌊 Water + Desert Vibes – Unlike Valley of Fire or Red Rock, Lake Mead brings in the unexpected: turquoise waters surrounded by desert cliffs.
🚗 Close to Vegas – You can adventure in the park, then head back to the Strip for a celebration dinner or stay tucked away for stargazing.
🌄 Diverse Backdrops – Beaches, rocky coves, desert overlooks, and winding canyons all within one park.
✨ Intimacy – Lake Mead feels private, raw, and secluded—perfect for a wedding day that’s truly about the two of you.
🫏Wildlife – You can find donkeys, horses, coyotes, and big horned sheep if animals are your thing.
Permits + Legal Info for a Lake Mead Elopement
Like most national recreation areas, you’ll need a special use permit to have a ceremony here but there are places close by that don’t require a special use permit.
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Permit Fee: Usually starts at around $200.
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Application Timeline: Submit at least 30 days in advance, more if you want a specific site.
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Where to Apply: Through the National Park Service website (Lake Mead NRA office).
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Marriage License: Don’t forget your Nevada marriage license, which you can grab in Las Vegas in less than an hour.
(Pro tip: Most of our elopement packages include the permit fee and application so it doesn’t feel overwhelming.)
How Many Guests Can You Have?
Lake Mead is ideal for couples who want to keep it small. Depending on your chosen spot, you can usually bring up to 10–15 guests without a problem. If you’re envisioning just the two of you? Even better—the intimacy of a private ceremony here is unmatched.
When’s the Best Time of Year to Elope at Lake Mead?
Spring (March–May): Comfortable temps, wildflowers, dreamy sunsets.
Fall (September–November): Perfect weather, warm but not scorching.
Winter (December–February): Crisp air, fewer people, incredible golden light.
Summer (June–August): Be ready for 100°+ heat. Sunrise or sunset ceremonies are the only way to go if you elope in summer.
The Best Spots to Elope in Lake Mead
There are so many tucked-away places in Lake Mead that you can easily access by parking, off-roading, or hiking. But this location is entirely underrated so even on the weekends, you can find places that feel entirely remote with no crowds, but here are a few favorites:
Boulder Beach – Sandy shoreline with sweeping lake views.
Owl Slot Canyon – A short hike to one of two slot canyons in the park.
Red Stone – Tucked deep in Lake Mead is a special spot where you can find these gorgeous red stone formations that are petrified sand dunes (crazy, right?). It’s a gorgeous location with natural seating for guests and a great place to host an amazing picnic.
Desert Mountains – Right off the main road in Lake Mead you’ll find a mountain range that towers over red rocks and hills. It’s easily accessible and walkable and a perfectly quiet place to enjoy a ceremony with your closest folks.
Every spot feels different—some are playful and beachy, others are rugged and adventurous.
What to Do After Your Lake Mead Elopement
This is where you get to make it yours. After your ceremony and portraits, you can:
🥂 Pop champagne on a paddleboard
🍉 Have a picnic spread overlooking the lake
🚤 Rent a boat for a private cruise around the coves
You can even rent a houseboat and stay on the lake for a more private elopement
✨ Head back to Vegas for a rooftop dinner or neon-lit celebration
Eloping means your day is whatever you want it to be—laid-back, adventurous, or a little bit of both. If you’re stuck on what to do, here’s a list of things to do after your elopement.
Tips + Tricks for Eloping in Lake Mead
There are so many ways to have an elopement in Lake Mead. There’s plenty of places to go before and after, lots of places to stay close by if the Strip isn’t your vibe. Here’s a few tips for planning your Lake Mead elopement:
✅ A Lake Mead elopement is a a great choice for adventurers. If you love the water, boating, paddling, kayaking, hiking, you can do this all year long. There are 2 marinas to rent from.
✅ Close by is a few areas, Henderson, Lake Las Vegas, and Boulder City with lots of places to eat, things to do, and places to stay.
✅ Leave no trace. Be respectful of this sacred land and only bring in what you can take away with you. No confetti, rice, or petals.
✅ Build your timeline. Sure, you can wing it, but since this is such a large place with so much to do, it’s a great idea to make plans, even if it’s just a loose timeline.
How Much Does It Cost to Elope at Lake Mead?
One of the best parts about eloping is that it’s beautiful and budget-friendly. Here’s a ballpark breakdown:
Permit: $200
Photography + Planning Packages: $3,000–$8,000 depending on hours and coverage
Travel + Accommodations: $500–$2,000 (if you’re flying in)
Extras (florals, hair + makeup, champagne, etc.): $500–$1,500
Way less than the average $30k wedding—and so much more you.
Our Lake Mead Elopement Packages
Full Las Vegas elopement planning.
Personalized Las Vegas guide.
Questionnaires, vendor recommendations, permitting, and client portal access.
Unlimited planning and access to your elopement team.
We’ll be your defacto tour guides for all things Las Vegas.
Ceremony Services
Officiant services by Pop Andrini.
Marriage license guidance.
Custom ceremony.
Photography
From 4-16 hours of professional photography coverage by Mari Andrini.
Drone footage (location and weather permitting).
Sneak peeks within 48 hours.
All Light Preserves on a secure online gallery.
Ranges from $4000-$8000
Final Thoughts
Eloping at Lake Mead National Recreation Area is for couples who want something unique: a mix of desert wildness and peaceful water views, just far enough from the chaos of Las Vegas but still close enough to celebrate afterward.
Your wedding day should feel like an adventure, not a performance. And if you’re ready to plan an unforgettable, intimate elopement at Lake Mead, I’d love to help you create a day that feels like you.
👉 Reach out today and let’s start planning your Lake Mead elopement!
