An Intimate Elopement at Mammoth Lakes, California

Caro (she/her) and Toni’s (she/her) beautiful Mammoth Lakes elopement is an example of just how real and focused an elopement can be. Trading in the pressure of a big wedding for intimate moments in nature, their day was full of love, laughter, and memories that will last a lifetime. From a rainbow-filled sky to heartfelt private vows, here’s how their incredible day unfolded.

How did your love story begin?

Well, we first met through Toni’s sister-in-law (shoutout to Shirley!). Funny enough, we didn’t talk for a couple of years after that. Then, one day, Toni finally slid into my DMs, and everything changed.

For our first date, we went on a double date with Shirley and her wife. We grabbed dinner and danced the night away at a lesbian club in Long Beach. Sparks flew immediately, and after a few months of dating, I introduced Toni to my daughter, Geneva. We became a family and couldn’t imagine life any other way.

Fast forward six beautiful years – we’re married, raising Geneva (now 11!), and still seeking out new adventures with our dog by our side.

What inspired you to elope rather than have a traditional wedding?

We knew that a traditional wedding wasn’t for us. Neither of us enjoys being the center of attention, and we didn’t want the stress that comes with planning a big event. Instead, we craved something intimate and meaningful.

Eloping allowed us to focus on each other, the people we love most, and the beauty of nature. It felt like the perfect reflection of who we are.

Why did you choose Mammoth Lakes for your elopement?

We absolutely love the outdoors, and Mammoth Lakes is a place we try to visit regularly. It feels like a second home to us.

We worked closely with Diana from Love and Latitudes, our incredible photographer and officiant, who helped us narrow down location options in the area. She knows the region like the back of her hand and guided us to spots that were not only breathtaking but also gave us the privacy we wanted.

Walk us through your elopement day. What were the highlights?

The day started with us getting ready separately at our Airbnb. One of the most touching moments was Toni sharing a first look with Geneva in the backyard. Watching my daughter and my love have that special moment together was unforgettable.

Then it was my turn for a first look with Toni in the same backyard setting. It felt so private and special, like we were the only two people in the world.

For our ceremony, we headed to Convict Lake, where our immediate family was waiting. The wind was wild, but it added to the magic of the moment. Afterward, we ventured to Hot Creek Geological Site with Diana and her husband for our private vow exchange.

There, we popped champagne, shared stories, and soaked in every moment. Just as we started taking portraits at a second location, the rain rolled in. We embraced it, letting Diana capture our joy in the midst of the downpour. Then, as we hiked back to the car, a rainbow lit up the sky. It felt like a perfect symbol of our love and union.

We ended the day with homemade Mexican food and drinks, surrounded by family at our Airbnb. It was simple, heartfelt, and absolutely perfect.

Did you exchange personal vows? How was that experience?

Yes, we shared private vows during our time at Hot Creek Geological Site. Having this intimate moment in such a beautiful, secluded space made it even more special.

Writing our vows was a deeply personal process, and saying them out loud surrounded by nature was incredibly emotional. It’s a moment we’ll treasure forever.

Do you have advice for other couples thinking about eloping?

Absolutely. Our biggest piece of advice is to make the day yours. Don’t worry about traditions or what others expect. Focus on what feels right for you and your partner.

Also, trust your vendors! We leaned on Diana’s expertise and it made the planning process so much easier.

Most importantly, soak in every moment and don’t stress about the weather or minor details. Even unexpected rain can turn into one of the most beautiful memories of your day.