Wedding

Best Lake Tahoe Photo Spots to Celebrate Love

August 16, 2023

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One thing you need to know about me is that I love a couple’s session! Whether it’s wedding portraits, engagement portraits, or a “just because” photo session with your favorite friend, Lake Tahoe is a breathtaking location for it all!

Lake Tahoe offers a diversity of backdrops: from quiet, secluded coves to sun-kissed forests and mountaintops, each capable of creating a unique mood for your photos that fits your unique love story.

So if you’re planning a Lake Tahoe photoshoot, these are some of the 8 best Lake Tahoe photo spots I recommend you check out!

Lake Tahoe Photo Spots

  • Emerald Bay State Park

  • Secret Cove

  • Logan Shoals Vista Point

  • Tallac Historic Site

  • Eagle Rock

  • Sand Harbor State Park

  • Bonsai Rock

  • D.L. Bliss State Park

Emerald Bay State Park

Emerald Bay is an iconic Lake Tahoe photo spot with it’s beautiful water views, mountainous landscapes, and the quaint Fannette Island, the only island in all of Lake Tahoe. It’s a very popular spot; however, if you choose to have a sunrise session, not only will you get beautiful photos, but you will also meet much fewer people!

Secret Cove

Secret Cove is the gem at the east shore, a little paradise for those seeking a more intimate setting for your Lake Tahoe photoshoot. With crystal clear water lapping over smooth boulders and the dense forests providing a lush background, the Secret Cove makes for incredibly unique and romantic photos.

One thing to note is that the Secret Cove is generally accepted as a nude beach, so you must respect people’s privacy if you’re taking photos there. 

Logan Shoals Vista Point

Logan Shoals Vista Point is yet another captivating Lake Tahoe photo spot to consider. It is relatively easy to access and offers an unparalleled panoramic lake view. Sunset hours will normally bring in tons of visitors, so I’d recommend opting for an early morning shoot for a more intimate setting.

Tallac Historic Site

The Tallac Historic Site brings a unique charm to your Lake Tahoe photoshoot. It offers a beautiful mix of historic buildings, gardens, and a pier, offering a variety of settings for your photos. 

Eagle Rock

Eagle Rock is another stunning location that provides panoramic views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding forests. It’s a little less known, so you’ll often find it less crowded than other viewpoints around the lake.

Sand Harbor State Park

Sand Harbor presents a versatile backdrop for your photographs with its sandy beaches, rocky coves, and clear blue waters. It’s popular among visitors, so plan your shoot during off-peak hours to capture those intimate moments against a breathtakingly beautiful backdrop.

Bonsai Rock

This spot is favored by photographers for its unusual scenery: a large rock perched out on the lake, with a few small trees (hence the name ‘bonsai’) growing from it. It’s a bit of a scramble to get down to the beach, but the photos will make it all worth it As with most Lake Tahoe photo spots, sunrise and sunset are the best times to go for a photoshoot there!

D.L. Bliss State Park

D.L. Bliss State Park is located on the lake’s western shore and offers some of the most beautiful sandy beaches in the area, surrounded by towering pine forests. The park is quite popular in the summer, so an early morning or late afternoon shoot would provide the best opportunities for a more secluded, intimate photo shoot.

Kelsey J Photography Intl | Lake Tahoe Wedding + Elopement Photographer

As a Lake Tahoe photographer, I’ve had the pleasure of capturing many love stories around this beautiful lake, and it never fails to amaze me. With all the beaches, forests, trails and mountains, you can choose from many beautiful photo spots that would fit the vibe you’re looking for!

And if you’re ready to book me for a Lake Tahoe photoshoot, inquire with me here! I’m looking forward to meeting you!

Lake Tahoe wedding photo

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Lake Tahoe Wedding Photographer

Kelsey Jonvea

A seasoned traveler with an intrinsic desire to help others. Experienced in professional photography from weddings to large-scale events.

With a background in photographing concerts, I thrive in a fast-changing environment: looking at angles and light, and embracing documentary-style photographs that hold up to the editorial world. With wedding weekends, this approach applies effortlessly, lending to imagery with genuine energy and emotion.

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