June Lakes, California Elopement Photo Story Award

Intimate wedding at the lake with mountain views and a hike to an alpine lake for sunrise

Breathtaking wedding photos at a mountain lake, with a groom pointing out a distant waterfall to his bride, surrounded by majestic mountains.

Alex points out a distant waterfall that he can see across the lake. The mountains surround them.

Natalie and Alex married in a simple ceremony on the shore of Silver Lake in the June Lakes region of Eastern California in October.

They hiked to an alpine lake to share hot chocolate at sunrise, and then got ready with their best friends at a cabin. Natalie's friend did her makeup and they giggled all the way through. Their dog, Daniel the Spaniel, was in attendance, and matched Natalie's socks. His goofy personality kept things light when the vows got emotional at their elopement ceremony on the shore of Silver Lake. 

This happy pair knew they wanted privacy and couldn't decide between having a mountain background or a waterfall - so it was decided to do both! After the ceremony, they took selfies and ate dinner at a fancy outdoor table set up in the mountains. Their drink of choice was Squirt soda, and they later found a fishhook in the lace of Natalie's dress, which was a fitting nod to Alex's love of fishing. 

Romantic elopement photo in June Lakes, CA featuring a couple sharing hot chocolate on a log with their dog as the sun rises over the mountains

Intimate lakeside wedding captured as bride passes groom a thermos of hot chocolate, while their dog Daniel looks on in picturesque June Lakes, California.

Natalie passes Alex the thermos of hot chocolate over their dog Daniel's back. They are sitting on a log at an alpine lake as the first light of sunrise creeps over the mountains.

June Lakes Elopement: Groom Surprised by Bride's Hug in Mountain Setting

Newlyweds embrace in the chilly mountain air of June Lakes, California.

Alex grins as Natalie sneakily hugs him from behind in the cold mountain air.

Bride and Dog Match Socks at Elopement in June Lakes

Heartwarming details at a small wedding in June Lakes, CA as the bride's Cocker Spaniel, Daniel the Spaniel, matches her socks in a cute blanket.

Natalie's Cocker Spaniel socks match her dog perfectly. Better yet, the dog is named Daniel the Spaniel, and he is wearing a blanket that is the same color as her socks. 

Joyful elopement moment captured in June Lakes, California with laughing groom, bride, and officiant

Giggles and love abound at this intimate wedding in June Lakes, California, with the officiant at the center of the celebration.

All three of them crack up laughing at something during the ceremony.

A joyful groom in June Lakes, California struggling to recite his vows with a beaming smile on his face

Smiling groom in June Lakes, California struggles with laughter as he recites personalized vows at intimate wedding.

Alex can hardly get his vows out as he is giggling so much over what he wrote.

Chilly Mountain Wedding Selfie in June Lakes, California

Bridal and a bridal party member take a cozy selfie atop a mountain in June Lakes, California.

The girls take a selfie wrapped in a blanket to keep out the cold mountain air.

Intimate elopement photo of a hand kiss in June Lakes, California

Intimate June Lakes wedding as the bride's hand is kissed by the groom while the sun appearing glows in California sky.

Alex smooches Natalie's hand as the sun lights up the sky all around them.

Memorable shots from an elopement in June Lake, CA as the groom playfully pours soda into fancy glasses

A fun and quirky toasting twist on wedding traditions displayed in this charming June Lakes, California wedding photo.

The groom pours the wine - except it's Squirt soda in fancy glasses. The bubbles can be seen above the wine glass.

What makes a remote lake ceremony an ideal location for a romantic wedding?

A lakeside ceremony offers a unique and picturesque setting for an intimate wedding. Surrounded by the peaceful and tranquil nature of a lake, couples can exchange their vows in a serene and secluded location away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The breathtaking views of the sparkling water and lush green surroundings create a romantic ambiance, making it the perfect backdrop for a memorable and intimate ceremony. With the soft sound of water lapping against the shore and the soothing rustle of trees in the breeze, a remote lake ceremony can provide a serene and idyllic atmosphere for a truly special and intimate wedding.

How does a couple find the right photographer?

As one of the most reputable and coveted photography associations in the wedding industry, the Wedding Photojournalist Association is the premier source for finding a documentary style photographer. With a strict application process and rigorous standards for membership, the WPJA is composed of only the most talented and experienced photographers who are dedicated to capturing the real and authentic moments of a wedding day.