I help couples craft bold & dynamic elopement experiences infused with the elegance of the High Sierra in Lake Tahoe & Beyond 

Lake Tahoe Elopement Photographer & Planner

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If you're looking for a sign to elope...

this is it.

I’m going to shoot you straight right off that bat: big weddings can be stressful AF – and the option to do something different can feel equally as daunting, purely because you don’t know how. You might even be thinking “we want to do something different, but we don’t want it to be boring…how do we find the balance?” 

The good news is: you found me! I’ve spent the last 5 years perfecting the craft of creating the most authentic elopement for each couple I encounter. I’m based in Lake Tahoe (where I was born and raised) and I create epic elopement days all over the west (and sometimes even worldwide!) I can’t wait to get to know you & your boo. 


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If you're looking for a sign to elope...

this is it.

I’m going to shoot you straight, right off the bat: big weddings can be stressful AF – and the option to do something different can feel equally as daunting, purely because you don’t know how. You might even be thinking “we want to do something different, but we don’t want it to be boring…how do we find the balance?” 

The good news is: you found me! I’ve spent the last 5 years perfecting the craft of creating the most authentic elopement for each couple I encounter. I’m based in Lake Tahoe (where I was born and raised) and I create epic elopement days all over the west (and sometimes even worldwide!) I can’t wait to get to know you & your boo. 


INQUIRE NOW

It was the best decision. Ruthanne went above and beyond planning out our day to perfection down to every last detail. A stress free elopement was my #1 priority, and she made it happen! 1000% worth the investment. Cannot recommend or thank her enough!

Sadie & Ty, Lake Tahoe

HAVING AN ELOPEMENT LIKE THIS WAS A LITTLE STRESSFUL BECAUSE I’VE NEVER HEARD OF ANYONE I KNOW DOING THIS & I’D NEVER BEEN TO A WEDDING LIKE THIS, SO I HAD NO CLUE WHAT TO EXPECT. RUTHANNE WAS THE BEST PERSON I COULD’VE CHOSEN TO BE WITH US THAT DAY. 

Courtney & Matt, Big Sur

OUR PHOTOS TURNED OUT MORE ENCHANTING AND DREAMY THAN WE COULD HAVE IMAGINED. HER THOUGHTFUL INCORPORATION OF DETAILS AND THE TIME SHE TOOK TO GET TO KNOW US AS A COUPLE SHOW THROUGH IN HOW WELL OUR ELOPEMENT CAPTURED US AS A COUPLE.

Valerie & Fidel, Big Bear

We were so impressed by her calm, knowledgeable demeanor and we were easily able to trust our day to her expertise in planning. The photos themselves are nothing short of superb, and are more than we could have envisioned. 

Kate & Justin, Donner Lake

Well it was the best day of my life. Ruthanne was so additive to that, in the planning, the day and the photos. She is a professional and a lovely human. I couldn’t imagine our day without her.

Tom & Marnie, Mt. Tallac

KIND WORDS FROM PAST CLIENTS

"Our photos turned out more enchanting and dreamy than we could have imagined. Her thoughtful incorporation of details and the time she took to get to know us as a couple show through in how well our elopement captured us as a couple."

Fidel & Valerie, Big Bear

"Having an elopement like this was a little stressful because I’ve never heard of anyone I know doing this & I’d never been to a wedding like this, so I had no clue what to expect. Ruthanne was the best person I could’ve chosen to be with us that day."

Courtney & Matt, Big Sur

"It was the best decision. Ruthanne went above and beyond planning out our day to perfection down to every last detail. A stress free elopement was my #1 priority, and she made it happen! 1000% worth the investment. Cannot recommend or thank her enough!"

Sadie & Ty, Lake Tahoe

Kind words from past clients

Your elopement day has the ability to set the tone for your relationship & the life you plan to build together. I personally know this to be true, because when my husband and I got married on top of a mountain with our immediate family 5+ years ago, we chose ourselves, adventure, and blazing our own trail. It’s because of that experience (and a few core childhood memories, if I’m honest) that I’m here, advocating for every couple to have the chance to get married, their way. 

From start to finish, working with me is a customized and unique process. I will take the time to get to know what makes you who you are, and empower you to always seek what makes you feel the most alive - because I know first hand how powerful a day like this can be. 

Hey, I'm Ruthanne!

get to know me

Your elopement day has the ability to set the tone for your relationship & the life you plan to build together. I personally know this to be true, because when my husband and I got married on top of a mountain with our immediate family 5+ years ago, we chose ourselves, adventure, and blazing our own trail. It’s because of that experience (and a few core childhood memories, if I’m honest) that I’m here, advocating for every couple to have the chance to get married, their way. 

From start to finish, working with me is a customized and unique process. I will take the time to get to know what makes you who you are, and empower you to always seek what makes you feel the most alive - because I know first hand how powerful a day like this can be. 

Hey, I'm Ruthanne!

get to know me

I've spent my entire life trying to figure out how to stay in the place I was born - among the mountains that raised me. I believe art is the unique expression that arises as people live their lives and experience different things. My craft has been honed by long days on the trail, the glow of the last rays of sun, or shoveling myself out after a 3 foot snow storm. I have a deep appreciation of the elements that make Tahoe what it is, because they have made me, who I am. 

Working with me is a guarantee for a locals-only experience. It's not uncommon for me to urge you to sniff a tree or to ask you to close your eyes and take in all of the sounds and smells of where you're at. Not a day goes by that I don't comment aloud on some magical piece of life in these mountains - and because of that, your elopement day will be filled with intention, wonder, and presence - no matter where we land. 

Born, raised & based in Lake Tahoe, California

then, 1997

now, 2022

HOW TO ELOPE IN LAKE TAHOE

Born, raised & based in Lake Tahoe, California

then, 1997

now, 2022

I've spent my entire life trying to figure out how to stay in the place I was born - among the mountains that raised me. I believe art is the unique expression that arises as people live their lives and experience different things. My craft has been honed by long days on the trail, the glow of the last rays of sun, or shoveling myself out after a 3 foot snow storm. I have a deep appreciation of the elements that make Tahoe what it is, because they have made me, who I am. 

Working with me is a guarantee for a locals-only experience. It's not uncommon for me to urge you to sniff a tree or to ask you to close your eyes and take in all of the sounds and smells of where you're at. Not a day goes by that I don't comment aloud on some magical piece of life in these mountains - and because of that, your elopement day will be filled with intention, wonder, and presence - no matter where we land. 

HOW TO ELOPE IN LAKE TAHOE

for

Can I be honest with you? The only reason I got into weddings was because someone told me it was where “the money is at.” Can you believe that? I quickly learned that money doesn’t equate to a successful business and through a lot of work and mindset shift, I was able to end up here, today. Obsessed with my clients, with a manageable workload, making the money I need to as a business owner (measuring my success in a dozen other ways, first) all while providing people with incredible once-in-a-lifetime experiences. I want that for every elopement photographer out there, and my education approach reflects that.

PHOTOGRAPHERS

not your average photography education

FIND OUT MORE

for

Can I be honest with you? The only reason I got into weddings was because someone told me it was where “the money is at.” Can you believe that? I quickly learned that money doesn’t equate to a successful business and through a lot of work and mindset shift, I was able to end up here, today. Obsessed with my clients, with a manageable workload, making the money I need to as a business owner (measuring my success in a dozen other ways, first) all while providing people with incredible once-in-a-lifetime experiences. I want that for every elopement photographer out there, and my education approach reflects that.

PHOTOGRAPHERS

not your average photography education

FIND OUT MORE

 
Download my FREE 10 page elopement planning checklist 
This checklist covers everything – as a former eloping bride and someone who has helped almost 200 couples find their best day ever, I left no stone unturned. This isn't the kind of guide you glance at and put away. It was designed to be functional, printable, and actually helpful. And the best part? It's free – so you can have your best day ever, effortlessly. 
Check your email - your checklist is on it's way!