Winter Elopement in Big Bear Lake

Planning an elopement in the mountains can be tricky any time of the year, especially when weather patterns the past few years have been a little out of whack (anyone remember the great snowstorm of 2023?). But if you go into your day with the mentality of “we’re ready for the adventure, whatever the day may bring”, you’re bound to have a good day, no matter what… which is exactly what these two said to me when they first reached out. ;)

S & R got ready separately at an airbnb cabin and Getaway House in Running Springs. If you’ve never heard of Getaway House before, I strongly encourage you to look into it! They’re tiny cabins made out of old shipping containers, equipped with an outdoor firepit and s’mores kits, and designed to help you disconnect from everyday life, and connect you to nature. The Getaway House cabins in Running Springs feature stunning forest or mountain views, with lots of privacy for each cabin. (Note: Getaway House lists their cabins as located in Big Bear, but they’re really located in Running Springs, which is another mountain town about a 45min drive from Big Bear itself.)

After their first look at their Getaway House, we headed to Big Bear Lake where we met up with the rest of their family for a beautiful little ceremony under the trees. S&R chose to stick to a “traditional” ceremony script for their ceremony with family, and to keep their vows to each other private. After their ceremony, we headed down to the lakeshore where they exchanged their personal vows, with only each other and the lake and mountains as their witnesses. Despite the freezing temperatures, these two troopers braved the cold and held each other for warmth. The setting sun cast the most magical golden glow all around us until it went beyond the horizon, bathing us in soft blue twilight as we said our goodbyes.

Thank you S&R for sharing your day (and anniversary!) with me! :’)