Emerald Bay State Park Permit Rules

Permits,
2 min read Mar 27, 2024

What you need to know

  • We are required to have a Simply Eloped person on site – this can be an officiant, photographer, videographer or onsite helper (which means with our Orchid Package, you are required to add-on our onsite helper to have them on site).
  • The lookout is sometimes unavailable during the winter months due to road conditions and avalanche danger.
  • No alcohol permitted.
  • To protect wildlife, throwing or releasing of any material (petals, rice, glitter, balloons, doves, etc.) is strictly prohibited.
  • Permit does not allow exclusive use of the ceremony site  and another event can be encountered at the site upon arrival. If another event is taking place in the same site, please wait respectfully at a distance for the event to finish.

Also Important

  • No structures or sets can be constructed. No digging or excavation is permitted, and no shrubbery or trees are to be cut, trimmed or injured. No additions, alterations, modification, or decorations may be affixed to any Department of Parks and Recreation facility.
  •  No fires allowed.
  • Maintain the site in a clean and sanitary condition. Leave it as you found it.
  • In the interest of public safety and the preservation of resources, all State Park Units in the Sierra District are closed to unmanned aircraft, also known as “drones,” “quad-copters” and similar, over the state lands under the operational control of California State Parks.
  • Pack out any trash.
  • Nothing can be staked or attached at the ceremony site.
  • Parking can be challenging at times.
  • Permit does not guarantee parking, and finding parking can be extremely difficult at peak times. Drop off/pick up services are a good option.
  • Park in designated parking spaces. Vehicles parking outside of designated parking spaces create unsafe conditions and may have a negative impact on the environment, and will be subject to citation.
  • Venue is located within a State Park and is therefore a public space. Ceremony site is in a more secluded location, but it is not closed to the public.
  • There are no facilities at the ceremony site (garbage cans, restrooms, water fountains, or electricity, etc.).
  • Do not interfere with normal park activities.
  • Smoking, e-cigarettes, and vaping are prohibited.
  • Dogs are not allowed on any trails or roads into Emerald Bay, nor on the beach.
  • No items may be left in advance of or after your ceremony.
Permits
Written by Karen Norian

Karen Norian is an elopement photographer and has photographed over a hundred elopements. Karen has also worked as an elopement planner for Simply Eloped. She's been quoted in the New York Times, Brides, Hello Giggles, Bustle, Yahoo, and more.