Stacie and Tom’s Intimate Donner Summit Elopement During Golden Hour

With only two weeks to plan, Stacie and Tom chose the stunning Donner Summit in Truckee, California—a place close to their hearts since that’s where Tom proposed. Accompanied by their adorable Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Sookie, the couple exchanged vows overlooking Donner Lake during golden hour. The ceremony, officiated by the photographer’s husband, was followed by an intimate first dance on the summit as the sunset. Get all the details below.

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About This Elopement

Photography by Kristin Smith Photography

“Their elopement was short and sweet, so we stuck with one location.

We began Stacie and Tom’s adventure elopement at the Donner Lake Overlook in Truckee, California. Then, we made our way up to Donner Summit for their ceremony just before sunset where the couple shared an intimate first dance after saying ‘I do.’

My husband officiated their ceremony, and I was their witness! The couple also brought along their adorable Cavalier King Charles for their elopement! The evening was perfect and was exactly what the couple dreamed of.” [Kristin, the photographer]

Permits & Top Tips When Eloping Here

“A permit was not needed for this location since we were outside the Lake Tahoe basin. With Leave No Trace, we left nature the way we found it, and I picked up any trash that stands out to me, always. Nothing was brought in. No trash, no petals, or plant seeds that are not native to the area. Lots of wildlife like to wander the area (no feeding the animals!), but we leave them alone with Leave No Trace principles.

This location is near the Donner Train Tunnels, so people can hike and rock climb in the area. Also, if you want a sunset elopement, be sure to have your ceremony during golden hour and leave sunset for sunset photos! Once sunset is over, the lighting goes away VERY quickly, but you still have time for some blue-hour photos with lanterns. This really applies to any location.” [Kristin, the photographer]

Learn how to leave no trace during your elopement.

Details We Love

“Loving the boho vibes that we didn’t plan on! Stacie’s wedding dress and bouquet were gorgeous and Tom looked so sharp in his Navy Blue suit. I love how Stacie and Tom carried ‘Sookie’s’ stroller in and out from the elopement spot. Overall the couple looked stunning together! The backdrop was perfect with all the rocks and trees, almost like a mini Yosemite!” [Kristin, the photographer]

Memorable Moments During This Elopement

From the photographer:

“The couple was filled with smiles and giggles the entire time, even during their ceremony. Tom kept cracking jokes to make Stacie laugh which was not hard! They had me laughing as well. You can tell that Stacie and Tom are head over heels for each other, you can see their emotion in the photos. Stacie and Tom shared a first dance after saying ‘I do’ and then Stacie included ‘Sookie’ in their First Dance and it was the CUTEST and so sweet!”

Final Words of Advice From the Photographer

“Location scouting is so important! You want to get eyes on the location if you have never been there this way you know what to expect! I am glad I checked out the location beforehand because I knew exactly how the lighting would be, and where I wanted to take the couple on their elopement day for photos without wasting any time. Wedding attire for the groom – I always recommend wearing a Navy blue or tan suit for outdoor backdrops as black is just ‘too sharp’ for this type of vibe.” [Kristin, the photographer]

Learn how to elope here. 

Photos From This Elopement