How To Have An Alabama Hills Wedding
If you are planning a small intimate wedding or elopement, one location you do not want to count out is the Alabama Hills.
The Alabama Hills are located just outside of Lone Pine, California along Highway 395. This unique desert landscape has an incredible mountain backdrop with a great view of MT Whitney. It is famous for it’s appearance in many feature films from Tremors to Django to Iron Man. The main road is even called “Movie Road.”
Before we get into the article, and this should go without saying, please respect the land and the rules which come along with it. I grew up nearby and I love Alabama Hills and the freedom that you can have there. Let’s keep it that way. Pack out what you pack in, don’t start fires and respect the locals, they’re good people.
When is the best time of year to elope in the Alabama Hills?
Every season has something special to offer at Alabama Hills. Spring and Fall are going to give you the fairest weather, but also bring the most crowds. Eloping in the summertime means pretty hot temperatures, but if you are an early riser, you can most definitely take advantage of the incredible sunrise to avoid the crowds and the heat. Lastly, there’s winter. Winter can be amazingly beautiful if you are willing to battle the cold temperatures and understand the risk of snow. While the snow usually keeps to the mountains above Alabama Hills, it is entirely possible to get snow down lower. Me personally, I love late February/March. It’s a bit frigid, but the mountains are usually still covered in snow and the crowds (and bugs) are kept to a minimum.
Do you need a permit to get married in the Alabama Hills?
You will need a permit to be elope here and be in compliance with the official rules. Alabama Hills is located on BLM land, so giving them a call would be the fastest way to get up to date information on a permit. View the contact information on this page. Be sure to tell them about your plan and how many people you plan to have. As your photographer, I can also help you go through this process smoothly.
Where to stay near Alabama Hills?
If you’re anything like me, when you go to a new place that isn’t a big touristy city, looking for accommodations can feel a little bit like the beginning of a thriller movie. But have no fear here, Lone pine is beautiful and finding accommodations for your wedding weekend won’t be difficult.
Camping
First, we have camping. Currently you are still able to engage in dispersed camping at Alabama Hills. If you choose this option, please stay in the designated spots. Please use the porta potties throughout the land or pack out your waste. And everything else. Seriously, leave no trace. You don’t want to be the reason we say “this is why we can’t have nice things” The BLM office has issued this statement as of the writing of this article: “Soon a permit will be required to dispersed camp in the Alabama Hills. The permit will be free and will be an acknowledgement that you understand the rules and guidance for dispersed camping.” Be sure to ask the BLM office about any updates to that statement when you call for a permit. I will be sure to update this article if this changes as well.
There are other campgrounds nearby with a low nightly fee such as Lone Pine Campground (Currently Closed for road repair. Expected opening August 1, 2024 ), Tuttle Creek Campground, and Portuguese Joe Campground. These campgrounds have restrooms, picnic tables and can accommodate bigger RVs and Trailers.
Hotels
If camping doesn’t suit you when you elope in the Alabama Hills, you can always consider a hotel. You know, sometimes that nice shower beforehand is nice. When I did van-life I refused hotels, but now that I don’t have a van, I don’t often tent it up so I won’t judge haha!
The first Hotel I would recommend is the Dow Villa. This hotel has an old charm to it and I’ve stayed there a few times. Definitely recommend it if you want your accommodation to match that historic/western vibe.
I have also personally stayed at the Quality INN and that was a pleasant experience. Beyond that though, hotels are hotels. If one of these two options doesn’t float your boat, pick another.
Airbnb
There are some sweet Airbnb rentals available for your elopement weekend in Alabama Hills. This is perfect if you have a couple family members/ friends joining you as you can all stay in the same place and have a kickass time.
The first time I photographed an intimate wedding at Alabama Hills the couple and their family stayed at this rental and I camped in the driveway for 2 nights in the van. We made breakfasts, dinners, had drinks and went on hikes. It was incredible and it’s safe to say we are all friends now and stay in touch to this day.
How to make the most of your Alabama Hills elopement experience?
When you are planning a wedding at Alabama Hills, what does it look like? You might be wondering what else you can do?
Let’s start with some things you can do just by staying in Lone Pine. You can hike around the valley or even summit Mt Whitney if that’s your thing. You can do an offroad adventure and visit the Lone Pine Film Museum. You can play golf and then head to Lake Diaz. You can also just enjoy nature and watch the sun rise and set over the mountains.
If you want to do even more, Include some exploration and head to Death Valley, or go further north on the 395 and get some beef jerky in Bishop (I used to work here in high school and if you like jerky this is the place) and then check out the various lakes and rivers in the area with tons of hiking opportunities or go on a guided 4x4 adventure. Do some bouldering if that’s your jam or check out a hidden waterfall (you’ll have to ask me about this one.) You can also continue even more north and check out Mammoth Lakes, June Lake, Bodie Ghost town and much more.
Remember, this is your chance to truly celebrate your love. When you elope in the Alabama Hills, live in the moment and create an experience for the two of you to remember forever.
Allow me to help you!
If you truly want that beautiful and fun experience and you want to plan your intimate wedding at Alabama Hills, please reach out to me if you need help. I am more than just a photographer and videographer. The eastern sierras is where I called home for more than half my life, and when you book with me, I am here to help you get everything planned and to offer suggestions along the way to make this the most memorable experience possible for you. And of course, to document it all in an epic way. Contact me here, I’d love to hear your vision and help you bring your dream elopement to life.