June Mountain is a small, local ski resort which doubles as a wedding venue. The mountain is set in the small town of June Lake, California, and is about 20 minutes north of Mammoth Lakes (the bigger, more popular ski resort). In summer, the forests are green and overflowing with wildflowers. My documentary and cinematic photography style thrived on June Mountain with the panoramic views.
Julie and Marty planned the most beautiful, memorable wedding on June Mountain. The joy and energy was palpable — you could literally feel the love between them and their friends and family. They celebrated, laughed, and cried. What an honor it was to be there and document this day with them!
1) The Ceremony and Reception Spaces at June Mountain
The primary ceremony spot is a concrete slab at the top of the mountain, which offers a 360 panoramic views of the surrounding Sierra peaks. This creates a perfect mix of elegance and outdoorsy vibes.
The reception hall is a rustic indoor space, with lots of gorgeous windows, and an outdoor patio where guests can sip cocktails and watch the sunset. In the case of bad weather, the lodge can double as a backup ceremony spot.
Riding the chair lift to the top of the mountain is a fun perk, as you get to take in the sweeping views on the way up. Personally, I find it a tad spooky on the way down in the dark! But so memorable.
2) Best Season for a June Mountain Wedding
Summer is the obvious season for a June Mountain wedding. You can expect beautiful weather most of the summer, although June Lake is also prone to a “monsoon” season in July and August. This is not a reason to avoid planning a June Mountain Wedding, but it is something to plan ahead for. There’s a saying around here that goes, “If you don’t like the weather, wait 15 minutes because it will change.” It is not a reason to avoid this venue, but it is a reason to have realistic expectations and have a back up plan.
In my experience, weather has never ruined a wedding. In fact, the more dramatic the weather, the more memorable your wedding will be, and the more fondly you will remember the exciting day.
3) Lodging, Logistics, and Local Activities
Once you talk with the wedding coordinator at June Mountain, you can get a list of cabins and options to book for your guests. There are many nearby cabins within a 5 minute drive of the mountain / ski lift, which is super convenient!
June Mountain is in the town of June Lake and 20 minutes from Mammoth Lakes, 1 hour from Bishop, and 20 minutes from Lee Vining (the gateway to Yosemite). Activities include:
- Hiking
- Rock Climbing
- Fishing
- Exploring Tuolumne Meadows or Yosemite
- Paddle-boarding on June Lake
I truly think June Mountain is one of the nicest, most laid back venues in the area. The town of June Lake is called the “Switzerland of America.” If you are interested in looking into this venue, read more on June Mountain’s website. https://www.junemountain.com/explore-june-mountain/weddings
Getting Ready + First Look
The Mountain Top Ceremony
Sunset Portraits
Cocktail Hour, Dinner, and Dance Party
