{"id":9431,"date":"2020-08-06T07:05:21","date_gmt":"2020-08-06T07:05:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.iqphoto.com\/blog\/?p=9431"},"modified":"2026-04-06T22:29:22","modified_gmt":"2026-04-06T22:29:22","slug":"lake-tahoe-wedding-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/iqphoto.com\/blog\/lake-tahoe-wedding-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Lake Tahoe Wedding Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Lake Tahoe<\/h1>\n

Wedding Guide<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Crystal clear alpine lake flanked with towering pines and spectacular mountain views is a year-round wedding location like no other\u2026<\/em><\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n
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GETTING MARRIED AT LAKE TAHOE<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Weddings at Lake Tahoe<\/a> are unique. Cleaner-than-clean waters are splashing onto sandy shores, while gigantic trees and alpine vistas around the lake offer postcard-like ceremony backdrops. It is a preferred choice for destination weddings, elopements, reunions and honeymoons because of the unspoiled nature and romantic vibes. Even during the times of COVID-19, there are outdoor venues where alfresco ceremonies and receptions are allowed. Whether you are planning an intimate gathering or a grand wedding, you are sure to find a gorgeous hotel, high-end resort or a cozy mountain lodge where you can celebrate. Enjoy reading this guide while planning your big day!<\/p>\n

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WHEN TO GET HITCHED<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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In spring and summer, nature is in full bloom, fall is filled with moody hues, warmness and romance, while winter is a fairy-tale in white. If you want a beach ceremony and summer vibes, head off to Lake Tahoe in July or August. Touristy areas are much less crowded in September, so this is a popular month for outdoor weddings too. For winter wonderland experience, choose a date from January to March, and to get the lowest prices then aim for March or November. Remember that weather<\/a> at mountain locations such as Lake Tahoe can be unpredictable. Rain can easily spoil your plans for an outdoor wedding, so always have a plan B ready. To make sure you don\u2019t miss a fabulous outdoor photoshoot, make flexible plans and be prepared to go with the flow. If it is raining in the morning, maybe you can move the photography session for afternoon hours. Another issue can be smoke from forest fires. Since wind can carry smoke for miles, you might want to stay inside for the reception and do a couple of portraits outside.<\/p>\n

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WHERE TO GO <\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Lake Tahoe<\/a> has two main areas where you can find fantastic wedding venues. While South Shore is packed with luxury hotels and resorts, North Shore feels more secluded and pristine. Both areas are exceptionally beautiful with alpine-style ski areas and charming towns, but North Shore is much less crowded even during the peak seasons while South Shore is louder and more popular for tourists. When choosing a location for your event, look for venues that satisfy your criteria in terms of ambience, food, accommodation and services. Because you can easily boat between the two shores, you can even book a venue on one side of the lake and do a photoshoot in another.     <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n

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RULES AND REGULATIONS<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Lake Tahoe is a protected area<\/a>, which means there are many restrictions regarding weddings and other events. There is a strict \u201cno trace\u201d rule, which means you have to pick up all the litter and leave nothing behind you. The locals are friendly, but they are extremely environmentally conscious, and they take their surroundings seriously. You are not allowed to tamper with trees in any way (this applies even to fairy lights and other decorations), and you must keep the waters clean.Each of the venues has its own restrictions and lists of prohibited items, so make sure to familiarize yourself with them before you start planning. Because outdoor weddings are subject to noise regulations, you shouldn\u2019t party outside after 10 pm. You can either hold a daytime reception or consider moving inside if your venue has an indoor reception area.Parking is not allowed in many locations around Lake Tahoe. If you are booking one of the major venues, this shouldn\u2019t be a problem. But if your wedding location is off-the-beaten-path, then you might need to organize a shuttle or boat service for your guests.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n

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FINDING LOCAL VENDORS<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Planning a Lake Tahoe wedding is easy because all the local vendors<\/a> are working closely with each other. Venues often have all-inclusive packages and can sort out everything from food and drinks to awesome ceremony arbors. Even if they don\u2019t have in-house catering, they\u2019ll give you a list of their preferred vendors. It is much easier to get high-end vendors when you are celebrating at a small place like Tahoe. But sometimes it is best to bring your own team to a destination wedding, so consider booking a photographer, hairstylist and makeup artist close to home. This is convenient when you need the same group of people for the engagement shoot, wedding and other special occasions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n

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THE COST OF A LAKE TAHOE WEDDING <\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Weddings at Lake Tahoe can be pretty expensive, especially if you want to tie the knot during the peak season (in summer or winter). The most exclusive venues charge $10,000 or more, plus you can expect to pay around $500+ per night for accommodation. However, you can find small but gorgeous rustic venues where you<\/p>\n

can hold a ceremony for as little as $500, throw a reception party for $2,000 to $5,000 and get a discount for group bookings.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n

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PHOTOSHOOT LOCATIONS<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Lake Tahoe has incredible photo backdrops with crystal blue waters, iconic pine trees, waterfalls and green meadows flanked with vibrant wildflowers. You\u2019ll have fantastic portraits even if you don\u2019t go far from your pretty hotel, bungalow or spa retreat. But if you feel adventurous, you can try to find hidden beaches and coves, pose in front of a steamy waterfall or on a small island nestled in the middle of the lake. Here are some of the picturesque photoshoot locations I love:<\/p>\n

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