Are you daydreaming about saying “I do” surrounded by pristine blue water and majestic mountain peaks? Well, then, you’re in the right place! Lake Tahoe, straddling the border of Nevada and California, is the perfect mix of breathtaking beauty and elegant charm – the ultimate backdrop for your destination wedding. But where to start? Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered!
Here’s your guide on how to plan a dreamy destination wedding at Lake Tahoe!
Tips to Plan a Destination Wedding
Here are the topics I’ll cover in this blog to help you plan your dream wedding at Lake Tahoe!
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Set a Budget
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Set the Date
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Consider Hiring a Wedding Planner
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Create Your Guest List
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Choose Your Wedding Theme
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Choose Your Wedding Venue
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Lake Tahoe Wedding Venues
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Choose Your Wedding Vendors
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Buy Your Outfits
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Reserve Your Accommodations
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Get Your Marriage License Ready
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My Lake Tahoe Wedding Packages
Set a Budget
First things first is to set your budget. Take a look at your finances and decide how much you want to spend on your big day. Don’t forget to factor in costs like travel and accommodation, wedding attire, and vendor fees, and leave some contingency for unexpected expenses.
Set the Date
Lake Tahoe is absolutely gorgeous all year round! Every season has its unique charm, but also its challenges. Summers offer warm weather and beautiful beaches, while winter provides a snow-kissed wonderland perfect for cozy, intimate weddings.
Consider seasonal prices, guest availability, and your favorite season when picking a date. You’ll find that weekdays tend to be cheaper in most venues!
Consider Hiring a Wedding Planner
Planning a destination wedding can be tricky, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area. While you don’t have to have a wedding planner, you may find that having one would ease your stress.
A Lake Tahoe local wedding planner would know the area like the back of their hand and provide really valuable assistance handling all the logistics, assisting with venue and vendor communications, and ensuring your day goes as smoothly as possible.
Create Your Guest List
Who would you like to join you in your Lake Tahoe destination wedding? Keep in mind that destination weddings often have a smaller guest count due to travel and accommodation considerations. Make a list of your closest family and friends you’d love to have there on your big day.
Knowing your guest count would also help you narrow down your venue choices!
Choose Your Wedding Theme
Lake Tahoe’s natural beauty lends itself to various wedding styles – rustic, boho, vintage, elegant, luxurious, you name it! Whether it’s a barefoot beach wedding or modern elegance, decide on a theme that reflects you as a couple! That will also help you choose a venue or location that fits your chosen theme and style!
Choose Your Wedding Venue
Choosing the perfect venue is one of the most important parts of planning your destination wedding at Lake Tahoe! You should absolutely love your chosen venue because that will be the backdrop for your day!
Here are some suggestions for beautiful Lake Tahoe wedding venues!
Everline Resort & Spa
Located in Olympic Valley, CA – Everline Resort & SPA is a luxurious and serene place for your Lake Tahoe destination wedding. Here, you’ll have the best of both worlds: stunning hotel interiors and idyllic mountain views. And the spa services? They’re the perfect pre-wedding pampering session you didn’t know you needed!
Zephyr Lodge
If you’re looking for a Lake Tahoe destination wedding venue that offers the perfect blend of rustic and chic, Zephyr Lodge is for you! With its sky-high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows, you’ll get to celebrate your love with panoramic views of Sierra Nevada!
Za’s Lakefront
A more intimate setting by the shores of Lake Tahoe, Za’s is perfect for those who dream of a lakeside wedding celebration. With gourmet cuisine that’s as great as the views, your guests are going to enjoy a delicious meal with a view!
Hyatt Regency Tahoe
Hyatt Regency Tahoe is a luxurious Lake Tahoe wedding venue with a private beach, lush green garden with waterfalls, and an elegant ballroom for an unforgettable wedding celebration! The venue also has a spa for your pre-wedding relaxation!
Chalet View Lodge
Nestled amidst the forest, Chalet View Lodge is a stunning Lake Tahoe wedding venue for those who are planning a dreamy woodland fairy-tale wedding! There are plenty of gorgeous backdrops for you to choose from for your ceremony and wedding portraits!
Edgewood Lake Tahoe
There’s something so charming and elegant about a golf course wedding, and Edgewood Lake Tahoe is THE place for it! The lake view and all that greenery offer such a gorgeous, scenic view for your big day!
Dancing Pine
Dancing Pines is an intimate outdoor riverside wedding venue. The beauty of this venue lies in its simplicity and the enchanting forest that surrounds it. It’s perfect for intimate weddings and elopements, as well as more elaborate celebrations.
Choose and Book Your Vendors
From florists to photographers (hello, that’s me!), DJs to caterers, you’ll want a team that brings your wedding vision to life and helps make your day more joyful and easier. Seek local vendor recommendations from your planner or venue. Check out their portfolios and reviews, and don’t forget to book early – most vendors and venues book out for a year or more in advance!
I can also provide you with a list of amazing Lake Tahoe wedding vendors I’ve had the honor of working together with – so feel free to send me a message!
Buy Your Outfits
Dreaming of a flowy wedding dress billowing in the lakeside breeze or a sleek suit complemented by the mountain backdrop? Shop for outfits that not only suit your style but are also comfortable and appropriate for your chosen venue and season.
Reserve Your Accommodations
Lake Tahoe offers a range of accommodations, from luxury resorts to cozy cabins and Airbnbs. You may be able to stay at your wedding venue the night before, but it’s not always possible – so definitely look into it!
My main recommendation is that wherever you stay has great natural light for all the getting-ready photos!
Get Your Marriage License Ready
Don’t forget the legalities! Which marriage licence you’ll need to file will depend on where your venue is situated – the Nevada or California side.
You can read more about the Nevada requirements here and for California requirements here!
Inquire About My Lake Tahoe Wedding Packages
This is what my Lake Tahoe wedding packages look like:
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8 hours or more of wedding day coverage
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A personalized wedding planning experience
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You’ll receive a custom client guide that will have everything you need to know to plan for your perfect day
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Custom photo timeline
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Online gallery of all the best images
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Travel fees for anywhere in California already included
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A Lake Tahoe engagement session
So if you’re still looking for your perfect Lake Tahoe wedding photographer, I’d love to hear from you! Inquire with me here!
Kelsey J Photography Intl | Lake Tahoe Destination Wedding Photographer
Congratulations, you’ve taken the first steps in planning your dream destination wedding at Lake Tahoe!
Remember, amidst all the planning, don’t forget to soak in the excitement and joy of this beautiful journey. After all, at the end of the day, it’s all about celebrating your love story amidst the scenic beauty of Lake Tahoe. Cheers to the start of your next big adventure!
