Crystal blue water, lush forests, and awe-inspiring Mountains; with its ethereal beauty and natural wonders, the Lake Tahoe area is one of the most beautiful locations for your engagement, elopement, or wedding.
Although winter weather can make it a little more challenging to access, Lake Tahoe is a beautiful place for your special day year-round. Plenty of gorgeous spots around Lake Tahoe are still accessible in the winter. And if you want to plan your wedding or elopement for the summer, there are ways to avoid the crowds even during the busy season.
Keep in mind: when planning a Lake Tahoe elopement, wedding, or couples’ session, more privacy may require longer hikes and an earlier wake up time (read: pack an alarm clock and some hiking boots).
As it lay there with the shadows of the mountains brilliantly photographed upon its still surface, I thought it must surely be the fairest picture the whole earth affords
Mark Twain
Lake Tahoe HOT Spots
While the entirety of Lake Tahoe is gorgeous, these are a few of my favorite hot spots that I’ve used to for engagements, elopements, and weddings. When I say HOT, I mean these areas are some of the most popular places to trek to in Tahoe. Of course, that can mean that they’re filled to the brim with all the people! If you’re looking for a secluded area for your session, Zephyr Point on Fourth of July may not be a good option for your elopement!
But during the late fall at sunrise the crowds will have thinned out some, making it an ideal spot for intimate photos of an autumnal wedding or elopement! Some Locations require hiking, especially to get to spots that are secluded!
Donner Lake
Just 30 minutes from Kings Beach, North Lake Tahoe
Donner Lake is a State Park area with a unique overlook that is one of my favorite spots to explore. With the shimmer water below and an expanse of emerald-green trees, it’s a truly breathtaking scene, just like you deserve on your wedding day.
Pro tip: this location is absolutely gorgeous at sunrise. Plus, there’s a dock on the lake where you can have your ceremony. It’s first come, first serve, but if you’re there for sunrise, you can bet you’ll be the first on the water. Beautiful hikes and rock climbing!
Emerald Bay
Located 11 miles West of South Lake Tahoe
Multiple ranges of hike for all level of hikers, Waterfalls, and Vikingsholm!
Some tips for Emerald Bay: Sunrise is early but so worth it! It’s totally accessible during the Winter. It’s a fairly short hike, with a decent elevation gain. For a traditional Ceremony you do need a permit, you can find that HERE.
Sand Harbor
Located 23 Miles from South Lake Tahoe and 3 miles from Incline Village on the Nevada side!
Permit for Special Use or Ceremony
Open Year round, Super busy during the Summer, but a beautiful view of the lake with a Rocky Shoreline to explore and find your perfect spot to enjoy together!
Weddings in Tahoe!
Stays
Tahoe has so many different locations and a thousand different hotels, Airbnbs, and Vrbos. When you’re looking for the best place to stay in Lake Tahoe, you’ll find a there a plenty of great options to choose from. To help you narrow things down just a bit, here are a few of my favorites, in case you need some input on the best stays in Lake Tahoe.
Coachman Hotel
The highlights: pet friendly(!), heated pool, and the cutest hotel rooms! It’s my number one spot to stay at when I’m in South Lake Tahoe!
Mid Century Modern Cabin – The Tahoe A-Frame
A Cozy A-Frame in Homewood Ca, 40 minutes from South Lake Tahoe, and just 10 Minutes from Tahoe City. It’s not just adorable, it’s also conveniently located!
Tahoe Hideaway
Located in Incline Village, this A-Frame is luxury living for your adventurous wedding or elopement! Come home and relax!
Camping in Tahoe!
For you romantics who are also adventurers, you can always find a beautiful place to camp in Lake Tahoe. After all, you probably chose Lake Tahoe for its natural beauty. Why not stay where all the gorgeous views will be right outside your tent, camper or cabin?
Most campgrounds in the Tahoe area are open seasonally, and you’ll need permits for both campsites and dispersed camping in Lake Tahoe. If camping sounds like the perfect way to spend your nights for your wedding or elopement, check out this list of Lake Tahoe campgrounds!
Activities
Finding things to do in new locations can be stressful no matter what the occasion is. Add in elopement or wedding planning to that adventure, and what was merely stressful can suddenly become overwhelming! So, I complied a few options in the Tahoe area to help narrow down how you spend the best day of your life!
Charter a boat
Kayak or Paddle board in Sand Harbor
Hike all the hikes
Get Ice Cream
Gamble
Rock climb
Eat
Ski and Snowboard
Winter Tubing
Vendors to Hire
Florists: Love and Lupines Rise Floral Twine Floral Co
Planners: Mountain Thyme Events Whimsy Event Services Event Planning By Annie
Hair & Make Up: Daymakers Brides Bella Vita Salon Angela Womack
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