Karissa + Erik’s Intimate Lake Tahoe Destination Wedding

There’s a reason why Lake Tahoe is such an iconic California destination. From the shimmering waters to the views of the Sierra Nevada mountains, it’s one of the most picturesque places in North America. So it’s not hard to see why so many couples decide to opt for a Lake Tahoe destination wedding. Being based in Northern California I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Lake Tahoe many times to capture my couples, but there was something so unique and special about Karissa and Erik’s intimate lodge wedding on the south shores of Lake Tahoe. I’m so excited to finally share all the stunning photos and details from their summer lakeside wedding. If you’re not already convinced that Lake Tahoe is your dream destination wedding location, you might be by the end of this post!

Planning Your Lake Tahoe Destination Wedding

With destination weddings continuing to increase in popularity, couples are always looking for the best locations in terms of venues, accommodations and guest experiences. Lake Tahoe checks all those boxes whether you’re planning an intimate celebration or a traditional reception. The Reno-Tahoe International Airport is about a 45 minute drive from the main village and there’s plenty of transportation options for your guests from shuttles to Uber to car rentals. There is no shortage of options when it comes to accommodations from major five-star resorts to small boutique hotels and vacation rentals. 

When it comes to Lake Tahoe destination wedding venues, most of the major resorts like Palisades Tahoe and Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe have wedding packages to make the process super streamlined and easy. If you’re looking for something a little more off the beaten path, be sure to check out places like West Shore Cafe, Granlibakken Tahoe and Twenty Mile House. If you want a truly intimate and one-on-one experience with your guests, take a note from Karissa and Erik and reserve a private lodge on the lake for a small ceremony and reception with your closest family and friends. I’ll be giving more details on their beautiful wedding day below!

Destination Wedding Guest Experience

Lake Tahoe is a popular tourist destination year round, which means there’s no shortage of activities for you and your guests to enjoy. I always encourage my couples who are planning a destination wedding to help your guests make the most of their travel experience. An easy way to do this is including a local guide and itinerary in welcome bags at the hotel (extra points for including snacks!). If you’re planning a summer Lake Tahoe destination wedding, your guests can take advantage of scenic hiking trails, water sports and boat cruises on the lake. During the winter season guests can enjoy world class skiing at six major resorts in the area. There is truly no bad time to visit Lake Tahoe with endless outdoor activities, amazing restaurants and luxurious resorts to enjoy.

Karissa + Erik’s Day

Karissa and Erik had the most romantic and laid back wedding with their closest loved ones right on the shores of Lake Tahoe. They opted for a private lodge rental where they hosted a small ceremony on the beach and an intimate dinner on the outdoor patio. Keeping their guest list small truly allowed them to focus on every little moment and made for such a relaxing day for everyone. Some of my favorite moments and details of the day included the couple’s first dance in front of the rustic outdoor fireplace, the family style dinner where all their guests shared a meal together at one table, and the private beachfront that made for some seriously stunning sunset photos. Add some touches of boho wedding decor and the sweetest emotional ceremony, and it made for the perfect Lake Tahoe destination wedding.

If you still have questions about planning your perfect Lake Tahoe destination wedding, I’m always happy to provide my perspective and planning tips! If you’re leaning towards a tropical destination wedding location, check out my recent post on Josie and Nick’s wedding weekend in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Is the desert more your vibe? Then you won’t want to miss my post on Sarah and Adam’s modern boho wedding in Joshua Tree National Park. Stay tuned and follow along as I share more of my travels capturing my incredible couple’s destination weddings around the world!