Imagine saying "I do" surrounded by the glistening snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada as soft, fluffy snowflakes dance through the crisp mountain air. The shimmering blue waters of Lake Tahoe provide a stunning backdrop, creating a scene straight out of a winter fairytale. For those dreaming of a winter wedding in Lake Tahoe, this enchanting destination offers a magical setting unlike any other.
While summer weddings may be the norm, there's something unmistakably romantic about exchanging vows in a snow-draped wonderland. From December to February, Lake Tahoe transforms into a serene, picturesque escape, with snowstorms occasionally gracing the landscape as late as April or May. For couples seeking a truly unforgettable winter wedding, Lake Tahoe is nothing short of perfection.
How To Plan a Winter Wedding in Lake Tahoe
If you and your partner are ready to break tradition and celebrate your love amidst the snow-kissed beauty of a Lake Tahoe winter wedding, here’s everything you need to know to plan your magical day.
1. Your Wedding Date Matters
When planning your Lake Tahoe winter wedding, it’s important to keep in mind the other major holidays that fall during the season. December brings Christmas and New Year’s Eve, January starts with New Year celebrations, and February includes Valentine’s Day. Depending on your family’s traditions, there may also be other meaningful dates to consider during these months.
To make sure your loved ones can attend your big day — and aren’t away on holiday trips — it’s a good idea to set your wedding date early and share it with your guests as soon as possible. This allows them to plan their holiday schedules around your celebration. It also helps you stay on track with wedding planning deadlines that might otherwise get overlooked during the busy holiday season.
2. Your Guests’ Travel Experience Matters
It’s really important to think about your guests’ travel experience when setting a date for your winter wedding in Lake Tahoe. Snowy or icy roads leading to Tahoe can be tricky, and during heavy snowstorms, some vehicles may struggle to make it through the mountains.
Since weather can be unpredictable, it’s wise to plan ahead and help your guests prepare for snowy conditions. Encourage friends and family traveling by car to use vehicles equipped for winter driving, like a 4-wheel drive or a truck. For out-of-town guests renting cars, suggest they reserve a vehicle capable of handling snow well in advance. You could also work with your wedding planner to arrange group transportation from nearby airports, making sure everyone gets to your celebration safely.
If you’re curious about the kind of weather to expect around your wedding date, consider checking historical weather data — it’s a great way to manage expectations and be prepared for whatever conditions Tahoe may bring!
3. Your Wedding Attire Matters
Getting married in the snow, surrounded by the serene beauty of Lake Tahoe, is a magical experience. But as enchanting as it sounds, it will also be chilly! If you’re planning an outdoor winter wedding, choosing attire with warmth in mind is essential.
Simple wedding ideas for winter attire include elegant long-sleeved wedding dresses or cozy and stylish cover-ups that keep you warm without compromising on beauty. To truly tie your look to the wonder of a Tahoe winter, take inspiration from the frosty surroundings — think snow-white fabrics, shimmering accents, or soft faux fur details.
Don’t forget your guests! If your ceremony or reception will take place outdoors, keep everyone comfortable by sharing weather details ahead of time. Include a note in your invitations or on your wedding website reminding guests to bundle up for the brisk Tahoe air. Thoughtful planning will ensure everyone can fully enjoy the magic of your winter wonderland celebration.
4. Your Venue Choice Matters
When choosing the perfect venue for your winter wedding in Lake Tahoe, one of the first decisions you’ll make is whether to celebrate indoors, outdoors, or a mix of both. Luckily, Tahoe offers a variety of venues that allow you to combine the beauty of snowy outdoor ceremonies with the cozy comfort of indoor receptions. Here are some of our favorite winters for a winter celebration:
Granlibakken Tahoe — with 74 acres in a Lake Tahoe wooded valley, this venue offers multiple indoor and outdoor venues for a dreamy winter wedding and lodging readily available for friends and family.
Beach Retreat and Lodge at Tahoe — with a beach ceremony location at the edge of the lake and an indoor ballroom with views of the lake, you get to have your wedding at the beach even in the winter with this venue!
The Ridge Tahoe — if you are looking for breathtaking views and intimate seclusion, this is the Tahoe winter wedding venue for you. Seated on 11 acres of alpine forest, you will be surrounded by natural beauty on your wedding day.
Zephyr Cove Resort — this popular venue offers a shoreline wedding venue and a luxury yacht venue for a unique winter wedding experience. For a cozy reception, you can use the Zephyr Cove Resort’s lodge restaurant.
The Landing Resort — this venue is located thousands of feet above sea level, offering a gorgeous view of the lake and surrounding mountains. You can get married on their Grand Rooftop Terrace in the winter for breathtaking snowy views without actually being in the snow.
These are just a few of the popular winter wedding venues in Lake Tahoe. At Epic Thyme, we have the inside scoop on even more incredible winter venues. If you are planning an intimate micro-wedding experience or an elopement-style wedding, we can find you the perfect one-of-a-kind venue, whether that be a cozy cabin with your closest friends and family or a snow-capped mountain top for just the two of you.
5. Your Winter Wedding Decor Matters
When planning your Lake Tahoe wedding, exploring simple wedding ideas for winter can make your day both magical and uniquely yours. Start by reflecting on what you and your partner love most about the season. If sipping hot chocolate by a crackling fire fills you with nostalgia, why not design a cozy reception in a Tahoe cabin to capture this warm, intimate feeling?
Not a fan of the traditional red and green winter palette? No problem! There are plenty of other stunning winter color themes to consider. Imagine the elegance of white, gold, and crystal blue hues inspired by Tahoe’s snowy landscapes and icy waters. Does the smell of cinnamon and pine warm your insides? Find unique ways to incorporate all of these little details into your celebration. Whether it’s creating a cozy vibe or crafting a frosty color scheme, keeping it personal to your love story adds the perfect touch of winter magic.
Plan Your Lake Tahoe Winter Wedding With Epic Thyme
At Epic Thyme, we believe that your wedding should be as unique and special as your love story. That’s why we’re passionate about helping you incorporate all your favorite winter touches into your big day. Whether you want a cozy cabin vibe, frosty hues, or other simple wedding ideas for winter, we’ll work with you to design the enchanting winter wonderland you’ve always dreamed of. Let’s bring your vision to life — contact us today to start planning your perfect Lake Tahoe winter wedding!
CHECK OUT THIS WEDDING VIDEO FROM A BEAUTIFUL LAKE TAKE WINTER WEDDING
And hear what the bride, Brie, had to say about her wedding planning experience with Epic Thyme:
"Best Hire for the Wedding
10 stars on a scale of 1-5. Christi Nasser, owner of Epic Thyme, was the best addition to our wedding planning experience. We met at the Grass Valley Wedding Expo. After a quick introduction, Christi and I clicked and I knew she would be a perfect fit in making our dream wedding come true. The wedding and reception were at the Granlibakken Resort in Lake Tahoe, and I hired Christi for her Day of the Wedding services. Christi made sure every detail came to life! She was attentive and patient to what we envisioned for our wedding and worked closely with us throughout the planning process. She kept us on track with monthly and weekly calls when the big day was approaching. She took care of so many behind the scene details to make sure everything was perfect. It was an amazing day and we were able to enjoy it stress-free. Christi has a “yes, can do” attitude which left me at ease throughout the whole planning process. It truly was the best day of my life!! If you are looking for a great wedding planner, look no further, Christi is your girl!! Thank you, Christi, you were amazing!"