It just doesn’t get any more romantic than a winter wedding in the snow. Cozy firelight, hot toddies, and a natural backdrop of white to facilitate endless color possibilities make this chilly season a delightful setting for the sweetest, most intimate of ceremonies.
But there is one trick to it…
Slippery surfaces, chilly temps, and other unexpected considerations mean that planning a winter wedding requires some additional thought. Fortunately, there are places with planners who know their snow. Places like South Tahoe—an area known for hosting some of the most gorgeous winter wedding ceremonies in the world.
Here are seven South Tahoe venues that have entertained many unforgettable, world-class winter weddings. And listed along with them are a few of the uncommon features that make each one a place where winter wedding magic comes alive.
The Ridge Tahoe
Photo courtesy of The Ridge Tahoe Weddings
The combination of ideal seclusion and incredible views is what makes The Ridge Tahoe a winter wedding wonderland. As if it weren’t enough that this resort sits on 11 acres of peaceful alpine forest, it also boasts some of the most incredible views in the area. Wedding goers at The Ridge Tahoe are surrounded by spectacular towering mountain peaks and enjoy glittering views of the Carson Valley lights at night.
Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel
Glittering, snowy beach ceremonies surrounding by snow-capped peaks are a specialty at the Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel. The resort’s planning team is expert at keeping things comfy during these outdoor winter events. And the team is equally good at creating cozy indoor receptions for the perfect complement. For couples who prefer an indoor ceremony setting, the hotel has a beautiful atrium with a stone fireplace, as well as a ballroom, too. And there’s never a shortage of things to do later on. Right around the corner, there’s shopping, dining, casino fun, ice skating, and a whole lot of everything else.
Beach Retreat & Lodge at Tahoe (Tahoe Beach Retreat)
Photo courtesy of the Beach Retreat & Lodge
The Lakeview Ballroom is always a favorite among winter wedding guests at the Beach Retreat & Lodge at Tahoe—affectionately referred to as “Tahoe Beach Retreat.” From the sand to the snow, your ceremony can take place right on the beach. The venue’s planning services are always a favorite among couples. Members of the Beach Retreat’s planning team pride themselves in making a couple feel as though their wedding is the most important thing the team is doing that day (because, according to them, it is!). The resort is also a great place for holiday parties, bachelor and bachelorette parties and rehearsal dinners.
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Who knew a rock n’ roll reception could be this beautiful? Photo credit: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
It’s not tough to figure out what makes the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino an incredibly unique venue for a winter wedding. With kitsch rustic-ness and legendary rock n’ roll ambiance, this venue sets the stage for a winter wedding ceremony full of surprises. The venue sits just 1,000 yards from the lake shore, and the planning team is full-service, capable of handling every detail—from the rehearsal dinner to the ceremony and reception.
Lake Tahoe Cruises/Zephyr Cove Resort
Photo courtesy of Zephyr Cove
A winter wedding ceremony along the Lake Tahoe shoreline, followed by a romantic reception aboard a classic paddle wheeler sounds like a dream. But Lake Tahoe Cruises / Zephyr Cove Resort makes this magical experience a reality for hundreds of couples every year. These ceremonies are among the most intimate and beautiful available, and the planning team is among the best. A couple can choose to have the reception aboard the paddle wheeler or inside the Zephyr Cove Resort’s cozy lodge restaurant—whatever fits their fancy.
The Landing
At The Landing Resort & Spa, couples get to experience “weddings at a higher level.” Not only is the resort thousands of feet above sea level, but couples who get married there can exchange vows high up on the Grand Rooftop Terrace overlooking the lake. The Landing is a full-service, 5-Star resort known for its gourmet cuisine, impeccable service, and what is considered the area’s finest spa.
Valhalla Historic Site
Rustic elegance and charm fill the Grand Hall at Valhalla, the centerpiece of the Tallac Historical Site on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe. This venue offers one of the most spectacular holiday wedding packages we’ve seen, complete with a towering 20-foot Christmas tree, romantic twinkle lights, and the warm glow of a roaring fire. Enchantment is word one when it comes to Valhalla winter weddings. But, be advised: This special venue offers special Christmas weddings only two weekends in December, so book well in advance. Learn how you can start planning yours on our Valhalla Tahoe partner page.
To learn more about the magical winter wedding possibilities in South Tahoe, be sure to visit the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority (LTVA) website.
