Tips for Planning Your Lake Tahoe Micro Wedding

If you’ve been dreaming about a wedding day that feels intentional, deeply personal, and wrapped in the kind of scenery that makes you look at each other with full-body holy-wow-this-is-our-life energy… a Lake Tahoe micro wedding might be exactly what you’re craving.

Micro weddings aren’t simply a smaller version of the same large wedding. They are highly meaningful celebrations with your favorite humans, where you get to be truly present with each other, as well as your guests. You still get all the big moments like getting ready with your closest people, walking down the aisle, sharing toasts, and dancing the night away under the starlight.

Think of a micro wedding as the best parts of a traditional wedding blended with the freedom and intimacy of an elopement. And if you choose to have your micro wedding in Lake Tahoe, you get to anchor that love in a place where mountain air, clear blue water, and towering pines create a backdrop you’ll feel in your bones.

Here’s everything you need to know about how to plan your Lake Tahoe micro wedding + some of my favorite Lake Tahoe micro wedding venues.

Planning Your Lake Tahoe Micro Wedding

Before we dive into venues and timelines, pause and ask yourselves: What do we want this day to feel like?

Do you want…

• A sunrise ceremony in the forest?
• A lakeside celebration with your family surrounding you as you walk down a sandy aisle? (yes, we can always find a way to have an aisle)
• An intimate gathering in an outdoor grove with sunlight filtering through the trees?
• A sunset dinner with your favorite people at a cozy Lake Tahoe restaurant?

Your micro wedding is a chance to design a day that reflects exactly who you are. You can still include your cultural traditions, favorite foods, people, and favorite music. You can still share first looks, speeches, and dances. The sky is the limit!

Choose Your Lake Tahoe Micro Wedding Venue Based on Your Vision

Tahoe gives you endless possibilities: lake overlooks, forest trails, secluded beaches, indoor chapels, picnic nooks, and even boat decks floating on sapphire-blue water. Below are some of the best micro-wedding ceremony and reception spots!

North Lake Tahoe Micro-Wedding Venues

Gar Woods

Gar Woods offers a beautiful lakeside ceremony site, private dining rooms with huge picture windows, and a lively, celebratory atmosphere. It’s great for couples who want an elevated yet relaxed experience. You’ll get delicious food, incredible views, and a space that feels both polished and unmistakably Tahoe.

Check out how Sarah and Russ celebrated their day with their loved ones at Gar Woods!

Alibi Ale Works

You’ll have to plan your ceremony somewhere off-site, but the celebration here will be a total vibe. Think beers, pizza, laughter, and a relaxed gathering spot where your people can truly unwind. It’s ideal for couples who want a fun, chill reception

The Aspen Grove

Tucked beneath towering trees, Aspen Grove is one of the coziest woodsy venues on the North Shore. It offers that classic Tahoe forest feel with the convenience of parking, event infrastructure, and nearby lake access. It’s an excellent fit for couples who want an outdoor ceremony that’s easy for guests yet still feels tucked away in nature.

Skylandia

Skylandia Park is a hidden gem in Lake Tahoe and definitely one of my top spots for couples who want to bring a few guests. It gives you a little bit of everything: forest trails, quiet beach alcoves, lake views, and a designated picnic area perfect for intimate celebrations.

Check out Jenn and Brian’s Skylandia micro wedding for inspiration!

Sand Harbor

Sand Harbor is one of the most picturesque spots on Lake Tahoe. This area is renowned for its beaches, crystal-clear waters, and striking rock formations, providing a killer backdrop for your elopement. Sand Harbor is part of the Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park, so you’ll need to secure a permit for your ceremony. Sand Harbor is an ideal choice for those who love the idea of a beach wedding with a touch of mountain scenery.

Mountain High Wedding Chapel

Mountain High is a sweet and intimate indoor chapel for couples who want the comfort of an enclosed space while still being close to the Tahoe magic. Mountain High seats around 10 guests, making it ideal for very small gatherings or winter micro weddings when the weather gets unpredictable. 

South Lake Tahoe Micro-Wedding Venues

Desolation Hotel in Hope Valley

Desolation Hotel is warm and rustic and perfect for cozy receptions and nature lovers. There are cozy cabins to make it a full getaway for you and your guests, as well as easy access to nearby stunning ceremony locations. You can easily combine a beautiful outdoor ceremony with a more elevated reception!

Check out this beautiful micro wedding day at Desolation Hotel for inspiration!

The Arch (Ceremony Only)

The Arch is a lakeside ceremony-only venue in Lake Tahoe! It provides a beautiful outdoor setting right by the lake, offering stunning water and Sierra Nevada mountain views for your ceremony. The Arch is ideal for couples looking for a simple yet elegant lakeside wedding!

Get inspired by how your ceremony could look at the Arch here!

And here are some of my fave Lake Tahoe breweries and restaurants for the reception to follow!

The Charthouse

The Charthouse is a beautiful option for couples who want a refined, cozy dinner with their closest loved ones after a lakeside ceremony. Think candlelit tables, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a warm, intimate atmosphere where everyone can relax and share toasts.

South of North Brewing

South of North Brewing is a fun, charming, and rustic brewery located right in the heart of South Lake Tahoe. This venue is perfect for couples looking for a laid-back and unique celebration. The brewery offers a casual atmosphere with great craft beers, outdoor decks, and a cozy indoor space. It’s great for intimate gatherings with a relaxed, personal feel.

Tipsy Putt

Tipsy Putt is a playful, modern mini-golf bar that brings a burst of personality into your micro wedding day. Tipsy Putt is perfect for couples who want something different from the traditional “sit-down dinner” vibe. Your guests can sip craft cocktails and local beers, challenge each other on the putting course, and celebrate in a fun, quirky space.

Riva Grill

Riva Grill is an iconic waterfront restaurant right on the sandy shores of South Lake Tahoe. Riva Grill offers bright, airy spaces with huge windows overlooking the lake — plus an outdoor deck that absolutely glows during golden hour. 

The Hangar

The Hangar is a relaxed, open-air beer garden surrounded by tall pines and mountain air. It is a great option for low-key couples who want to keep things easy, fun, and outdoorsy. They have food trucks rotating throughout the week and plenty of space for you and your guests to mingle.

Airbnbs and Vacation Rentals

Some Airbnbs do allow intimate weddings or small celebrations, but it’s never guaranteed. Airbnb has strict rules about parties and gatherings, and many listings prohibit events entirely. If you’re considering using a vacation rental, you must message the host directly, explain your plan clearly, and get their permission in writing through the Airbnb platform. Some hosts welcome small, respectful gatherings; others do not allow any events, so always check ahead.

A pro tip is to find the same property listed on another platform, which is more forthcoming about events.

That said? When you find the right fit, a vacation rental can easily take the place of a traditional venue, and often without the traditional venue price tag. 

It’s also an incredible backup plan if Tahoe’s weather decides to throw a curveball. With a beautiful rental, you’ll still have a cozy, meaningful space to hold your ceremony or host a celebration.

And depending on the vibe you want for your micro wedding, you can look for homes with:

• Hot tubs
• Saunas
• Fire pits
• Gorgeous decks overlooking the lake
• Extra rooms for a handful of guests
• Private forest access
• Spacious kitchens for private chef dinners

Some properties even sit on more secluded land, which is perfect if you want privacy, minimal hiking, or the ability to soak in quiet moments without worrying about crowds.

You can check out Kari & Rob’s Lake Tahoe Airbnb micro wedding for inspiration here!

Boat Celebrations

For couples who want a little adventure, I recommend taking private or semi-private charters and having your micro wedding on the lake itself. Imagine exchanging vows on deck with mountain peaks in the distance, sharing a champagne toast as waves shimmer beneath you, or hosting a cozy dinner cruise with your closest people

Lake Tahoe is stunning at any time of day, but I really recommend trying to hit the golden hour. It’s going to be absolutely magical on the water! I also recommend packing some layers because it can get breezy on the water. 

There are a number of options, from a fully private charter to possibly sharing the vessel with others. Some of my favorite charters are:

• Tahoe Star
• Sail Tahoe Blue
• Safari Rose  
• Spirit of Tahoe

You can check out some more unique celebration ideas on my blog here! 

Ready to Plan Your Lake Tahoe Micro Wedding?

Hey, I’m Amanda, and my favorite micro weddings involve having a ceremony at an epic location, then a smaller celebration and family photos there, followed by a nice restaurant where your guests can unwind, eat, and celebrate in a relaxed atmosphere. 

Whether you’re envisioning an intimate forest ceremony, a barefoot lakeside vow exchange, or an intimate dinner with your favorite people, I’m here to help you bring it all to life. From the moment you book with me to the day you say your vows, I’ll be there to make sure every detail is handled so you can focus on what really matters!

Ready to have me by your side as your Lake Tahoe elopement photographer and planner? You can check out my portfolio here, and when you’re ready, send me a message here! I cannot wait to hear from you!