Are you dreaming of getting married in beautiful Lake Tahoe? It’s such a dreamy wedding destination for so many reasons. But — in full transparency — it’s not cheap, and it’s important to understand how much a Lake Tahoe wedding costs before you start planning.
There are so many factors at play — like whether you go with an all-inclusive venue or a customizable space. Things like the size of your guest list, the location, the music, the food, flowers, photography, and decorations all add up when you’re mapping out your Tahoe wedding package budget. Curious about what it might all look like (and if a Lake Tahoe wedding on a budget is possible)? Let's break it down and explore what goes into the cost of a Lake Tahoe wedding!
How Much Do Weddings Cost in California?
We need to give you a quick geography lesson to better understand how much a Lake Tahoe wedding costs. The lake is actually located in two states, California and Nevada, and the cost of your Tahoe wedding package can vary depending on which state you get married in.
According to a recent survey, the average California wedding costs $41,000, and the average Nevada wedding costs $21,000. However, because Lake Tahoe is one of the most popular wedding destinations in the U.S., it’s also typically more expensive than the state average.
What’s Included in the Lake Tahoe Wedding Cost?
When it comes to a Lake Tahoe wedding, pricing can vary a lot — and it all depends on a few big factors. Things like the time of year, the venue you choose, the size of your guest list, and whether you go for a pre-packaged wedding deal can all play a role.
Speaking of those wedding packages … they’re a great way to get a sense of starting costs since they typically include the venue and some basics. But keep in mind, they usually don’t cover everything. You’ll likely need to plan for extra vendors to handle things like your cake, music, decorations, and other details that make your day uniquely yours.
To give you an idea of what you might be looking at, here are the starting prices for two popular Lake Tahoe venues: Heavenly Mountain Resort and Edgewood Tahoe Resort.
Heavenly Mountain Resort - Lakeview Lodge
Heavenly Mountain Resort - Lakeview Lodge is a popular Lake Tahoe wedding venue that offers a variety of indoor and outdoor options for a wedding ceremony and reception. Here’s how this Tahoe wedding package breaks down by price.
Availability: June-September
Accommodates: Up to 200 Guests
Food & Beverage Minimum: Starting at $8,000++
Venue Package: Starting at $5,000 – including ceremony site, dining tables and chairs, display tables, cocktail tables, standard linens, china, stemware, cutlery, ceremony chairs, dance floor, and Aerial Tram transportation
Edgewood Tahoe Resort - Reception Space
Edgewood Tahoe Resort is a luxurious and dreamy Tahoe wedding venue with multiple indoor and outdoor spaces available. The two most popular rooms for a wedding reception in Tahoe are the North Room, which starts at $15,000 for 150 guests, and the South Room, which starts at $10,000 for 90 guests. Additional space for wedding events such as a rehearsal dinner, welcome party, and farewell brunch will cost around $12,000. Again, these are just starting points that don’t factor in other vendors you’ll need to bring your vision to life!
While the above two examples range upwards of $15,000 for the venue, there are Tahoe wedding packages that can cost up to $40,000 — like packages offered at the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort.
Lake Tahoe Private Estate Wedding
Thinking about a Tahoe wedding at a private estate? It definitely has a different vibe than going with a wedding package at a popular venue. On average, you’re looking at around $65,000 for a private estate wedding since there aren’t any built-in amenities included — but the trade-off? Total creative freedom.
With a private wedding, you can plan something truly unique and completely “out-of-the-box.” It’s the perfect option if you want your special day to reflect your vision without fitting into a pre-made package. Of course, it all comes down to your budget and priorities. Sometimes, stepping away from a standard package is what makes the dream wedding come alive.
Don’t Forget Your Lake Tahoe Wedding Vendors
Your wedding venue is transformed into a dreamy, rustic, elegant, fun wedding with the help of your wedding vendors. It’s important to remember to budget your vendors into your overall Lake Tahoe wedding cost. Vendor pricing varies by the type of vendor and the company you choose.
First and foremost, to make the wedding planning process smooth and simple, you will want to find a Lake Tahoe wedding planner to help you navigate all the details. At Epic Thyme, we specialize in helping couples make their Lake Tahoe wedding dream a spectacular reality. We also help you find the best wedding venue and local vendors in the Tahoe area that fit within your budget.
Here is how much a typical wedding vendor costs in the Tahoe area:
Wedding Planner: $8,000-$20,000
Bride and Bridesmaids Fashion: $4,500
Groom and Groomsmen Attire: $500
Beauty (for the bride): $500 for the bride only (+ an additional $100 per service for bridesmaids and the Mother of the Bride)
Stationary: $1,500
Venues: $9,000
Officiant: $450
Photography: $5,500
Cinema: $5,000
Catering: $14,000 (+ Tax and Service)
Cake: $1,200
Bar and Beverage: $3,400 to $5,500
DJ: $2,600
Transportation: $1,200 per bus
Rentals and Decorations: $8,500
Florals: $6,500 (starting price)
Favors and Gifts: $1,500
Rehearsal Dinner: $4,000 (but should not be included in the wedding budget)
Brunch: $1,500
Travel and Accommodations: $1,200 (not including vendor lodging)
Production Staff: $1,000
Vendor Tips: $2,000
Total: $83,550 (starting price)
And here is approximately how much of your wedding budget you should allocate to each vendor:
Wedding Planner: (10.6%)
Bride and Bridesmaids Fashion: (5.7%)
Groom and Groomsmen Attire: (0.6%)
Beauty (for the bride): (0.6%)
Stationary: (1.9%)
Venues: (11%)
Officiant: (0.57%)
Photography: (7%)
Cinema: (6.3%)
Catering: (17.6%)
Cake: (1.5%)
Bar and Beverage: (4.3%)
DJ: (3.3%)
Transportation: (1.5%)
Rentals and Decorations: (10%)
Florals: (8%)
Favors and Gifts: (1.9%)
Rehearsal Dinner: (5%) (but should not be included in the wedding budget)
Brunch: (1.9%)
Travel and Accommodations: (1.5%)
Production Staff: (1.2%)
Vendor Tips: (2.4%)
Is a Lake Tahoe Wedding on a Budget Possible?
If you’re freaking out right now thinking that number is way too high, breathe. There are ways to decrease costs! For example, there are more affordable Lake Tahoe wedding venues that are less than $9,000. One of our favorites is North Tahoe Event Center!
One of the perks of working with a Lake Tahoe wedding planner like Epic Thyme is we can find ways to minimize spending without compromising your wedding vision. We can help you discover creative solutions, such as repurposing décor or finding vendor packages that fit your priorities. With personalized guidance, we’ll make sure your special day is unforgettable by focusing on the details that truly reflect your love story.
Plan Your Lake Tahoe Wedding with Epic Thyme
Your perfect Lake Tahoe wedding begins here. With endless possibilities in this breathtaking destination, Epic Thyme is your trusted partner in making it all come to life. With years of experience crafting unforgettable celebrations, we know exactly how to turn your wedding vision into a stunning reality.
Whether you’re prioritizing an eco-friendly wedding or want a dreamy bohemian celebration, we’ll help you stay on budget while bringing your vision to life. From breathtaking venues to top-notch local vendors, we’ll help you find the perfect match for your vision. Get in touch with us and start planning your Lake Tahoe wedding today!
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