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Writer's pictureLydia Mattern

Lake Tahoe All-Inclusive Wedding Venue or Fully Customizable: Let Us Help You Decide


Lake Tahoe all-inclusive wedding venue vs fully customizable

One of the best parts of planning a wedding in Lake Tahoe is the abundance of stunning wedding venues to choose from. As you’re making your choice, you’ll have to decide between an all-inclusive wedding venue and a customizable space. At Epic Thyme, we’ve had the opportunity to plan weddings at both types of venues, each offering advantages that cater to different visions and needs.


Whether you’re drawn to the convenience and simplicity of an all-inclusive wedding venue or the creative freedom of a fully customizable space, understanding the differences can help you make the best choice for your special day. With Epic Thyme by your side, we’ll guide you through what a Lake Tahoe all-inclusive wedding looks like and explore the possibilities for personalization to make your day as magical as the destination itself.


Customizable vs All-Inclusive Wedding Packages FAQs

Choosing between customizable and all-inclusive wedding packages can shape the entire wedding experience. Let’s take a quick look at the differences to get a feel for your needs on the big day.


What Is an All-Inclusive Wedding Venue?

An all-inclusive venue is like a one-stop shop for all your wedding needs. Imagine having your ceremony, reception, catering, and even decorations and accommodations all bundled together in one convenient package. It's designed to take the stress out of wedding planning so you can focus on enjoying every moment (without worrying about the details!).



Does All-Inclusive Mean Everything Is Free?

While all-inclusive wedding packages might sound like everything is free (hey, wouldn’t that be nice?), it actually means that a range of services and amenities are bundled together for one price. So instead of paying separately for each aspect of your wedding, you pay a single fee that covers your essentials. It’s a hugely convenient way to manage your budget. But keep in mind that extras or specific customizations might come with additional costs.


What Is the Average Cost of an All-Inclusive Wedding Venue in Lake Tahoe?

Planning a wedding in Lake Tahoe with an all-inclusive venue can offer both convenience and stunning scenery, but it's important to know what to expect cost-wise. On average, you might be looking at anywhere from $15,000 to $30,000, depending on the services included and the time of year. This price typically covers the venue, catering, and sometimes additional perks like decorations or accommodations, making it a streamlined option for a memorable day.


Lake Tahoe all-inclusive wedding venue vs fully customizable

What Is a Fully Customizable Wedding Venue?

A fully customizable wedding venue is like a blank canvas where you can bring your unique vision to life. Unlike all-inclusive venues, these spaces give you the freedom to choose each detail, from the decor and catering to the entertainment and layout. It's perfect if you want your wedding to reflect your personal style and creativity, offering endless possibilities to make your big day truly one-of-a-kind.


What Is the Average Cost of a Fully Customizable Wedding Venue in Lake Tahoe?

For personalizable spaces, you're looking at a wide price range that varies based on your specific choices and requirements. Typically, costs can start around $10,000 and can go upward of $50,000. This gives you the flexibility to tailor every aspect of your wedding, from decor to catering, making sure it perfectly matches your vision. Remember, the more unique your selections are, the more they might impact the total cost — but it's all about creating your dream day!



Picking Your Perfect Wedding Set-Up

So should you have a Lake Tahoe all-inclusive wedding or find a blank canvas venue to bring your vision to life? Here are some pros and cons of both options to help you decide.


All-Inclusive Wedding Venue Pros

An all-inclusive wedding venue in Lake Tahoe can simplify your planning and offer peace of mind. These packages bundle everything you need into one convenient deal, allowing you to focus on celebrating rather than stressing over details.


  • Streamlined planning with bundled services.

  • Often includes experienced staff handling logistics.

  • Can be more budget-friendly with a set price.

  • Offers a cohesive theme and style throughout your event.

  • Reduces the need for multiple vendor contracts.


It’s a great choice for out-of-town couples planning a Lake Tahoe destination wedding, as well as those who want a stress-free experience with everything conveniently arranged in one package.



All-Inclusive Wedding Venue Cons

Opting for an all-inclusive wedding venue might seem like a dream come true, but it's not without its drawbacks. Before you decide, it's important to weigh some potential downsides.


  • Limited flexibility in terms of customization.

  • Packages might include services or features you don't need.

  • Potential for higher costs if you want to add personalized touches.

  • Less control over the selection of vendors or specific menu options.

  • May not fully match your unique vision or theme preferences.


It’s worth thinking over some of these cons to determine if any would be dealbreakers for you in planning your big day or if the pros outweigh them! 



Fully-Customizable Wedding Venue Pros

A fully customizable wedding venue gives you the freedom to tailor every aspect of your special day to create an event that feels 100% you. With endless possibilities, you can create a celebration that reflects your personality and dreams.


  • Complete control over the choice of vendors and services.

  • Ability to infuse personal touches and unique themes throughout the event.

  • Flexibility to adapt the venue layout to suit your needs.

  • Opportunity to experiment with innovative ideas and decor.

  • Perfect for creating a bespoke experience that stands out.


With a fully customizable venue, your wedding becomes a genuine reflection of your individuality, making it an unforgettable celebration.


Fully-Customizable Wedding Venue Cons

While a fully customizable wedding venue offers creative freedom, it also comes with its own set of challenges. Before diving into this option, consider some potential drawbacks you might encounter.


  • Potentially higher costs as you select separate vendors and services.

  • More time-consuming planning and coordination are required.

  • Increased complexity in managing multiple contracts and schedules.

  • Risk of logistical issues if vendors are not familiar with the venue.

  • Possibility of going over budget due to individually priced components.


Weighing these cons can help you decide if a fully customizable approach aligns with your wedding vision, budget, and planning capabilities!


Lake Tahoe all-inclusive wedding venue vs fully customizable

A Closer Look at Two Lake Tahoe Venues

Two of our favorite venues in the Tahoe area are Edgewood Tahoe and Olympic Valley Stables. Let’s take a closer look at these options to highlight the differences between a Lake Tahoe all-inclusive wedding and a customizable option.


Lake Tahoe All-Inclusive Wedding Venue: Edgewood Tahoe

At Edgewood Tahoe, everything you need for your wedding is delivered with a bow! Here's what you can expect:


  • Venue Rental: Includes culinary and service tent, restrooms, required fencing, and lighting.

  • Tableware and Linens: Exquisite Edgewood glassware, silverware, and china; white floor-length table linens and napkins.

  • Seating Options: Standard tables and chairs, plus elegant white folding garden chairs for outdoor use and optional brown Chavari chairs.

  • Professional Services: Event valet parking and a dedicated team of professional service staff.

  • Reception Features: A dance floor and two metal floor easels to make your event shine.

  • Accommodations: Newlyweds receive a complimentary one-night stay in a Tahoe King Mountain View room; guests enjoy a 15% reduced hotel rate (subject to availability).

  • Preferred Local Partners: Access to a curated list of partners to enhance your special day.

  • Catering Requirements: All food and beverages must be supplied by Edgewood Tahoe, ensuring top-quality service.


As a Lake Tahoe all-inclusive wedding venue, Edgewood Tahoe wraps up every detail to make your wedding day simple and elegant!


Lake Tahoe Fully Customizable Wedding Venue: Olympic Valley Stables

At Olympic Valley Stables, the options for your wedding are endless, but you’ll have to book some vendors separately. Here’s what you need to know:


  • Elopement Package: For intimate gatherings of 20-30 people, enjoy a 3-hour ceremony with 2 hours for setup and breakdown. Includes ceremony space and an on-site arch.

  • Sweetheart Package: Host up to 250 guests for a full-day celebration. This package includes a 50x64’ reception tent, a 30x30’ libations tent, bridal lounges, a kitchen, a teepee, bistro string lights, and fire pits.

  • Deluxe Package: Extend your celebration over two days, offering full flexibility to organize events like rehearsal dinners or additional ceremonies. Includes everything in the Sweetheart Package plus 24-hour access.

  • Luxury Package: Maximize your celebration with a three-day event, offering 34 hours of venue access. Perfect for creating multi-day experiences with complete freedom and flexibility.


Unlike Edgewood Tahoe, Olympic Valley Stables doesn't include tables, chairs, and linens, catering, valet parking, additional decor items, on-site accommodations, or service staff. This gives you the freedom to choose vendors that fit your style, but you’ll need to budget accordingly. Regardless of whether you want a minimal setup or an elaborate setting, the stables provide a versatile canvas for crafting your wedding. 


Plan Your Dream Tahoe Wedding With Epic Thyme

When planning your Lake Tahoe wedding, choosing between all-inclusive wedding packages or a customizable space is just the beginning. Most venues require couples to hire a wedding planner due to the myriad of details that need managing. While on-site venue staff are adept at handling venue-specific needs, they don't assist with the broader scope of wedding planning. This is where Epic Thyme steps in, ensuring every aspect of your wedding is seamlessly orchestrated.


Here’s a great example that we see with many of our couples: Suppose you want to go outside of the venue-provided linen, china, glassware, etc. In that case, you’ll need to provide your own, which means either renting or buying. Custom linen and tabletop design are often where the color palette comes alive and makes weddings unique! This is also where a planner is needed. 


As your wedding planner, we will work with the venue's provided items and your budget to help create a design that's beautiful and unique. We’ll also source rental vendors for any decor additions the venue is lacking, like custom twinkle lights, drapery installs, or even propane fire pits for chilly nights outside. At Epic Thyme, we offer comprehensive, full-service wedding planning that covers all your needs!


Here's how we make your dream wedding a reality:


  • Budget Management: We help you allocate your resources effectively, making sure you stay within your means without compromising on quality.

  • Vendor Selection: Our team curates a list of trusted Lake Tahoe vendors, handling negotiations and contracts to secure the best deals.

  • Design Inspiration: We transform your vision into reality, crafting a personalized design that reflects the vibe you want for your wedding. 

  • Venue Coordination: From logistics to layout, we manage all interactions with the venue to make sure everything runs smoothly.

  • Day-of Management: Our team is on-site to oversee the event, helping with set-up and tear-down, so you don’t have to lift a finger.


With Epic Thyme, you can focus on celebrating your love story while we handle the intricate planning details. Let us guide you through a stress-free wedding planning journey, turning your Tahoe wedding into an unforgettable experience. Get in touch with us today!


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