Most people are not fans of cold. Since moving to Tahoe in 2006, I spend an extraordinary amount of small talk time trying to explain that I do, in fact, enjoy living in a place where it snows. My life in winter does come with extra benefits, like powder days, that most people don’t understand because they think of skiing as a vacation and not a lifestyle. You go to Costco on the weekend and I go skiing.
There’s even fewer people in the world that are interested in combining the words winter with wedding. I’m here to tell you though – if you want a winter wedding or elopement, there can actually be something magical about saying “I do” amidst a winter wonderland. Romcom dreams with the enchantment of snow-covered landscapes? A Tahoe winter wedding might be just what you’re looking for.
When it comes to adventurous types, my clients from January 2023, Greg and Daphne, might just take home the gold. They wanted NOTHING more than a magical white Tahoe winter wedding and a magical white blizzard of a Tahoe winter wedding is what the weather gods provided for them. If you are cold blooded, or just want to stress out your family (I kid, I kid), the magic of a Tahoe winter wedding is unmatched: glistening snow, brutally crisp air, and breathtaking landscapes (that you might not be able to see from all that pow coming down) create a memorable backdrop. However, planning a winter wedding in Tahoe comes with its own set of challenges and opportunities, as this rad couple discovered and it is not for the faint of heart.
Things to consider when planning a Tahoe winter wedding
- THE DATE – If you really truly want snow, you should know that outside of about every 5 years when we have a REALLY big winter (as we did this past year), that it often doesn’t snow by Thanksgiving. In fact, it often doesn’t snow straight into the Christmas holiday. Selecting the right date for your Tahoe winter wedding is crucial if snow is very important to you – generally the end of February, all of March and the beginning of April is a safe bet for guaranteed white stuff.
- THE VENUE – You might be thrilled to force your friends and loved ones outside during your ceremony, come snow or shine, but make sure there is somewhere warm, cozy, and inviting to enjoy the rest of your evening in. The Idle Hour made a great location for a wedding on the intimate side – it’s lakefront patio was the perfect informal backdrop for their ceremony and the warmth of the indoors was just steps away. If you’re hosting a larger event, you’re going to want something warmer, larger and possibly with more rustic charm. Tahoe has very few venues that will hold upwards of 85 people indoors in the dead of winter though, so maybe keep that guest list to the bare minimum.
3. DRESS FOR THE OCCASION – invariably, city folk will come to Tahoe and make the mistake, regardless of the time of year, of wearing heels. Make sure that you encourage your guests to dress appropriately for the weather (think warm accessories, flat boots with tread on them, wraps and hats!).
4. PLAN FOR EXTREME WEATHER – Tahoe’s winter weather can be unpredictable, as Greg and Daphne discovered, so it’s essential to be prepared. Work closely with local services to manage snow removal and transportation logistics. Have a contingency plan in place for unexpected storms and keep guests informed about any potential changes to the schedule. There is a chance that the roads into Tahoe may close to snow conditions and avalanches at any time in the winter, so make sure that your guests recognize that not only can they not drive on the same day (or they may miss the extravaganza) but in the most extreme of winters, they may want to arrive a few days early and they will need to carry tire chains for their rental cars. For ceremony day, I suggest a professional transportation company to keep them extra safe on potentially snowy and icy roads.
5. LEAN ON THE VIBE: Mix in that winter wonderland decor and whatever you do, don’t forget the cozy blankets and faux fur throws. Evergreen, pinecones, and twinkling lights can turn any winter scene into a winter wedding wonderland.
6. KEEP THEM WARM: Ax the custom cold cocktails and keep those people warm and toasty with hot beverage stations instead. From hot chocolate for the kids to mulled wine for the adults, there’s plenty of options for cozy, toasty and slightly tipsy.
7. THROWING A TAHOE WINTER ELOPEMENT? Just walk on out in the forest, or down to one of our beaches, and pick the entirely quiet people free spot of your dreams. If you’re lucky, our beaches will be covered in snow (but certainly not people) and you’ll have a pristine, quiet, winter wonderland to say your vows together in.
A Tahoe winter wedding is a magical way to celebrate love amidst the snow-covered peaks and serene landscapes. If you’re hoping for a winter white wedding extravaganza, just make sure you’re fully comfortable and familiar with winter weather and conditions so that you can anticipate and address potential challenges. Any number of surprises can happen when planning and executing a Tahoe winter wedding – from slightly adjusting timelines due to weather conditions, coordinating with vendors to clear the deck of snow, and making sure that everyone is on the same page with some last minute finagling, your preparedness and proactivity will allow you to have the winter wedding of your dreams, albeit one filled with both warmth and joy. So…. bundle up y’all!
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