The Ultimate Luxury Wedding Experience in South Lake Tahoe
By: Ryn Muat
When it comes to hosting a luxury wedding, there’s no place like the south shore of Lake Tahoe. Known for its incredible natural beauty, vibrant venues, and expert local vendors, Tahoe offers everything a couple could dream of for their big day. We sat down with two wedding experts, Lindsay Townsend of Cloud 9 Event Company and Corey Fox, a renowned Tahoe-based wedding photographer, to talk about what makes South Lake Tahoe the ideal destination for luxury weddings.
Q: Lindsay, how did you get started in the wedding industry?
Lindsay Townsend: I moved to South Lake Tahoe in 2006 after working in the music industry in Los Angeles. I was looking for a change, and the mountains felt like home. My first role in Tahoe was as a wedding coordinator at Zephyr Cove Resort, and from there, I fell in love with the process of creating unforgettable events. Over the years, I’ve planned weddings at some of Tahoe’s most iconic venues and have come to appreciate just how special Tahoe weddings—and Tahoe clients—really are.
Q: Corey, what led you to photography and weddings?
Corey Fox: I grew up visiting Lake Tahoe, and my journey into photography started while I was an acrobat. I discovered that carrying a camera helped me feel comfortable in social settings, and I quickly fell in love with capturing people’s stories. My first wedding gig came from a friend who trusted me to shoot her big day, and I was hooked. Weddings are this perfect blend of artistry and emotion, and I love how photography allows me to document the beauty and meaning of each moment.
Q: Why is South Lake Tahoe the perfect destination for a luxury wedding?
Lindsay Townsend: For me, it’s the stunning natural beauty—it’s literally breathtaking. South Shore also offers so much variety. There are luxury resorts, boutique hotels, and cozy Airbnbs, making it easy to accommodate guests with different tastes and budgets. Plus, the area has endless activities, from boat cruises to beach gatherings and even hot air balloon rides. South Lake Tahoe lets you create a wedding experience as formal or casual as you want, and there’s always something for your guests to enjoy.
Corey Fox: From a photographer’s perspective, South Shore has the best lighting on the lake. The sunsets are dreamy, and the shoreline views are unbeatable. The lighting here makes it easier to capture the vibrant blues of the water and those golden hour moments that feel like magic. South Lake Tahoe really makes my job easier—and the photos stunning.
Q: What makes a wedding in Tahoe feel truly luxurious?
Lindsay Townsend: Luxury doesn’t have to mean over-the-top. Here, it’s about intention—choosing thoughtful, meaningful details. The natural surroundings already set a spectacular stage, so couples don’t need elaborate décor. It’s also about making the experience seamless for your guests. Things like efficient transportation, clear timelines, and small personal touches, like handwritten notes for guests, go a long way toward creating that feeling of luxury.
Corey Fox: I completely agree. Luxury is about the energy and care you put into each detail. When couples focus on meaningful elements, it creates an emotional richness that guests will remember long after the day is over. And having a skilled, local vendor team who knows the area ensures everything feels effortless.
Q: Any unique ideas or trends you’ve seen recently?
Lindsay Townsend: I love when couples include personal touches. One of my favorites was a couple who wrote handwritten notes for each guest, which they displayed at the ceremony. It was such a heartfelt gesture. I also love seeing pets included in Tahoe weddings—it’s such a dog-friendly place, and pets are family, after all!
Corey Fox: For me, it’s seeing grooms get involved. Last season, a groom made wooden table numbers and coasters for their wedding, and the effort and thought behind it were so special. It’s those intentional, meaningful details that make a wedding feel truly luxurious.
There are endless ways to enhance your wedding in Tahoe…
Whether it’s a big boat cruise for your entire guest list or an intimate outing with just your immediate family and wedding party, here are some of our favorite ways to add a little extra Tahoe magic to your special day:
- Boat Cruises: Couples and guests can explore the lake by boat and discover the hidden nooks and crannies of the shoreline.
- Clear Kayaking: A unique way to see the lake’s stunning blue water up close.
- Hot Air Balloon Rides: A once-in-a-lifetime experience that launches and lands on a boat in the lake—perfect for creating unforgettable memories.
- Mini Golf at Flatstick Pub (year-round) or Magic Carpet: A casual and fun activity for welcome parties or post-wedding gatherings.
- Beach Gatherings of All Flavors: A relaxed option for welcome parties, rehearsal dinners or morning-after activities.
- Hiking: Endless trails around South Lake Tahoe offer adventure and stunning views for active guests.
- Meditation or Morning Yoga: Perfect for couples or guests looking for serenity before the big day.
Why South Lake Tahoe is the Ultimate Wedding Destination
From its breathtaking natural beauty to its warm and welcoming vendor community, South Lake Tahoe offers couples the perfect backdrop for their luxury wedding. Whether your style is formal and glamorous, or casual and heartfelt, Tahoe provides the unforgettable backdrop and support to create a wedding experience you and your guests will never forget.
Start planning your dream wedding today and discover why South Shore is the place to say “I do.”
All photos by Corey Fox Photography. Wedding designed and planned by Lindsay Townsend.
