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Helpful Hints for Beach Weddings in Lake Tahoe

Below are some tips for beach weddings here in the mountains. Some apply to all outdoor weddings and some are specific to us here in Tahoe. Remember the statements about the weather are general and based on our experience in Tahoe. We don't control it (unfortunately). For more information including historical averages, click here. Lake Tahoe weather.

1. Since this is a beach wedding you may want to go casual. Many of the problems listed below simply won't exist if you have a casual ceremony and reception.
2. The weather can play havoc with just about any outdoor wedding, so it's a good idea to have some sort of backup plan, especially the closer your wedding date is to fall and summer. While precipitation is not common during the summer months, wind is. Wind is bad for beach weddings, but there are steps you can take to minimize the risk. Winds typically pick up in the summer afternoons around 3 pm, and those are typically worse on the east shore (from about Edgewood up to Sand Harbor). In the event it is windy during your ceremony you will be glad it was something you thought of when deciding on your dress, veil, and hair. You'll want to avoid (or be able to clip) anything that can blow in front of you and your face during the ceremony and photo sessions. If you are planning a jewish ceremony, it is very important to have a plan for the chuppah in case of wind. Your photographer should plan some shots that take advantage of the wind. The rain, while less common, can cause more problems. In the summer, any rain is likely to be temporary, and may be something you can wait out. If you are doing the wedding yourself, have lots of towels on hand so you can dry off any chairs or other items quickly after the showers end. If it is an extended rain, well, you'll be glad you made that backup plan, right. In the event of snow, don't give up hope, you can be okay. A dry snow will be cold, but nowhere near as bad as a cold rain. A wet snow will be cold as well as messy. Some people plan to have their wedding in the snow, and with additional planning, it can be a very beautiful experience. Because this is Lake Tahoe, it can also get cold quickly on the beach. This is not a serious problem, just something you should prepare for and share with your guests in advance. During July and August, it can get pretty hot here in Tahoe, although highs in the 90 degree range are pretty unusual. During these 2 months only I would place the heat as a more important factor than the wind for advance planning. Have sunscreen on hand for your guests.
3. Don't forget the sand. If your aisle takes you directly onto the beach you should consider a runner that won't let your shoes poke through to soft sand underneath. This will also keep it heavy enough not to be blown by the wind. If your train has lacy trim you may notice that you have raked the beach behind you when you walked down the aisle. You'll want to avoid that I think.
4. Parking can be a problem at all Tahoe beaches. The established event sites may have strict regulations about parking which you must follow. For those that don't, you may want to take special precautions. Many beach parking lots fill up early meaning a long uncomfortable walk for your guests. If everyone is staying near or at the same place, arrange for bus transportation to and from the event. That way, parking is handled, but perhaps more importantly, so is driving.