11 Lovely Lakefront Wedding Venues in California
No more saltwater supremacy: some of California's most stunning waterfront venues aren't on the Pacific at all—they're on the lakes! From Shasta to Sonoma, and Tahoe to Trinity, CA's got no shortage of stunning lakes... and certainly not of lakeside wedding venues. Whether you opt for an adventurous mountaintop retreat set on a glacial lake or a luxe resort beside sun-warmed waters, each of these lakefront gems offers gorgeous natural surroundings, lots of clean, fresh air, and—of course—that sparkling blue water as your photogenic backdrop.
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
The Pines Resort on Bass Lake
Bass Lake, CA
Venue Superpowers:
17 Miles from Yosemite
Customizable Packages
Intimate Weddings Welcome
Fab Features: stunning ceremonies at the edge of Bass Lake's shimmering blue waters • receptions follow al fresco on the sprawling Gazebo Deck or indoors in the lovely Lakeview Room • full-service packages are generous and customizable, from an intimate microwedding to an Ultimate Wedding Package (which includes a Honeymoon Suite)
Catering: In-housePrice: $ • $$
Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino
Incline Village, Nevada
Venue Superpowers:
Scenic Setting
Romantic Elopements
Late Night Celebrations
Fab Features: variety of outdoor event spaces from the private beach to the Lakeside Cottage Green • the Lakeside ballroom boasts sophisticated decor, cutting-edge technology and picturesque waterfront and mountain views • indulge in day-of pampering at the Stillwater Spa and Salon
Catering: In-housePrice: $$ • $$$
North Tahoe Event Center
Kings Beach, California
Venue Superpowers:
North Tahoe Location
Affordable
Unobstructed Lake Views
Fab Features: versatile beachfront event venue on Tahoe's quiet North shore • the Lakeview Suite affords a stunning wedding backdrop with its wall of floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the water • exchange vows or mingle with cocktails on the gracious Terrace, which boasts unobstructed vistas of the sparkling blue water
Catering: Preferred listPrice: $ • $$
The Tahoe Ridge Resort
Stateline, Nevada
Venue Superpowers:
Lakeside Ceremonies
Mountain Views
On-Site Accommodations
Fab Features: up-close views of the breathtaking Genoa peak and surrounding valley • lakefront or garden ceremonies framed by pine trees and a rustic stone altar • wooden deck for scenic cocktail hours or receptions
Catering: In-housePrice: $ • $$
Station House Inn
South Lake Tahoe, CA
Venue Superpowers:
Private Beach
Affordable
Full Buyout Option
Fab Features: welcoming inn just a block from a private beach • say your vows on the sandy shore of beautiful Lake Tahoe, then stroll back to the inn for a poolside soiree • the event manager will hook you up with the best local vendors, from food trucks to photographers, so you can enjoy a fun-filled celebration for an affordable price
Catering: Preferred list, BYOPrice: $
M&M Events at Convict Lake Resort
Mammoth Lakes, CA
Venue Superpowers:
Lakeside Ceremonies
Year-Round Beauty
Tented Receptions
Fab Features: say "I do" lakeside with stunning views of Mt. Morrison, Laurel Mountain, and the surrounding hillsides • their on-site restaurant provides a romantic atmosphere for post-nuptial celebrations • gorgeous photo ops year-round
Catering: In-housePrice: $ • $$
The Terrace Room at The Lake Merritt
Oakland, California
Venue Superpowers:
Lake Views
Fine Dining Cuisine
Iconic Location
Fab Features: beautiful Art Deco ballroom and panoramic views of Lake Merritt • the wall of 20-foot, floor-to-ceiling windows that extend along the entire front of this grand space treats diners to a bird’s-eye view of the lake, Lakeside Park, and the distant hills • indulge in upscale American cuisine tailor-made for your event
Catering: In-housePrice: $ • $$
Lassen Meadows Ranch
Chester, CA
Venue Superpowers:
Private Retreat
Lakefront Lawns
Camping Welcome
Fab Features: 160-acre private getaway in the Northern Sierras with a lake, meadows and stunning mountain views • picturesque events move from sprawling green lawns to a barn and outdoor kitchen pavilion • a cozy cabin for the newlyweds and plenty of space for guest camping beneath the stars
Catering: BYOPrice: $ • $$
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
San Moritz Lodge
Crestline, California
Venue Superpowers:
Chalet Vibes
Surrounded by Mature Forest
All-Inclusive
Fab Features: a grand chalet among cool green cedar and pine forests • hold a fairy-tale ceremony outdoors on the Ceremony Lawn in front of the Lodge • dance the night away with the view of the mountains and a forest of tall trees around a sparkling mountain lake as your backdrop
Catering: In-housePrice: $ • $$
Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa
Lake Arrowhead, California
Venue Superpowers:
Full-Service Resort
Lakeside Ceremonies
Destination Weddings
Fab Features: full-service AAA Four Diamond Resort nestled along the lakeshore in the richly forested San Bernardino Mountains • exchange vows on the lovely lakeside lawn, flanked by towering pines • the Lakeview Terrace Room boasts warm tones, picture windows, and glass doors that open onto an al fresco terrace
Catering: In-housePrice: $ • $$ • $$$
Westlake Yacht Club
Westlake Village, California
Venue Superpowers:
Lakeside Setting
New England-Style Clubhouse
Casual Elegance
Fab Features: Cape Cod-inspired yacht club overlooking a scenic 125-acre lake • both laid-back and upscale events work beautifully in the neutral-toned interior, with its oak walls, soaring beamed ceiling and wall of windows • picturesque lakefront panoramas from the deck, edged with forested hills and almost perennial blue skies
Catering: In-housePrice: $ • $$
See even more stunning venues on California's waterfronts!
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