Planning a wedding in Sand Harbor? Wedy is your go-to platform for effortless wedding planning. From finding top-tier vendors to securing stunning venues, we make eloping at Sand Harbor seamless and stress-free.
Sand Harbor is a renowned wedding destination, famous for its crystal-clear waters, golden beaches, and stunning mountain views. It offers an intimate setting that connects you to nature, making your celebration feel truly special.
Table of Contents
- About Sand Harbor
- Why Get Married in Sand Harbor
- How to Get Married in Sand Harbor
- How Much Does It Cost to Get Married at Sand Harbor?
- How to Reserve Sand Harbor for Your Wedding Day
- When’s the Best Time to Get Married in Lake Tahoe?
- FAQs About Sand Harbor Weddings
- Sand Harbor Wedding Timeline
- AI Powered Turnkey Wedding Packages in Lake Tahoe
- Terms to Know
About Sand Harbor
Located on the northeast shore of Lake Tahoe, Sand Harbor is part of Nevada’s Lake Tahoe State Park. Known for its pristine beaches and sunset views, it’s one of the most picturesque destinations in Tahoe.
Why Get Married in Lake Tahoe?
Sand Harbor is a serene, adventurous wedding destination loved by couples for its breathtaking views and peaceful atmosphere.
- Unparalleled Views: Crystal-clear waters, golden sand, and dramatic granite boulders provide an unforgettable backdrop.
- Romantic, Natural Setting: Perfect for couples seeking a peaceful, scenic ceremony away from large crowds.
- Incredible Weather: Whether under the summer sun or amidst a snowy winter landscape, Sand Harbor’s beauty shines in every season.
- Convenient Location: Just minutes from Incline Village, with easy access to accommodations, dining, and more.
How to Get Married in Sand Harbor
In short, here’s a simple guide to making your dream wedding in Sand Harbor a reality:
- Choose Your Date: First, decide when you want to say “I do.” Keep in mind that summer months are the busiest, while the off-season offers a more intimate experience and often lower rates.
- Reserve Your Spot: Sand Harbor requires a Special Use Permit for weddings, so securing your spot early is essential. The permit process can take time, especially during the peak seasons, so plan ahead to ensure you get the perfect spot for your ceremony.
- Hire Vendors: Sand Harbor’s natural beauty creates a gorgeous backdrop for your wedding day, but you’ll still need a team of talented vendors to bring your vision to life. From photographers to officiants, florists to musicians, make sure you book vendors who understand your vision and the unique environment of a lakeside ceremony.
- Get a Marriage License: You’ll need a marriage license from either Nevada or California, depending on where you’re holding your ceremony. Be sure to check the specific requirements for each State, as they can differ.
- Plan Your Ceremony: Take some time to select the perfect time of day and a specific location within the park. Whether you dream of a lakeside ceremony at sunrise or a golden-hour celebration, Sand Harbor offers several stunning spots. Don’t forget to add personal touches that reflect your love story, like hand-written vows or a special song.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Married at Sand Harbor?
The cost to marry at Sand Harbor ranges from $3,350 to $7,950, depending on your chosen venue and services. With Wedy’s customizable packages, you can add photography, hair and makeup, florals, ceremony chairs, and range of curated local services to bring your vision to life!
- Special Use Permit: $400
- Marriage license: $100
- Photographer: $1,800 for 3 hours
- Wedding Planning: $1,500
- Officiant: $550 (travel fee may apply)
- Bridal Hair and Makeup: $500 (travel fee may apply)
- Bouquet and Boutonniere: $450 (delivery fee not included)
- Floral Ceremony Arch: $1,850
- Chairs for 30 guests: $850
TOTAL COST: $8,000
Wedy offers a variety of packages, each fully customizable to fit your unique vision. Far from cookie-cutter, Wedy’s add-ons will elevate your celebration, with experiences such as:
- 35mm Film Photography for timeless, vintage-inspired memories
- Oyster Bars to add a touch of luxury to your cocktail hour
- Lambeth Cakes + Espresso Carts for a chic, unforgettable dessert moment
- A 1955 Ford Thunderbird for a stylish and memorable getaway
How to Reserve Sand Harbor for Your Wedding Day
To reserve Sand Harbor for your wedding, visit the reservation website, select “Group Day Use,” and enter your desired wedding date(s). Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you secure your spot.
- Contact Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park for permit details.
- Submit an application and pay the required fee.
- Review park rules and guidelines for weddings.
- Confirm your reservation and start planning your intimate elopement!
When’s the Best Time to Get Married in Lake Tahoe?
The best time to marry in Lake Tahoe depends on weather, crowds, and costs, with spring (May–June) and fall (September–October) offering the best balance.
Spring and fall provide mild temperatures, stunning scenery, and fewer tourists compared to the busy summer months. May, June, September, and October are ideal, offering warm days, crisp evenings, and better availability for venues and vendors.
Summer (July–August) is the peak season, with sunny, warm weather perfect for outdoor weddings, but also higher prices and larger crowds.
Winter (December–February) are the most affordable months, though snow and colder temperatures may limit outdoor options and require indoor alternatives.
For assistance with planning your Lake Tahoe wedding, download the Wedy App to chat with a Wedy Planner, who can fast track your questions, recommend venues, and offer personalized advice on the best time to say “I do” based on your vision.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sand Harbor Weddings
Your top Lake Tahoe wedding questions – answered. Everything you need to know for the perfect celebration.
Lake Tahoe offers stunning wedding locations, from the crystal-clear shores of Sand Harbor to the alpine views of Emerald Bay and Zephyr Cove. Wedy makes it easy to book your ideal ceremony with curated packages that include top-rated venues, experienced officiants, and wedding creatives local to Tahoe.
For a local Sand Harbor wedding officiant, Wedy’s Lake Tahoe marketplace offers a selection of experienced professionals who specialize in ceremonies at Sand Harbor and beyond.
It’s best to book at least 6 to 12 months in advance, especially for peak summer dates, including June through August. Wedy’s Planning Concierge can help you secure your date, obtain a Special Use Permit, and arrange all the essential vendors for a seamless wedding experience.
The best time to get married in Sand Harbor is June through October. The weather is best during the months of June through August, but there are fewer crowds during the September through November months. Sand Harbor is incredibly popular for weddings, we highly recommend reserving your wedding date through the Sand Harbor State Park website as soon as possible!
The cost of a Sand Harbor wedding varies based on your guest count, whether you choose to host a reception with catering, and the vendors you choose. With Wedy’s Sand Harbor wedding packages, you can expect to spend between $3,350-$7,950 on your Lake Tahoe ceremony! This cost covers essential services, such as photography, your officiant, a bouquet and boutonniere, and more.
A Lake Tahoe wedding package by Wedy includes the Special Use Permit, 2 hours of wedding photography, an experienced officiant, a bouquet and boutonniere, hair and makeup services, and local guidance for your ceremony location! You can browse customizable wedding experiences on the Wedy App, which can be applied to Lake Tahoe and beyond!
Although Sand Harbor State Park lists a capacity of up to 200 guests, it is best to host an intimate wedding or elopement with up to 50 guests. You can arrange larger weddings, but they may require additional fees set by the State.
Yes, you will need a marriage license from either Nevada (for weddings on the Nevada side) or California (for weddings on the California side of Lake Tahoe). For weddings in Sand Harbor, you will need a Nevada marriage license as this ceremony location is on the Nevada side of the park.
Yes! While not as popular crowd-wise, Sand Harbor is stunning during the winter months, offering a serene, snow-capped backdrop for your intimate wedding. Prepare for colder temperatures and a chance of snow, and remember to bring a change of shoes.
Though not required, we highly recommend working with a wedding planner or booking an all-inclusive package with Wedy to ensure your Sand Harbor wedding runs smoothly from start to finish. Wedy Planners specialize in local weddings in Lake Tahoe and surrounding areas.
Sand Harbor Wedding Timeline
Creating a timeline is essential to making sure your wedding day goes smoothly. If you’re unsure where to start, book a free consultation with one of Wedy’s award-winning wedding planners, who will help you choose an all-inclusive package and create a tailored wedding timeline for your special day! We’ve added a sample timeline below.
For an Afternoon Wedding
2:00pm – Begin your day of celebration by getting ready in your cozy Tahoe accommodation. Whether you’re staying in a lakeside cabin or a mountain lodge, your hair and makeup artists will arrive to begin the transformation for your special day.
3:30pm – By 3:30pm, your dress should be on, your hair and makeup perfected, and you’re finishing up the final details—ready to make your way to your ceremony with a glowing smile.
4:15pm – It’s time to meet your officiant and settle any last-minute details. If you’re self-solemnizing, this is the perfect moment for a first look with your partner, whether you’re ready together or prefer the excitement of a grand reveal in separate spaces.
4:20pm – The adventure begins! Set off toward your Lake Tahoe ceremony site. Whether you’ve chosen a serene lakeside spot or a breathtaking mountain vista, your vendors will meet you there to create the perfect atmosphere.
4:40pm – Arrive at your ceremony location. From the pristine shores of Emerald Bay to the towering pines of a private forest, Lake Tahoe offers endless ceremony spots to match your vision.
5:00pm – Let the ceremony begin! Exchange your vows, share your heartfelt promises,
Insider Tip: We recommend working with local Big Sur wedding planners to best plan your timeline, and avoid risks of overcrowding or bad weather, etc.
At Wedy, we’ve planned countless Lake Tahoe weddings, so you can trust us to guide you every step of the way with recommendations for local creatives and contingency plans in case of a weather mishap!
Browse tailored Lake Tahoe Wedding Experiences on the Wedy App here!
AI Powered Turnkey Wedding Packages in Lake Tahoe
Whether you’re planning an intimate elopement or the whole shebang with friends and family, Wedy simplifies your wedding planning by bundling all of your services into fully-customizable wedding packages, with hand-picked, bespoke wedding vendors local top Lake Tahoe! From photographers to florists, officiants to hair & makeup artists, Wedy ensures your Sand Harbor wedding is seamless and unforgettable.
Terms to Know
If you’re planning a wedding for the first time, we’ve compiled a helpful list of definitions below. This glossary will guide you through common wedding terms and make the planning process easier.
Special Use Permit: A permit required to hold a wedding at Sand Harbor. This ensures that you have legal approval to use the park’s space for your ceremony.
Marriage License: A legal document you need to marry. For a Sand Harbor wedding, you must obtain a marriage license from Nevada, as it is located on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe.
Vendors: The professionals who help bring your wedding to life. This includes photographers, officiants, florists, hair and makeup artists, musicians, and more.
Officiant: A person who legally officiates your wedding ceremony. Wedy can help you find experienced officiants who specialize in Sand Harbor weddings.
Elopement: A small, intimate wedding typically with just the couple and a few close guests, often in a beautiful natural setting like Sand Harbor.
Lakeside Ceremony: A wedding ceremony held by the water, offering stunning views of the lake, perfect for couples seeking a scenic, tranquil setting.
Golden Hour: The time just before sunset when the lighting is soft and warm, often considered the best time for wedding photos.
Customizable Packages: Wedding packages that can be tailored to your specific needs, such as adding photography, flowers, hair and makeup, and more.
Floral Ceremony Arch: A beautiful arch decorated with flowers, often used as a focal point during your wedding ceremony.
Turnkey Wedding Package: A complete, all-inclusive wedding package that bundles everything you need—vendors, permits, services—into one easy booking.
Peak Season: The busiest time of year for weddings, typically during summer months (June through August), when prices and demand are highest.
Off-Season: The time of year when fewer weddings take place, usually in the fall and winter, often leading to lower costs and fewer crowds.
First Look: A private moment before the ceremony where the couple sees each other for the first time on their wedding day, often captured in photos.
Bespoke Vendors: Wedding professionals selected based on their unique skills, experience, and fit for your vision, often handpicked to enhance your wedding experience.
