July 14, 2008

Couples Venture to Tahoe to Tie the Knot

Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority, South Lake Tahoe, Calif./Nev. — July 14, 2008 — Lake Tahoe has long been the choice for couples seeking the definitive destination wedding. The California Supreme Court has recently made same-sex marriage licenses available, and South Lake Tahoe has more than 20 wedding chapels, resorts and boutique hotels within a 10 mile radius to accommodate new brides and grooms.

As the No. 1 destination in the U.S., (TripAdvisor April 2008) Lake Tahoe continues to attract couples from all over the country; actually, an estimated 51,319 same-sex couples living in California will marry while 67,513 same-sex couples from other states will come to California to marry.*

“The first day following the announcement that same sex marriages are now legal, the El Dorado County Recorder-Clerks office in South Lake Tahoe issued five wedding licenses,” said Carol Chaplin, executive director of the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority. “We expect same-sex weddings to quickly become a growing segment of our wedding destination market.”

In fact, destination weddings have exploded in popularity over the past decade; one in every 10 weddings is now at an off-site venue. Carley Roney, editor-in-chief of TheKnot.com, explains couples want a unique experience that reflects their personalities — from intimate to family-oriented to adventurous.

Lake Tahoe has numerous options for couples looking to plan a wedding that defines their unique personalities and interests, for instance:

Intimate

• Black Bear Inn Intimate wedding setting in neo-rustic lodge. Named one of the top 10 Bed & Breakfasts in California by “American Historic Inns”. Exchange vows by an ornate stone fireplace or outside gazebo. “Out Traveler” named it as a best place to stay in Lake Tahoe. The property hosted an episode of ABC’s “The Bachelor” and received kudos from “Bride’s Magazine” and “Sacramento Bride & Groom”.

• Fantasy Inn & Wedding Chapel designed 15 themed suites to excite the senses. The Alpine-styled inn includes Caesars Indulgence, Marie Antoinette, Penthouse, Romeo and Juliet and Tropical Tree house. Mood lighting, mirror treatments, luxurious whirlpool spa, year-round all-inclusive and ala carte wedding packages.

• The Forest Suites Resort has several romantic packages with intimate lodging, in-room fireplaces and Jacuzzi tubs, stained glass, fine dining, champagne, scenic limousine ride and mountain views.

• The Ridge Resort Designed for small or large parties at 7,500 feet elevation overlooking views of Tahoe Mountains and the Carson Valley. Full-service hotel resort and spa, banquet rooms and the Ridge Grand View Garden.

Adventure

• Lakefront Wedding Chapel On the sandy beach of Lake Tahoe. Adventure weddings, from hot air balloon nuptials thousands of feet above the lake, or rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking or kayaking.

• HeliTahoe in-flight ceremonies over scenic Lake Tahoe. Quiet helicopter with leather seats, Active Noise Reduction headsets and four window seats.

• Heavenly Mountain Resort unions are made at 2,000 ft. above Lake Tahoe. On-mountain reception sites include Cabin Dining Room, a two-tiered remodeled dining room with expansive picture windows providing a bird’s-eye-view of the lake.

New Rustic

• Zephyr Cove Resort Lodge’s setting along the shore, large outdoor deck and stone fireplace; or the Pavilion lake activities: wave running, kayaking, waterskiing. On-site catering and wedding coordination.

• Camp Richardson is set among towering Jeffrey pines within minutes walk to the lake. Old Tahoe is the Richardson House: seven bedrooms and fives baths, sleeps up to 20 for family reunions and small wedding groups. Mountain décor complemented by multiple TV, kitchen appliances and a covered front porch.

Lakeside

• Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course Spectacular venue on waters edge. Two banquet rooms for weddings and receptions, and professional in-house catering services.

• Lake Tahoe Cruises Lake Tahoe’s renowned crystal clear waters surround wedding couples onboard a private charter from a fleet of choices for wedding venues. Two historic paddlewheel boats — M.S. Dixie II and Tahoe Queen — provide a grand and majestic appearance capacity for large groups. Tahoe Paradise, an 82-foot two-story luxury yacht, for upscale, intimate. Tahoe Princess, informal setting on renovated, 70-foot one-story pontoon-style boat. Uniformed captain available to perform the floating weddings.

• Tahoe Lakeshore Lodge & Spa Small weddings on the resort’s sandy beach. Wedding parties and guests utilize lakeside setting and spa services massages, body wraps and scrubs and facials at its on-site Elements Day Spa.

Hearts in the Heart of South Lake Tahoe

• Embassy Suites Lake Tahoe Hotel & Ski Resort Large or small wedding parties with all-suite accommodations, daily breakfast, nightly manager’s reception and on-site wedding coordinator. Personalize with catering, décor and menus. Location in the heart of South Lake Tahoe convenient for shopping, gaming, dining or outdoor recreation.

• MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa Lake view chapel on 12th floor tastefully surpasses the traditional notion of a “casino chapel wedding”. Visually beautiful and meaningful weddings can be had in the new lake view chapel and on-lake ceremonies via The Bleu Wave, a private 1964 Burger-built yacht.

• Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Harveys Resort Casino and the Horizon Casino Resort Wedding packages to meet everyone’s style and budget. Large banquet rooms, numerous hotel rooms, various catering options, 24-hour nightlife, gaming, entertainment and relaxation.

Several Lake Tahoe-based wedding Web sites are available to help out-of-town couples plan their perfect destination wedding, including:

BlueLakeTahoe.com/visitors/weddings.php
simpletahoeweddings.com
rainbowtahoeweddings.com
tahoeweddings.org
BlueSkyEvents.biz

Area chapels and lodging properties help out-of-town brides and grooms make the big day stress-free with complete wedding services; lodging, photography, videography, wedding planners, catering, cakes, flowers, formal wear, hair and makeup design, ceremony officiants, jewelry, transportation and music.

For California licensing and additional information, please contact the El Dorado County Recorder Clerk’s Office at 530-573-3408.

Posted by: Sapphocrat

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