Local Favorites for Lake Tahoe Engagement & Wedding Photos

Emerald Bay State Park

There’s no doubt that you want your engagement and wedding photos taken in Lake Tahoe, but with the hundreds of beautiful locations to choose from, how do you decide? We’re here to help narrow down your search with our local favorite destinations because, of course, as locals, we know best! From exploring Lake Tahoe in our free time and speaking with newlyweds and recently engaged couples that have stayed with us previously, we’ve got the inside scoop on the best photo-ops for you and your significant other! Book your stay at Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel for even more insider tips and helpful local insight!

Sand Harbor

Sand Harbor

20 miles from Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel

One of the most well-known, picture-perfect locations in Lake Tahoe is Sand Harbor. Sand Harbor is within the Lake Tahoe-Nevada State Park and is known for its crystal blue waters and snow-covered Sierra Nevada Mountain range. The sandy beaches, hiking trails, and endless greenery are perfect for you if you wish to have natural beauty in the background of your wedding photos. Talk to your photographer and try snapping some shots of the both of you in the water!

Bonsai Rock


19 miles from Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel


Do you feel as if your partner is your rock in life? If so, Bonsai Rock is the place for you to symbolize your relationship in your engagement photos. Halfway between Hidden Beach and Sand Harbor sits Bonsai Rock: a large boulder with four small trees sprouting out of a crevice at the top. With surrounding nature and boulders, you could really get some unique photos taken at this rocky location. Here’s a tip from the locals: maybe don’t wear your stilettos to this location!

Tahoe Rim Trail


4 miles to Boulder Lodge Trailhead from Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel

Strap on your hiking boots because the Tahoe Rim Trail is a 170 mile long hiking trail that wraps around the Lake Tahoe Basin! Okay, maybe you don’t have to hike the entire trail when you visit, but be sure to to hike along the trail and explore a little so you can snap some stunning engagement photos of you and your significant other. You’ll be able to get some pretty incredible views as your backdrop with the highest point of the trail being 10,338 feet tall.

Rubicon Bay

19 miles from Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel

Rubicon Bay is located just 19 miles from Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel and is home to some breathtaking beaches on Lake Tahoe’s western shore. If you are a morning person, this is the perfect place to get some shots of the insanely beautiful sunrise. Imagine standing on a dock looking deeply into the eyes of your loved one while the pink and orange colors of the sunrise reflect off of the glass calm bay. As always, be mindful of private property so you don’t go wandering onto a local’s dock!

D.L. Bliss State Park


16 miles from Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel

If picturing the rest of your life with your partner puts you in a state of bliss, then D.L. Bliss State Park may be the best place for your engagement or wedding photos! D.L. Bliss State Park is a state park in California, located on the western shore of Lake Tahoe. While exploring this spot for the most ideal photo opportunities, you will find the famous Rubicon Point Lighthouse, a 20 foot tall balancing rock, and a fun teepee that could make for some special photographs!

Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel

Gorgeous Lake Tahoe Balcony Wedding
Bride and groom at the grand staircase
Grand Staircase
wedding04
Grand Staircase
Balcony wedding in Tahoe
Balcony Suite for intimate weddings
Patio wedding with Heavenly views
Patio wedding with Heavenly views
Outdoor patio wedding in Tahoe
Pool Patio
Patio wedding with Heavenly views
Patio wedding with Heavenly views
Patio wedding with views of Heavenly
Patio wedding with views of Heavenly
wedding09
Pool Suite
Wedding reception option
Reception in Tallac
Wedding reception choices at Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel
Stylish and dramatic settings for your wedding reception
Wedding reception in Queen of the Lake Ballroom
Queen of the Lake Ballroom

We may be biased, but the Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel is a great option for you when it comes to snapping some shots of the happy couple. Our wedding venue options will be the perfect backdrop for your dream wedding day! We have the perfect setting for your engagement and wedding photos right here on our resort grounds, without you having to leave the fun of your big day! The Lakeside Beach, Garden Atrium, Ballroom, and Tallac venue are all perfect places for your photographer to capture those unforgettable shots. No matter the season, we assure you that your pictures will turn out flawless when they’re taken at the Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel! Learn more about booking your big day right here with us!

Secret Cove

Secret Cove

17 miles from Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel


With being one of Lake Tahoe’s best photo spots, Secret Cove is a great spot for your engagement photo shoot or wedding day photos. According to locals, the best photo-op at this location is to sit on a partially-submerged boulder and have your picture taken from the beach so that Lake Tahoe is seen in the background. The crystal blue lake will serve as an incredible backdrop for you and your significant other.

Emerald Bay State Park

Emerald Bay State Park


24 miles from Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel

Another popular location for both engagement and wedding photos is Emerald Bay State Park, which is centered on Lake Tahoe’s Emerald Bay. Emerald Bay State Park delivers breathtaking views that would make your engagement or wedding photos look surreal. There are so many photo opportunities at this location, including many at Eagle Falls and Vikingsholm. The Eagle Falls trailhead is a fairly simple and easy hike that offers you a beautiful landscape. Vikingsholm is a 38-room mansion on the shore of Emerald Bay and is considered one of the finest examples of Scandinavian architecture in the U.S. Take advantage of this glorious scenery and have your photos taken at Emerald Bay State Park. This is certainly a Tahoe favorite.

Let’s Start Planning!

Speaking as a local, Lake Tahoe delivers multiple opportunities for incredible engagement and wedding photos. Pick one place that speaks the most to you, or decide on a couple of different locations to include plenty of variety in your photos. Book your next visit with us now and explore the local favorite photo destinations in Lake Tahoe!

Vacation Inspiration

VIEW ALL ARTICLES
7 Reasons Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel is a Great Place to Get Married

7 Reasons Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel is a Great Place to Get Married

Looking for the perfect place to get married? Look no further than Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel. We may be biased, but we can’t think of a better place to say “I do.” From breathtaking views to exciting outdoor activities, Lake Tahoe has a lot to offer happy couples who are planning their big day.

Avoid These Rookie Mistakes During Your Lake Tahoe Ski Trip

Avoid These Rookie Mistakes During Your Lake Tahoe Ski Trip

If you’re not a frequent skier or snowboarder, planning a ski trip can seem intimidating. It really shouldn’t be! While it takes some practice, most people get the hang of things in no no time!

Biking Lake Tahoe: A Guide to Enjoying Tahoe on Two Wheels

Biking Lake Tahoe: A Guide to Enjoying Tahoe on Two Wheels

Did you hear the recent news? South Lake Tahoe is the start of the first U.S. Bicycle Route in California.

6 Tips for Visiting Lake Tahoe for the First Time

6 Tips for Visiting Lake Tahoe for the First Time

Too often we hear about past negative experiences non-locals had while traveling to or visiting Lake Tahoe for the first time. They got stuck in traffic. They had to wait in long lines.

Spring break is “spring loaded” in Lake Tahoe

Spring break is “spring loaded” in Lake Tahoe

The March weather gods sent a blizzard of white coating Lake Tahoe with several feet of fresh powder just in time for spring break.

Our Favorite Things To Do in Lake Tahoe This Winter (Besides Skiing & Snowboarding)

Our Favorite Things To Do in Lake Tahoe This Winter (Besides Skiing & Snowboarding)

Sure, Lake Tahoe is known as one of the best skiing and snowboarding destinations in the world, but the fun doesn’t stop there. Winter is an amazing time to visit South Tahoe

Plan a Safe Kid-Friendly Lake Tahoe Winter Adventure

Plan a Safe Kid-Friendly Lake Tahoe Winter Adventure

Kids could play outside all day long, year-round, without a care in the world, especially in Lake Tahoe! This winter, we’re sharing some tips and resources for keeping kids safe and warm during winter activities in Lake Tahoe, so you can spend more time having fun and less time worrying if they’re warm!

America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride- “Bike the West” Premier Cycling Event

America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride- “Bike the West” Premier Cycling Event

America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride could not be a better name for this fundraiser. This cycling event is open to all ages and experience levels (ride selections may have age or experience requirements for safety.)

Share Your Stories: #LakeTahoeResortHotel

facebook iconinstagram icon