Tahoe Bleu Wave Wedding Photographer

Tahoe Bleu Wave wedding photography · South Lake Tahoe, California

A 1966 yacht. One very specific backdrop.

The Tahoe Bleu Wave is a 1966 classic yacht, 70 feet long, that sails out of South Lake Tahoe for private wedding charters. Up to 47 guests. You board at Zephyr Cove, head west across the lake, and pass through Emerald Bay. The ceremony happens on the water with Emerald Bay behind you, Fannette Island in the frame, Mount Tallac above it all. There is no venue in Lake Tahoe that puts you in that specific spot on that specific backdrop. That is the whole case for this venue.

The boat has a large party bow for ceremonies, a sun deck above it, two staterooms, a full bar with fireplace, climate-controlled interior, surround sound, restrooms, and full catering. In-house catering, wedding planning, flowers, cake, and photography are all available through the venue. You can also bring your own photographer.

If you are getting married on the Tahoe Bleu Wave and want a photographer who knows how to shoot moving light on the water, get in touch.

Tahoe Bleu Wave wedding venue · The details

What you need to know.

Private yacht charter · Lake Tahoe

Tahoe Bleu Wave

South Lake Tahoe, California

A classic yacht that runs Lake Tahoe exclusively for private charters. No other group is on the boat during your wedding.

Departs: Zephyr Cove Marina, South Lake Tahoe, NV 89448. Also available from Incline Village, North Tahoe, and the West Shore.
The boat: 1966 classic yacht, 70 feet long. Sailed around the world and now runs Lake Tahoe exclusively for private charters.
Capacity: Up to 47 guests. Intimate by design.
Ceremony: On the water on the large party bow. Captain can officiate. Route passes through Emerald Bay, Rubicon Point, and past Mount Tallac and Edgewood Golf Course.
Amenities: Full bar with fireplace, two staterooms, sun deck, galley, surround sound, climate-controlled interior, restrooms.
Catering: Full in-house catering and bar. Wedding planning, flowers, cake, photography, and videography available through the venue.
Pricing: Ultimate Wedding Package: $12,600 Mon-Thu, $12,800 Fri-Sun and holidays. 3-hour sunset Emerald Bay cruise included. Additional hours at $2,700/hr.
Website: tahoebleuwave.com

Tahoe Bleu Wave wedding photographer · My take

Inside Emerald Bay.

There is no other wedding venue in Lake Tahoe that puts you inside Emerald Bay. The bluff overlooks exist, Sand Harbor is on the water, but none of them put you on the lake with Emerald Bay opening up around you. The Bleu Wave does that. You are on the water, moving through it, with Fannette Island off the bow and Mount Tallac filling the sky behind it.

The light on the water in the late afternoon on that route is unlike anything else on the lake. West-facing, open sky above, the mountains catching the last of the sun while the water goes deep blue below. The captain can adjust the route and speed for the light. That is a conversation worth having before the charter.

The party bow is where ceremonies happen. It is open, forward-facing, and gives you a long sight line out over the water. The sun deck above is a good spot for portraits. With 47 guests max the boat never feels crowded and you are never far from the edge of the lake.

One thing to know

Shooting on a moving boat.

Shooting on a moving boat is different. The light changes constantly, the background shifts, and you are working with the motion of the water. It requires a photographer who has done it. If you are booking the Bleu Wave, ask your photographer about their experience shooting on the water before you sign anything.

Tahoe Bleu Wave wedding planning tips

Things nobody tells you.

Talk to the captain about the route.

The captain can adjust the route and speed for the light. Have that conversation before the charter, not on the day.

Book the sunset cruise.

The 3-hour sunset Emerald Bay charter is the most popular option and it is built around the best light. Late afternoon in August or September is as good as it gets on the lake.

Count your guests.

Up to 47 is a real capacity limit, not a soft one. Past that, this is the wrong venue.

Ask about boat experience.

Shooting on a moving boat in changing light is a specific skill. Choose a photographer who has done it.

Pick your departure.

The boat leaves from Zephyr Cove Marina. Departures from Incline Village, North Tahoe and the West Shore are also available if that works better for your group.

Book early.

Summer Saturday charters book out fast. Reach out to the venue and your photographer as soon as you have a date.

Tahoe Bleu Wave wedding FAQ

Questions couples actually ask.

What is the Tahoe Bleu Wave?

A 1966 classic 70-foot luxury yacht that runs private wedding charters on Lake Tahoe out of Zephyr Cove on the South Shore. It sailed around the world before coming to Tahoe and now runs exclusively for private events. Up to 47 guests. No other group is on the boat during your charter.

Do you actually go through Emerald Bay?

Yes. The signature route includes Emerald Bay, Rubicon Point, and passes by Mount Tallac, Edgewood Golf Course, and Whittell Castle. The captain selects the route but can adjust based on conditions and your preferences. The 3-hour sunset charter is the most popular option and is designed specifically around that route.

How many guests can the Bleu Wave hold?

Up to 47 guests. This is a genuine capacity limit, not a soft recommendation. The boat is designed for intimate weddings. If you have more than 47 guests this is not the right venue.

Where does the boat depart from?

Zephyr Cove Marina on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe in Nevada. They also offer departure options from Incline Village, North Tahoe, and the West Shore if that works better for your group logistics.

Can I bring my own photographer?

Yes. The venue has an in-house photographer option but you are not required to use it. Bringing your own photographer is a good idea. Shooting on a moving boat in changing light on the water is a specific skill set. Choose someone who has done it.

What is included in the wedding package?

The Ultimate Wedding Package includes a 3-hour sunset Emerald Bay cruise, ceremony fee, minister, rehearsal, wedding coordinator, standard photography, flowers, two-tier cake, champagne toast, and food. Pricing starts at $12,600 Monday through Thursday and $12,800 Friday through Sunday and holidays.

What time of year is best?

Late June through September. Lake Tahoe is at its best in summer and early fall. Afternoon charters catch the best light as the sun drops toward the Sierra Nevada to the west. The Emerald Bay route in late afternoon light in August or September is as good as it gets on the lake.

How far in advance should I book?

Summer Saturday charters book out fast. If you have a date in mind reach out to both the venue and your photographer as soon as possible. I am based in Truckee and shoot throughout Lake Tahoe. If you are considering the Bleu Wave, get in touch and I will let you know if I am available.

Tahoe Bleu Wave wedding photographer · Lake Tahoe yacht weddings

Tahoe Bleu Wave wedding photography · South Lake Tahoe, California

Tahoe Bleu Wave wedding venue · The details

Tahoe Bleu Wave