Couple at their gar woods wedding on the north shore of lake tahoe

Gar Woods wedding photographer · Carnelian Bay, North Lake Tahoe

Gar Woods
A piece of Tahoe history, right on the water.

Location
Carnelian Bay, CA
Capacity
150 rooms, 300 buyout
Pier
130 feet
Since
1988

Gar Woods wedding photography · North Lake Tahoe

Old Tahoe, right on the lake.

Gar Woods Grill and Pier is at 5000 North Lake Boulevard in Carnelian Bay on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe. It has been there since 1988. The building sits right on the water with a 130-foot pier extending out into the lake, floor-to-ceiling windows throughout, exposed beam ceilings, and the old Tahoe wooden boat era built into every detail. Private upstairs banquet rooms hold up to 150. A full buyout of the space can accommodate up to 300. There is a lakefront lawn for ceremonies and a balcony running the length of both rooms for cocktails with the lake directly below.

I have photographed weddings here. The ceremony lawn faces the lake with the Sierra Nevada behind it. The pier is one of the better portrait locations on the North Shore. You have water on both sides and the mountains in every direction. The food is genuinely good, which matters more than people expect on a wedding day.

Planning a wedding here? Read what no one tells you about getting married at Gar Woods.

If you are getting married at Gar Woods and want a photographer who knows the property, get in touch.

Gar Woods wedding venue · The details

What you need to know.

Wedding portrait at gar woods grill and pier on lake tahoe

Lakefront restaurant · North Shore

Gar Woods

Carnelian Bay, California

A lakefront Tahoe landmark since 1988 with a long pier, upstairs banquet rooms and a ceremony lawn on the water.

Website
garwoods.com
Capacity
Upstairs banquet rooms up to 150. Full buyout up to 300.
Location
5000 North Lake Blvd, Carnelian Bay, CA 96140. North Shore of Lake Tahoe between Tahoe City and Kings Beach.
Ceremony
Lakefront lawn with white chairs facing the lake and Sierra Nevada. Natural rock altar area on the water’s edge. Available with full venue buyout.
Reception
Private upstairs banquet rooms up to 150. Full buyout up to 300. Floor-to-ceiling windows, exposed beam ceilings, lake view balcony for cocktails.
Catering
In-house. California cuisine, hand cut steaks, fresh Pacific seafood. Select menu chosen by couple. Food and beverage minimum applies.
The pier
130-foot deep water pier on the lake. Accessible by boat. One of the better portrait locations on the North Shore.
Best light
Late afternoon on the pier and ceremony lawn. West-facing over the lake. North Shore sunsets are reliable and long in summer.

Gar Woods wedding photographer · My take

Why it photographs so well.

Gar Woods has been on the North Shore since 1988 and it feels like it. The wooden boat era is built into the whole place. Exposed beam ceilings, hickory chairs, vintage Gar Wood boats still running the bay on weekends outside the windows. It is a real piece of Tahoe history and it photographs well because of it.

The pier is the main event for portraits. One hundred and thirty feet of dock over the lake with mountains in every direction. Late afternoon the light comes across the water and everything goes warm. Build time into your timeline for it and do not skip it.

The ceremony lawn faces the lake directly with a natural rock area at the water’s edge. No arch needed. Just rocks, lake, mountains. The upstairs reception rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows so the view is in the room all night. The balcony running the length of both rooms is where cocktail hour happens and it is genuinely one of the better spots in Tahoe for it.

Couples who have gotten married here consistently say the same things. The food was better than expected, the staff ran the day smoothly, and the view never got old. A day that runs well is a day that gets photographed well. Gar Woods tends to run well.

Couple on the pier at gar woods on lake tahoe
Gar woods wedding portrait on the north shore of lake tahoe

Gar Woods wedding gallery

See it in real life.

Full portfolio

Gar Woods wedding planning tips

Things nobody tells you.

01

Plan on a buyout for a ceremony.

The lakefront lawn is available with a full venue buyout. Over 150 guests needs one too.

02

Save time for the pier.

Golden hour on the pier is the best frame here. Hold 20 to 30 minutes for it.

03

Think about boat arrivals.

The deep water pier means guests or the couple can arrive or leave by boat.

04

Know the food minimum.

Catering is in-house with a food and beverage minimum. Ask early so it fits your budget.

05

Aim for summer and early fall.

Summer evenings on the North Shore are long and the light is great. Indoor rooms work for winter.

06

Book your photographer early.

Summer Saturdays at Tahoe book 12 to 18 months out.

Gar Woods wedding FAQ

Questions couples actually ask.

Where is Gar Woods?

5000 North Lake Boulevard in Carnelian Bay, California, on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe between Tahoe City and Kings Beach. About 10 minutes from Tahoe City and 15 minutes from Truckee.

How many guests does Gar Woods hold?

The private upstairs banquet rooms hold up to 150 comfortably. A full buyout of the space accommodates up to 300 and includes access to the outdoor patio and ceremony lawn. For groups over 150 a full buyout is required.

Can we have the ceremony at Gar Woods?

Yes. Gar Woods has a lakefront ceremony lawn with white chairs facing the lake and a natural rock area at the water’s edge. Ceremony access requires a full buyout of the venue. The setup faces the lake and Sierra Nevada directly.

Can guests arrive by boat?

Yes. Gar Woods has a 130-foot deep water pier and is accessible by boat. If you have guests staying on the lake or want to make a boat entrance or exit, this venue is set up for it. Not many Tahoe wedding venues can say that.

Does Gar Woods have in-house catering?

Yes. All catering is in-house. California cuisine, hand cut steaks, and fresh Pacific seafood. The couple chooses from a select menu. A food and beverage minimum applies. The food is consistently well reviewed and it is one of the better restaurant venues on the lake.

What time of year is best?

Summer through early fall. The venue operates year round and the indoor rooms are well suited for winter events. Summer evenings on the North Shore are long and the light on the pier at golden hour is some of the best on the lake.

How far in advance should I book a photographer?

Summer Saturdays at Lake Tahoe book 12 to 18 months out. If you have a date at Gar Woods confirmed, reach out as soon as possible.

Getting married at Gar Woods?

Let's talk.

I have photographed at Gar Woods and know the pier, the ceremony lawn, and where the light lands. Get in touch with your date and I will let you know if I am available.

Check availability See pricing