by Wade Snider
Carnelian Bay, north Lake Tahoe
Carnelian Bay, North Lake TahoeGAR WOODS
PHOTOGRAPHER
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.
If you are getting married at Gar Woods and want a photographer who knows the property, get in touch.
GAR WOODS
SAMPLE GALLERIES
LAKE TAHOE
CALIFORNIA
Olympic Valley, California
GAR
WOODS
GAR WOODS GRILL & PIER
PHOTOGRAPHER'S TAKE
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.
GAR WOODS WEDDING FAQ
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.