Beach Retreat & Lodge Wedding Photographer

Beach Retreat and Lodge wedding photography · South Lake Tahoe

Right on the water, start to finish.

Beach Retreat and Lodge is at 3411 Lake Tahoe Blvd in South Lake Tahoe, right on the water. It has the largest private beach in Tahoe and a 1,000 foot pier on the property. There are multiple ceremony and reception spaces, from a private beach with an arch in the sand to a lakefront tent, a boathouse on the pier, and an indoor ballroom with glass doors opening to a deck over the lake. You can do everything from an intimate ceremony on the beach to a full reception for 250 under the tent.

I have photographed weddings here. The light on the beach and the pier in the late afternoon is some of the best lakefront light you get on the South Shore. The pier gives you a long straight shot with the lake on both sides and Mount Tallac behind you.

If you are getting married at Beach Retreat and Lodge and want a photographer who knows the property, get in touch.

Beach Retreat and Lodge wedding venue · The details

What you need to know.

Beach retreat and lodge wedding on the private beach at lake tahoe

Lakefront resort · South Shore

Beach Retreat & Lodge

South Lake Tahoe, California

A lakefront resort with the largest private beach in Tahoe, a 1,000 foot pier, a tent, a ballroom and on-site lodging.

Website: beachretreatandlodge.com
Capacity: Up to 250 in the Lakeview Ballroom. Up to 180 on the beach and in the Tent. The Boathouse suits events under 60.
Location: 3411 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150. On the lake with the largest private beach in Tahoe.
Ceremony: Private beach with arch and white garden chairs for up to 180. Pier ceremonies available. Indoor chapel on the second floor with lake views for winter ceremonies.
Reception: Beachfront Tent up to 180. Lakeview Ballroom up to 250 with glass doors to an outdoor deck. Boathouse on the pier for intimate dinners and rehearsal events.
Catering: In-house catering and bar service. Champagne toast and honeymoon suite included in wedding packages. Yard games or fire pits included at reception.
Lodging: Full resort lodging on site. All guests can stay at the property. Pool, jacuzzi, beach access, and shuttle service included.
Best light: Late afternoon on the beach and pier. West-facing beach with Mount Tallac behind you. Sunset portraits on the pier.

Beach Retreat and Lodge wedding photographer · My take

Working the pier and the beach.

The pier is the shot at this venue. A thousand feet of dock with the lake on both sides and Mount Tallac straight ahead. At golden hour the light comes across the water from the west and hits everything warm and direct. It is one of the better portrait locations on the South Shore.

The beach ceremony setup is clean. White chairs, an arch in the sand, and the lake behind the officiant. You are not fighting any background elements. The Boathouse on the pier works well for rehearsal dinners and more intimate events where you want the water right next to you.

This venue is on the busiest stretch of beach in Tahoe. In summer you will have other people on the public beach next to the property. The private beach area is fenced, but it is worth knowing the context. Late afternoon and early evening are the best times to shoot here, when foot traffic on the surrounding beach drops.

Beach Retreat and Lodge wedding planning tips

Things nobody tells you.

Pick your ceremony space early.

Beach, pier, chapel or tent. Each changes the light and the timeline, so decide before you plan the day.

Plan portraits for the pier.

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

Expect a busy public beach.

Summer foot traffic is real. Late afternoon and early evening are calmer.

Use the chapel in winter.

The second floor chapel has lake views and works for cold or rainy dates.

Have guests stay on site.

Resort lodging, pool and shuttle make the weekend easier for out-of-town guests.

Book your photographer early.

Summer Saturdays at Tahoe book 12 to 18 months out.

Beach Retreat and Lodge wedding FAQ

Questions couples actually ask.

Where is Beach Retreat and Lodge?

3411 Lake Tahoe Blvd in South Lake Tahoe, California. Right on the water on the South Shore, near the Stateline casinos and close to the California-Nevada border.

What ceremony spaces are available?

The private beach with an arch and white garden chairs for up to 180 guests. The 1,000 foot pier for ceremonies on the water. An indoor chapel on the second floor with lake and mountain views for winter or rainy-day ceremonies. All three are on the property.

How many guests can it hold?

Up to 250 in the Lakeview Ballroom. Up to 180 in the beachfront Tent and on the private beach. The Boathouse on the pier is best for smaller events under 60. Ceremony-only capacity on the beach is up to 180 with the standard chair setup.

Is Beach Retreat and Lodge available year round?

Yes. The venue operates year round. Summer is peak with beach and pier ceremonies. Winter weddings use the chapel and ballroom. Off-peak pricing starts at $5,500 and peak dates start at $8,000 for venue rental.

Do guests need to stay on site?

No. But full resort lodging is available on site for all guests. Pool, jacuzzi, beach access, and shuttle service are included for guests staying at the property. It makes the weekend significantly easier for out-of-town guests.

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 locked in at Beach Retreat and Lodge, reach out as soon as possible.

Beach Retreat and Lodge wedding photographer · South Lake Tahoe, California