There are venues you love, and then there are venues that sit on your bucket list for years. Tahoe Blue Estate has been that one for me since I started photographing weddings in 2018. I was supposed to photograph a wedding here in 2021, but the Caldor Fire had other plans. Fire season in the Sierra is no joke, and my couple had to pivot dates and venues due to evacuations.

So finally getting a chance to photograph a wedding at Tahoe Blue Estate this May? Full circle moment for me.

These two have trusted me with more than just their wedding day, too. Earlier in their engagement season, we headed down to the Bay for coastal cliffs and redwoods. Their Muir Woods engagement with a beachy golden hour was the perfect contrast to the alpine blues of Tahoe Blue Estate, and such a solid way to build connection before the big day.

Why Tahoe Blue Estate Is a Dream for Intimate Weddings

Tahoe Blue Estate is perfect for couples who want intimacy without sacrificing impact. Big view. Small guest count. Full weekend energy. It gives you that private estate feel while still delivering a Lake Tahoe backdrop that honestly does half the work for us.

The ceremony takes place at the back of the home overlooking the water, and because the property faces the West Shore, sunset absolutely shows off. This couple couldn’t pick between their siblings to officiate, so the bride’s sister and groom’s brother led the ceremony—a first for me doing a double-officiant wedding.

The iconic rock wall is where I captured the cover image: tiny people, massive landscape. You already know I love a tiny-people-big-landscape moment. And here’s the best part: while it looks dramatic in photos, it’s actually very approachable in person. Not a trek. Not a cliffhanger situation. Just a stunning, easy win.

The estate itself sleeps around 15–20 guests and caps weddings at 50 people. It truly feels like renting a luxury Airbnb for your wedding weekend. Everything happens on site, from getting ready to ceremony to dinner and dancing. The downstairs game room with a bar and pool table transforms into your reception space once the party starts, which makes the flow feel effortless and cozy.

One practical note: The home is built into a cliff and spans three stories. There are stairs. Plan accordingly and wear the good shoes.

Spring Design Details at That Allow the Lake to Shine

This May wedding leaned into a blue color palette that mirrored the lake perfectly. White and green florals were clean and elevated, allowing the venue and its view to do what it does best.

For the ceremony, a guitarist provided by the DJ set the tone overlooking the water. It felt intentional, relaxed, and elevated without being overproduced.

If you’re planning a summer wedding at Tahoe Blue Estate, know that the ceremony site is in direct sun. The views are unreal, but there’s little shade. Water, sunscreen, and umbrellas for guests are a smart move.

Couples planning here work closely with Reno by Design Weddings, the venue’s trusted planner, and they truly keep everything running smoothly from start to finish.

If Tahoe Blue Estate is on your venue list, let’s do it right. I’ve waited years to photograph here, and now that I have, I’m ready to go back. If you’re planning an intimate wedding at Tahoe Blue Estate and want someone who knows how to lean into the landscape without overcomplicating it, inquire below to book your date.

Vendor Team
Photo: Dani Rawson Photo
Venue: Tahoe Blue Estate
Florals: DIY from Costco
Hair & Make-up: Bride’s Cousin
Planning & Coordination: Reno by Design Weddings
DJ: Milton Merlos Productions
Catering: Blend Catering Reno
Rentals: Celebrations Event Rentals