The Perfect Truckee Wedding Venue: Sugar Bowl Resort

Planning a mountain wedding in Northern California? Let us introduce you to one of Truckee’s best-kept secrets… Sugar Bowl Resort! As a husband and wife photography and videography team that’s captured countless Northern California weddings, we’re excited to share why this Truckee wedding venue has completely stolen our hearts. We recently documented Jen and Bryan’s beautiful celebration here, and we’re breaking down everything you need to know about this stunning alpine venue.

Why do you love working at this Truckee wedding venue?

Nestled high in the Sierra Nevada mountains, Sugar Bowl Resort perfectly balances rustic charm with elegant comfort. Jen and Bryan hosted their wedding on the property at Lake Mary Cabin. This newly remodeled cabin, owned by Sugar Bowl Resort, offers an intimate setting with sweeping views that will take your breath away. Picture your reception dinner on a beautiful patio overlooking a pristine alpine lake, surrounded by towering peaks and the crisp mountain air.

What’s special about this Truckee wedding venue?

What we love most about this venue is its versatility. The venue can comfortably host 30 to 120 guests, making it perfect for both intimate gatherings and larger celebrations. Your guests can enjoy the sandy shores of the lake, mingle on the lush lawn, or gather under the stunning canopied deck. Every spot offers a different perspective of the surrounding mountain landscape.

What ceremony and reception spaces are available at this venue?

Sugar Bowl Resort offers several wedding ceremony and reception venues. Here’s an overview:

The Village Lodge

If you’re looking for that classic mountain resort feel, the Village Lodge delivers in spades. The historic ski resort grounds become your wedding day backdrop. The lodge is complete with a relaxed sundeck and picturesque lawn. The cozy Belt Room Bar adds that perfect touch of mountain charm, and this space can accommodate up to 300 guests for larger celebrations.

Mountain Lookout

Want to give your guests an unforgettable experience? The Disney Express lift whisks them to the summit for a truly elevated cocktail hour. From here, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of Donner Lake, Van Norden Meadow, and Sugar Bowl’s dramatic peaks. It’s the kind of unique experience your guests will be talking about for years to come.

Lake Mary Cabin

This intimate Truckee wedding venue is perfect for couples seeking that perfect blend of outdoor beauty and cozy comfort. With capacity for up to 120 guests, the cabin offers stunning views of its private alpine lake from every angle.

What type of couple will love this Truckee wedding venue?

If you’re the kind of couple who loves adventure and wants to embrace it with your guests, you’ll feel right at home here. Sugar Bowl Resort sits right in the heart of outdoor paradise. It offers endless possibilities for adding adventure to your wedding weekend. You can start your morning with a hike along the iconic Pacific Crest Trail, or take your wedding party mountain biking on the Donner Lake Rim Trail. If you’re a climber, the world-famous Donner Summit is just minutes away. Almost anywhere you go, there will be panoramic Sierra views that stretch as far as the eye can see.

The beauty of choosing this venue is that adventure isn’t just an add-on. Your entire wedding experience will be centered around it. Whether you’re leading your guests on a group hike or simply soaking in the mountain views from the deck, you’ll feel the adventurous spirit.

Any insider tips for weddings here?

With experience capturing weddings here, we’ve gathered some insider knowledge to help make your day even more special. 

Plan for Epic Photo Opportunities 

Don’t miss the chance for photos at Donner Lookout! It’s just a short drive from the venue and perfect for first looks or sunset portraits. When we took Jen and Bryan there, it made for a fabulous first look backdrop!

Make it a Weekend Celebration 

One of the best things about this Truckee wedding venue is how it naturally encourages a full weekend of celebration. After the spring ski season ends, the resort becomes a private paradise for summer weddings. 

You can transform your wedding into a multi-day mountain getaway by hosting a welcome gathering by the lake. Guests can dip their toes in the crystal-clear water, swim, or paddleboard. Or, you can organize group activities like hiking or biking adventures to help everyone connect before the big day. Then, you can wrap up your celebration with a relaxed farewell brunch on the deck, sharing memories from the weekend while soaking in those stunning mountain views one last time.

What are your favorite photo locations at this venue?

As photographers, we’re in love with the endless photo opportunities here. With private access to the entire property, we can create stunning portraits anywhere on the grounds. From the rustic charm of the Lodge to the dramatic mountain backdrops, every corner offers something special. We love exploring the property with our couples, finding hidden gems and perfect lighting spots that make each wedding gallery unique.

Your Truckee Wedding Photographer

We’re Angie and Lee, a husband and wife duo who love to document love stories across Northern California. We offer both photography and videography services, allowing us to capture every moment of your day in perfect harmony..

Whether you’re just starting to plan your California wedding or you’ve already fallen in love with this Truckee wedding venue, we’d love to help tell your story. Get in touch to learn more about our services and availability. We can’t wait to hear from you!

Want to see more of this stunning Truckee wedding venue in action? Check out some of our favorite moments from Jen and Bryan’s beautiful celebration below.