Stunning Lake Tahoe Micro Wedding | Rachel & Sean

If you’ve been daydreaming about a laid-back wedding surrounded by nature, this Lake Tahoe micro wedding will definitely inspire you! With a heartfelt ceremony on the sand and a cozy reception just a few blocks away, Rachel and Sean’s day was the perfect blend of relaxed and beautiful. They kept their guest list small (just their closest loved ones!) and focused on the moments that mattered most. This is exactly what we love about micro weddings in Tahoe!

As a husband and wife photo and video team, we’ve captured hundreds of elopements and weddings throughout Lake Tahoe. This venue combo, the Arch at Lakeside for the ceremony and South of North Brewing Co. for the reception, is one of our all-time favorites for couples planning an intimate celebration. Keep reading to see why!

Their Wedding Timeline

Rachel and Sean planned a relaxed day that allowed time to be present with their people, soak in the views, and have fun from start to finish. 

Here’s an overview of their wedding day timeline: 

• 12:30 PM – Getting ready at the Desolation Hotel
• 1:30 PM – First look and portraits at one of our favorite hidden photo spots
• 2:30 PM – Bridal party photos
• 3:30 PM – Group photos at Lakeside Beach
• 4:00 PM – Ceremony at the Arch at Lakeside
• 5:00 PM – Cocktail hour at South of North Brewing
• 6:00 PM – Dinner and reception
• 7:00 PM – First dances and cake cutting
• 8:30 PM – Dance party 

We loved how Rachel and Sean created a simple, well-paced timeline that gave them plenty of time to enjoy their guests, the gorgeous setting, and each other. While they planned most of the day themselves, we helped with location ideas and shared our lighting recommendations to make sure everything flowed smoothly and looked great in photos.

Their Ceremony & Reception

Before the ceremony, we snuck away to one of my hidden GPS spots for their first look and some portraits. It was exactly what they had hoped for, with a mountain and snowy peak backdrop. It gave them a quiet moment together before time with their loved ones.

Afterwards, we set off for their wedding ceremony. Rachel and Sean chose the Arch at Lakeside for their ceremony, and it couldn’t have been more gorgeous. With the lake sparkling in the background and the mountains just behind it, it offered a classic Lake Tahoe view. The couple exchanged vows surrounded by about thirty of their closest friends and family. The beach setting added a peaceful vibe, and the lake breeze was the perfect addition to the ceremony!

After the ceremony, we made the most of the lakeside backdrop for some romantic portraits of just the two of them. It was one of my favorite parts of the day. They had that fresh, just-married feeling and were fully enjoying the moment together.

From there, the celebration moved over to South of North Brewing for the reception. If you’re planning a micro wedding in Tahoe and want a laid-back space to gather afterward, this spot is a hidden gem. The combo of indoor and outdoor space gave everyone room to mingle. We especially love the little details like string lights, a vintage Airstream, picnic tables, and fire pits. It felt like a casual backyard party, but elevated with great food and even better beer.

Rachel and Sean shared a sweet first dance, cut their cake, and then spent the evening dancing and laughing with their guests as the sun set behind the mountains.

Planning Your Lake Tahoe Micro Wedding

Contact Us