The founders of the River Ranch built this lodge in 1888. A true historic landmark on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe, it sits on the banks of the Truckee River next to the entrance to Olympic Valley. Once upon a time, guests knew it as “Deer Park Inn.” Renovations and restorations continue to make this a charming destination for special events, private parties and wedding celebrations. River Ranch Lodge weddings give you close proximity to the lake. But you are also close to the amenities of Truckee and Tahoe City.
The River Ranch Lodge provides planning assistance, menu selection, venue layout and coordination services. This makes the process of planning a wedding here that much easier. Weddings at the River Ranch Lodge are generally on the outdoor patio. This patio is right above the Truckee River. This medium-sized site maintains an intimate feel without the stress of having to pare down your guest list.
The lodge can accommodate up to 175 guests at a time. With that in mind, this venue is certainly not the best option for very large weddings. Correspondingly, it is a great option for smaller, more intimate events. Especially shorter weddings, and even elopements. The riverside patio can be booked for 5 hours anytime throughout the day. The last available starting time is at 3:30 p.m. All necessary tables, chairs and linens are already on site, keeping facility rental costs to a minimum. Additionally, catering and bar-tending services are all in-house.
Wedding Photography at River Ranch Lodge Weddings
The River Ranch Lodge has some great spots for wedding photos immediately on-site. In case you are planning a wedding here, I recommend spending some time with your photographer in Olympic Valley. Or, even closer to Lake Tahoe. Investing the time in some other locations will give you more variety in your photos. And you’ll be able to capture a wider range of scenery.

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This is a series of posts to help you find the perfect Lake Tahoe wedding venue. For more information, visit the River Ranch website. Chris Werner is a Lake Tahoe wedding photographer with a modern, candid, photojournalistic approach. Learn more about him on his bio page, or by contacting Chris Werner Photography.