Panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. A breathtaking tram ride to a stunning mountaintop venue. These are so many reasons why Palisades Tahoe High Camp is one of the most popular places in Lake Tahoe for a wedding.
I photographed this wedding on a warm summer afternoon in July. It was the perfect day to head up the mountain and enjoy some cooler breezes and sweeping vistas.
Groom and Bride Preparations
Upon arrival, I first photographed the groom getting ready at his hotel room in the Palisades Village. As the groomsmen helped one another with ties and boutonnières, I captured the candid moments naturally, as they occurred.
Whether it is a finicky tie that needs adjusting, or a flower that needs pinning on your lapel, these are the little moments that ultimately tell the story of your relationships and the important people in your life.
Next, I joined the bride and her bridal party in their hotel room to photograph bridal preparations. Opening a bottle of champagne always elicits a few fun and candid expressions. And the excitement grows once the bride is in her wedding dress!
High Camp Wedding Ceremony
After a first look and a few portraits in the Olympic Valley Meadows, the bride and groom took an early tram ride, in order to arrive before the wedding guests. The tram ride takes approximately 10 minutes. As we rode up the side of the mountain, I captured a few candid portraits of the couple.
As we approach the end of the tram line, the wedding venue comes into view.
In the next photo, which I took earlier in the day, you can see a wide-angle view of the Palisades Tahoe Aerial Tram as it approaches High Camp.
Wedding guests rode the next few trams. Each tram ride can transport around 120 people to the top of the mountain. Since there are two tram cars that alternate going up and down, it doesn’t take long for all your wedding guests to arrive.
I love the hugs that often come during the handoff. Here, the father of the bride shakes the grooms hand and gives him a heartfelt hug.
I also try to photograph any special glances or looks that the bride and groom might share during the ceremony.
This is one of the most scenic wedding ceremony locations in North Lake Tahoe. Check out that view!
During the ceremony I shot a variety of angles, always trying to capture as many facial expressions as possible. The bride and groom read personal vows from small wedding vow books. These books tend to be more photogenic than reading vows from a cellphone.
As a photographer who specializes in capturing raw, authentic emotions, I love an emotional groom during the ceremony!
Reception in the Terrace Restaurant and Bar
This couple hosted their High Camp wedding reception in the Terrace Restaurant and Bar. At 8200′ above sea level, this venue features large windows with panoramic views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding Sierra.
When I shoot a wedding, I spend the majority of the day documenting the couples story through smiles, laughter, and tears. But I always take a few moments to photograph the setting with all the details and decorations.
After their grand entrance, the bride and groom mingled with friends and family while everyone waited to be seated for dinner.
Throughout the reception, I kept my eye on the action. Sometimes a quick smile or expression can tell a larger story.
In the photo below, I captured the bride and groom exchanging a loving glance at their sweetheart table.
After dinner, a few members of the wedding party made champagne toasts for the happy couple.
After cutting the cake, the bride and groom took to the dance floor for their first dance as a married couple.
Portrait Locations at High Camp
If you are wondering about portrait locations for sunset photos at High Camp, I can help! As soon as you step foot outside your reception, there will be endless opportunities for photos. Really, it just depends on how much time you are willing to spend with your photographer.
To begin, we walked a short distance until the sun-kissed peaks of The Palisades came into view. Then, we followed the light to a spot that had an incredible backdrop of Lake Tahoe at sunset.
As the last rays of light illuminated the mountain peaks, I set up a creative flash behind the bride and groom in order to light up her long flowing veil.
Finally, it was back inside for a fun dance party!
Wedding Photography Package
This couple hired me for my all-inclusive wedding photograph package. This includes an engagement shoot, all-day wedding photography coverage, and a beautiful professional wedding album.
Are you looking for a photographer for your wedding at Palisades Tahoe High Camp? Get in touch via my contact page to find out if I am available. If so, I would love to be there! For more photos from this venue, check out my Palisades Tahoe wedding photography page. You can also explore more examples of my work in my main portfolio page.
