Planning a wedding in Lake Tahoe? Well, you already know it’s the perfect backdrop for breathtaking wedding photos. But capturing the magic of your day requires more than just a beautiful location. It takes a little preparation and the right approach. As a local wedding photographer with years of experience, I’ve put together some essential tips to help you get the most out of your Lake Tahoe wedding photos.
1. Wear Sunscreen
This is an important one. Lake Tahoe’s high altitude and thinner air mean stronger UV rays. If you don’t apply sunscreen, you will be in for a nasty sunburn for any skin that isn’t covered up or protected, including your lips.
If you’ve got a few fun-filled days lined up before your wedding, remember the SPF! I know plenty of brides and grooms that walked down the aisle with sunburns from spending time at the beach without enough (or any) protection. A little sunscreen each day will spare you the embarrassing burn. Moreover, it will help you look and feel your best on the big day.
Beyond your own comfort, red, sunburned skin is impossible to ignore in photos. As a documentary-style wedding photographer, I capture your day as it naturally unfolds. But correcting sunburn in editing is time-consuming and may incur additional retouching fees. Protect both your skin and your wedding photos by wearing sunscreen in the days leading up to and on your wedding day.
2. Hydrate
Hydration is key—especially for a wedding in the mountains. At over 6,000 feet, Lake Tahoe’s thin, dry air causes your body to lose moisture faster. At nearly every wedding I photograph, I hear of someone suffering from fatigue, headaches, or altitude sickness. Factor in the excitement of your wedding weekend—long days, lots of movement, and warm sunshine—and staying hydrated becomes even more crucial.
Celebratory drinks, common at weddings, have a stronger effect and dehydrate faster at higher elevations. To maintain your energy, increase your water intake in the days leading up to your wedding and keep a water bottle readily available. Many couples provide hydration stations with infused water or electrolytes, a thoughtful touch that keeps everyone refreshed.
For your guests’ welcome bags, consider including items like coconut water or electrolyte packets. Personally, I love the Everyday Hydration Drink Mix from Skratch Labs. LMNT is another tasty, sugar-free option. I’m also a big fan of stickers encouraging guests to drink Tahoe Tap instead of using single-use plastic bottles. Check out the photo below for some welcome bag inspiration.
3. Avoid Fake Tans (Or Choose Wisely!)
My editing style enhances the natural colors of Lake Tahoe—the blue sky, the emerald water, and the lush forests. Unfortunately, some fake tans can turn orange (or have a subtle orange glow), which makes you stand out in an unnatural way. If you plan to get a tan, opt for a professional spray tan in a light, natural shade that complements your skin tone. Avoid DIY or overly dark tans. They might look great in person but can appear overly saturated in photos.
Over the years, I have noticed that fake tans tend to stand out in group portraits. Especially when compared to the natural complexions of people standing immediately next to you. As with sunburned skin, adjusting these differences in post-production requires additional retouching time, which may incur extra fees.
If you are unsure, I recommend a fake tan trial run at least a couple months before the wedding. Take some test photos in a variety of lighting situations to see how your skin looks compared to the natural tones of friends or family members.
4. Relax, Be Present, and Trust Your Vendors
The most cherished wedding photos, in my experience, capture genuine, candid joy. That joy comes from being fully present, immersed in the celebration with your favorite people. And the secret to that presence? Preparation. Not practicing poses or smiles, but trusting your vendors and the plans you’ve made, and then allowing yourself to simply let go. A natural smile always outshines a rehearsed one.
As a photographer who has captured hundreds of Lake Tahoe weddings, I’ve seen firsthand how much smoother and more enjoyable the day is when couples relax and go with the flow. Listen to your vendors’ advice. We have the experience to guide you, whether it’s choosing the best time for sunset portraits or keeping your timeline on track.
When you trust the professionals you’ve hired, you’ll feel more at ease. That natural joy will shine through in your photos.
5. Plan Extra Time for Everything
Individual events throughout the wedding day often take longer than expected. Hair and makeup, gathering family for group shots, or traveling to a portrait location can all add unexpected delays.
To stay stress-free, build extra time into your timeline. If things run behind, you’ll have a buffer, and if everything stays on track, you’ll have extra moments to relax and enjoy your day.
Bonus Tip: Feed Your Photographer
To keep your photographer energized and focused, they should be served when you—or the first table—receive your meal.
This timing is crucial for capturing toasts, which typically begin right after dinner. Additionally, depending on the timing of Golden Hour, I often take the couple outside for sunset portraits as soon as they finish eating, while guests are still enjoying their meals. These artistic, scenic portraits are often among the couple’s favorites from the day and often become full-page images in wedding albums. A re-fueled photographer is a creative photographer.
While some chefs are mindful of this, many simply default to serving photographers (alongside other vendors) after all guests have their entrées—right when toasts are about to begin. To ensure your photographer doesn’t have to choose between skipping a meal or missing key moments, I recommend asking your planner or caterer to serve them when you eat.
I learned this lesson the hard way early in my career. Nine hours into photographing an all-day wedding, I was informed—at the last moment—that no vendor meals had been planned. I asked the kitchen for anything edible. They handed me a small plate with two dinner rolls on it. One for me, one for my assistant. As I took my first bite, I heard the telltale clink of forks on glasses, the rising cheers, and the best man’s speech beginning in the next room—a moment I nearly missed.
Since then, I always bring extra snacks, just in case. But the best way to ensure your photographer stays focused, energized, and ready to capture every important moment? Make sure they’re included in the meal plan. A well-fed photographer delivers their best work!
Chris Werner Photography
Whether you’re counting the days or still in the dreaming phase, I’d love to be a part of your big day. Since 2011, I have been specializing in Lake Tahoe weddings of all kinds. If you have any questions about getting married in Lake Tahoe or if you’d like to check my availability for your date, feel free to get in touch.
For more tips on how to get the best wedding photos, check out my collection of wedding planning tips.
