The Best Time for a Wedding Ceremony in Lake Tahoe

Trying to decide the best time of day to get married in Lake Tahoe? Each season brings its own unique charm and beauty, making Tahoe a year-round paradise for weddings. However, the time of day you choose to say your “I dos” can significantly enhance the ambiance, experience, and even the photography of your wedding. In this guide, we’ll help you pick the best time for a wedding ceremony to begin against one of the most breathtaking landscapes nature has to offer.

What Time of the Day Do People Usually Get Married?

While it depends on personal preference and the wedding style, ceremonies traditionally take place in the late afternoon, around 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. This timing allows for a seamless transition into the evening’s celebrations, including cocktail hour, dinner, and dancing. 

Late afternoon ceremonies benefit from softer lighting, which is ideal for photography, and the cooler temperatures in many locations. However, morning and midday weddings are also popular, especially for more casual or intimate gatherings. And they can offer unique advantages such as brunch receptions and cost savings. 

Should You Get Married on the Hour or Half-Hour?

Choosing whether to get married on the hour or half-hour is largely a matter of personal preference and tradition. Some believe that getting married as the clock’s minute hand ascends (from half-hour to the hour) symbolizes the couple’s upward journey in life together, suggesting a start time for the half-hour might bring good luck. 

Others prefer the top of the hour for its sense of punctuality and formality. Ultimately, the decision should align with the couple’s wishes, logistical considerations, and the overall flow of their wedding day. Whether you choose the hour or half-hour, the most important aspect is the commitment being made, not the minute hand on the clock.

How Long Are Wedding Ceremonies?

A key consideration when choosing the best time of day to get married is how long your ceremony will last. Cultural traditions, religious practices, and personal preferences all play a part in determining a ceremony’s length. Non-religious ceremonies typically last between 20 to 30 minutes. This time frame allows for the inclusion of key elements like vows, ring exchanges, and a few readings or musical pieces without feeling rushed.

Religious or cultural ceremonies typically last at least 30 minutes, with some extending up to an hour. This is due to additional rites, prayers, and traditions specific to the faith being observed. For example, Catholic weddings with a full Mass can last around an hour, while Hindu ceremonies, known for their detailed rituals, can extend several hours.

5 Considerations When Choosing Your Ceremony Start Time

So, what time should you get married? Choosing the perfect start time for your wedding ceremony is more than just picking a moment out of the day — it’s about capturing the magic and beauty your special location offers. For those planning to say their “I do’s” in the stunning surroundings of Lake Tahoe, here are five considerations to ensure your timing is as picture-perfect as the backdrop.

1. Time of Sunrise and Sunset

When planning your wedding, especially an outdoor celebration, the time of sunrise and sunset plays a pivotal role not just for aesthetics but for capturing those perfect moments in the best possible light. While the idea of tying the knot as the sun rises or sets is undoubtedly romantic, the practical aspect to consider is how the day’s light will influence the ambiance, photography, and overall guest experience. 

The day’s lighting can also influence the schedule of your wedding activities. A ceremony in the gentle morning light could lead to a lively brunch reception, while the serene evening glow invites a magical dinner celebration. 

On average, here’s when you can expect the sun to rise in Lake Tahoe:

• Summer: Around the summer solstice in June, the sun rises as early as 5:33 AM. This early dawn allows for long days filled with outdoor activities and enjoyment of the lake’s natural beauty.
• Spring: By late March, you can expect sunrise around 6:00 AM, providing fresh, bright mornings perfect for starting the day with outdoor adventures or relaxation by the lake.
• Fall: By late September, the sun typically rises around 6:57 AM, gradually shifting later as the season progresses toward winter.
• Winter: Around the winter solstice in December, sunrise in Lake Tahoe is around 7:18 AM, offering a later start to the day. This can be ideal for those who enjoy a cozy morning indoors before heading out into the crisp winter air.

On average, here’s when you can expect the sun to set in Lake Tahoe:

• Summer: Sunset times during the summer months, particularly around June, can be as late as 8:25 PM. This provides long, enjoyable days perfect for outdoor activities and evening celebrations.
• Spring: In the spring, sunset times are earlier than in summer, with the sun setting around 7:02 PM in late March. As spring progresses, the days gradually get longer.
• Fall: In late September, the sun might set around 6:57 PM, and by late November, sunset times can be around 4:46 PM as it approaches winter.
• Winter: Winter days are the shortest, with sunset times in December and January occurring early in the evening. In mid-winter, the sun can set as early as around 4:43 PM, making for shorter days and long, cold nights.

2. Ceremony Length

Factor in how long your ceremony will last to make sure it aligns with the best light and temperature for the season. Summer weddings in Lake Tahoe can enjoy longer daylight hours, allowing for a late afternoon start without missing the sunset. In contrast, if you’re planning a winter wedding, remember that the days are shorter, and a morning or early afternoon start might be necessary to use the natural light to your advantage.

3. Wedding Events

Mapping out the day’s events is crucial. If you’re envisioning a cocktail hour by the lake, followed by dinner and dancing, work backward from sunset to determine the best time for a wedding ceremony to start. Allocating enough time for wedding photos is also essential, especially if you want to capture the changing lights over Lake Tahoe. For receptions that go into the night, consider how the transition from day to evening will affect the atmosphere and guest experience.

4. Guest Comfort

Lake Tahoe’s weather can vary dramatically with the seasons, influencing the ideal time to start your ceremony. A summer noon wedding might be too hot for comfort, pushing for a cooler late afternoon ceremony. Conversely, early autumn evenings can get chilly, suggesting an earlier start time while the sun still provides warmth. Always consider your guests’ comfort, possibly providing amenities like blankets for a cozy fall ceremony or handheld fans for a midsummer affair.

5. Photography Lighting

Professional photographers often recommend the “golden hour” — the hour just after sunrise or before sunset — for the most flattering natural light. Discuss with your photographer the best times to capture different parts of your wedding against Lake Tahoe’s majestic scenery, ensuring your memories are preserved in the best light possible.

Example Wedding Timelines to Choose the Best Time of Day to Get Married in Lake Tahoe

Here are example timelines for morning, afternoon, and evening ceremonies for each season in Lake Tahoe, considering the varying sunrise and sunset times throughout the year. (Read our article on the best time of the year to get married for even more helpful information.)

Summer Wedding Timelines

A summer wedding in Lake Tahoe is an enchanting experience where the pristine blue waters meet the sky, surrounded by majestic mountains and lush greenery, creating a breathtaking backdrop for your special day. Here are timeline examples to choose the best time for a wedding ceremony in the summer.

Morning Ceremony

• 6:00 AM: Wake up and start getting ready
• 8:00 AM: Ceremony
• 9:00 AM: Cocktail hour while getting pictures
• 10:00 AM: Brunch reception

Afternoon Ceremony

• 9:00 AM: Wake up and start getting ready
• 1:00 PM: Ceremony
• 2:00 PM: Cocktail hour while getting pictures
• 3:00 PM: Reception

Evening/Sunset Ceremony

• 12:00 PM: Start getting ready
• 6:30 PM: Ceremony
• 7:30 PM: Cocktail hour while getting pictures
• 8:30 PM: Reception under the stars

Spring Wedding Timelines

A spring wedding in Lake Tahoe is a vibrant celebration amidst awakening nature. The melting snow reveals fresh blooms, and the lake reflects crisp, clear skies, offering a serene and picturesque setting for your vows. Here are timeline examples to help you choose the best time for a wedding ceremony in the spring.

Morning Ceremony

• 6:30 AM: Wake up and start getting ready
• 8:30 AM: Ceremony
• 9:30 AM: Cocktail hour while getting pictures
• 10:30 AM: Brunch reception

Afternoon Ceremony

• 9:30 AM: Wake up and start getting ready
• 1:30 PM: Ceremony
• 2:30 PM: Cocktail hour while getting pictures
• 3:30 PM: Reception

Evening/Sunset Ceremony

• 1:00 PM: Start getting ready
• 6:00 PM: Ceremony
• 7:00 PM: Cocktail hour while getting pictures
• 8:00 PM: Reception as night falls

Fall Wedding Timelines

A fall wedding in Lake Tahoe is a mesmerizing display of nature’s palette. Aspen trees ablaze in gold and orange hues against the stunning backdrop of the tranquil lake offer a warm and inviting atmosphere for a truly picturesque ceremony. Here are timeline examples to help you choose the best time for a wedding ceremony in the fall.

Morning Ceremony

• 6:30 AM: Wake up and start getting ready
• 8:30 AM: Ceremony
• 9:30 AM: Cocktail hour while getting pictures
• 10:30 AM: Brunch reception

Afternoon Ceremony

• 9:30 AM: Wake up and start getting ready
• 1:30 PM: Ceremony
• 2:30 PM: Cocktail hour while getting pictures
• 3:30 PM: Reception

Evening/Sunset Ceremony

• 12:00 PM: Start getting ready
• 5:30 PM: Ceremony
• 6:30 PM: Cocktail hour while getting pictures
• 7:30 PM: Reception under stars

Winter Wedding Timelines

A winter wedding in Lake Tahoe is a magical affair. Set against a wonderland of sparkling snow and ice, the crisp air and cozy fireplaces create an intimate and unforgettable ambiance for your love story to unfold. Here are timeline examples to help you choose the best time for a wedding ceremony in the winter.

Morning Ceremony

• 7:00 AM: Wake up and start getting ready
• 9:00 AM: Ceremony
• 10:00 AM: Cocktail hour while getting pictures
• 11:00 AM: Lunch reception

Afternoon Ceremony

• 10:00 AM: Wake up and start getting ready
• 2:00 PM: Ceremony
• 3:00 PM: Cocktail hour while getting pictures
• 4:00 PM: Early dinner reception

Evening/Sunset Ceremony

• 11:00 AM: Wake up and start getting ready
• 3:30 PM: Ceremony
• 4:30 PM: Cocktail hour while getting pictures
• 5:30 PM: Cozy night reception

Of course, these timelines are just examples. Your exact start time for each event will depend on the rest of the wedding details. Just be sure to always consider guest comfort and logistics, especially in outdoor settings like Lake Tahoe.

Get Married at North Tahoe Event Center… Morning, Noon, or Night

North Tahoe Event Center is a stunning wedding venue on the shores of Kings Beach. Just steps from the lake’s edge, our venue is the perfect setting for a wedding — whether you opt for a morning ceremony or a sunset soiree. However you envision it, we can help bring your wedding to life! Get in touch today to book a tour of our venue and secure your wedding date and time!