There are a lot of breathtaking spots across Lake Tahoe where you can host your wedding. From golf resorts to ski lodges, you are probably spending a lot of your time sifting through venues. If you are looking for a hidden gem that puts you right in the midst of it all, I think I have the perfect spot for you. As a Lake Tahoe wedding photographer, I get to go behind the scenes of all the best locations. Here’s what sets a West Shore Cafe wedding apart from the rest!
About The West Shore Cafe Wedding Venue
5160 W Lake Blvd, Homewood, California 96141
While West Shore Cafe might be a popular spot for destination weddings, it remains a favorite amongst locals. For years, this hotel has been serving up award-winning meals thanks to Executive Chef Cale Falk. They also have regular events, including live guitar performances and samplings from different local breweries. The venue is located right alongside the water and offers a pier and a deck so you can get the very best views of the lake. Not only will your wedding have breathtaking views, but you’re also going to have all the amenities you need for a truly seamless day!
Details of the Grounds
West Shore Cafe offers several locations so you can have your dream wedding. Most people choose to hold their ceremony outside on the West Shore Lakefront Lawn. This space gives you jaw-dropping views of the Lake and the mountains while still accommodating parties of all sizes. You can exchange vows while boats race across the water just beyond your arbor.
More intimate weddings can happen on the West Shore Lakefront Pier. This is one of the only private locations on the Lake Tahoe shores. The wooden pier features barriers to keep your guests safe without obstructing any of the views. With this option, you can hop onto a boat and make a pretty dramatic grand entrance! If you’d like, you can combine the space with the Lakefront Deck to increase your capacity.
For couples who want a little extra adventure throughout their wedding day, you can use the Homewood Mountaintop Ceremony Site. This space is only available throughout the summer. You and your guests will hop onto a chairlift that will take you to your wedding space 7,000 feet up. Here, you’ll have a flat space where you can exchange vows overlooking all of Lake Tahoe.
For indoor ceremonies, you can use the West Shore Lakefront Dining Room. This rustic yet sophisticated space offers floor-to-ceiling windows so you can still get all the views of the surrounding area.
From intimate elopements to legendary bashes, West Shore Cafe is ready to host parties of all sizes! The West Shore Lakefront Pier is able to hold up to 100 guests. When combined with the Deck, this increases to 250. Both the West Shore Lakefront Dining Room and the Homewood Mountaintop Ceremony Site can accommodate up to 150 guests. The West Shore Lakefront Lawn can accommodate up to 250 guests.
Receptions And Beyond
West Shore Cafe lets you transform most of the wedding spaces into reception areas. For those who want to keep the party outside, they let you pitch a tent amidst the Lakefront Lawn. Enjoy a luxurious garden party with the views of Lake Tahoe visible each way you turn! They also allow you to hold an outdoor reception out on the Deck.
The Dining Room will be a fabulous space for an indoor reception. The windows keep the views on display while the building will provide you with climate control.
One of the best spots for your cocktail hour is the West Shore Lakefront Deck. Your guests will sip on signature cocktails while enjoying some of the best views of Lake Tahoe!
West Shore Cafe has private dressing rooms that you can use to get ready ahead of the wedding ceremony. You will have a comfortable area where you can hang out with your bridal party and put on the finishing touches until it’s time for your event to begin.
West Shore Cafe allows Lake Tahoe to take centerstage! Many of the couples who choose to use this venue favor it for the prominent lakeside views. The grounds are well-maintained, with towering trees scattered throughout. The Dining Room has stone floors with rustic wood across the walls and the ceiling. The windows in this room are rounded and reach up to the ceiling.
Photography Opportunities
With West Shore Cafe, you’re definitely going to want to step outside for your wedding pictures. The pier lets you go out over the water for a truly stunning backdrop. Some couples choose to rent a boat that they can include in this portion. The chairlift is also a fabulous spot to get some unique couple portraits!
Wedding Details
In addition to the views, West Shore Cafe will provide you with everything you need for your wedding day. You will schedule food and beverage consultations and tastings so you can create the perfect menu for your event. They have a list of preferred vendors for all the other services. Throughout your wedding, you will have one hour for guest seating and the ceremony, as well as six hours for the reception. They will provide the tables, chairs, napkins, glassware, china, and silverware. Service staff and bartenders will be on-site to keep your party running smoothly. You can select several add-on services, including customized menus, display hors d’oeuvres, market lights, and fire pit s’more stations. The attached hotel will ensure your party has a comfortable space to stay throughout your wedding weekend.
A Picture Perfect Day Awaits At Your Dream West Shore Cafe Wedding
With a West Shore Cafe wedding, you can have a day that celebrates the heart of Lake Tahoe. Schedule a tour soon so you can decide if this is your venue!
Once you have your location, it’s time to start thinking about pictures! I am a Lake Tahoe wedding photographer, and I adore working with couples so they can remember every second of their wedding day. If you have been looking for your photographer, I would love to have a conversation and tell you all about my style so you can decide if I’m the one for you. Send me a message to find out more!
