Your wedding is the most important day in your life and we want to help you make it memorable.
Services
Do you have recommendations on photographers, florists, music and other vendors?
We are pleased to provide an extensive list of the finest special event professionals in the area. These individuals have provided impeccable service and products to our guests in the past, please contact the Catering Sales Manager to request this list.
Will we need a wedding planner to assist us with our plans?
While our Special Events team will assist with many on-site details, we do require a professional wedding to ensure your wedding day is seamless from beginning to end. The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe special events manager is the on-site liaison between your wedding planner and the hotel operations team.
What are the responsibilities of a Ritz-Carlton Special Events Manager?
- Make recommendations for event professionals to include wedding coordination, entertainment, floral, photography, ceremony officiant, and amenities.
- Act as a menu consultant for all food and beverage selections.
- Detail your banquet event orders and wedding resume outlining your event.
- Create an estimate of charges outlining your financial commitments and deposit schedule.
- Create a floor plan of your function space for seating arrangements.
- Personally oversee the details of the bride and groom’s room reservations (If applicable).
- Oversee the ceremony and reception room(s) setup, food preparation, and other hotel operations.
- Be the on-site liaison between your wedding coordinator and hotel operations.
- Ensure a seamless transition to the hotel’s Banquet Manager once the grand entrance has occurred.
- Review your banquet checks for accuracy prior to the completion of the final bill.
What are the responsibilities of a Wedding Planner?
- Assist with etiquette and protocol for invitations, family matters, ceremony and toasts.
- Create a timeline for your entire wedding day, including the ceremony and reception to supply to the Special Events Manager.
- Organize and coordinate your ceremony rehearsal. Remind bridal party of all pertinent “call times” and “don’t forgets” on the wedding day.
- Confirm call times and details with all vendors several days prior to the wedding day.
- Ensure the ladies have their corsages and bouquets, etc., and assist with pinning of the gentlemen’s boutonnières.
- Deliver and arrange ceremony programs, escort cards, place cards, favors and any personal items.
- Coordinate your actual ceremony (i.e., line up bride party, assist bride with dress, etc.)
- Coordinate your reception (i.e., grand entrance, first dance, toasts, cake cutting, etc.)
- Coordinate with vendors and the Hotel Special Events Manager to ensure timeliness of your events.
- Collect any personal items you may have brought at the conclusion of the reception.
- Count and collect all wedding gifts and deliver them to the appropriate location at the conclusion of your event.
Should I make an appointment to see the hotel?
You are always welcome to visit the hotel at any time; however, an advanced appointment is required for a wedding site tour with the Catering Sales Manager- wedding specialist. So that we may guarantee availability and provide the best experience for your visit, please coordinate the appointment at least 10 days prior to your visit.
How do I secure my wedding date and venue?
Your initial visit is led by the Catering Sales Manager. She will conduct a thorough walk thru of the venues and check available dates, space and locations to consider. To secure a wedding date, please request a Catering Agreement from the Catering Sales Manager. A signed agreement and deposit is due to finalize the date. Your details are then turned over to a Ritz-Carlton Special Events team to begin the planning process of your wedding.
What does the venue fee include?
The venue fee includes the rental of the ceremony, cocktail reception and dinner reception locations. Also includes setup and teardown of venues, garden ceremony chairs, standard banquet chairs for dinner, cocktail tables, round dinner tables, standard linens, flatware, stemware, and china. Indoor backup space is included for all outdoor venues. Pricing is exclusive of service charge and sales tax.
How late can the celebration go?
The venue fee includes use of the indoor reception venue until 12:00 midnight. To continue the celebrations after midnight, there is a $1,000 per hour venue fee. All alcohol sales must conclude at 1:59am. Outdoor venues must conclude at 10:00pm
Can I host my ceremony only at The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe?
While our indoor and outdoor ceremony sites are generally reserved exclusively for those couples hosting their reception at the Resort, ceremony-only options become available just 90 days prior to the event date.
CULINARY Show All Hide All
What is the average cost per person for food and beverage?
Based on current banquet menus and wedding packages, costs will vary per person for lunch and per person for dinner exclusive of current taxable service charge and current sales tax. These averages would encompass hors d’oeuvres during your welcome cocktail reception, plated or buffet meal, wine service with meal and an open hosted bar service based on a moderate drinking group.
Please be aware that our menu items and pricing are subject to change and your final expenditure will depend on your final guest attendance, menu selections and food and beverage financial commitment.
Are we permitted to provide our own food and beverage at the hotel?
Although we do not permit food and beverage from outside sources to be served in the hotel, our culinary team provides an extensive selection of wonderful food and beverage, including a multitude of ethnic cuisines. We are delighted to customize menus to reflect your own personal tastes and even incorporate cherished family recipes.
Can you please clarify the Food and Beverage Minimum?
The food and beverage minimum is the least amount of money that you are required to spend in a combination of food and beverage, excluding service charge and sales tax based on the venue you are utilizing for your event. Please keep in mind that is not all you can anticipate to spend. The food and beverage minimum is reached by selecting individually priced, a la carte menu items or applicable wedding package with optional enhancements to equal or exceed the required dollar figure.
The following are examples of items that would apply towards the food and beverage minimum:
Butler passed and displayed hors d’oeuvres, carving stations, plated or buffet meal, dessert stations, specialty martini bars, dinner wine service, champagne toast, bar service and non-alcoholic beverage items.
Upgraded linens, china, silverware, specialty lighting and décor, bartender and/or chef fees, parking, guestroom accommodations and in-room dining do not apply towards the food and beverage minimum.
How late can alcohol be served?
We recommend that alcohol service be discontinued approximately one hour prior to the end of your function. By California State Law, no alcohol may be served after 2:00 a.m.
When do I need to finalize my menu?
Food and beverage selections must be finalized and confirmed with your Ritz-Carlton Events Manager four to six weeks prior to the date of your wedding. Your final guest count or guarantee is due three business days prior to the wedding or one week with choice entrée selections. This will be considered a guarantee, for which you will be charged even if fewer guests attend the event.
Do you provide children’s and vendor meals?
Children’s menus are customized to the needs of your event and will vary for children ages (5 through 12). Chef’s choice of vendor meals is priced based on the current banquet menu selections.
Do you provide a tasting of the food we select? When may I come and what is included?
We are pleased to offer a sample menu tasting for weddings with a food and beverage minimum. Tastings are scheduled with your Meetings and Special Events Manager for as outlined in your tasting guideline in the sales contract. There will be an additional for guests beyond the above listed.
GENERAL INFORMATION Show All Hide All
How do I secure my wedding date and venue?
Your initial visit will be conducted by the Catering Sales Manager. She will conduct a thorough inspection of a designated venue and will check dates, space and locations. Upon selection of your wedding date, a Catering Agreement will be prepared and your date will be confirmed upon receipt of your deposit. Your details are then turned over to a Ritz-Carlton Wedding Specialist on the Special Events team to begin the planning process of your wedding.
Can I host my ceremony only at The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe?
While our indoor and outdoor ceremony sites are generally reserved exclusively for those couples hosting their reception at the Resort, ceremony-only options may be available on select dates and times.
How late can I play music?
Indoor locations (The Ritz-Carlton Ballroom and Pines Ballroom) – 2 a.m.
Outdoor locations (Fireside Terraces, The Woods, The Meadows) – 10 p.m.
What are the deposits based on and when are they due?
Deposits depend upon how far in advance your arrangements are made and range from 25% - 100% of the combined food and beverage minimum, taxable service charge, applicable taxes and rental fees for the event space reserved. A deposit schedule will be provided as part of your contract. Deposits are non-refundable and non-date transferable. The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe requires full pre-payment and a credit card on file for all events.
What accommodations are provided for the Bride and Groom?
The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe provides a complimentary deluxe guestroom for the Bride and Groom the evening of the wedding over most dates excluding holiday periods.
How do my guests reserve rooms?
A special rate may be available with a minimum commitment of 10 or more rooms. The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe strongly recommends that a room block be arranged for all wedding celebrations. A room block guarantees a certain number of rooms exclusively for your guests. Your contracted guest room rate is guaranteed until approximately 45 days prior to your wedding date. This date is listed on your sales contract. After that time guests may make reservations based on availability at prevailing rates. Any remaining rooms not reserved will be released for sale at the cutoff date. Financial responsibility for unused and unsold rooms may apply; please refer to your sales contract.
Can we do a rehearsal for the wedding ceremony?
Your Ritz-Carlton Wedding Specialist is happy to arrange a ceremony rehearsal for you and your wedding party. Rehearsal times are confirmed up to three (3) weeks prior to your wedding and set at a time that does not interfere with other booked events; please contact your Ritz-Carlton Wedding Specialist in advance to arrange. Ceremony rehearsals are normally one hour in length and there is no additional fee.
Where does the bridal party get ready before the wedding?
Many of our brides choose to stay with us the evening before their wedding and therefore have the use of their room for changing. Your florist, bridesmaids and family members may bring any flowers, dresses and makeup into your room. Wedding parties also have the option of buying out the salon area of The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Lake Tahoe for hair, nails and makeup providing all services are contracted through the resort.
What are the fees for parking? Can I pay for all guests parking?
The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe offers only valet parking. Our current valet parking charges are $10 event parking and $35 for overnight guests. You may choose to host your guests parking charges by applying the charges to your master bill. Alternatively they may pay individually. The wedding party is responsible for any vendor parking as well which may be added to your master account.
OBTAINING A MARRIAGE LICENSE Show All Hide All
How can I obtain a marriage license in Placer County?
There are several requirements for obtaining a marriage license in Placer County, CA. If your ceremony is taking place in another county or state, your wedding coordinator or Ritz-Carlton wedding specialist would be delighted to assist you in obtaining the necessary information for that locale.
The following requirements need to be fulfilled to obtain a marriage license in Placer County:
Both parties must be at least 18 years old
Both the bride and groom must apply in person
You must have proper government-issued identification with the correct spelling of your name and address. Options include:
Driver's License
Passport
Divorce papers are not necessary if the divorce has been final for over 90 days.
A blood test is no longer required in California.
The certificate may be obtained from any county seat in California. It will be honored within the state for 90 days.
To obtain a marriage license, contact the North Lake Tahoe License Bureau:
Placer County, North Lake Tahoe License Bureau
5225 N. Lake Blvd. Carnelian Bay, CA 96140
(530) 546-1900
By appointment only, issued Monday through Friday mornings - $56.00
NOTE: This information is subject to change. Please verify current requirements in advance of your wedding date.
PHOTOGRAPHY Show All Hide All
May we take our wedding photographs at the hotel if we are not hosting our reception there?
Our most elegant backdrops for wedding photographs are private areas reserved for our guests hosting their wedding reception in the hotel. We request that photographs taken in any public area of the hotel, such as the hotel lobby, staircases, lounges or restaurants do not interfere with another guest's experience. Removal or rearranging of public area furniture is not permitted.
OUTSIDE VENDORS Show All Hide All
Are you able to recommend photographers, florists and other vendors?
We are pleased to provide an extensive list of the finest special event professionals in the area. These individuals have provided impeccable service and products to our guests in the past, and we are delighted to assist you in contacting them and obtaining any necessary information.
CULINARY Show All Hide All
What is the average cost per person for food and beverage?
Based on current banquet menus and wedding packages, costs will vary per person for lunch and per person for dinner exclusive of current taxable service charge and current sales tax. These averages would encompass hors d’oeuvres during your welcome cocktail reception, plated or buffet meal, wine service with meal and an open hosted bar service based on a moderate drinking group.
Please be aware that our menu items and pricing are subject to change and your final expenditure will depend on your final guest attendance, menu selections and food and beverage financial commitment.
Are we permitted to provide our own food and beverage at the hotel?
Although we do not permit food and beverage from outside sources to be served in the hotel, our culinary team provides an extensive selection of wonderful food and beverage, including a multitude of ethnic cuisines. We are delighted to customize menus to reflect your own personal tastes and even incorporate cherished family recipes.
Can you please clarify the Food and Beverage Minimum?
The food and beverage minimum is the least amount of money that you are required to spend in a combination of food and beverage, excluding service charge and sales tax based on the venue you are utilizing for your event. Please keep in mind that is not all you can anticipate to spend. The food and beverage minimum is reached by selecting individually priced, a la carte menu items or applicable wedding package with optional enhancements to equal or exceed the required dollar figure.
The following are examples of items that would apply towards the food and beverage minimum:
Butler passed and displayed hors d’oeuvres, carving stations, plated or buffet meal, dessert stations, specialty martini bars, dinner wine service, champagne toast, bar service and non-alcoholic beverage items.
Upgraded linens, china, silverware, specialty lighting and décor, bartender and/or chef fees, parking, guestroom accommodations and in-room dining do not apply towards the food and beverage minimum.
How late can alcohol be served?
We recommend that alcohol service be discontinued approximately one hour prior to the end of your function. By California State Law, no alcohol may be served after 2:00 a.m.
When do I need to finalize my menu?
Food and beverage selections must be finalized and confirmed with your Ritz-Carlton Events Manager four to six weeks prior to the date of your wedding. Your final guest count or guarantee is due three business days prior to the wedding or one week with choice entrée selections. This will be considered a guarantee, for which you will be charged even if fewer guests attend the event.
Do you provide children’s and vendor meals?
Children’s menus are customized to the needs of your event and will vary for children ages (5 through 12). Chef’s choice of vendor meals is priced based on the current banquet menu selections.
Do you provide a tasting of the food we select? When may I come and what is included?
We are pleased to offer a sample menu tasting for weddings with a food and beverage minimum. Tastings are scheduled with your Meetings and Special Events Manager for as outlined in your tasting guideline in the sales contract. There will be an additional for guests beyond the above listed.
GENERAL INFORMATION Show All Hide All
How do I secure my wedding date and venue?
Your initial visit will be conducted by the Catering Sales Manager. She will conduct a thorough inspection of a designated venue and will check dates, space and locations. Upon selection of your wedding date, a Catering Agreement will be prepared and your date will be confirmed upon receipt of your deposit. Your details are then turned over to a Ritz-Carlton Wedding Specialist on the Special Events team to begin the planning process of your wedding.
Can I host my ceremony only at The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe?
While our indoor and outdoor ceremony sites are generally reserved exclusively for those couples hosting their reception at the Resort, ceremony-only options may be available on select dates and times.
How late can I play music?
Indoor locations (The Ritz-Carlton Ballroom and Pines Ballroom) – 2 a.m.
Outdoor locations (Fireside Terraces, The Woods, The Meadows) – 10 p.m.
What are the deposits based on and when are they due?
Deposits depend upon how far in advance your arrangements are made and range from 25% - 100% of the combined food and beverage minimum, taxable service charge, applicable taxes and rental fees for the event space reserved. A deposit schedule will be provided as part of your contract. Deposits are non-refundable and non-date transferable. The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe requires full pre-payment and a credit card on file for all events.
What accommodations are provided for the Bride and Groom?
The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe provides a complimentary deluxe guestroom for the Bride and Groom the evening of the wedding over most dates excluding holiday periods.
How do my guests reserve rooms?
A special rate may be available with a minimum commitment of 10 or more rooms. The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe strongly recommends that a room block be arranged for all wedding celebrations. A room block guarantees a certain number of rooms exclusively for your guests. Your contracted guest room rate is guaranteed until approximately 45 days prior to your wedding date. This date is listed on your sales contract. After that time guests may make reservations based on availability at prevailing rates. Any remaining rooms not reserved will be released for sale at the cutoff date. Financial responsibility for unused and unsold rooms may apply; please refer to your sales contract.
Can we do a rehearsal for the wedding ceremony?
Your Ritz-Carlton Wedding Specialist is happy to arrange a ceremony rehearsal for you and your wedding party. Rehearsal times are confirmed up to three (3) weeks prior to your wedding and set at a time that does not interfere with other booked events; please contact your Ritz-Carlton Wedding Specialist in advance to arrange. Ceremony rehearsals are normally one hour in length and there is no additional fee.
Where does the bridal party get ready before the wedding?
Many of our brides choose to stay with us the evening before their wedding and therefore have the use of their room for changing. Your florist, bridesmaids and family members may bring any flowers, dresses and makeup into your room. Wedding parties also have the option of buying out the salon area of The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Lake Tahoe for hair, nails and makeup providing all services are contracted through the resort.
What are the fees for parking? Can I pay for all guests parking?
The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe offers only valet parking. Our current valet parking charges are $10 event parking and $35 for overnight guests. You may choose to host your guests parking charges by applying the charges to your master bill. Alternatively they may pay individually. The wedding party is responsible for any vendor parking as well which may be added to your master account.
OBTAINING A MARRIAGE LICENSE Show All Hide All
How can I obtain a marriage license in Placer County?
There are several requirements for obtaining a marriage license in Placer County, CA. If your ceremony is taking place in another county or state, your wedding coordinator or Ritz-Carlton wedding specialist would be delighted to assist you in obtaining the necessary information for that locale.
The following requirements need to be fulfilled to obtain a marriage license in Placer County:
Both parties must be at least 18 years old
Both the bride and groom must apply in person
You must have proper government-issued identification with the correct spelling of your name and address. Options include:
Driver's License
Passport
Divorce papers are not necessary if the divorce has been final for over 90 days.
A blood test is no longer required in California.
The certificate may be obtained from any county seat in California. It will be honored within the state for 90 days.
To obtain a marriage license, contact the North Lake Tahoe License Bureau:
Placer County, North Lake Tahoe License Bureau
5225 N. Lake Blvd. Carnelian Bay, CA 96140
(530) 546-1900
By appointment only, issued Monday through Friday mornings - $56.00
NOTE: This information is subject to change. Please verify current requirements in advance of your wedding date.
Culinary
What is the average cost per person for food and beverage?
Based on our current banquet wedding package, the pricing starts at $299 - $325 per person, both of which are exclusive of service charge and sales tax. These averages are based on a the wedding package which includes a hosted bar for four hours, passed hors d’oeuvres during your welcome reception, two-course plated dinner experience, wedding cake or dessert, tableside wine service with the dinner and coffee/tea service. Additional hours of bar and/or menu enhancements will have separate pricing.
Can you please clarify the Food and Beverage Minimum?
The food and beverage minimum is the minimum spend you are responsible for regardless of the final guest count, excluding service charge and sales tax. It is a minimum spend for use of the venue on a particular day. The minimum is reached with the wedding package price and any additions of food or beverage added to the package, totals typically exceed the minimum. Should you fall below the food and beverage minimum, we will work with you to enhance or upgrade your menu offerings to help you achieve your minimum.
Can food and beverage be brought in from the outside?
The resort must provide all food and beverage items for your event. Offsite catering can be approved by culinary team for specialty cuisines only, please contact Catering Sales Manager for pricing. The sale and service of alcoholic beverages is regulated by the California State Liquor Commission, and The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe is responsible for the administration of those regulations. It is our policy that all alcoholic beverages must be provided by the resort.
General Information
Are dogs allowed onsite and to be a part of our wedding?
The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe is a pet-friendly resort and welcomes dogs to participate in your special day. For more information about our pet policy, click here.
Where does the bridal party get ready before the wedding?
Many of our brides choose to stay with us the evening before their wedding and the night of their wedding, therefore have the use of their room for changing. Your florist, bridesmaids and family members may bring any flowers, dresses and makeup into your room.
What are the fees for parking? Can I pay for all guests parking?
The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe offers valet parking only. The current valet parking charges are $25 per day for event only parking and $55 per day for overnight guests. You may choose to host your guests parking charges by applying the charges to your master bill. Alternatively they may pay individually. The wedding party is responsible for any vendor parking as well which may be added to your master account.
How can I obtain a marriage license in Placer County?
You can also obtain a Marriage License right in North Lake Tahoe – at Placer County’s satellite office, located at 5225 N. Lake Blvd. in Carnelian Bay. However, you must have an appointment, and the office hours only run from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. To schedule an appointment, call 530-886-5610. For more information on how to obtain a marriage license, please click here.