“I Do” Amid the Pines

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.

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.

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.

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.