A destination location for those all over the world and we are lucky enough to have Lake Tahoe right in our own backyard.  Situated between North Lake Tahoe and Truckee in the Sierra Nevada Mountains,  we found a fabulous venue that can accommodate the entire wedding weekend.  With multiple locations for rehearsal dinner, ceremony, reception and brunch, and a magnitude of outdoor activities, Northstar California is the perfect location for a weekend full of wedding memories.

Martis Valley Grille offers ceremony and receptions sites for more intimate weddings, but perhaps more importantly it offers a golf option for the wedding party and guests…if you are looking for a beautiful country club experience this is a great place to check out.

My favorite ceremony and reception location at Northstar is the Overlook Pavilion which overlooks Northstar Village, which in the evening just glows with lights and excitement…now for the celebrations options:  Let’s start with the beautiful sloping grass area attached to the Pavilion.  This is the perfect ceremony location with the beautiful pine trees and greenery that Tahoe is known for as a backdrop.  Just steps away is the Overlook patio, a natural segue for the cocktail hour.  The patio can be used throughout the evening as a cocktail area with tall tables, outdoor furniture creates small lounge areas where guests can relax and visit, and the stone firepit is a natural gathering area as the evening cools down…complete with a s’mores’borg.  Best of all, the use of the firepit and outdoor furniture is all included in the rental!  The Overlook Pavilion Tent is lovely as a dinner space.  For those of you looking for a little glam in the natural forest, the billowing white lined tent will be perfect.   There are several options for your celebration depending on your group size, perhaps you’ll dine on the grass and have dancing in the tent, really, the choice is yours!

Another wonderful location on property is “mid-mountain” – the Lodge at Big Springs.  Thrill your guests with a gondola ride to the lodge (or buses are available for those less daring).  In the true spirit of a Tahoe ski lodge, you can get married on the slopes in the winter or on the deck during the summer.  Lovely scenery and views anytime of year, you’ll just have to decide if you want moderate weather and gorgeous green hills or cooler weather and views of white!

And the newest addition to Northstar is Zephyr Lodge, a brand new, LEED certified building perched mountain top above 8,000 feet.  This lodge can accommodate 500 guests, year round indoor/outdoor.  Sweeping views of the Pacific Crest and dramatic sunsets will thrill your guests.

Among the many perks of this versatile location are several different chair and table size options and a variety of centerpieces, candles and accessories…all included with the rental price.  They also have indoor ballrooms for those of you that want to marry in a winter wonderland or as a backup plan for the cooler months.   You and your guests will enjoy award winning food and hospitality and a variety of exciting and relaxing activities are at your fingertips.  The resort offers a fabulous golf course, spa, restaurants, swimming, shops, and more. The style of the resort is plush and rustic in the best sense of the words. Whether traveling from Sacramento, the Bay Area or the East Coast you will not be disappointed with the unforgettable time spent at this incredible location.

Photos taken by Truckee based Jon M Photography, a few from the website, and also from Bryan of Music and More Entertainment– Thanks!

~Vixen Kendra