Mountain Resort Elopement in California

Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort’s expansive mountain views are stunning any time of year. Add in a fall elopement atop its peak to create a positively breathtaking wedding day experience. This mountain resort elopement in Northern California was nothing short of perfection for this adventurous couple.

The adventure continues for this Northern California couple as they tie the knot atop their favorite mountain resort. After having won a drawing for an elopement package from Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort, Aishlin and Andrew knew their wedding would be an exciting day from the start! 

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Highlights: Mountain Resort Elopement & Backyard BBQ Reception

Guest Arrival at the Resort

As part of their elopement package, Aishlin and Andrew were able to invite ten of their closest family members and friends to witness their intimate wedding ceremony. Upon arrival, guests were greeted and quickly shuttle to the ceremony location atop one of Sierra-at-Tahoe’s mountain peaks.

Mountain Top Ceremony & Cocktail Reception

The mountain vistas at the ceremony site were exactly what Aishlin and Andrew wanted as a backdrop for their nuptials. To add a personalized touch to the scene, Aishlin crafted a ceremony arch and decorated it with flowers matching her flower crown.

The geometric arch perfectly complimented the surrounding mountain range with its angled apex. Aishlin and Andrew agreed the arch matched the venue so well they later gifted it to Sierra-at-Tahoe for future weddings. 

Immediately following the ceremony, Sierra-at-Tahoe hosted a small cocktail reception. There were drinks and hors d’oeuvres provided for a short toast, after which our newlyweds skipped off for portraits with their photographer.

About an hour after the ceremony, the cocktail reception and couple’s photos were complete, and everyone hopped on the shuttle back to the newlyweds home for a dinner reception.

Backyard BBQ Reception

The shuttle brought the elopement attendees to the official reception and dinner on the couple’s back property. Any family or friends who were not able to make the ceremony were waiting at the home to congratulate Aishlin and Andrew on their vows.

A barbecue pit master was brought in to cater their dinner, while tunes from Aishlin’s wedding playlist sang out from a good ol’ large bluetooth speaker. To keep the festivities going well into the night, everyone camped out in tents, trailers and trucks on the property.

Small but Important Details

Detail #1 – It was very important to the newlyweds that all the food and beverage be locally sourced, if possible. They bought apple donuts from Boa Vista Orchards, kegs from Altamont Beer Works and catering from Hog Wild Bar-B-Que.

Detail #2 – Adding in another personal touch, Aishlin and Andrew were able to include their dogs into the ceremony. Aishlin’s sister (Maid of Honor) and Andrew’s best friend (Best Man) walked the dogs down the aisle so they could be part of their owner’s big day.

Detail #3 – Aishlin’s wedding boots were her favorite part of her ensemble. Ariat and Pendleton collaborated to design the cutest limited edition half cowboy boot.

Planning + Logistics: Mountain Resort Elopement & Backyard BBQ Reception

Winning an Elopement Package

Aishlin and Andrew won an elopement package through a drawing on Sierra-at-Tahoe’s Instagram. Andrew used to work at the resort as a lift mechanic, not to mention the mountain is their home riding spot, so it was a very fitting venue. Sierra-at-Tahoe included the venue, planner and a small toast/reception for up to ten people.

As adventurous explorers and homesteaders, it was the best of both worlds to have the mountain resort elopement and backyard wedding reception of their dreams. Aishlin and Andrew both highly recommend this combination for an intimate and personalized wedding day.

Dogs on the Wedding Day

Having the dogs be part of the wedding day was huge! The dogs hung out with Andrew and the guys while everyone was getting ready, and once it was showtime, each dog had a part to play in the ceremony.

After some pictures, the dogs got to explore Sierra-at-Tahoe. They already knew the resort well, having been there many times before. They were very well-behaved dogs and it was not complicated to have them be involved in the wedding day.

HONEST Q+A WITH THE NEWLYWEDS

Q:  What was the most exciting extra part of your wedding day beyond saying “I Do”?

A: coming soon!

Q:  What was the biggest unexpected event that happened the day of your wedding?

A: coming soon!

Q:  Was there anything that you thought would be a big deal that turned out to be minimal?

A: coming soon!

Q:  What was the most troublesome part of planning your wedding day?

A: coming soon!

Q:  What advice would you give a new couple approaching their own wedding day?

A: coming soon!

QUICK FACTS

• planning & design | diy
• venue | sierra-at-tahoe resort
• photo | casey simon photography | edited by jessica lillian
• florals | diy (bride + bride’s mom)
• catering | hog wild bar-b-que
• cake | cakes on board (a local cottage baker)
• desserts | diy (bride’s mom)
• apple donuts | boa vista orchards
• beer | altamont beer works
• dj | diy – good ol’ large speaker & custom playlist
• dress | a boutique in pleasanton
• boots | ariat + pendleton collab cowboy bootie (similar)
• beauty | bride’s good friend jess (hair & makeup) 
• groom’s outfit | ariat jeans + handsome tweed blazer + bolo tie
• signage + paperie | diy
• time of year | autumn
• budget range | $$
• colors | fall tones – yellows, reds, brown, burnt orange
• style | boho country, elopement, adventure

Like a photo from this post?  Feel free to Pin your favorites to your Pinterest board!

I am looking for couples ready to share their wedding day story. Please nominate someone in the comment section below, or email me at jenni@anexcitingday.com, to be featured in my next REAL WEDDING post!