Get to Know: Granlibakken Tahoe
The name Granlibakken Tahoe evokes a lot of images. Think mountain valley, classic Tahoe ambiance, and spectacular views. But what makes this 74-acre private retreat stand out from the many venues in Lake Tahoe, and what does a Granlibakken wedding experience look like? There is only one way to find out!
Rustic wedding venue in Lake Tahoe
What makes Granlibakken stand out from the many venues in Lake Tahoe?
There’s something special about this place. With its inspiring setting, serenity, and ability to nurture both connection and disconnection, our mountain retreat has a way of kindling moments and memories that are precious and rare. As you enter our 74-acre valley, you are transported back to classic Tahoe. It’s where our early pioneers found their own adventures. It’s where people came by horse-drawn sleighs to hand-hewn cabins to commune with nature and one another. The adventuresome came to traverse cross-country trails. And those seeking greatness came to soar off the ski jump where national champions would be crowned, and Olympic athletes would be named. It’s where Rusty Rustad first dreamed of building Granlibakken—“a hill sheltered by fir trees”—in 1934. Time has slowly transformed our alpine haven, bringing indoor and outdoor spaces ideally suited to wedding celebrations, accompanied by a variety of modern-rustic accommodations designed to offer the comforts of home in our private mountain setting. But one thing that has never changed is Granlibakken’s enduring promise to offer guests the nature-inspired respite they need to work, play, connect, and celebrate with intention.
Tell us about the different venues/locations/settings couples can book for their wedding. What do they look like, how many do they accommodate, etc.?
Granlibakken Tahoe offers indoor and outdoor spaces for weddings. For outdoor ceremonies and receptions, Big Pine offers a stunning outdoor venue with a tiered stone ceremony stage and a secluded lawn, while the Mountain Deck features scenic views and a stage. Big Pine accommodates up to 120 people. For indoor celebrations, the Mountain Ballroom offers a 5,400-square-foot space with 16-foot ceilings and a flexible layout that can fit up to 300 people. The Big Pine Living Room, reminiscent of the great room of an old Tahoe lodge with an all-wood interior, open beam architecture, and fireplace, accommodates 45 people and is ideal for rehearsal dinners, welcome receptions, or farewell brunches.
What are some unique elements Granlibakken has that others don’t?
Think location, setting, services included, amenities, etc. (Ex. everyone can stay on-site, multiple venues to choose from, late night after party, etc.). Granlibakken’s simple comforts of modern-rustic lodges and connection with nature provide an authentic experience that keeps the focus on Tahoe’s beauty and grandeur. Lodging options range from single bedrooms to studios, suites, and multi-bedroom townhomes. All rooms include tea and coffee service, a hair dryer, an iron/ironing board, and premium wireless parking spaces. In addition, select lodging choices include a fully-furnished kitchen and fireplaces.
While there, guests can enjoy amenities such as the day spa, year-round pool, tennis courts, the tree-top adventure course, and miles of hiking and biking trails.
Granlibakken offers both the serenity of a secluded alpine resort and the convenience of close proximity to Lake Tahoe’s popular attractions. Located just a few hours from the Bay Area and an hour from Reno-Tahoe International Airport, Granlibakken Tahoe is an ideal destination for a memorable alpine wedding.
Granlibakken Tahoe lends itself to capturing breathtakingly diverse wedding photos. The resort is just a mile from two beaches on Lake Tahoe's shore. The Tahoe National forest touches the property on three sides, and the Truckee River is right on our doorstep too. This allows couples and their wedding party to create lasting photographic memories without being away from your other guests for too long.
Forested wedding ceremony
Highlights of Granlibakken in the Winter? How about the Summer?
Granlibakken is home to historic sledding and ski hill enjoyed by visitors of all ages each winter. Our property offers direct access to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails and is in close proximity to a number of Tahoe’s best major ski areas. Summer activities include miles of hiking and biking trails from the 74-acre private resort, as well as the TreeTop Adventure Park and rafting on the Truckee River.
Any fun facts about Granlibakken?
Granlibakken was named by a Norwegian skier, meaning “hill surrounded by fir trees.” The ski hill was first called Ski Canyon by locals back in 1922. Granlibakken was home to a ski jump built for the 1932 Olympic Ski Jumping Trials and the 1932 National Ski Association Ski Jumping Tournament.
Paint us a picture of the ultimate Granlibakken Wedding Experience
Arrive at Granlibakken a day or two before your ceremony to check into your room and relax. Enjoy drinks on the Cedar House Deck or Big Pine lawn with your family and friends as they arrive. Then leisurely move indoors or onto the Garden Deck for your welcome reception, featuring freshly prepared hors d’oeuvres paired with fine Californian wines and a bespoke collection of locally brewed beers.
Awake to Granlibakken’s buffet breakfast in the Main Lodge, and then visit the on-site day spa for a massage and treatment. Head to Olympic Valley, and catch the tram to High Camp for a spectacular view of Tahoe. Then sip a cocktail in the village before heading back to the Tahoe Gal for an early evening cruise on the lake before your rehearsal dinner at Granlibakken.
Start your ceremony day with another visit to the buffet breakfast (with a few Mimosas?) From here on your wedding planner takes over for a well-executed journey from final preparations to the “I dos” and exchanging of rings.
The delicious reception feast is handled by Granlibakken’s banqueting team. After dining, you and your guests dance and celebrate the night away with music, laughter, and refreshing drinks from the bar.
Sleep the following day and enjoy another breakfast at the buffet before heading to the Truckee River to leisurely float on a raft, enjoying the warm sun and the cool, crystal-clear Tahoe water.
Head home with precious memories and amazing photos for a lifetime of recollections of an unforgettable Tahoe wedding.
Winter wedding venue in lake tahoe
Do you allow four-legged friends?
Pets are not allowed.
Anything else you would like to share?
Granlibakken Tahoe is ideally set up to give couples a true sense of ownership of their wedding space on the property. Guests can also be lodged in pockets on the property, where the resort almost becomes your “wedding village.”
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Venue Granlibakken Tahoe