My Dream Lake Wedding Venue: The Pines Resort

A couple of weeks ago, Adam and I headed to Bass Lake, CA to tour our wedding venue. The first and only time we had been there prior, it had been pouring rain and we were eager to see it in ideal weather. We were also there for arguably the most enjoyable part of wedding planning: tasting the food! The entire experience made me fall in love with the wedding venue all over again, I knew I had to give you all a sneak peek.

The Pines Resort sits right on Bass Lake, with the most scenic views of the shimmering lake and surrounding woods. From the beginning, we knew we wanted to get married outdoors. We wanted a picturesque background without the need for much extra decor. Adam actually asked me to be his girlfriend while on vacation at his family’s lake house, so the environment is one we find particularly romantic. Finding a lake wedding venue just made sense for us. Bass Lake is also a short drive from Yosemite National Park, which is a must-see vacation spot.

Our ceremony space is taking place on a grass clearing that overlooks Bass Lake. While the space can fit a large party, it’s still very intimate. The area is completely enclosed by greenery and colorful plants, with the guests traditionally facing the lake.

One of the things I really love about The Pines Resort’s wedding package is that it comes with all of the rentals— the arches, the chairs, the tables and linens… everything. It makes day-of planning so much easier when you don’t need to juggle multiple vendors. These crisp white chairs make for a really clean look that is the perfect backdrop for any extra florals or decor you want to bring in.

The Pines has an outdoor reception area too, which is just off the ceremony lawn. It starts at the gazebo and borders the lake on a wooden deck. However, since we’re getting married in the fall, this is going to be our Plan B Ceremony Area in case of rain, and we’re doing our reception inside regardless. They really do think of everything so that you can rest assured your big day will be perfect. I kept asking questions to Jessica, the event coordinator, and she had an answer for everything.

The resort has a gorgeous banquet hall for indoor receptions: the Lakeview Room. As mentioned, they provide all of the tables, chairs, and linens which you can customize to the aesthetic of your wedding. Since they use their own set ups, they can help you every step of the way in organizing your tables and seating chart.

One of my favorite parts of the Lakeview room is the lighted canopy that is a permanent fixture on the ceiling. This adds a really elegant atmosphere. Plus, the large picture windows bring the outside in so that you still have the nature and lake as your main focus.

Our wedding package also includes one night in the resort’s honeymoon suite, which is huge. You have to watch the video above to see it for yourself. It’s bigger than our old Los Angeles apartment, with a small kitchen/bar area, a living room, a separate bedroom with a cozy king bed and a spa bathtub in the bathroom.

The honeymoon suite is going to be home base for all the ladies getting ready in the wedding party. There is a ton of space for primping, with large double sinks and wall-to-wall mirrors. There’s also a wraparound balcony that will be great for getting fresh air amidst all the chaos.

Ducey’s On The Lake is the resort restaurant, which does all of the catering for weddings on site. Your food options are endless for the wedding: they serve buffet-style or plated with traditional choices such as chicken and steak, but also have carving station and themed cuisine options. We are going the more traditional route, with our menu consisting of chicken with creamy mushroom sauce and a 6oz Harris Ranch filet mignon in a port wine demi. I can’t describe how good this steak is, people. I mean, if you know anything about Harris Ranch, you’ll know the quality is top notch. It was so delicious, we went back the next night just to eat it for dinner.

Overall, I’m so ecstatic to have my woodsy wedding at the Pines Resort in Bass Lake, CA. The best part of all has been the event staff. Being a destination wedding, communication is key to make sure all the details are perfect without having to constantly visit in person. Jessica is amazing at sending the most helpful and detailed emails for the planner-obsessed brides like myself. Plus, their wedding packages are extremely reasonable— even surprisingly so, considering all they come with. Our wedding package, priced at $3,000 includes:

• 
the venue rental for both the ceremony and reception
• all tables, chairs, china, silverware, glassware, table linens and napkins
• one night in the honeymoon suite
• rehearsal venue rental
• $500 credit toward the rehearsal dinner food
• wedding coordinator

The food and drinks are also priced well— especially for the variety! Room blocks are free and the lodging at the resort has a rustic cabin feel that’s cozy yet updated.

Find out more about getting married at The Pines Resort on their website. The resort also makes for an amazing vacation spot for couples and families, too!

What is your dream wedding venue?