18 Lakeside Wedding Venues for the Ultimate Waterfront Event
Lakeside wedding venues offers the beauty of a waterside location with a relaxed and laid-back feel. Here are a few of our favorites from around the country.
There’s something totally dreamy about a wedding by the water. But if you’re looking for a location that’s a bit more rustic, serene, or nature-inspired than a beach setting, lakeside wedding venues may be just right for your special day. Fortunately, there are lots of lakeside venues around the country, so you can have a waterfront wedding even if you’re far from the ocean. And whether you’re looking for a historic inn, a rustic lodge, an amenity-filled resort, or something completely different, you can definitely find a lakeside wedding venue to suit your style, budget, and guest count.
These are 18 of our favorite lakeside wedding venues from across the U.S.
Bay Pointe Inn and Terrace Grille
Shelbyville, Michigan
Michigan is known for its lakes, big and small, and this Shelbyville lakeside wedding venue encapsulates that Midwestern vibe. Overlooking Gun Lake, this Couples’ Choice Award-winning venue has several outdoor and indoor spaces to choose from—The Lakefront Pavilion, BoatHouse Villa, and the brand-new Bay Pointe Woods Lawn and Ballrom. The smaller Fireside Banquet Room is ideal for rehearsal dinners. Weddings of up to 300 guests may be held year-round here, and your guests will love staying on premises for a fun destination wedding weekend. This is an all-inclusive venue, so catering and other services are handled onsite.
Learn more about Bay Pointe Inn and Terrace Grille »
The Ritz Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee
Greensboro, Georgia
If you’re looking for a lakeside wedding venue with abundant Southern charm, then check out this sprawling resort on Lake Oconee. The Pointe is the ideal ceremony site for those who want to say “I do” surrounded by nature and overlooking the water, but there are several other outdoor and indoor ceremony sites to choose from. For receptions, you can host an outdoor event at the lakeside Landing or inside the farmhouse-inspired Pavilion, among others. This resort can host weddings of up to 600 guests outdoors and 300 guests inside. You’ll love that this venue provides catering and other services to make your planning process a breeze.
Learn more about The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee »
Rock Island Lake Club
Sparta, New Jersey
This Northern New Jersey lakeside wedding venue is located just over an hour from New York City, but feels a world away. Exchange your vows with the picturesque Rock Island Lake as your backdrop, followed by a reception inside the elegant ballroom, with a capacity of 200 guests. This Couples’ Choice Award-winning venue is all-inclusive, and couples rave about the food and service, as well as the stunning nature-filled setting. You and your new spouse can even take some romantic wedding portraits canoeing on the lake—how sweet!
Learn more about Rock Island Lake Club »
Cedar Lakes Estate
Port Jervis, New York
Located in Westchester County, New York, this rustic-elegant Hudson Valley estate is ideal for couples looking for both a lakeside wedding venue and one that also has stunning mountain views. You can host your ceremony on The Mountain Top, surrounded by wildflowers and overlooking the Shawangunk Mountains, or for a waterside ceremony, check out the newly-restored deck with the glittering lake as its backdrop. Receptions are typically held inside the 5,400 square foot barn with floor-to-ceiling glass panels, crystal chandeliers, and handcrafted wooden farm tables. In-house catering is available, and there are also 16 luxurious cottages on premises so you and your guests can enjoy a true destination wedding weekend in nature.
Learn more about Cedar Lakes Estate »
Chase on the Lake
Walker, Minnesota
This Couples’ Choice Award-winning venue is set on Leech Lake in peaceful Walker, Minnesota. The all-inclusive venue’s gorgeous Lakehome is an ideal site for an outdoor ceremony overlooking the lake, followed by a reception inside the Walker Bay Ballroom. Chase on the Lake can host events of up to 210 guests, and there are plenty of onsite lodging options so you and your loved ones can enjoy a relaxing weekend together.
Learn more about Chase on the Lake »
Grand Lake Lodge
Grand Lake, Colorado
At this rustic venue, you’ll get the best of both worlds—the gorgeous mountain scenery that Colorado is known for, paired with a serene lakeside setting. Host your ceremony at the Nuptial Knoll, with its stunning views. Receptions may be held at the Mountainside Pavilion on the Terrace, an outdoor pavilion overlooking the Continental Divide, Rocky Mountain National Park, and Grand Lake. There are also smaller spaces on site for more intimate weddings or rehearsal dinners. This all-inclusive venue also has on-site lodging that your guests will love.
Learn more about Grand Lake Lodge »
Lodge at Whitefish Lake
Whitefish, Montana
If you’re dreaming of a lakeside wedding venue surrounded by nature, then Montana is a great place to host your special day—and this is one of our favorite venues in the state. Exchange vows on the Lakeside Lawn or inside the Lakeside Pavilion with Whitefish Lake as your backdrop. Smaller receptions may also be held inside the pavilion, and larger events are held inside the 6,366 square foot Grand Ballroom, with space for up to 300 guests. This is an all-inclusive venue, and your loved ones can take advantage of the lodge’s many activities and amenities while staying onsite.
Learn more about Lodge at Whitefish Lake »
The Landing Resort & Spa
South Lake Tahoe, California
If you’re a West Coaster, Lake Tahoe is the ultimate destination for woodsy lakeside weddings, and this venue is a definite highlight. Ceremonies may be held on the Grand Rooftop Terrace, which offers some of the best views of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada Mountains. And the Lakeview Ballroom is an ideal reception location, featuring retractable glass walls. This all-inclusive resort can handle catering, guest accommodations, and much more, making sure your wedding planning process is as serene as the peaceful lake.
Learn more about The Landing Resort & Spa »
Basin Harbor
Vergennes, Vermont
Lakeside wedding venues are quite popular in New England, and this Vermont location, overlooking famed Lake Champlain, is a favorite. Whether you’re envisioning a garden ceremony or an event overlooking the lake, this venue has a wide range of site options. The Lodge Lawn is our favorite, with its views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains. Receptions may be held in a tent on the property, or inside one of the resort’s event rooms—Basin Harbor can host events of up to 300 guests. Catering, rentals, guest accommodations, and more are handled on-site, and you can host rehearsal dinner, morning-after brunches, and other events here, as well.
Learn more about Basin Harbor »
Inns at Aurora
Aurora, New York
New York’s Finger Lakes region is an ideal location for a peaceful and woodsy lakeside wedding—and we absolutely love this collection of charming, historic inns. This is a particularly special venue for tented weddings, as you can host your entire special day on the Aurora Lawn, overlooking Cayuga Lake. While the capacity for a tented wedding is 200 guests, smaller events may be held inside the Lakeside Room or in tents on other parts of the sprawling property. Catering is available on-site, and the venue can host all of your wedding-related events, from rehearsal dinner to post-wedding brunch.
Learn more about the Inns of Aurora »
The MV Skansonia
Seattle, Washington
We’ve seen a lot of venues that are near lakes, but what about hosting your wedding directly on a lake? It’s totally possible at this boat venue in Seattle, which is permanently docked on North Lake Union. You and your guests will experience the most amazing views of the Seattle skyline at your outdoor and indoor event, and be completely surrounded by water. This Couples’ Choice Award-winning venue wins raves for its panoramic views, of course, but also for the delicious in-house catering and top-notch service. Plus, because the boat never moves, no one gets seasick!
Learn more about The MV Skansonia »
Hilton Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa
Henderson, Nevada
Located just 30 minutes away from the glittering lights of the Las Vegas Strip, this serene resort on Lake Las Vegas is an ideal lakeside wedding venue. Host your ceremony inside the Mediterranean-style Capella Di Amore chapel or in the lush Florentine Garden. Receptions are usually held inside the ballroom, which can host events of up to 1,200 guests. This all-inclusive venue can host all of your guests onsite during your wedding weekend, plus provides catering and other services.
Learn more about the Hilton Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa »
Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort
Lake Placid, New York
This lakeside wedding venue near the Adirondack Mountains will totally take your breath away. From your welcome party and rehearsal dinner to your wedding ceremony and reception and post-wedding brunch, this rustic resort is ideal for a true destination wedding weekend upstate. Host your ceremony on the shores of Mirror Lake, with a reception in one of the fabulous indoor spaces, including the newly-renovated Black Forest Room and the well-appointed Four Seasons Room. This all-inclusive venue is ideal for more intimate weddings of up to 135 guests.
Learn more about the Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort »
Maine Lakeside Cabins & Event Center
Caratunk, Maine
Want your wedding to feel more like summer camp than a stuffy formal event? Check out this lakeside wedding venue in Maine, where your guests can stay in fully-equipped cabins and enjoy lots of fun activities—including your big day! Host your ceremony overlooking Wyman Lake with a reception inside the lodge or the barn, or in a tent on the property. All-inclusive wedding packages are available to suit your style and budget. This venue can accommodate up to 350 guests.
Learn more about Maine Lakeside Cabins & Event Center »
Boyne Mountain Resort
Boyne Falls, Michigan
Located in Northern Michigan, this lakeside wedding venue offers 27,500 square feet of event space, whether you’re looking to host an outdoor or indoor event. Say your “I dos” with Deer Lake as your backdrop with a reception in the majestic ballroom. This Couples” Choice Award-winning venue offers onsite guest accommodations and catering, with space for up to 500 guests.
Learn more about Boyne Mountain Resort »
Tavares Pavilion on the Lake
Tavares, Florida
Conveniently located just north of Orlando, the Tavares Pavilion on the Lake is a lovely lakeside wedding venue in the Southeast. The venue sits atop scenic Lake Dora and offers some truly gorgeous views. The two-story event center includes a 150-foot brick paved pier, gorgeous gardens, two ballrooms, and more. Whether you choose to get married indoors or outside, you and your guests will experience all of the beauty of the lake. This Couples’ Choice Award-winning venue can host up to 190 guests. And—bonus!—you can stage a truly grand arrival or exit in a seaplane!
Learn more about Tavares Pavilion on the Lake »
The Candlewood Inn
Brookfield, Connecticut
This Fairfield County inn combines the luxury of a majestic estate with the relaxed vibe of a lakeside wedding venue. You’ll love saying your vows on the gorgeous green lawn with Candlewood Lake as your backdrop. Host your reception inside the well-appointed ballroom complete with floor-to-ceiling windows, glittering chandeliers, and more. There’s space for up to 300 guests, and a variety of all-inclusive packages and menu options available.
Learn more about The Candlewood Inn »
Vintage Villas
Austin, Texas
This Hill Country wedding venue on Lake Travis is a total escape from the city. For larger weddings, the Gazebo and Event Center offers panoramic views of the lake, with room for up to 299 guests. Weddings of up to 80 guests may be held in the Arbor and Travis Room with its lake views and modern feel. Vintage Villas offers in-house catering, a 44-room hotel where you can stay with your guests, and much more.
