Weddings & Events
Alpine County offers a breathtaking backdrop for weddings and events, with its pristine natural beauty and picturesque landscapes setting the stage for unforgettable celebrations. Whether exchanging vows atop the snowy slopes of Kirkwood Ski Resort or amidst the rustic charm of Bear Valley Mountain Resort, couples can create timeless memories in the heart of the Sierra Nevada. For those seeking a more secluded and intimate setting, Desolation Hope Valley provides a serene escape surrounded by towering peaks and lush forests. Meanwhile, the Aspen Creek Lodge offers a cozy and romantic atmosphere, perfect for intimate gatherings and receptions. With its diverse array of venues and unparalleled scenery, Alpine County is the ideal destination for couples looking to say "I do" in a truly magical setting.
Kirkwood
Kirkwood is the perfect rustic setting for a picturesque wedding, where guests can relax and enjoy the beauty of the High Sierra. The venue is located in the heart of Kirkwood Village and features a cozy fireplace, a full bar, and an outdoor patio area with stunning views of the area and mountains surrounding the village. Imagine exchanging vows in a meadow filled with wildflowers, followed by a reception in the Village Plaza with your loved ones, where you'll dine and dance the night away, celebrating your union. The natural beauty of Kirkwood provides the perfect backdrop, with vibrant green meadows and breathtaking views. To simplify the planning process, Kirkwood offers a range of menu packages that include everything from tasty appetizers and a fully-hosted open bar to a delicious mountain-inspired dinner. Kirkwood Mountain Resort is more than just a wedding venue; it's the start of your lifelong adventure together.
Venue Details
Availability | June - September
Accommodates | Up to 280 Guests (100 indoor & 180 outdoor)
Food & Beverage Minimum | Starting at $5,000++
Venue Package | Starting at $3,000 – including ceremony site, dining tables and chairs, display tables, cocktail tables, standard linens, china, stemware, cutlery, ceremony chairs, and dance floor.
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Hope Valley was probably first seen by John Fremont and Kit Carson in their mid winter trip across the Sierra in 1844, but it was members of the Mormon Battalion, returning from the Mexican War of ’46-’47 who named the lovely valley in 1848.
During the massive emigration to California which began with the 1849 Gold Rush, the valley’s tall grass was important, offering plentiful forage for cattle and horses for emigrants using the Carson River Route of the Emigrant Trail. From the late 19th century through the 1970’s, Hope Valley continued to be used by Carson Valley ranchers for their summer pasturage.
Threatened with development in the 1980’s, a coalition of Alpine County citizens and visitors successfully lobbied the State of California to purchase much of the undeveloped land in Hope Valley, forever protecting one of the largest alpine meadows in the Sierra Nevada for future public use.
During the winter months, Hope Valley is a popular cross country ski and snowmobile area, while fishing, hiking, camping and cycling are popular activities through the rest of the year. The valley is also well known for its Fall colors, with large groves of Quaking Aspen trees.
Bear Valley & Lake Alpine
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into somet The Bear Valley and Lake Alpine region of Alpine County has a rich history, and today hosts thousands of visitors, many who take part in the wide recreational activities available throughout the year.
This area was originally named Grizzly Bear Valley by a survey party exploring the possibilities of a major highway and railroad line in August of 1855. The party was led by O.B. Powers, in his report, he says they named it Grizzly Bear Valley because of “an abundance of bear signs”. Highway 4 was designated a National Scenic Byway in October 2005 by the US Department of Transportation.
John Ebbetts is not known to have ever traversed Ebbetts Pass. He is said to have pointed in the general direction of Ebbetts Pass from Antelope Peak. But Ebbetts Pass is not visible from Antelope Peak. And if he was pointing in this direction, he was more likely referring to Border Ruffian Pass, which was the route of choice (called the Big Tree Road) until the silver rush made a new route necessary. A surveyor named Goddard was a friend of Ebbetts; after Ebbetts died in a boiler explosion during an illegal steam boat race, Goddard suggested naming the new route after Ebbetts.
Development of the Bear Valley Village and nearby ski area began in the early 1960’s. Located on the site of Blood’s Toll Station, homesteaded by Harvey Blood a hundred years earlier, development began with the purchase of 480 acres in 1952 by the Orvis family, prominent San Joaquin Valley ranchers.
In 1955, 20 acres on the north side of the valley were subdivided, marking the beginning of today’s Bear Valley community.
The Bear Valley Mountain Resort, originally named Mt. Reba, opened in December 1967, while the construction of homes, condominiums and commercial facilities began about the same time. Nearby Lake Alpine, a manmade reservoir, offers a rustic lodge, cabins, restaurant and store, as well as a large concentration of camping facilities.
Today, Bear Valley is a recreational paradise, offering a multitude of summer and winter sports, and is close to foothill golf courses and the Calaveras Big Trees State Park. The community is also home to the oldest cultural event in Alpine County, the Bear Valley Music Festival, held every July/August.