Lake Chelan Wedding Photographer
Lake Chelan Wedding Photography
Gina Paulson // Wedding Photographer Servicing Lake Chelan, WA
Planning a wedding in Lake Chelan, Washington? Heck yes. I grew up spending summers in Lake Chelan with my family and since then have made it a point to go back frequently to enjoy the weather, water and amazing community. From wineries to resort fronts, it has so many options for a beautiful wedding (and weekend experience for you and your guests!) I’ve now photographed plenty of weddings at multiple venues over there and can speak from experience when I say- it’s truly an BEAUTIFUL place to get married!
In this page about Lake Chelan weddings, I’m going to cover
Lots of examples of photography in Lake Chelan, WA (wedding inspo for you!)
Info on what to know about getting married in Lake Chelan (super helpful tips!)
Loads of ideas on how to plan a weekend of activities for you and your guests
Photographs from Lake Chelan, Weddings
Cue up that Pinterest board for all of the wedding inspiration, I’ve got you!
MEET GINA
I’m Gina! I’m a wedding photographer based out of Washington state.
'I’ve been traveling around the country photographing weddings since 2015 and have photographed hundreds of weddings and elopements in Washington. While I’m rooted on the west side, I spend many summer weekends on the east side of the state both for family travel and photographing weddings!
I am so excited for you and your decision to get married in Lake Chelan, Washington!! After getting married myself and being in the industry for over a decade, I can tell you wholeheartedly that I understand how overwhelming planning a wedding can feel. From details to style to timelines to vendors, there are a lot of decisions to be made! I’d love to be the one to help you out! I’ve shot hundreds of weddings and am full of ideas, advice and tips on how to make your Lake Chelan wedding the absolute BEST DAY EVER!
Speaking of photography, My style is a blend of warm and real, joyful and candid, and infused with nature. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest with Mt. Rainier literally in my backyard, I couldn’t help but fall in love with all it has to offer from mountains to the trees to the beaches and everything in between. My love for people is what brought me into the wedding industry and I’ve never looked back. I love human connection and interaction- whether it’s between you and your partner or the way your family interacts. I can’t help but capture tears being wiped, big mouth-open laughs, or faces of pure enjoyment on the dance floor. THAT is the good stuff to me and the stuff I want you to remember.
Here’s the thing, when I’m photographing a wedding, I’m always immediately taken back to my own wedding day. When I see your partner, hands tightly clenched in nerves and an anxious smile on his face before the ceremony- I see my husband, standing up there, waiting for me. When I see your friends helping you in the getting ready suite, I see my bridesmaids cleaning sap off of my dress when I leaned against a tree. When I see your parents sitting in the front row, I see my own. When I see the old guy sitting off in your reception with a big smile on his face, I see my grandpa who was so excited to be out for a night with all of his family. These are the moments and people I never want to forget, and I never want you to either.
I am Gina Paulson, a whole-heart feeler that smiles with all of her teeth, consumes way too much caffeine, and provides wedding photography for Washington and Oregon, including Lake Chelan.
I’m not your average wedding photographer. I’m going to be there with you through it all. I’ve carried trains, adjust veils, strapped shoes, buttons dresses, pinned flowers, protected vow books, handed tissues and have been the extra hand needed throughout a wedding day for so many of my couples. It all brings me so much joy and getting to serve you on your day is a job that fills my cup!
Let’s get back into Lake Chelan wedding planning below!
KIND WORDS
“I have been following Gina on social media for 5 years, before I even met my husband, and I just knew I wanted her to photograph my wedding one day. So, when we got engaged we based our wedding day around her availability and I would do it all over again! When we look through our wedding photos we can't help but laugh, smile, and truly relive our wedding day. Gina captures the actual emotions and how much fun we had! She was so fun, so positive, and the absolute best vendor to work with. I want to hang every photo she took on the wall, not even kidding.”
Jordan Palmer, Google Verified Review
A GUIDE TO GETTING MARRIED IN LAKE CHELAN
by a photographer
Lake Chelan, nestled in the heart of Washington state, is a stunning destination for weddings. Known for its crystal-clear waters, breathtaking mountain vistas, and charming small-town feel, Lake Chelan offers couples an unforgettable backdrop for their special day. Whether you're planning a large celebration or an intimate elopement, here are some key things to consider when getting married in Lake Chelan.
Venue Options
Lake Chelan boasts a variety of venues to suit different styles and wedding sizes. From elegant vineyards and waterfront resorts to rustic lodges and mountain-view estates, there's something for every couple. Popular venues include Tsillan Cellars, Karma Vineyards, and the historic Campbell’s Resort. Many locations offer outdoor ceremony sites that capitalize on the region's natural beauty, as well as indoor spaces to accommodate unpredictable weather.
Lake Chelan Wedding Weather
The Lake Chelan area experiences all four seasons, so your wedding experience can vary greatly depending on the time of year. Summer and early fall are the most popular seasons, offering sunny skies and warm temperatures, ideal for outdoor weddings. Winter weddings can be magical, with snow-capped mountains creating a picturesque setting, but you'll need to plan for colder weather. Spring weddings can be lovely as well, with blooming flowers and fewer tourists in the area. What’s cool is The Valley experiences over 300 days of sunshine annually and has four distinct seasons.
Lodging and Transportation
Lake Chelan is a destination wedding hotspot, so it's important to book accommodations early, especially during peak wedding season. Many venues partner with nearby hotels, vacation rentals, or bed-and-breakfasts to provide lodging for guests. Transportation should also be considered—while downtown Chelan is walkable, many venues are spread out across the valley. Shuttle services or car rentals may be necessary for larger groups.
Things to do
I grew up spending summers over there and I can confidently say one of my favorite things to do over there is NOTHING. Spending time just sitting by the water and in the sunshine is literally why people escape to Lake Chelan. So don’t stress too much on packing a weekend full of activities, sometimes there is so much GOOD in just being present. But I know that will be hard to do with so many fun things possible over there! My top list of things to mention to your guests:
1. Wine Tasting
Lake Chelan is renowned for its wineries, with over 30 vineyards producing award-winning wines. Guests can explore tasting rooms along the Lake Chelan Wine Valley and enjoy scenic views while sipping local varietals. Popular spots include Tsillan Cellars, Karma Vineyards, and Benson Vineyards. Many wineries offer tours and outdoor patios perfect for relaxing afternoons.
2. Lake Activities
The pristine waters of Lake Chelan are ideal for a variety of activities. Guests can rent boats, jet skis, or paddleboards for some fun on the water. My family used to even rent inflatable trampolines! For those who prefer a more relaxed pace, local companies offer boat tours, including sunset cruises and wine tours on the lake. Fishing enthusiasts can also book guided fishing charters.
3. Outdoor Adventures
Lake Chelan’s surrounding landscape is a haven for outdoor lovers. Hiking trails like Echo Ridge and Chelan Butte offer breathtaking views of the lake and valley. For a more adventurous outing, guests can explore Stehekin, a remote area accessible by boat or seaplane, known for its waterfalls, hiking trails, and the famous Stehekin Bakery.
4. Explore Downtown Chelan
Downtown Chelan is charming and walkable, with boutique shops, local eateries, and cozy coffee shops. Guests can browse for unique souvenirs, enjoy a meal at local favorites like Local Myth Pizza or Sorrento’s, and grab a coffee or ice cream while taking in the lakeside ambiance. My favorite breakfast spot is Riverwalk Inn!
5. Golfing
Golf enthusiasts will enjoy a round at one of Lake Chelan's scenic golf courses. Courses like Bear Mountain Ranch Golf Course and Lake Chelan Golf Course combine challenging play with stunning views of the lake and mountains. This is always a favorite for a guys activity!
6. Family-Friendly Fun
If your guests are traveling with kids, there are plenty of family-friendly activities. Slidewaters Water Park is a hit during summer months, offering water slides and pools for all ages. We literally never made a trip over without stopping in here.
7. Catch a Movie
I know this sounds silly, but Chelan has one of the cutest little movie theaters, Ruby Theatre. We often look up what’s playing over there and pick up a pizza and take it in to the theater with us. It’s such a cute and fun little spot!
Make it a weekend!
I truly think the best thing about Lake Chelan weddings is that they really invite guests to be present for an entire weekend. From the pool to the lake, morning through sunset, there is so much to enjoy- consider making your event last an entire weekend with coordinated wine tours, golf events, pool days or meals.
Let’s do Chelan together
I’ll pack my bags as soon as you tell me!
