Ask Me Anything: Planning a Wedding at The HideOut in Kirkwood, CA
Thinking about getting married at The HideOut in Kirkwood? You're not the only one. My husband Ben and I got married there, and it was hands-down the best decision we made. It felt like discovering a secret world in the mountains—completely private, deeply personal, and endlessly beautiful.
We’ve since helped friends and other couples plan their own HideOut weekends, and every time it’s just as magical. So we decided to pull together this blog to answer the most common questions people have when thinking about throwing a wedding (or a massive celebration) at The HideOut.
Whether you're a couple planning your big day, a guest preparing for the weekend, or someone just curious about this hidden gem—this is for you.
What Makes The HideOut So Special?
It’s not just a venue—it’s a full-blown experience. The HideOut is tucked into the Sierra wilderness near Kirkwood, offering stunning backdrops of alpine lakes, granite peaks, and wildflower meadows. But it’s the privacy and freedom that make it truly unique.
You get the entire property for the weekend: the Main Lodge, the Saloon, camping areas, and (optionally) The LookOut—an add on cabin with insane views and extra onsite lodging for family or guests. No overlapping events, no noise restrictions, no rushing. It’s your world for three or four days.
We loved how customizable everything was. No forced vendor lists. No stiff rules. You can bring in your own caterers, DJs, stylists—even your own bar setup. Want a food truck, bounce house, or mobile sauna? Totally your call.
It felt like an elevated version of summer camp for adults—just with a wedding in the middle of it.
How Far Is It From South Lake Tahoe?
The HideOut is about 1 hour from South Lake Tahoe, depending on weather and road conditions. It’s important to let your guests know that cell service drops off well before you reach the venue. We recommend including this in your invites or wedding website: “Download directions in advance—GPS won’t work the whole way.”
You might also want to consider organizing shuttle vans or carpools. The roads are remote and winding, especially at night, so group transportation keeps everyone safe and on time.
Absolutely incredible wedding venue down in the meadow
How Do You Keep Guests Entertained During the Weekend?
The best part about The HideOut is that the entire weekend becomes an adventure. You're not just planning a wedding day—you're creating a multi-day experience your guests will never forget.
There are scenic trails for hiking, a massive hot tub, lakes nearby for swimming or paddleboarding, and plenty of space for yard games, yoga, or lounging. Some couples bring in local rentals like bounce houses, lawn games, or even a food truck.
One of our favorite enhancements? Having Sierra Sauna Club onsite for the weekend. We brought in their mobile sauna and cold plunge setup for a post-travel detox on Friday, a wellness boost before the ceremony, and a Sunday morning recovery session. Guests absolutely loved it. It was a huge hit and felt totally aligned with the natural, rejuvenating energy of the space.
If you're looking to elevate your weekend with a unique experience, we highly recommend booking a sauna session—it sets the tone, brings people together, and helps everyone relax.
What About the Weather?
Mountain weather can be unpredictable, even in the summer. During our early August wedding, we had sunny days in the 80s and chilly nights that dropped into the 40s. The key is to embrace the elements and be prepared.
Here’s what we learned:
Remind guests to pack layers—cozy jackets, beanies, and warm socks.
Bring plenty of extra blankets (we also had baskets of them at the ceremony and saloon).
Fire pits are essential for evening hangouts.
And yes—a hot sauna or hot tub makes cold nights way more fun.
Let your guests know they’re in for a mountain weekend and to pack accordingly. If you're doing outdoor meals or events, having canopies or backup plans in place is smart.
Our table layout on Friday night’s Western Party
What’s a Good Wedding Weekend Timeline?
Here’s the timeline we followed, and it worked beautifully:
Thursday – Immediate Family Only
We arrived with a small crew to set up, settle in, and soak up the space. This really set the tone with the core group for the weekend. That evening we did a casual dinner and kicked things off with a sauna session to fully unwind.Friday – Wild West Welcome Party
This was one of the best parts of the whole weekend. Everyone arrived, and we threw a party in the Saloon with Wild West costumes, karaoke, and cocktails. It was the perfect way to break the ice and set the tone.Saturday – Wedding Day
Slow morning, sauna for the bride/groom parties, ceremony around 4PM, followed by dinner, dancing, and a late-night hot tub hangout under the stars.Sunday – Chill & Recover
We had coffee and a breakfast bar near the lake, ran a few recovery sauna + cold plunge sessions with Sierra Sauna Club, and then wrapped with a sandwich lunch before guests started departing.Monday – Pack Up & Reflect
We took our time packing up, soaking in the last bits of magic, and left feeling full of love and joy.
Speeches down at the Dance Hall
FAQs: Wedding Planning at The HideOut in Kirkwood
What are some fun things to do near The HideOut or South Lake Tahoe before or after the wedding?
Great question! Nearby activities include paddleboarding on Silver Lake, hiking Thunder Mountain Trail, grabbing pizza in Kirkwood, or exploring Hope Valley. You can also head into South Lake Tahoe for spa days, boating, and casinos if you want to switch up the pace.Can I bring my own vendors to The HideOut?
Yes! That’s one of the venue’s best features. You can bring in your own caterers, bartenders, stylists, rentals—you name it. It’s 100% DIY-friendly, giving you freedom to personalize everythingHow many people can sleep on-site at The HideOut?
Between the Lodge, Saloon, and optional LookOut, you can sleep about 20–25 guests comfortably. There’s also room for tent camping, which many guests love for the full mountain weekend experience.Is there anything unique we can add to elevate our wedding experience?
Absolutely. Couples have added everything from bounce houses to live bands—but our favorite? A mobile sauna and cold plunge from Sierra Sauna Club. It’s the perfect mix of luxury and nature, and it’s ideal for a wellness-focused, unforgettable weekend.What’s the best way to get there, and how do we deal with no service?
Most people drive from the Bay Area or Reno. Be sure to tell guests to download directions in advance and encourage carpooling or shuttle vans. Once you’re there, the disconnection becomes part of the charm.
Wild West Theme on Friday Night
What's the Bathroom Situation?
One of the biggest logistical questions we got before the weekend: “Are there actual bathrooms?”
Yes—there are two well-maintained guest restrooms located outdoors, in addition to the ones inside the Lodge and Saloon. For larger weddings, it’s smart to rent a couple of nice portable restrooms to avoid lines during peak times (like right before the ceremony or after dinner). Trust us—this tiny detail makes a big difference in your guests’ comfort.
If you’re going for a more luxury glamping experience, there are upscale rental bathroom trailers available in the area.
What’s the Overall Vibe?
One of the best things about The HideOut is that it can be whatever you want it to be. The natural setting leans rustic, but how you style it is totally up to you.
We went with an “elevated mountain casual” theme—think wood, wildflowers, cozy touches, and a little Western flair. But we’ve seen people go full formal, vintage, boho, and even costume-themed for their wedding weekend. The venue is a blank canvas in the best way.
Because you get the space for multiple days, there's time to build in the moments that make your wedding personal—whether it’s group yoga by the lake, DIY pizza night, or late-night karaoke in the Saloon.
Hard to beat sunset shots at the HideOut!
Final Tips From Someone Who’s Been There
Here are a few logistics and lessons we picked up that might not be obvious from a quick venue tour:
No Cell Service: It’s part of the charm. Let guests know ahead of time. Many couples print out weekend schedules and directions.
There’s No Ice Maker: You’ll need to bring in your own ice. For drinks, coolers, and food, budget around 1.5–3 lbs of ice per person per day.
Using a Cold Plunge? If you're adding Sierra Sauna Club's cold plunge experience, factor in an extra 30–40 lbs of ice per hour session for every 8 guests. Totally worth it.
Shuttle Vans Are a Lifesaver: Especially after dark. Hiring local vans or drivers is highly recommended.
A Great Videographer Is Gold: The space is magical, and you'll want someone who can truly capture its beauty.
Most importantly—plan just enough to stay on track, but leave room for spontaneity. The mountain energy takes over in the best way.
No curfew DJ sets at the hot tub
Why We Recommend Sierra Sauna Club
Our mobile sauna and cold plunge setup fits perfectly into a HideOut weekend. Comfortably fitting 6-8 people at a time. Whether it’s a Friday wind-down, a pre-ceremony detox, or a Sunday recovery session—it’s an unforgettable wellness ritual that feels completely in sync with the setting.
We take care of everything: setup, ice logistics, guiding your guests through the experience, and even playlist curation if you want it. The goal is simple: help everyone feel great in their bodies and fully present for the weekend.
Want to learn more or book us for your wedding? Visit Sierra Sauna Club website.
Imagine having a premium sauna set up anywhere you want onsite, ready for you and your guests to use anytime.
Interior of the Sierra Sauna “Tallac” Mobile Unit
Burner and built-in cold plunge in the “Tallac” mobile sauna unit
Sierra Sauna Club parked right in front of the Saloon for the entire wedding weekend!!
Wrapping It Up: Let the Magic of The HideOut Shape Your Weekend
If you're even thinking about getting married at The HideOut, take this as your sign to go for it. It's not just a venue—it's a chance to spend real time with your favorite people in one of the most stunning corners of the Sierra.
Whether you're hiking the nearby trails, plunging into an alpine lake, cozying up by the fire pit, or kicking off your shoes in the Saloon, there’s something about this place that makes everything feel extra intentional. It’s the kind of setting that shapes your memories, not just your schedule.
And if you’re looking to layer in wellness and something truly unique? The Sierra Sauna Club adds a totally new kind of magic to the mix—your guests won’t stop talking about it.
So whether you're searching for new activities at The HideOut, things to do near Tahoe before or after the wedding, or simply Kirkwood wedding weekend tips, we hope this AMA helps you get started with confidence.
Still Have Questions?
We’ve got you. Whether you’re curious about planning, guest logistics, or bringing in vendors like us, we’re always happy to help. Reach out directly to hello@sierrasaunaclub.com
Let’s make your dream weekend happen.
They even let us bring our Mini-Jeep for the weekend!