Well-known wedding reception sites by Nicole Archie,Contributing writer   Imagine being surrounded by the crystal blue water of Lake Tahoe as your closest friends and family join you in celebrating your wedding. You're aboard the MS Dixie II Paddlewheeler, the sun is setting, and it's time for the bride and groom's dance. What could be more romantic? Anything! The scenic locations of Reno and Lake Tahoe are endless. Some of the most popular types of reception areas include historic Reno sites, golf courses, wedding chapels, hotels and private homes. In fact, these locations must often be booked a year in advance. Surprisingly, one of the most well-known reception areas happens to be Ponderosa Ranch. Not only can you have your country western wedding there, but the whole area is closed off for you and the wedding guests. During the months of May through October, the Ponderosa Ranch offers the scenery of Lake Tahoe's north shore while guests enjoy hay rides, country dancing and an old fashioned western meal. Many folks get married in the "authentic 1870 Country Church of the Ponderosa." "It was the perfect setting for a country western wedding and we even wore our spurs down the aisle," said Nancy Louise Kreighter who enjoyed her wedding there a couple years ago. Another historic and well-known reception area is the Mackay Mansion located in Virginia City. "Our facilities include our 500-square-foot wedding pavilion, beautiful lawn and gardens, a 1000-square-foot brick patio, table seating for 150 and chairs to seat 200 guests," said a wedding coordinator for the mansion. The kitchen facilities and formal dining room are also available for 24 guests and yet still another 35 guests can be seated inside the formal Grand Parlor featuring an 1860's Victorian opulence. For those interested in hotel reception areas, there is a tremendous variety to choose from.The Best Western McCarran House is frequently used for wedding receptions and is located on 55 E Nugget Ave in Sparks. Up to 350 guests can be accommodated here in one of three ballrooms: the Tiffany Ballroom, Cascade, or Sierra Rooms and are catered by the McCarran House chef and staff. An important aspect of a good reception area is the food. Some couples choose to have food catered in from outside caterers, especially if the location has no catering services, while others rely on the services included with the chosen area. One well-known reception location is John Ascuaga's Courtyard where many couples can also choose to get married at the Courtyard Chapel. Everything from the rehearsal dinner to the reception is planned here and chefs create extraordinary dishes. "We've always gone to the Nugget for brunch during Easter and I knew that was the place I wanted to cater to my wedding, and it was wonderful. They even provided ice sculptures," said Kelly Griffin, a newlywed and customer. The Celebration Wedding Chapel at the Reno Hilton also provides various reception areas complete with lunch or dinners, decorations and professional photographers on staff. Guests can enjoy the hotel's swimming area, bowling center or slot machines. For your entertainment, there are shows and entertainers featured at the hotel nightly. Almost every chapel in Reno or Tahoe has its own reception hall, however, one's preference depends on the number of guests. Since the focus is on well-known areas, the most popular would be the Adventure Inn. They provide a fully catered reception or personal couple dining. The reception area seats up to 150 guests and is surrounded by either outdoor scenery or indoor dining by candlelight. Whether its decided to hold the reception indoors or outdoors, the most important thing to remember is to plan ahead, sometimes booking a location a year ahead. Whether in Reno or Tahoe, the list of places to celebrate your romantic day goes on forever.   copyright May 1998 Nevada Outpost http://www.jour.unr.edu/outpost