Northern California is famous for its redwood forests, so it's no wonder that redwood wedding venues are one of the first options couples look at when planning an outdoor wedding. As a Bay Area wedding photographer, I've captured so many beautiful redwood weddings and am here to help you get started on your search! Check out this guide on Bay Area and Santa Cruz redwood wedding venues with information on pricing, guest capacity, location, and sample wedding galleries.
Bay Area and Santa Cruz Redwood Venues at a Glance
There are so many redwood wedding venues in Northern California, but how do you sort through them all? One easy way to start is by narrowing down what you envision for your wedding. Typically you'll find the following types of redwood venues:
Hint: Click on the heading to sort by location, starting cost, or guest capacity. Best viewed on desktop.
* Please note pricing is subject to change and not regularly updated, so always inquire with the venue directly. Starting costs are estimates based on renting the venue for a weekend wedding for both ceremony and reception (if venue hosts both) with minimum number of guests (usually 50). Overall costs may vary depending on many factors including food and beverage minimums, lodging, renting for ceremony only, or planning a wedding in off-peak season or on a weekday.
Here's a map of the venues, you can also click through each venue for sample wedding galleries.
Tips for Planning a Redwoods Wedding
Nestldown | Los Gatos, CA
See photos from K + L's Nestldown wedding and F + E's Nestldown Wedding.
​Nestldown is a dream venue for a fairytale wedding, just half an hour away from San Jose Airport. Its grand staircase down to the ceremony site is one of the highlights of the private estate, and one of my favorite spots to capture portraits where the light seems to always shine through the redwoods ever so perfectly. Many of the redwood trails are carved right into the hillside so you get the feeling of the being in the woods without having to hike. This large property also has access to a historical house for getting ready, outdoor reception area overlooking the pond, and indoor barn for dancing. Plus you get to arrive in style with their vintage car or by train as you enter cocktail hour! Yes, it's one of the more expensive venues in the Bay Area, but it's truly a one of a kind venue. Saratoga Springs | Saratoga, CA
See photos from E + M Saratoga Springs wedding.
Saratoga Springs runs a full schedule with multiple locations for hosting weddings, but if you've ever seen photos here, you will likely recognize Longbridge. This wooden bridge is one of the most unique backdrops for a rustic reception under the twinkle lights. If you want to be truly surrounded by the redwoods, Cathedral Grove is a great spot for couple portraits with sun streaming through the trees and a small wooden bridge crossing the stream. One thing to note is that typically Saratoga Springs books multiple weddings on the same day and same time, but at different locations. Luckily this means that you can take photos at Cathedral Grove while hosting your wedding at Longbridge, but it can be rushed for those hoping for a more private experience. If you've always dreamed of a sparkler exit, check out this venue as not many venues in the Bay Area allow them! The Mountain Terrace | Woodside, CA
See photos from A + V's The Mountain Terrace wedding.
The Mountain Terrace is what I call redwoods-lite - it has access to redwoods without truly being in the redwoods. With a view overlooking the peninsula, it's just 30-45 minutes away from San Francisco International Airport. Ceremonies are held on the grassy field with redwoods as the backdrop, and receptions can be either held outdoors in the same area or indoors. It's the perfect blend for city dwellers with a love for the outdoors! Deer Park Villa | Fairfax, CA
See photos from A + T's Deer Park Villa wedding.
Deer Park Villa is one of the most romantic redwoods venues in the North Bay, not too far from San Francisco. While many venues have string lights in the reception area, Deer Park Villa is the only one with string lights over the ceremony site (which also serves as the outdoor reception site). It is also what I call redwoods-lite - it is fully paved and has redwoods without actually being in a redwood forest. With an indoor area for dancing and sparkler exit to end the night, Deer Park Villa is one of the most popular venues for rustic and boho weddings. Piedmont Community Hall | Oakland, CA
See photos from M + R's Piedmont Community Hall wedding.
For those planning a redwoods venue on a budget, city-owned venues like Piedmont Community Hall are always the first place I recommend. The amphitheater offers a redwood backdrop and can be rented for $350-450 for the ceremony (but here's a local insider tip: I always take my couples to a redwood park nearby for portraits!) Receptions can be held outdoors or indoors with the 8-hour hall and patio rental for $3700-4550. Because public venues typically don't have any preferred vendors, they're perfect for planning a nontraditional wedding like how these two catered BBQ for their afternoon celebration! Waterfall Lodge | Ben Lomond, CA
See photos from N + S's Waterfall Lodge Wedding.
If you're like me and have always looked longingly at A-frame cabins in the woods, Waterfall Lodge is your dream venue. With 9 A-frame cabins and 12 other cabins onsite, it was the perfect choice for N + S to host their multi-day wedding so that they could provide accommodations for guests onsite. The outdoor ceremony site was a short walk away from the rustic wood-paneled lodge where they danced the night away. With string lights overlooking the patio, it is one of my favorite venues to photograph at. Appropriately located on Hidden Falls Trails, it's a bit harder to find with limited to no cell service, but definitely gives that retreat vibe for those looking for a getaway. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park | Santa Cruz, CA
See photos from K + G's Henry Cowell Elopement.
Santa Cruz is one of my favorite places because it's where the redwoods and coast meet. Not far from downtown Santa Cruz, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park brings you back in time as you explore old-growth redwood trees up to 277 feet tall. Intimate wedding and elopement ceremonies can be held at the redwood ring (maximum 20 guests) or larger weddings can be held at picnic lot 1 (maximum 150 guests). Fees are minimal compared to wedding venues so it's great for those who don't need all the aspects of a traditional venue. If you're getting married nearby, you can also apply for a permit to take your portraits at Henry Cowell like these two did!
Once you've got your venue booked, the next step is to hire a photographer! Ready to chat?
10 Comments
Krystal
6/1/2020 10:38:36 am
Oh my goodness!! Literally ALL these venues are stunning!! This is such a well done write up for couples, I love that you have list with starting prices for different places, that is super helpful!
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Julia
6/1/2020 11:44:11 pm
The venue listings with the prices are amazing! Such an informative venue guide for couples who are looking to get married in the redwoods! Amazing work!
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6/3/2020 08:39:05 am
THIS is incredible! I love the breakdowns, the images to show off how gorgeous they are and the fact that they are REAL! Everything about this is REAL and raw!
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Kristen
6/3/2020 11:15:18 am
DANG! These photos are so friggin beautiful! How can all these places be this stunning!?
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6/3/2020 01:38:26 pm
Deer Park Villa is so cool looking!! I think it's great that you included a comprehensive list with starting price points for each. So helpful!!
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Genny
10/5/2021 09:48:46 pm
This is exactly the kind of list I was looking for — thank you so much!!!! I especially appreciate that you included venues for under $2000 because it was feeling like they didn’t exist!!
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7/12/2022 05:34:11 am
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7/25/2022 12:29:28 pm
Nice location and a stunning photo of the venue. I appreciate that you include the details cost of these locations. Thank you for sharing this gorgeous and informative blog.
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