Where to Get Married in the Redwoods in California
You love the redwoods and getting married under three hundred year old trees in California would be your dream come true. You know they’re out there… but where? Where do you get married under the redwoods in California?
I’ve been a wedding photographer since 2008 and I’ve photographed dozens of couples at redwood wedding venues all over the state. I’ve collected photos, details, stories, and more about the best redwood wedding venues in California, most that I’ve been to and a few that I haven’t yet. Get excited, get inspired, and plan your perfect wedding under these incredible, peaceful giants.
Not totally sure where you want to get married yet? You can also browse my list of the best Oakland wedding venues, the best San Francisco wedding venues, and the best Berkeley wedding venues!
Best Redwood Wedding Venues in California
1. Berkeley Botanical Garden: Mather Redwood Grove, Berkeley
An absolute FAVORITE! This is a top, stunning, gorgeous, and memorable redwood grove with incredible light. They offer three timeslots for wedding ceremonies in the redwood grove here and you can have your wedding reception on site in the Conference Center (can be prettier than it sounds!) or the Julia Morgan building (absolutely stunning), OR you can have your reception off site at another location after your ceremony here.
Berkeley Botanical Garden Information –
The Berkeley Botanical Garden is located at 200 Centennial Dr, Berkeley, CA 94720. Their website, where you can learn more about renting the venue, is here: Website
Berkeley Botanical Garden Wedding Cost –
For Friday-Sunday weddings the rental fee for a ceremony in the redwood grove and a reception in their Julia Morgan Hall is $7,800. For Friday-Sunday weddings the rental fee for a ceremony in the redwood grove and a reception in their Conference Center is $7,100. For Friday-Sunday weddings the rental fee for a two hour slot for a daytime ceremony in the redwood grove and no reception is $4,000.
The Monday-Thursday rental costs for these same options are: $6,600 (redwood grove ceremony and Julia Morgan Hall reception), $5,900 (redwood grove ceremony and conference center reception), $2,800 (two-hour daytime ceremony only).
Read more about their wedding rental fees and costs here: Costs
Berkeley Botanical Garden Photos –
2. Tilden Botanical Garden, Berkeley
I love this little garden! You can have a smaller wedding (maybe up to 30-50 guests?) here with a reception elsewhere OR you can have a wedding at the (walking distance) nearby Berkeley Botanical Garden with a two hour photo reservation here to have photos in the redwoods. Either way it’s a total win as this spot is gorgeous and has some truly lovely little redwoods in a gorgeous grove at the bottom of the hill. Super peaceful, absolutely lovely.
Tilden Botanical Garden Information –
The Tilden Botanical Garden is located at 2501 Grizzly Peak Boulevard, Orinda, CA 94563. Their website, where you can learn more about renting the venue, is here: Website
Tilden Botanical Garden Photos –
3. The Family Farm, Woodside
This gorgeous club has a LOVELY spot for a wedding ceremony under the redwoods with tons of guests and lovely light streaming through the trees. It’s absolutely beautiful, with lots of space for a dinner reception on the lawn under the trees, portraits in the forest, and a cozy reception hall for dancing in the evening. Highly recommend this Northern California spot!
The Family Farm Information –
The Family Farm is located at 1400 Portola Rd. Woodside, CA 94062. Their Yelp page, where you can learn more about renting the venue, is here: Website
The Family Farm Photos –
4. The Outdoor Art Club, Mill Valley
The Outdoor Art Club is a gorgeous venue with a lovely patio and old school wooden reception hall (still very classy). It does not technically have any redwoods on the property, but there is a gorgeous grove about a two minute drive from the venue for all of your first look and portrait needs. It’s gorgeous, easy access, a quiet and open park, and even has a little creek running through it.
You could even conceivably have a wedding ceremony standing around here with your guests before everybody heading over to the reception at the Outdoor Art Club (perhaps a big parade, a la New Orleans?!). Anyways, I love this little park forest and it’s a great spot to incorporate redwoods in your wedding day plans!
The Outdoor Art Club Information –
The Outdoor Art Club is located at 1 W Blithedale Ave, Mill Valley, CA 94941. Their website, where you can learn more about renting the venue, is here: Website
The Outdoor Art Club Photos –
5. Stern Grove and the Trocadero House, San Francisco
Stern Grove and the Trocadero House is a lovely little nook in San Francisco with a stunning redwoods grove. Have your ceremony under the big trees, easily fit all of your guests, and then host your reception in the little yellow house (it’s so cute). A super simple, beautiful, and private redwood wedding venue.
Stern Grove Information –
Stern Grove and the Trocadero House is located at 19th Ave and Sloat Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94132. Their website, where you can learn more about renting the venue, is here: Website
Stern Grove Photos –
6. Glen Oaks, Big Sur
Glen Oaks is a gorgeous little lodge and wedding venue nestled in the redwoods in Big Sur. Stay in a lovely little private cabin on the Big Sur River, host your ceremony across the river in their private redwood grove (available for both small elopements and larger weddings), and then escape to the beach or the coastal cliffs for epic sunset pictures with your new spouse.
Lots of space for your guests to stay on the Glen Oaks property, with cabins, campfires, and private river access, plus the outdoor wedding venue of your dreams.
Glen Oaks Information –
Glen Oaks is located at 47080 Highway 1, Big Sur, CA 93920 Their website, where you can learn more about renting this venue, is here: Website.
7. Waterfall Lodge and Retreat, Ben Lomond, near Santa Cruz
Waterfall Lodge and Retreat Information –
Their website, where you can learn more about renting this venue, is here: Website.
8. Ventana, Big Sur
Ventana Big Sur has insane and gorgeous cliff views of the ocean, incredible food, and the most amazing redwood grove. Centrally located in Big Sur, it’s easy to get away for cliff sunset portraits as well as soak up the afternoon light in the redwoods during your ceremony (the best of both worlds). Plus, if you’re looking to host an incredible event, Ventana is truly unparalleled in quality and luxury. A truly incredible place.
Ventana Information –
Ventana is located at 47080 Highway 1, Big Sur, CA 93920. Their website, where you can learn more about renting this venue, is here: Website.
9. Sequoia Retreat Center, Ben Lomond near Santa Cruz
Sequoia Retreat Center Information –
The Sequoia Retreat Center is located at 11445 Alba Road Ben Lomond, CA 95005. Their website, where you can learn more about renting this venue, is here: Website.
10. Nestldown, Los Gatos
Nestldown Information –
Nestldown is located at 22420 Old Santa Cruz Highway, Los Gatos, CA 95030. Their website, where you can learn more about renting this venue, is here: Website.
11. Santa Lucia Preserve, Carmel
The redwood grove at Santa Lucia Preserve is absolutely beautiful and full of light. Host an unforgettable wedding ceremony in the redwoods, then have dinner and a beautiful party in the stylish rustic barn.
Santa Lucia Preserve Information –
The Santa Lucia Preserve is located at 1 Rancho San Carlos Road, Carmel, CA 93923. Their website, where you can learn more about renting this venue, is here: Website.
12. Deer Park Villa, Fairfax
Deer Park Villa Information –
Deer Park Villa is located at 367 Bolinas Rd, Fairfax, CA 94930. Their website, where you can learn more about renting this venue, is here: Website.
13. The Mountain Terrace, Woodside
The Mountain Terrace Information –
The Mountain Terrace is located at 17285 Skyline Blvd, Woodside, CA 94062. Their website, where you can learn more about renting this venue, is here: Website.
The Mountain Terrace Photos –
14. Kennolyn Camp’s Stone Creek Village, Soquel
I love this magical little wedding venue in the redwoods! It’s so lovely, so simple, and has SO much space. Plus, you can rent little houses and cabins to stay on the actual property, you have the whole place to you and your wedding party the entire weekend, and overall, it’s just a lovely venue in the trees.
Kennolyn Camp’s Stone Creek Village Information –
Kennolyn Camp’s Stone Creek Village is located at 8400 Glen Haven Rd, Soquel, CA 95073. Their website, where you can learn more about renting this venue, is here: Website.
Kennolyn Camp’s Stone Creek Village Photos –
15. Highlands House and Park, Ben Lomond near Santa Cruz
Highlands House and Park Information –
Highlands House and Park is located at 8500 Highway 9, Ben Lomond, CA 95005. Their website, where you can learn more about renting this venue, is here: Website.
16. Saratoga Springs, Saratoga
Saratoga Springs Information –
Saratoga Springs is located at 22801 Big Basin Way, Saratoga, CA 95070. Their website, where you can learn more about renting this venue, is here: Website.
17. Off the Beaten Path Private Estate, Napa
Off the Beaten Path is a fabulous wedding planning company that has contacts for stunning wedding venues you cannot otherwise rent. Work with them for a gorgeous ceremony or reception in the redwoods, like this lovely couple did below. A ceremony on a hill overlooking the vineyards and then a gorgeous dinner in the redwoods (although you could easily do your ceremony in the redwoods instead, if you wanted!).
Off the Beaten Path Information –
Their website, where you can learn more about working with them and renting this venue, is here: Website.
Off the Beaten Path Photos –
18. OVY Camp, San Gregorio
A wedding venue that you can reserve for the weekend, this camp has room for 129 people to sleep on site! A gorgeous redwood ceremony spot and a beautiful lodge style indoor room for dinner receptions (up to 200 guests) that stay cozy and warm, this is a great venue for a wedding. You are not tied down to a specific caterer like the YMCA camp, which is similar.
OVY Camp Information –
The OVY Camp is located at 5360 La Honda Road, San Gregorio, CA, 94074. Their website, where you can learn more about renting this venue, is here: Website.
19. Piedmont Community Hall, Piedmont / Oakland
This lovely little wedding venue is located right in the quiet part of Piedmont, in a medium large park in the middle of the city. A little oasis, it has a lovely spot for a ceremony under the redwoods on one side, a great outdoor patio area for the dinner reception, and a nice indoor space for dancing in the evenings late into the night.
Piedmont Community Hall Information –
Piedmont Community Hall is located at 711 Highland Ave, Piedmont, CA 94611. Their website, where you can learn more about renting this venue, is here: Website.
Piedmont Community Hall Photos –
20. Amphitheater of the Redwoods at Pema Osel Ling, Watsonville
This spot is a retreat in the redwoods and a great space for an entire weekend: Reservations include an overnight and are either Friday-Sunday or Sunday-Monday. A gorgeous wedding ceremony amphitheater in the redwoods and then a large lawn area for dinner and dancing on the edge of the forest, this spot will keep your guests outside and enjoying the magic… all weekend long!
Amphitheater of the Redwoods at Pema Osel Ling Information –
Amphitheatre of the Redwoods at Pema Osel Ling is located at 2013 Eureka Canyon Rd, Watsonville, CA 95076. Their website, where you can learn more about renting this venue (and get better directions than the GPS!), is here: Website.
21. Island Farm
A stunningly beautiful private (and working!) farm in the redwoods in the Santa Cruz mountains. A lovely space for a reception and wedding ceremony in the trees.
Island Farm Information –
Island Farm is located in the Santa Cruz mountains. It’s a private farm, but you can learn more about having your wedding at the venue by reaching out to a planner with connections there: Website.
22. Old Mill Park, Mill Valley
A great spot for a redwoods wedding at a lovely little picnic area in the park.
Old Mill Park Information –
You can learn more about renting a space at the park for your wedding here: Website.
23. Redwood Regional Park, Oakland
You can easily rent out one of two wonderful picnic space for a wedding here OR their community center. The ceremony spots for the picnic areas are in the redwoods and so beautiful (plus you can have a lovely cocktail hour or dinner reception right there in the picnic area) and the community center has a great ceremony spot with redwoods behind you and around you.
Redwood Regional Park Information –
You can learn more about renting a space at the park for your wedding here: Website.
Redwood Regional Park Photos –
24. Camp Campbell, Boulder Creek (near Big Basin)
Camp Campbell is a YMCA Camp and when you reserve it for a wedding, you get the venue for the whole weekend, from 4pm on Friday to 12pm on Sunday. Your guests get to stay on the property with you and you even get access to the activities on site: Archery, a Ropes Course, and more.
Unfortunately, outside catering is not allowed at this venue due to their facility rules: They provide all food (at a cost) for your wedding weekend.
Camp Campbell Information –
Camp Campbell is located at 16275 Highway 9 Boulder Creek, Boulder Creek, 95006. It’s north of Santa Cruz, east of Big Basin State Park, and west of San Jose/the South Bay. Their website, where you can learn more about renting this venue, is here: Website.
25. Sand Rock Farm, Aptos
This venue has lovely forested areas and a stunningly beautiful old rock and brick area for an intimate dinner reception as well. Truly looks like old France or Spain or something, but WITH REDWOODS (truly California magic!).
Sand Rock Farm Information –
Sand Rock Farm is located at 6901 Freedom Blvd, Aptos, CA 95003. Their website, where you can learn more about renting this venue, is here: Website.
Where to Elope or Have an Intimate Wedding in the Redwoods
Slowcoast, Davenport
This gorgeous home in the trees above Davenport (just north of Santa Cruz, California), is an absolutely stunning spot to get married in the redwoods and then spend the weekend with your family celebrating in the trees, at the beach, and watching the stars come out from the hot tub. Perfect for a small wedding but one where you still want to host a simple dinner or having a little dancing on the deck in the evenings, this spot (redwood grove included) is tucked away in the hills, complete with a running creek and a separate, private home (for the newlyweds!) in the back of the property.
Just fifteen minutes by car from the beach, you can combine redwoods wedding photos with beach wedding photos for the best of both worlds!
Slowcoast Information –
Slowcoast is located at 460 Swanton Road, Davenport, CA 95017. Their website, where you can learn more about renting the venue, is here: Website
Slowcoast Photos –
Water Tower Loft, Elk
Water Tower Loft Information –
You can find out more info about this intimate location on their AirBnB listing here: Website.
Half Moon Bay
Elope in the redwoods in Half Moon Bay for an intimate, gorgeous wedding in the forest. Celebrate with a reception elsewhere afterwards.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park
Okay, FINE, I am cheating with this one: Sequoias are NOT Redwoods and to conflate the two would be a disservice, BUT they are very similar in look and feel and I think you would be missing out if you didn’t consider Sequoia National Park as the perfect spot for an intimate wedding or elopement under the trees. Get married outside, appreciate the trees, and start your wedding with gorgeous views and lots of extra oxygen ;) haha xo.
Read more about Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks here.
Mariposa Grove, Yosemite National Park
Another spot that’s actually Sequoias, this is one stunning spot in Yosemite National Park. Often eclipsed by the incredibly beautiful and wonderful Glacier Point or Yosemite Valley, this spot, recently reopened after some rehabilitation, would be a stunning spot to say your vows.
Read more about the Yosemite National Park Mariposa Grove here. You can read more about how to get married in Yosemite National Park here, too. I’ve written all about the permit process and photo recommendations!
Jedediah State Redwoods Park
You can learn more about the park right here: Website.
Oakland Redwoods
I love this spot for a sneaky redwoods elopement! These two snuck away, just the two of them!, to say their vows in the redwoods and make it all official. This park is truly one of my favorites of all time and such a perfect spot for a lovely little redwoods elopement.
Oakland Redwoods Information –
Learn more about the park here: Website.