Lost Whale Inn Wedding Perks
Call me dramatic, but I think the Lost Whale Inn is one of the best wedding venues in all of California, especially if you’re planning a smaller, more intimate wedding.
I’ve been a photographer in California for over 7 years. I specifically focus on weddings and elopements in Redwood National Park, so I tend to be a bit pickier when it comes to wedding venues. After all, how can you beat a ceremony in a national park?
The answer is easily with a venue like the Lost Whale Inn.
This gem of a venue handles almost everything for their couples. They have an in-house florist, bartender, caterer, and coordinator, and that’s on top of all the decorations, tables, chairs, heat lamps, and more that they supply.
And don’t even get me started on the views. While I’m here, let me also inform you that it’s just minutes away from the national park and even closer to Sue-Meg State Park which has some of the best coastal views in California.
Oh, you want me to keep going? On top of accommodating up to 75 guests, the Lost Whale Inn is a bed and breakfast, meaning you and some of your favorite guests can stay overnight. Don’t forget the s’mores and games either, as this venue has campfires and a giant lawn for anything you can imagine.
So yeah… you can see why the Lost Whale Inn ranks pretty high on my list.
Lia and Jeff’s Wedding at the Lost Whale Inn
When Lia and Jeff first reached out, they told me that they wanted to get married in Redwood National Park. The only catch? The Redwoods only allow up to 20 people for a ceremony and Lia is Greek. According to her, “small” isn’t exactly a word her family uses.
So we decided to pivot and find something close-by instead. Hence, the Lost Whale Inn was born.
Lia and Jeff decided to split their wedding day across two days. The first day included a welcome dinner amongst the Redwood Skywalk at Sequoia Park Zoo. It was misty and moody and magical and every other positive m-word adjective you can think of here.
The second day started early with some getting ready photos at the venue before making our way over to one of my favorite little trails in the park, Lady Bird Johnson Grove, where we took portraits and Lia and Jeff exchanged private vows.
We then headed back to the venue where friends and family from all over the country came together to watch the ceremony. After the ceremony was over, guests made their way upstairs to the most incredible charcuterie spread.
The night ended with some dancing, dinner, and of course, golden hour portraits at Sue-Meg State Park that you’ll just have to see to believe.
- Venue: Lost Whale Inn
- Photographer: Brianna Parks Photography (me!)
- Hair: Jada Baca Beauty
- Guitarist: Jeff Smoller Music
- DJ: LV Entertainment
If you liked this venue, you might like Capella by The Sea which is a few hours north. I also have a guide to all my favorite Redwood wedding venues you can check out here.
Don’t forget your FREE elopement guide!
An all-in-one planning guide for all things elopements! Whether you’re hoping to hike through the mountains of Washington or sip a margarita on the beaches of California, this comprehensive elopement guide has everything you need to know about how to plan the perfect elopement.
You? You’re the kind of person that gets a lil’ teary eyed looking at an epic view…
That moment when you turn to the person you’re with and ask, “Are you seeing this?” I live for it. Places with trees and mountains and soft breezes that make you say, “I can’t believe this place exists,” I spend pretty much all of my free time searching for and exploring them.
These places have always felt like home to me. And if you’re the kind of person who also feels more at home surrounded by trees than by people? Then we’ll get along really well. The Pacific Northwest is full of secret spots that are too special to share with just anyone. But it would make me happy to share them with you on your wedding day.
If the mountains/beaches/redwood forests are calling your name, go ahead…
(I promise you won’t regret it.)
P.S. I’m Brianna. I’m a Pacific Northwest elopement photographer whose mission is to create custom, one-of-a-kind elopement experiences in the Pacific Northwest that allow couples to fully immerse themselves in the highest levels of excitement and wonder on a day designed exclusively for them.
