28 Best Redwood Wedding Venues in California (With Pricing)

If you’re dreaming of getting married in the redwoods, California is basically the jackpot. The hard part is figuring out which redwood wedding venue actually fits your vibe (and your guest list… and your budget). This guide rounds up some of the best redwood wedding venues across the state, from national and state park ceremony sites to full weekend retreat venues with lodging, so you can compare pricing, capacity, and what each place really feels like before you start booking tours.

And if a traditional venue isn’t your thing, I’ve also included some of my favorite redwood parks you can get married in at the end of this guide.

As a redwoods elopement photographer who’s photographed and explored locations throughout California’s redwoods for the past 7 years, I’ve organized this list geographically, starting in Northern California and working my way south to Big Sur.

Venue Name	Starting Cost	Max Capacity
Ridgefield Weddings	$8,900	150
Emerald Forest Cabins & RV	Unsure	Unsure
Redwoods River Resort	$21,500	150
Spirit Camp Retreat Center	$16,000	150
The Brambles Hideaway	$7,500	150
Oz Farm & Retreat Center	$21,865	150
Berkley Botanical Garden	$2,000	200
Saratoga Springs	$3,950	500
Deer Park Villa	$8,500	300
The Mountain Terrace	$2,500	400
Ralston White Retreat	$5,700	125
Piedmont Community Hall	$4,867	200
Nestldown	$8,000	200
Kennolyn	$17,500	300
Roaring Camp	$4,500	275
YMCA Camp Campbell	$5,000	200
Waterfall Lodge and Retreat	$10,700	150
Amphitheater of the Redwoods	$5,950	150
Sparrow Valley Retreat	$9,500	120
Felton Guild	$7,500	150
Sequoia Retreat Center	$5,450	150
Fern River Resort	$500	200
Glenn Oaks Big Sur	$2,000	100
Henry Miller Library	$2,000	150
Santa Lucia Preserve	$60,000	350
Ventana Big Sur	$37,500	100
Big Sur Lodge	$3,000	80
Big Sur Grange	$1,000	100

28 Redwood Wedding Venues in California

California has no shortage of beautiful redwood wedding venues, but each one has its own kind of special sauce. Below, I’ve broken down some of the best redwood wedding venues in California from north to south to help you find the right fit for your day.

1. Ridgefield Weddings

For couples dreaming of a full weekend wedding deep in the redwoods, Ridgefield Weddings checks a lot of boxes. Located in Arcata and set across 80 acres, this estate-style venue gives you plenty of space and time to celebrate with your favorite people.

Ridgefield offers 1-day, 3-day, and even 5-day wedding packages, so you can turn your wedding into an entire weekend experience if you want to. There’s onsite lodging for guests, a dedicated redwood grove ceremony space, tables and chairs included, and an in-house team that can help with florals, catering, music, and planning.

I especially like this venue for couples who want the experience of getting married in the redwoods without taking on all the DIY logistics that can come with a state park or campground. If you want to stay onsite with your guests and have most of the major wedding-day details taken care of in one place, Ridgefield is a great option.

• Website: https://ridgefieldweddings.co/
• Pricing: Starting at $8,900
• Max capacity: 150 people
• Catering: Have to use their catering and alcohol providers
• Chairs and tables included: Yes

2. Emerald Forest Cabins & RV

For couples dreaming of a summer-camp-inspired wedding, Emerald Forest Cabins & RV may be your dream venue. The property sits on 12 acres of redwoods and has 21 fully furnished cabins that sleep anywhere from 1–10 people, picnic tables and campfire rings, a meeting hall for intimate dinners and receptions, and even a mini-mart. Plus, it’s only a two-minute drive from the beach.

This redwood wedding venue is especially appealing to outdoorsy couples who want a laid-back weekend with their guests. With cabins right on the property, you can turn your wedding into a multi-day celebration without everyone having to find separate lodging. Just keep in mind that you may need to coordinate more of the wedding-day logistics yourself, making it a better fit for couples who don’t mind a little extra planning.

• Website: Emerald Forest Cabins & RV
• Pricing: Contact venue for current wedding pricing
• Max capacity: Contact venue for current capacity
• Catering: Outside catering and alcohol permitted
• Chairs and tables included: Yes

3. Redwoods River Resort

You’ll notice a trend that most of the redwood wedding venues in the Humboldt area tend to be pretty laid-back, and Redwoods River Resort is no exception.

Set along the Eel River and surrounded by redwoods, the property has cabins, RV sites, and tent camping so you and your guests can make an entire weekend out of it. When you book the resort for a wedding, you get exclusive access to the property with ceremony and reception spaces, an arbor, an extended curfew, and private access to the on-site pub.

Redwoods River Resort doesn’t have the traditional feel of a banquet hall or all the bells and whistles of a full-service estate, but that’s part of its charm. For couples who want river views, redwoods, onsite lodging, and some of the essentials like tables and chairs already taken care of, this is a great option for a laid-back wedding weekend.

• Website: Redwoods River Resort
• Pricing: Starting at $21,500 for two days
• Max capacity: 150 people
• Catering: Outside catering permitted; $2,000–$3,000 onsite beverage minimum
• Chairs and tables included: Yes

4. Spirit Camp Retreat Center

If I had to choose a favorite redwood wedding venue on this list, Spirit Camp would probably be it, though it’s tough to choose just one. This venue truly has it all. There’s a gorgeous event space, a large open meadow for ceremonies and receptions, more than 27 acres of redwood hiking trails, onsite lodging, a sunroom, and plenty of space to spend time with your guests.

Spirit Camp is built for couples who want a full weekend experience. This isn’t a venue you can book for just one day. There’s a three-night weekend minimum, which gives you time to settle in, host a welcome gathering, and actually enjoy the property with your guests. For weddings with more than 60 people, you’re required to use one of their approved catering vendors and hire one of their wedding coordinators.

The overall feel is geared much more toward an outdoor community gathering than a formal banquet hall. If you’re envisioning a wedding that feels more like a retreat with your favorite people than a traditional ballroom reception, Spirit Camp absolutely delivers.

• Website: Spirit Camp Retreat Center
• Pricing: Starting at $16,000 for a three-night weekend rental; catering separate
• Max capacity: 50 overnight guests; 150 day guests
• Catering: Approved catering vendors required for weddings with more than 60 guests
• Chairs and tables included: Yes

5. The Brambles Hideaway

The Brambles is one of the more exclusive redwood wedding venues on this list. They host just five weddings a year between their two properties, which means couples typically need to book around two years in advance. If you’re lucky enough to snag a date, though, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the property.

One of the biggest perks of The Brambles is the two-day exclusive use. Your rental includes six hours for your ceremony and reception, plus your choice of Madrones English Gardens or Oak Terrace Courtyard for a five-hour rehearsal event, and access to the venue again for a farewell brunch. For the ceremony itself, there’s a gorgeous redwood cathedral.

The property also includes tables and chairs, patio heaters, a full catering kitchen, and plenty of extras that make planning a little easier. Couples receive special wine rates from onsite vintners Long Meadow Ranch or Wentworth Vineyards, along with access to select vintage props for staging and décor.

• Website: The Brambles Hideaway
• Pricing: Starting at $7,500 for microweddings with up to 40 guests or $18,000 for two-day weddings with up to 150 guests
• Max capacity: 150 people
• Catering: Microweddings must use the venue’s catering providers; larger weddings may bring outside catering and alcohol
• Chairs and tables included: Yes

6. Oz Farm & Retreat Center

Oz Farm & Retreat Center is one of the most versatile redwood wedding venues on this list, with everything from redwood groves and rivers to gardens and mountain views.

There are two ceremony locations to choose from. You can exchange vows in the redwood grove (my favorite) or head up to Tai Chi Hill for views of the surrounding landscape. Renting the venue also includes access to the Barn, Community House, Bath House, and onsite cabin accommodations. During the weekend, you and your guests can enjoy the wood-fired hot tub, pizza oven, firepit, swimming in the Garcia River, hiking trails, orchards, and gardens.

Oz Farm does require couples to work with one of their in-house coordinators for an additional $3,000, and you’ll also need to tour the property before booking.

This is a great option for couples who want to turn their wedding into an entire weekend with their guests. Between the redwoods, river, onsite lodging, and activities, there’s plenty to explore without ever having to leave the property.

• Website: Oz Farm & Retreat Center
• Pricing: Starting at $21,865 for a Thursday–Sunday weekend rental, including the required coordinator
• Max capacity: 150 people
• Catering: Outside catering and alcohol permitted
• Chairs and tables included: Contact venue for current rental inclusions

7. Berkeley Botanical Garden

The UC Botanical Garden at Berkeley is easily one of the most affordable redwood wedding venues on this list. The ceremony location alone makes it worth considering. Couples can exchange vows beneath redwoods with space for up to 200 guests, then head into the surrounding gardens for portraits.

After your ceremony, you can host your reception at nearby Julia Morgan Hall. The reception space is much smaller, with room for up to 82 guests, but it allows you to keep everything in one general area without having to relocate everyone across town. Plus, it’s super cute and cozy!

This venue is a great option for couples who want a true redwood ceremony without the higher price tag of a private estate. Just keep in mind that you’ll have a more structured rental timeline and vendor requirements, and larger weddings may need to host their reception elsewhere due to the smaller capacity of Julia Morgan Hall.

• Website: UC Botanical Garden at Berkeley
• Pricing: Starting at $2,000 for ceremonies with up to 25 guests, $3,500 for ceremonies with up to 200 guests, or $8,500 for a ceremony and reception
• Max capacity: 200 guests for ceremonies; 82 guests at Julia Morgan Hall
• Catering: Required catering provider; outside alcohol permitted
• Chairs and tables included: Yes

8. Saratoga Springs

Saratoga Springs makes planning a redwood wedding surprisingly easy. With three different ceremony sites to choose from and plenty of scenery for photos, including bridges, creeks, and redwoods, there’s a lot of flexibility in how your day can look. Whether you want something tucked into the trees or set along the water, you’ll have multiple backdrops to choose from without leaving the property.

Because everything is in one place, guests can easily move from the ceremony to cocktail hour to the reception. The grounds are spacious, and with room for up to 500 guests, Saratoga Springs is one of the best options on this list for couples planning a large wedding who still want to be surrounded by nature.

Unlike some of the more remote venues on this list, you also won’t need to turn your wedding into an entire weekend retreat to get the redwood experience. If you want something a little more traditional with plenty of space for guests, this is a great option.

• Website: Saratoga Springs
• Pricing: Starting at $3,950; required dinner and beverage packages are additional
• Max capacity: 500 people
• Catering: Outside catering permitted or use the venue’s in-house option
• Chairs and tables included: Yes

9. Deer Park Villa

Deer Park Villa is one of those venues that people tour and immediately go, “Ohhh okay, this is it.”

Both the ceremony and outdoor reception spaces are surrounded by redwoods, but if an outdoor reception isn’t your thing, there’s an indoor option too. With room for up to 300 guests, Deer Park Villa is also one of the better redwood wedding venues on this list for larger celebrations. One thing I really appreciate about this venue is the flexibility. You can bring in your own vendors, décor, and personal touches to make the day feel much more like your own.

This is a great option for couples who want a forest wedding without taking on all the logistics of a more DIY venue. You get the redwoods, plenty of space for guests, and you’re still close enough to the Bay Area that everyone won’t have to travel hours to get there.

• Website: Deer Park Villa
• Pricing: Starting at $8,500
• Max capacity: 300 people
• Catering: Outside catering and alcohol permitted
• Chairs and tables included: Yes

10. The Mountain Terrace

Remember when I said it’s hard to pick a favorite redwood wedding venue? It’s because of places like The Mountain Terrace. It’s just so good.

This venue is tucked up in the hills and surrounded by trees, but you also get beautiful open mountain views. It’s not the same deep, remote redwood experience you’ll find in Humboldt, but you still get that surrounded-by-nature feeling without asking your guests to trek into the middle of nowhere.

Everything flows really nicely here. Ceremony outside, portraits in the trees, reception right there onsite. No complicated logistics and no major travel between locations. It’s a venue that makes planning feel a lot less overwhelming. Plus, it’s one of the more affordable redwood wedding venues on this list, especially considering how many guests it can accommodate.

• Website: The Mountain Terrace
• Pricing: Starting at $2,500; catering and beverage packages additional
• Max capacity: 400 guests for ceremonies; 300 guests for receptions
• Catering: Venue catering and alcohol providers required
• Chairs and tables included: Yes

11. Ralston White Retreat

Ralston White Retreat is located on 43 acres of private gardens and redwoods in Mill Valley, just a short drive from Muir Woods.

You can celebrate for the day or turn it into an overnight experience with lodging for up to 35 guests. There’s a beautiful heart-shaped lawn for ceremonies, a redwood grove for portraits, and a cozy living room for indoor celebrations. The venue is a bit more DIY than some of the others on this list, but that also gives you plenty of flexibility when it comes to choosing your own vendors and personalizing the space.

One thing guests always comment on is how secluded the property feels despite being so close to town. It feels like you’re escaping the hustle and bustle of the city without actually having to travel somewhere remote. For couples who want privacy, redwoods, and the option to stay onsite while still being close to the Bay Area, Ralston White Retreat checks a lot of boxes.

• Website: Ralston White Retreat
• Pricing: Starting at $5,700
• Max capacity: 125 people; overnight accommodations for up to 35 guests
• Catering: Outside catering and alcohol permitted
• Chairs and tables included: Contact venue for current rental inclusions

12. Piedmont Community Hall

Piedmont Community Hall is tucked into a quiet neighborhood in, you guessed it, Piedmont, giving you a more private, redwood setting while still being super close to Oakland and the rest of the Bay Area.

You can hold your ceremony outside on the lawn before heading into the Mediterranean-inspired hall for your reception. The interior is pretty simple, which I actually think is a good thing. It doesn’t force you into a specific style. Dress it up with florals and candles or keep everything clean and minimal. It really depends on what you’re into.

There’s also a nice flow between the outdoor space and main hall, so guests aren’t stuck inside all night. They can step outside, hang out on the lawn, and head back in for dinner and dancing whenever they want.

If you want something smaller, flexible, and not over the top, Piedmont Community Hall is a solid choice. It’s especially appealing for couples who want an affordable Bay Area venue they can personalize without traveling somewhere remote.

• Website: Piedmont Community Hall
• Pricing: Starting at $4,867
• Max capacity: 200 people
• Catering: Outside catering and beverages permitted
• Chairs and tables included: Yes

13. Nestldown

Nestldown in the Santa Cruz Mountains is hands-down one of my favorite redwood wedding venues on this list. I mean, just look at that ceremony site!

You can exchange vows in the redwood grove or on one of the lawns, then explore the property for cocktail hour and photos. There’s a barn for dinner and dancing, plus plenty of outdoor space if you’d rather keep the celebration outside. A large portion of the 36-acre property is included with your rental, along with tables, chairs, and a team to help with day-of setup.

Pricing varies quite a bit depending on the season and day of the week, ranging from around $8,000 to $36,000. It’s one of the pricier redwood wedding venues on this list, but for couples with the budget who want an elevated venue with a show-stopping ceremony space, Nestldown is absolutely worth considering.

• Website: Nestldown
• Pricing: $8,000–$36,000 depending on season and day of the week
• Max capacity: 200 people
• Catering: Venue-approved catering and alcohol vendors required
• Chairs and tables included: Yes

14. Kennolyn

Redwood wedding venues in the Santa Cruz area feel very summer-camp coded, and Kennolyn is no exception. And maybe that’s because it’s an actual summer camp!

Set on 450 acres, Kennolyn offers both one-day and full-weekend wedding packages, giving you plenty of flexibility depending on the kind of celebration you want. Wedding packages include a ceremony arbor, a professional wedding coordinator, getting-ready spaces, and more. If you turn your wedding into a full weekend event, you and your guests can spend your time around the firepits, exploring miles of hiking trails, playing basketball, swimming, and enjoying everything else the property has to offer. It’s safe to say no one will be bored here.

If you’re the kind of couple who wants to really lean into the summer-camp experience, or simply want a redwood wedding venue with plenty of activities and amenities already built in, I think you’ll love Kennolyn.

• Website: https://www.kennolyn.com/
• Pricing: Starting at $17,500
• Max capacity: 300 people
• Catering: Venue catering and beverage providers required
• Chairs and tables included: Yes

15. Roaring Camp Weddings

Roaring Camp Weddings is easily one of the most unique redwood wedding venues on this list. I mean, how many venues let you take a historic steam train through the redwoods with all your guests?

There are a few different ceremony locations to choose from, including a large meadow near the historic schoolhouse. But the real showstopper is taking the steam train through the redwoods to a grove of giant trees where you can exchange your vows surrounded by the forest.

For your reception, Bret Harte Hall is a large barn-style space with plenty of room for dinner and dancing. It’s not overly fancy, which gives you more freedom to bring in your own style and décor. There’s also lawn space outside for cocktail hour, games, or simply giving your guests a little more room to spread out.

Roaring Camp can accommodate everything from smaller celebrations to weddings with hundreds of guests, depending on the spaces you choose. Pricing can vary quite a bit because of that, so keep in mind that the starting price may look very different from the final cost of a larger wedding.

If you want a redwood wedding that feels a little quirky, adventurous, and completely different from a traditional venue, Roaring Camp is worth a look. I mean, come on. You get to take a steam train to your wedding ceremony.

• Website: Roaring Camp Railroads
• Pricing: Starting at $4,500; varies depending on event spaces and package
• Max capacity: Up to 275 people
• Catering: Outside catering and alcohol permitted
• Chairs and tables included: Yes

16. YMCA Camp Campbell

YMCA Camp Campbell has some of the prettiest ceremony and portrait locations on this list. Tucked into the Santa Cruz Mountains and surrounded by redwoods, you get the full summer-camp experience without feeling like you’re actually roughing it.

The main attraction is, of course, the cathedral of redwoods where you can exchange your vows. Afterward, you and your guests can spend the rest of the celebration enjoying the property and everything that comes with getting married at an actual summer camp. The venue isn’t trying to be fancy, and that’s exactly the appeal. Plus, your guests can stay overnight, turning your wedding into an entire weekend together.

If you want a laid-back redwood wedding with onsite lodging and plenty of that nostalgic summer-camp feel, YMCA Camp Campbell is a great one to check out.

• Website: YMCA Camp Campbell
• Pricing: Starting at $5,000
• Max capacity: 200 people
• Catering: Venue catering and alcohol providers required
• Chairs and tables included: Yes

17. Waterfall Lodge and Retreat

Don’t let the name fool you. There isn’t actually a waterfall on the property, but there are some pretty gorgeous ceremony spaces here, my personal favorite being the cathedral of redwoods (duh).

Waterfall Lodge and Retreat offers one-day weddings, but most couples choose to turn their celebration into an entire weekend. Multi-day weddings require a two-night stay with a minimum of nine cabins booked, and with 32 cabins plus the lodge, there’s room for up to 86 overnight guests.

One of the biggest perks of this venue is the flexibility. You can bring in your own vendors, including catering, and with more than 80 acres to explore, there’s plenty for you and your guests to do throughout the weekend. Dance in the mountaintop meadow, hike through the forest, or end the night making s’mores around the fire. If you want a redwood wedding venue that gives you plenty of freedom to make the weekend your own, Waterfall Lodge is a solid option.

• Website: Waterfall Lodge and Retreat
• Pricing: Starting at $10,700
• Max capacity: 150 people; overnight accommodations for up to 86 guests
• Catering: Outside catering and alcohol permitted
• Chairs and tables included: Yes

18. Amphitheater of the Redwoods

The Amphitheater of the Redwoods at Pema Osel Ling Retreat Center is absolutely stunning and one of the more affordable redwood wedding venues on this list.

The ceremony space sits in a natural amphitheater surrounded by redwoods. Afterward, you can explore the surrounding property for cocktail hour and photos before heading into your reception.

The venue is a great middle ground for couples who want a true redwood ceremony with some of the conveniences of a traditional wedding venue. You get tables and chairs, onsite catering, and space for up to 150 guests, but the overall setting still feels intimate and tucked into the forest.

• Website: Amphitheater of the Redwoods
• Pricing: Starting at $5,950
• Max capacity: 150 people
• Catering: In-house catering required; outside alcohol permitted
• Chairs and tables included: Yes

19. Sparrow Valley Retreat

Okay, here’s the thing about Sparrow Valley Retreat.

It doesn’t really feel like a “venue.” It actually feels more like someone’s ridiculously beautiful property in the Santa Cruz Mountains that just happens to be perfect for a wedding.

You pull in and it’s hills, open meadows, gardens, and trees. There’s no grand entrance or dramatic architecture, but that’s kind of the appeal.

You of course have the redwood cathedral, which is easily one of my favorite parts of the property, and the reception spaces are just as beautiful. If you want something that feels outdoorsy but a little more elevated than a campground, Sparrow Valley is a really solid option.

• Website: Sparrow Valley Retreat
• Pricing: Contact venue for current wedding pricing
• Max capacity: 120 people
• Catering: Outside catering and alcohol permitted
• Chairs and tables included: Yes

20. Felton Guild

Felton Guild is one of the more casual redwood wedding venues on this list, and that’s exactly what makes it so appealing. This isn’t the place for a super formal, black-tie wedding. Think redwoods, BBQ for dinner, and a laid-back celebration with your guests.

The property has dedicated ceremony and reception spaces with room for up to 150 guests, plus quite a few of the wedding-day essentials already taken care of. Your rental includes tables and chairs, a bridal suite, gift tables, a gazebo, and other amenities that make planning a little easier.

There aren’t acres of hiking trails, cabins, or endless activities like you’ll find at some of the retreat-style venues on this list, but Felton Guild isn’t trying to be that. If you want something local, low-pressure, and straightforward where you can celebrate beneath the redwoods without turning your wedding into an entire weekend production, this is a great option.

• Website: Felton Guild
• Pricing: Starting at $7,500
• Max capacity: 150 people
• Catering: In-house catering and alcohol recommended; outside vendors may be permitted upon request
• Chairs and tables included: Yes

21. Sequoia Retreat Center

Sequoia Retreat Center is a wedding venue that makes your guests go, “Oh, this is what people mean when they say a redwood wedding.”

There are a few different spaces to choose from throughout the property. Peace Park is an open grassy ceremony site surrounded by redwoods, Pixie’s Garden has bistro lights and a patio for dinner, and Las Alas Lodge gives you an indoor option for dancing or cocktail hour if the weather gets weird.

One of the biggest perks of Sequoia Retreat Center is that you don’t have to spend your wedding day bouncing between different locations. You can have your ceremony in the redwoods, celebrate with your guests onsite, explore the property for photos, and even have some of your favorite people stay overnight in the cabins.

It’s not slick or overly styled. If you care more about the setting and spending time with your guests than having a super polished estate-style venue, Sequoia Retreat Center is a winner.

• Website: Sequoia Retreat Center
• Pricing: Starting at $5,450
• Max capacity: 150 people
• Catering: Outside catering and alcohol permitted
• Chairs and tables included: Yes

22. Fern River Resort

Fern River Resort is a hidden gem! This is a venue that feels like you found someone’s lovely backyard wedding spot, except way bigger and prettier than your actual backyard. And yes, the $500 starting price is legit, though I won’t lie, most weddings here tend to cost between $4,000 and $6,500. Still, that’s a steal for a redwood wedding venue!

The property is tucked into the redwoods along the San Lorenzo River near Felton and has the summer-camp vibe you’ll find at quite a few venues in this area. There are 15 cabins you can rent for the weekend, so you and your guests can stay right on the property. After your ceremony in the trees, head to the lawn for your reception, then take advantage of the private river beach, community campfire ring, ping pong table, badminton court, and more.

• Website: Fern River Resort
• Pricing: Starting at $500; most weddings range from $4,000–$6,500
• Max capacity: 200 people
• Catering: In-house catering and alcohol recommended; outside vendors may be permitted upon request
• Chairs and tables included: Yes

23. Glenn Oaks Big Sur

Glen Oaks Big Sur is a fantastic choice for couples who want something a little more intimate. There are two main ceremony spaces to choose from: the Fairy Circle for celebrations with up to 20 guests and the Redwood Grove for weddings with up to 100.

You can keep things simple and celebrate for the day or turn your wedding into a full Big Sur getaway by renting cabins for you and your guests. With lodging right on the property, you don’t have to go far once the wedding is over either.

After your ceremony, head to the back patio and indoor restaurant for dinner and your reception. The landscaping is beautiful, the indoor space is super quaint, and the entire property just feels cozy. Whether you’re eloping just the two of you or bringing along 100 of your favorite people, Glen Oaks is a great option for an intimate redwood wedding in Big Sur.

• Website: Glen Oaks Big Sur
• Pricing: Starting at $3,000
• Max capacity: 100 people
• Catering: Outside catering permitted; alcohol provided by the venue
• Chairs and tables included: Yes

24. Henry Miller Library

The Henry Miller Memorial Library is one of my personal favorite redwood wedding venues on this list.

Not only does your rental help support the library, but you also get access to a beautiful redwood-filled property right in Big Sur. Just keep in mind that this isn’t an all-inclusive wedding venue. You won’t find tables, chairs, décor, or onsite lodging included, so you’ll be responsible for bringing in most of what you need for the day.

That also means you have a lot of freedom to make the space your own. If you’re crafty, don’t mind a little extra planning, and love the idea of creating a wedding from the ground up, the Henry Miller Library is a fantastic option. It’s especially appealing for couples who want an affordable redwood wedding venue in Big Sur and would rather spend their budget bringing their own vision to life.

• Website: Henry Miller Memorial Library
• Pricing: Starting at $2,000
• Max capacity: 150 people
• Catering: Outside catering and alcohol permitted
• Chairs and tables included: No

25. Santa Lucia Preserve

Prepare to be blown away by the Santa Lucia Preserve.

I have to warn you, this venue costs a pretty penny. Weddings are currently only available to members or sponsored guests, and you’re required to work with a wedding planner. But if you have the budget and access to the property, Santa Lucia Preserve is in a league of its own.

Located in the mountains near Carmel-by-the-Sea, the property has everything from redwood groves and panoramic views of the Santa Lucia Mountains to beautiful event spaces, farm-to-table dining, and even horses. The setting itself does most of the talking here. For couples planning a larger, luxury wedding who really want to wow their guests, Santa Lucia Preserve is one to consider.

• Website: Santa Lucia Preserve
• Pricing: Starting at $60,000
• Max capacity: 350 people
• Catering: In-house catering and alcohol required
• Chairs and tables included: Yes
• Important: Weddings are limited to members or sponsored guests; wedding planner required

26. Ventana Big Sur

For couples with a bigger budget who want the full luxury experience, Ventana Big Sur may be exactly what you’re looking for.

This upscale resort has several incredible ceremony locations to choose from, including ocean-view lawns, an intimate loft, and a redwood cathedral. The attention to detail here is next level, but you’ll pay a pretty penny for it. While wedding packages start at $37,500, most couples can expect to spend closer to $70,000 once you factor in the venue, food, and required lodging. You can even buy out the entire resort for you and your guests, with full property buyouts reaching close to $300,000.

Ventana is for couples who want redwoods and Big Sur scenery without sacrificing any of the luxuries of a five-star resort. If your dream wedding involves exchanging vows beneath the trees, overlooking the Pacific, and ending the night at one of the most iconic properties in Big Sur, Ventana delivers.

• Website: Ventana Big Sur
• Pricing: $3,750 for intimate weddings with up to 12 guests; traditional wedding packages starting at $37,500
• Max capacity: 100 people
• Catering: In-house catering and beverage service required
• Chairs and tables included: No

27. Big Sur Lodge

Big Sur Lodge is a great redwood wedding venue for couples who want something affordable and easy to access in Big Sur. You can have your ceremony surrounded by redwoods, then head to the onsite reception space for dinner and celebrating afterward.

This venue is definitely geared toward smaller weddings, with the main redwood ceremony space accommodating up to 60 guests. I’ve photographed several weddings here and love the setting, but I will say that it’s not the most private venue on this list. There’s a popular walking trail right next to the ceremony site, so you may have a few hikers or curious onlookers pass by while you’re exchanging vows. You won’t be able to tell in your photos, but it’s something worth knowing before you book.

That said, Big Sur Lodge is still a beautiful and relatively affordable option, especially if you want the redwoods without the price tag or logistics of some of the larger Big Sur venues.

• Website: Big Sur Lodge
• Pricing: Contact venue for current wedding pricing
• Max capacity: 80 people; redwood ceremony site accommodates up to 60
• Catering: In-house catering and beverage service required
• Chairs and tables included: Yes

28. Big Sur Grange

Last on my main list of redwood wedding venues is Big Sur Grange.

Big Sur Grange is a volunteer-run community center surrounded by redwoods right in the heart of Big Sur. There’s plenty of outdoor space for a ceremony beneath the trees, and the setting feels very similar to Glen Oaks Big Sur, which makes sense considering it’s directly across the street.

This is definitely one of the more DIY venues on the list. You’ll be responsible for bringing in most of what you need for the wedding, including your own catering, alcohol, décor, and other rentals. Tables and chairs are available, but they’re fairly basic, so you may want to bring in your own depending on the look you’re going for.

If you want an affordable redwood wedding venue in Big Sur and don’t mind putting in a little extra work to make the space your own, Big Sur Grange is worth checking out.

• Website: Big Sur Grange
• Pricing: Contact venue for current wedding pricing
• Max capacity: 100 people
• Catering: Outside catering and alcohol permitted
• Chairs and tables included: Yes, though you may prefer to rent your own

Redwood Parks You Can Get Married In

Did you know that you don’t need to book a traditional wedding venue to get married in the redwoods? In fact, some of my favorite places for redwood weddings are state and national parks.

You can get married beneath some of the most impressive redwoods in California for a fraction of the cost of a private venue. Instead of spending thousands of dollars on a ceremony space, many parks only require a permit that costs a few hundred dollars.

Of course, getting married in a park comes with a few tradeoffs. Guest counts are usually smaller, you’ll need a permit, and you won’t have tables, chairs, catering, or a reception space waiting for you. But if you’re planning a smaller wedding or elopement and don’t need all the bells and whistles, a redwood park can be one of the most beautiful and affordable places to get married in California.

I’ve photographed weddings and elopements in quite a few of these parks, and I recommend them all the time to couples who care more about the scenery than having a traditional venue. You can always have your ceremony in the redwoods, then head to a restaurant, Airbnb, or separate reception venue afterward to celebrate.

Here are some of my favorite redwood parks and public spaces in California that allow weddings:

• Redwood National Park (Crescent City) – Max 15 guests, starting at $100
• Muir Woods (San Francisco) – Max 30 guests, $700
• Trees of Mystery (Klamath) – Max 60 guests, starting at $450
• Sequoia Park Zoo (Eureka) – Max 100 guests, starting at $325
• Humboldt Redwoods State Park (Weott) – Max 100 guests, starting at $150
• Navarro River Redwoods State Park (Mendocino) – Max 20 guests, starting at $200
• Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve (Guerneville) – Max 150 guests, starting at $400
• LandPaths Grove of Old Trees (Occidental) – Max 30 guests, $0
• Hendy Woods State Park (Philo) – Max 30 guests, starting at $200
• Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve (Ukiah) – Max 30 guests, starting at $200
• Big Basin Redwoods State Park (Boulder Creek) – Max 150 guests, starting at $325
• Portola Redwoods State Park (La Honda) – Max 100 guests, starting at $325
• Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park (Felton) – Max 150 guests, starting at $325
• Roberts Regional Recreation Area (Oakland) – Max 100 guests, starting at $300
• Roy’s Redwood Preserve (Woodacre) – Max 50 guests, starting at $225
• Samuel P. Taylor State Park (Lagunitas) – Max 80 guests, starting at $160
• Golden Gate Park (San Francisco) – Max 150 guests, starting at $250
• Sanborn County Park (Saratoga) – Max 200 guests, starting at $150
• Old Mill Park (Mill Valley) – Max 100 guests, starting at $160
• Joaquin Miller Park (Oakland) – Max 120 guests, starting at $282