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Amphitheatre of the Redwoods at Pema Osel Ling

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Why We Like This Place

The Amphitheatre of the Redwoods is part of the Pema Osel Ling Retreat Center, a name that means “Lotus Land of Clear Light.” The phrase conjures up images of a mystical mountain paradise, and it’s an apt vision: Sequestered on over 102 acres of redwood forests, open meadows and gardens, this natural haven provides a sense of tranquility that’s often missing from the frenzy surrounding a wedding. That peaceful easy feeling begins as you start the drive up Eureka Canyon into the wilds of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Dense woods with mist-shrouded treetops, fern grottoes and an occasional deer prepare you for the center’s rustic yet welcoming ambiance.

With a variety of on-site accommodations ranging from large family homes to cozy cabins and campsites, you will want to take over the entire center for your own destination wedding weekend. Guests often meet up first at the Orchard House, a two-story lodge with a fireplace and a towering redwood growing right up through the front deck. Greet everyone with the center’s signature mint iced tea, hand out maps and itineraries, and let the fun begin.

The retreat center has two extraordinary locations for ceremonies. The Amphitheatre of the Redwoods is a real-life “fairy ring”—a circle of redwoods born from one “grandmother” tree that survived a storm. Underground, all the trees’ roots intertwine for added strength—just as you and your groom will support each other during your marriage. As you exchange vows, the wind whistles through the branches and the cry of blue jays and chattering squirrels makes you feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere. A soaring canopy of magnificent redwoods stretches heavenward, the boughs weaving patterns against the blue sky. What an inspired place to say “I do”! For a more spacious ceremony site, get married at the Bayview Meadow and Terrace. With guests seated on the treelined meadow, bride and groom wed on a redwood deck at the edge of a hillside. Behind them, green thickets soften the view, while the distant blue waters of Monterey Bay wink in the sunlight.

Receptions are celebrated in the Gallery Meadow, which overlooks an Asian fountain courtyard. Choose the configuration of canopies and extras you want, and the center’s event pros will make it happen. The Celebration Hall, a ranch-style A-frame that opens to a lawn and plaza, offers an indoor/outdoor option. Several more benefits are worth noting. One is the knowledgeable staff, who’ll assist you in structuring your agenda to include yoga, massage, hikes, bonfires, pool parties or whatever you can dream up. Then there’s the award-winning gourmet catering. From vegan to prime rib, the on-site culinary team will not only whip up a delicious wedding feast, but will handle brunches, rehearsal dinners and barbecues, too.

There is no curfew here so you can party as late as you like, and there’s no corkage fee so you can bring your own libations. What there is at this retreat is beautiful scenery, friendly banquet staff and a refuge of freedom and renewal to call your own.

The Pema Ling Osel Retreat Center is a nonprofit run by the Vajrayana Foundation that preserves the spiritual, cultural and artistic traditions of Tibetan Buddhism. Couples who choose Amphitheatre of the Redwoods or any other of the retreat center’s event venues have the added pleasure of supporting the foundation’s mission to cultivate the Buddhist ideals of peace and compassion in the world.

Capacity

Ceremony	Reception/Special Events	Meetings
Max. Seated Indoors: 120 Max. Seated Outdoors: 400	Max. Seated Indoors: 120 Max. Seated Outdoors: 400 Max. Standing Indoors: 120 Max. Standing Outdoors: 400	Max. Seated: 400
CEREMONY CAPACITY: The center holds 120 seated guests indoors and 400 seated outdoors. EVENT/RECEPTION CAPACITY: The center accommodates 120 seated or standing indoors and 400 seated or standing outdoors. MEETING CAPACITY: Meeting spaces hold 120 seated guests indoors and 400 seated outdoors.

Fees & Deposits

A $1,000 deposit is required to reserve your date. 40% of the estimated event total is due within 2 weeks of the initial deposit, and the balance is due upon check-in. Rental fees range $1,950–5,950 depending on the day of the event, the length of your stay and the time of year, among other factors. Meals range $22–89/person. Tax and a 20% service charge are additional.

Availability

Year-round, daily, anytime.

Catering Provided Alcohol BYO Location Uses Ceremonies Wedding Receptions Special Events, Parties Business Functions/Meetings Rehearsal Dinners On-Site Accommodations Services/Amenities Catering: provided Kitchen Facilities: fully equipped Tables & Chairs: some provided, CBA Linens, Silver, etc.: some provided, CBA Restrooms: wheelchair accessible Dance Floor: portable provided, CBA Bride’s Dressing Area: yes Meeting Equipment: some provided, CBA Other: event coordination, pool, fire pit Parking: large lot Accommodations: 52 beds in various cabins and houses, camping space for 100 tents Telephone: house phones (local only); calling cards required for long distance Outdoor Night Lighting: provided Outdoor Cooking Facilities: n/a Cleanup: provided View: courtyard, landscaped grounds, fountain, garden, pond, forest, valley, canyon; panorama of hills, coastline and ocean

Amplified Music Indoors Outdoors Wheelchair Access Wheelchair Accessible Site Views Canyon Coastline Creek/River Forest/Wooded Area Fountain/Water Feature Garden Garden Patio/Courtyard Hills Lagoon/Pond Landscaped Grounds Meadow/Fields Mountains Ocean/Bay Panoramic Pool Area Valley Other Venue Type Banquet Hall/Events Facility Conference Center Retreat Restrictions Alcohol: BYO Smoking: in designated areas only Music: amplified OK Wheelchair Access: yes Insurance: liability required

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