CEREMONY/RECEPTION

Amphitheatre of the Redwoods

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Santa Cruz Mountains Wedding Venue
2013 Eureka Canyon Road
Santa Cruz Mountains, CA 96076
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Contact: Event Coordinator
Phone: 831/761-6270
www.polmountainretreat.com

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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 might 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 several extraordinary locations for ceremonies. The Amphitheatre of the Redwoods offers an intimate forest experience. The wind whistles through the branches, and the cry of blue jays and chattering squirrels make 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. You can also wed amidst another awe-inspiring natural phenomenon: 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. What an inspired place to say “I do”! The most spacious ceremony site is 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 and art gallery. Choose whatever type of tenting and configuration you want, and the center’s event pros will make it happen. The Dining Hall, a ranch-style A-frame that opens to a garden, is 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 Amphittheatre 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: 150
Max. Seated Outdoors: 400

Max. Seated Indoors: 135
Max. Seated Outdoors: 400
Max. Standing Indoors: 300
Max. Standing Outdoors: 400

Max. Seated: 175

CEREMONY CAPACITY: The Center holds 150 seated guests indoors and 400 seated outdoors.

EVENT/RECEPTION CAPACITY: The Center accommodates 135 seated or 300 standing indoors and 400 seated or standing outdoors.

MEETING CAPACITY: Meeting spaces hold 175 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 two weeks of initial deposit, and the balance is due upon check-in. Rental fees range $1,950–7,950 depending on the day of the event, the length of your stay and the time of year, among other factors. Meals range $15–120/person. A 20% service charge is 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
Parking: large lot
Accommodations: 60 beds in various cabins
and houses, camping space for 350 tents
Telephone: house phones (local only)
Outdoor Night Lighting: provided
Outdoor Cooking Facilities: BBQ on site
Cleanup: provided
View: courtyard, landscaped grounds, garden, courtyard, pond, forest, fountain, valley, canyon, panorama of hills, coastline and ocean
Other: event coordination

Amplified Music

Indoors
Outdoors

Wheelchair Access

Wheelchair Accessible

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

Wedding Venues > Northern California Wedding Venues > Monterey and Carmel Wedding Venues
Wedding Venues > Northern California Wedding Venues > Santa Cruz Wedding Venues

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