30 of Northern California's Best Hidden Gem Wedding Venues
On the hunt for a not-your-average wedding venue in Northern California? This part of the state is known for its rugged coastline with romantic bluffs, rolling vineyards, and majestic redwood forests. And tucked away in these gorgeous landscapes are some rare gems in places you wouldn't expect to find them, like a whimsical Tudor-style inn on the coast or a lavish wine-country estate just off the beaten path. Feast your eyes on these surprising and unexpected locations that are often hiding in plain sight!
NORTHERN SIERRAS
NORTHERN SIERRAS
Twenty Mile House
Graeagle, California
Location: along the Feather River in the Sierra Nevada forest
Fab Features: secluded 200-acre eco-estate offering a scenic backdrop of creeks, gardens, and blue skies • choose from 3 truly all-inclusive packages with organic catering, DJ, florals and much more • elegant accommodations for up to 36 guests in historic main house, or romantic creekside & forest cabins
Price: $$
Chalet View Lodge
Graeagle, CA
Location: natural retreat tucked in the forested High Sierras
Fab Features: beautiful boutique resort and spa set on 10 forested acres • ceremonies on the manicured lawn with a forest backdrop followed by cocktails on the poolside terrace • inclusive wedding packages provide the perfect weekend wedding experience for you and up to 250 guests
Catering: In-housePrice: $$ • $$$
SHASTA/NORTH STATE
SHASTA/NORTH STATE
Weddings at Turtle Bay by Sheraton
Redding, CA
Location: poised near the banks of the Sacramento River
Fab Features: upscale hotel tucked within the grounds of the 300-acre Turtle Bay Exploration Park • dramatic ceremonies overlooking the river or within the wooded meadows and botanical gardens • exceptional hospitality, and the park’s delights—including an animal center, museum, and forest trails—are at guests' doorstep
Catering: In-housePrice: $ • $$
Lassen Meadows Ranch
Chester, CA
Location: nestled beside Lake Almanor on the southern tip of the Cascade Mountain Range
Fab Features: 160-acre private getaway in the Northern Sierras with a lake, meadows and stunning mountain views • picturesque events move from sprawling green lawns to a barn and outdoor kitchen pavilion • a cozy cabin for the newlyweds and plenty of space for guest camping beneath the stars
Price: $ • $$
Canyon Oaks Country Club
Chico, California
Location: Situated in Chico’s Bidwell Park, a nearly 4,000-acre state treasure
Fab Features: clean-lined, contemporary club nestled in the Sierra Foothills • gorgeous photo ops on the manicured greens, romantic bridges, waterfall made of natural rock • elegant receptions in the 2nd-story Vista room with its banks of large windows, muted earth tones, wainscoted walls, a large stone fireplace, and crystal chandeliers
Catering: In-housePrice: $ • $$
REDWOOD COAST | HUMBOLDT COUNTY
REDWOOD COAST | HUMBOLDT COUNTY
Julia Morgan Redwood Grove
Garberville, CA
Location: perched on the edge of the South Fork Eel River south of Garberville
Fab Features: dreamy 1926 estate designed by legendary architect Julia Morgan • host a grand event in one of three of the property's lush gardens, or opt for something more intimate inside the mansion's Great Room • expert on-site coordinators will work closely with your wedding planner to execute your vision
Catering: Preferred list, BYOPrice: $ • $$
NORTH BAY | MARIN
NORTH BAY | MARIN
Unity In Marin
Novato, CA
Location: in the sun-kissed hills of southern Novato
Fab Features: the soaring interior boasts a stained glass-accented balcony, spectacular exposed-wood-beam ceiling, and a world-class sound system • garden-style weddings are lovely in the courtyard, which has a fountain as its centerpiece • receptions in Unity Hall, with floor-to-ceiling windows and multiple doors that offer views of the surrounding gardens
Catering: In-house, BYOPrice: $ • $$
The Haven at Tomales
Tomales, CA
Location: tucked away in peaceful West Marin
Fab Features: secluded outdoor retreat set on 1,000-acres of preserved farmland • variety of event spaces from the terraced garden to the historic barn • al fresco celebrations set against a backdrop of rolling hills and a shimmering pond
Catering: Preferred listPrice: $$ • $$$
Corinthian Yacht Club
Tiburon, CA
Location: on the tip of a peninsula in Tiburon
Fab Features: a landmark Colonial Revival club just steps from the sparkling bay • say 'I do' amongst the expansive views of the harbor and San Francisco skyline • hold your reception in the redwood-paneled Grand Ballroom and beautiful Sun Porch
Catering: In-housePrice: $ • $$ • $$$
Deer Park Villa
Fairfax, CA
Location: set alongside the Mount Tamalpais Watershed
Fab Features: stunning natural cathedral surrounded by soaring redwoods • vintage-style outdoor bar overlooking a handmade stone water feature • 1920s-inspired Dance Hall dotted with stylish art and antique tchotchkes, wrought-iron sconces, and a hardwood dance floor
Catering: Preferred listPrice: $ • $$ • $$$
NAPA | SONOMA WINE COUNTRY
NAPA | SONOMA WINE COUNTRY
MacArthur Place
Sonoma, CA
Location: a few blocks from Sonoma's historic town square
Fab Features: idyllic and understated Sonoma hotel, spa, and culinary scene • say "I do" on the elegantly landscaped West Lawn, followed by photos among the lush historic farm buildings, winding paths, and secret gardens • indoor/outdoor receptions with an easy flow between chic salons and airy patios
Catering: In-housePrice: $ • $$ • $$$
Garden Valley Ranch
Petaluma, CA
Location: just outside of charming Petaluma
Fab Features: historic 5-acre working rose farm with an idyllic garden setting • exchange vows on lawns, beneath rose-wrapped pergolas and columns, or among carefully selected perennials, annuals, and bulbs • warm, indoor events in the barn-like Carriage House with its wraparound deck, courtyard, and gardens
Catering: Preferred listPrice: $ • $$
The Ranch at Lake Sonoma
Geyserville, CA
Location: iconic spot in the heart of Sonoma Wine Country
Fab Features: charming celebrations in the Redwood Barn with a rustic built-in bar • al fresco ceremonies overlooking Lake Sonoma and rolling hills • generous BYO vendor policy with plenty of included perks, like tables & chairs, on-site rehearsal, barstools, lighting, and more!
Catering: Preferred list, BYOPrice: $ • $$
SAN FRANCISCO
SAN FRANCISCO
Officer's Club at the Presidio by Wedgewood Weddings
San Francisco, CA
Location: set in a 1,491-acre forested national park that overlooks the bay
Fab Features: historic landmark building includes the handsome Moraga Hall, outfitted with upscale furnishings and a vintage fireplace • a spacious second story ballroom boasts an adjoining viewing terrace • flexible, all-inclusive packages include option to have the ceremony at the nearby Chapel of Our Lady
Catering: In-housePrice: $ • $$
EAST BAY
EAST BAY
Little Hills Events
San Ramon, California
Location: tucked on 25 lush acres in Las Trampas Regional Wilderness
Fab Features: stunning and secluded al fresco venue surrounded by magnificent redwoods and oaks, native wildflowers, and rolling hills • ceremonies atop a picturesque plateau and receptions under a twinkle-lit white tent • exceptional planning services from Palmdale Estate Events (they're proudly eco-conscious, too!)
Catering: In-housePrice: $ • $$
Hacienda de las Flores by Wedgewood Weddings
Moraga, CA
Location: in the beautiful residential hills of Moraga
Fab Features: authentic Spanish-style mansion • ceremonies on the large lawn or in the Pavilion, a semicircular building with huge Corinthian columns • the inviting interior is designed with hardwood floors, beamed ceilings, and a grand fireplace
Catering: In-housePrice: $ • $$
TRI-VALLEY | LIVERMORE WINE COUNTRY
TRI-VALLEY | LIVERMORE WINE COUNTRY
Bella Rosa at Garré Vineyard and Winery
Livermore, CA
Location: Charming setting in the heart of Livermore.
Fab Features: parklike setting bordered by flowerbeds, Italian cypress, and Cabernet vines • hacienda-style Event Center with an elegant ballroom and bell tower • stone-paved inner courtyard with fireplace and fountain • patio, lawn, and vineyard views from large picture windows
Catering: In-housePrice: $ • $$ • $$$
Palm Event Center in the Vineyard
Pleasanton, California
Location: unexpected winery with gorgeous views of Mt. Hamilton and Ruby Hill
Fab Features: 110-acre winery estate with Italian palazzo vibes • antique brick venue with an elegant two-tiered patio and lawn surrounded by vineyards • award-winning culinary staff
Catering: In-housePrice: $ • $$
Casa Real at Ruby Hill Winery
Pleasanton, CA
Location: a dramatic property set in the heart of the Livermore Valley Wine Country
Fab Features: 20,000-square-foot Mediterranean villa set among acres of vineyards • Sun Garden terrace for outdoor ceremonies and cocktails • limestone fountains, walkways, and vineyard views provide great photo ops
Catering: In-housePrice: $$ • $$$
SACRAMENTO | GOLD COUNTRY
SACRAMENTO | GOLD COUNTRY
The Ranch at Stoney Creek
Somerset, CA
Location: romantic natural spot nestled against the Sierra Nevadas
Fab Features: this unique retreat— a Pony Express lodge-turned-miner's camp-turned-B&B— embraces the area's natural beauty and "true grit" • 67 acres of ancient oaks, creeks that run year-round, historic barns, and sprawling meadows, set against mossy boulders and the soaring mountains • overnight accommodations in the rustic 1915 lodge, steps from a neighboring vineyard
Catering: Preferred list, BYOPrice: $ • $$
Wine & Roses
Lodi, CA
Location: situated in the Central Valley's flourishing wine country
Fab Features: secluded resort and spa surrounded by lush gardens • the Garden Ballroom is designed with an open-beam ceiling, a grand fireplace, and floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with natural light • tented celebrations on the pavilion and patio
Catering: In-housePrice: $ • $$ • $$$
YOSEMITE | MAMMOTH
YOSEMITE | MAMMOTH
Bear Valley Resort
Bear Valley, CA
Location: atop a mountain in the Stanislaus National Forest
Fab Features: mountain hideaway and ski resort that welcomes destination weekend weddings • exquisite backdrops for an al fresco ceremony include acres of lush woods or a panorama of the surrounding mountains • cozy accommodations include comfy lodge rooms, glamping tents, and a luxe suite for the newlyweds
Catering: In-housePrice: $ • $$
SF PENINSULA | HALF MOON BAY
SF PENINSULA | HALF MOON BAY
Long Branch Saloon and Farms
Half Moon Bay, CA
Location: scenic hideaway on Half Moon Bay
Fab Features: expansive site dotted with charming Old Western buildings and authentic artifacts • romantic ceremonies in a picturesque country chapel or lush meadow • original barn restored as a vintage saloon highlighted by a carefully carved wooden bar
Catering: In-house, BYOPrice: $$ • $$$
The Mountain Terrace
Woodside, CA
Location: just off Highway 84 on a spectacular mountaintop overlooking the SF Bay
Fab Features: say "I do" on a grassy meadow bordered by a grove of oaks and redwoods • celebrate on the two-level deck beneath strings of market lights • the inviting interior boasts a stone fireplace, doric columns, and large picture windows
Catering: In-housePrice: $ • $$
SOUTH BAY
SOUTH BAY
Regale Winery and Vineyards
Los Gatos, California
Location: set among the picturesque Santa Cruz Mountains
Fab Features: Old World Italian villa-inspired winery • lush gardens with fountains, heirloom roses, outdoor fireplaces, and a wood-fired oven • second-floor dining room & terrace affords breathtaking views of the coastal range and gardens
Catering: Preferred listPrice: $ • $$
SAN BENITO COUNTY
SAN BENITO COUNTY
Rancho Las Flores
San Juan Bautista, CA
Location: the rolling hills in the San Juan Bautista countryside
Fab Features: spectacular working ranch spread out among ancient oaks and meadows • celebrate on the adobe patio of a charming mid-century home, beside the sparkling pool, or amid the photo-ready gardens • in-house planning and coordination from the experts at the Wedding Connection
Catering: Preferred list, BYOPrice: $$
SANTA CRUZ
SANTA CRUZ
Hilltop Hacienda Estate at Kennolyn
Soquel, CA
Location: perched in the Santa Cruz Mountains overlooking Monterey Bay
Fab Features: magnificent ceremonies on the Hacienda Lawn, a grand sweep of green above the crystal blue bay • welcoming banquet hall with a wood-beamed ceiling, a lofty fireplace mantle, and French doors that open onto the patio • 30 cozy cabin cottages and suites sleep over 100 guests
Catering: In-housePrice: $$
The Vineyard at Rock Ridge
Soquel, CA
Location: tucked away In the hills above Soquel Creek
Fab Features: exchange vows surrounded by oaks, grapevine-studded hills, and a sparkling, waterfall-fed pond • historic barn and tasting room converted to a chic Saloon with fireplace • luxurious dressing suite with makeup mirrors and shampoo station for expert on-site prep
Catering: Preferred list, BYOPrice: $$
PASO ROBLES WINE COUNTRY
PASO ROBLES WINE COUNTRY
Paso Robles Inn
Paso Robles, CA
Location: tucked away in the heart of Downtown Paso Robles
Fab Features: historic 1891 inn nestled among sun-kissed vineyards, offering a romantic atmosphere, thoughtful amenities, and heartfelt service • say "I do" among the lush greenery, vibrant rose gardens, centuries-old oaks, shady paths, and koi-filled ponds • dine and dance in the elegant Ballroom, a local landmark bursting with turn-of-the-century glamour
Catering: In-house, BYOPrice: $ • $$
Hartley Farms
San Miguel, California
Fab Features: 37-acre working farm, orchard, and gardens in rolling hills just 15 minutes from downtown Paso Robles • al fresco receptions on a sweeping lawn, with built-in dance floor, bandstand & bar • two homey cottages sleep up to 10, and 5 creekside campsites are available for the more adventurous!
Catering: In-house, BYOPrice: $$
FEATURED WEDDING DESTINATION
FEATURED WEDDING DESTINATION
Visit Lodi
Venue: Wine & Roses
Nataly Hernandez Photography
Just 30 miles south of Sacramento you'll find endless miles of vineyards in the largest grape growing region in the United States. With 85+ boutique wineries and multiple award-winning wedding venues, Lodi has become the ultimate destination for a romantic wine country wedding.
Whether you're looking for a Mediterranean estate for the grandest affair, a luxury hotel with elegant grounds and a resort spa or a rustic boutique winery offering extraordinary vineyard views, Lodi has a venue that will match your vision and your budget.
Want To See What Else California Has To Offer?
Want To See What Else California Has To Offer?
Filed under Wedding Venues / Locations, Northern California, Southern California, East Bay, Lake Tahoe / Northern Sierras, Monterey and Carmel, North Bay / Marin, Sacramento / Gold Country, San Francisco, SF Peninsula / Half Moon Bay, San Joaquin and Central Valley, San Jose / South Bay, Santa Cruz, Shasta / North State, Tri-Valley and Livermore Wine Country, Yosemite / Mammoth / Forests, Paso Robles and the Central Coast Wine Country
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