30 of Northern California's Best Hidden Gem Wedding Venues

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fab Features: exquisite winery setting nestled among lush grapevines and verdant lawns with views of redwoods and mountains beyond • intimate ceremonies under a vine-wrapped, Tuscan-style arbor • receptions follow in the garden, with its quaint lattice arbor, stage, dance floor, and sunny lawn, or the airy, Mediterranean reception hall

Location: in the Alexander Valley along the renowned “wine trail"

Fab Features: boutique winery surrounded by gentle rolling hills planted with Bordeaux varietals • lovely receptions on the back lawn, bordered by vineyards and countryside panoramas • at night, strings of twinkle lights add sparkle to the festivities, and there’s an ample patio for dancing under the stars

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

Location: on the waterfront of Jack London Square in Oakland

Fab Features: beloved waterfront fine dining restaurant with six unique banquet rooms, including the bright, lantern-draped Pavilion and the sumptuously furnished Harborview Rooms • terrific views of passing ships and the San Francisco skyline from every space • the expert culinary team will prepare a custom menu featuring fresh, local seafood

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!)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Location: secluded private estate North of Fresno

Fab Features: luxurious modern barn and sprawling event lawn • all-inclusive options cover everything you need for stress-free planning • host a rehearsal dinner or field day for the full weekend wedding experience with 3-day rentals

Catering: Preferred list

Price: $$$

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

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

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

Location: cradled by mountains on the rolling ranchland outside of Pinnacles National Park

Fab Features: over 2,200 beautiful acres surrounded by soaring mountain peaks to create a bespoke wedding experience--including an event barn • accommodations for at least 26 guests in deluxe Hilltop Ranch House and a 3-bedroom Log Cabin plus glamping + camping create a unique destination wedding experience • optional upgrades include animal experiences, archery and hike/bike trails

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

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

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!

Venue: Highland House +Park