Mountaintop Magic: 13 Stunning Santa Cruz Mountain Wedding Venues
Nestled amidst the majestic Santa Cruz Mountains, a range that stretches from the Peninsula down to Monterey Bay, lies a hidden world of breathtaking wedding venues. From the well-known towns of Felton and Ben Lomond to hidden gems in Corralitos, Soquel, and the Los Gatos mountain area, discover the perfect mountaintop setting to celebrate your love story.
Roaring Camp Weddings
Felton, CA
Venue Superpowers:
Soaring Redwoods
Vintage Steam Train
Intimate or Grand Celebrations
Fab Features: exchange vows in Cathedral Grove, a circle of redwoods formed by 3 generations of trees • guests can enjoy rides through the forest on a 100-year-old steam train • the redwood barn shines thanks to ceremony stage spotlights, wrought-iron chandeliers, and twinkle lights
Catering: In-house, BYOPrice: $ • $$
Stone Creek Village at Kennolyn
Soquel, CA
Venue Superpowers:
Unique Miniature "Town"
Weekend Weddings
Miles of Trails
Fab Features: idyllic retreat perched atop the Santa Cruz Mountains • the grounds include an elegant Spanish-style estate, a miniature village, and acres of majestic redwoods • indoor and outdoor dining areas include a Town Square and fire pit, ripe with event possibilities
Catering: In-housePrice: $$
Amphitheater of the Redwoods at Pema Osel Ling
Corralitos, CA
Venue Superpowers:
Redwoods Ceremonies
Weekend Wedding Retreat
On-Site Coordination
Fab Features: natural haven surrounded by redwood forests, open meadows, and gardens • magical ceremonies in the “fairy ring”—a circle of redwoods born from one “grandmother” tree • variety of on-site accommodations ranging from large family homes to cozy cabins and campsites
Catering: In-housePrice: $$
The Barn at River House
Ben Lomond, CA
Venue Superpowers:
Modern Event Barn
Lushly Wooded
Secluded Setting
Fab Features: rustic wooded hideaway meets gracious country estate with a waterfall and manicured lawns that curve around dense groves of trees • exchange vows against a forest backdrop or hold intimate ceremonies among the redwoods • grand celebrations unfold in the luxe barn with mezzanine, soaring rafters and upscale details
Catering: Preferred listPrice: $$ • $$$
Regale Winery and Vineyards
Los Gatos, California
Venue Superpowers:
Villa-Inspired
Heirloom Roses
Sunny Terraces
Fab Features: Old World Italian villa-inspired winery • lush gardens with fountains, heirloom roses, outdoor fireplaces, and a wood-fired oven • second-floor dining room & terrace affords breathtaking views of the coastal range and gardens
Catering: Preferred listPrice: $ • $$
Valley Vista Vineyard
Aptos, CA
Venue Superpowers:
Expansive Views
Lush Vineyards
Romantic Elopements
Fab Features: a stunning winery in the Southern Santa Cruz Appalachia • exchange vows with expansive views of the Monterey Bay as your backdrop • host a romantic dinner & dancing alongside the vineyards
Catering: Preferred listPrice: $ • $$
Valley Presbyterian Church
Portola Valley, CA
Venue Superpowers:
Natural Beauty
Whimsically Woodsy
Inclusive Packages
Fab Features: an awe-inspiring sanctuary surrounded by nature • exchange vows in front of a wall of windows that overlook a grove of majestic redwood trees • the church comes with the services of a coordinator, organist, wedding hostess, and hostess assistant
Price: $Nestldown
Los Gatos Mountains, CA
Venue Superpowers:
Garden Wonderland
Lakeside Amphitheatre
Dramatic Wood-and-Glass Hall
Fab Features: an ethereal hideaway tucked away in the Santa Cruz Mountains • say "I do" at the lakeside amphitheater or beneath towering Redwoods • rustic receptions inside the Barn, a soaring glass-and-fir structure with a steep-pitched ceiling, supported by slender wooden columns illuminated by glowing chandeliers
Price: $$ • $$$
The Sequoia
Ben Lomond, CA
Venue Superpowers:
Enchanting Gardens
Late Night Celebrations
Charming Cabins
Fab Features: serene redwood forest hideaway in the Santa Cruz Mountains • exchange vows amid soaring old-growth redwoods, then dine and dance beneath bistro lights in Pixie's Garden or in the stunning las Alas Lodge • overnight stays in rustic-chic cabins for up to 22 guests
Catering: Preferred list, BYOPrice: $$
Pavilion at Redwood Estates
Los Gatos, California
Venue Superpowers:
Lush Grounds
Secluded Setting
Mountain Views
Fab Features: serene event center nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains • romantic ceremonies on the expansive lawn backed by towering Redwoods • the cedar pavilion sports an open-beam, knotty pine ceilings, a maple dance floor, and large picture windows showcasing the stunning mountain vistas
Catering: BYOPrice: $ • $$
Radonich Ranch
Los Gatos, CA
Venue Superpowers:
Lush Grounds
All-Inclusive
Romantically Rustic
Fab Features: century-old fruit packaging ranch nestled in the lush Santa Cruz Mountains • picturesque ceremonies in front of a sparkling pond or shaded by a grove of weeping willows • dine and dance in the rustic barn or outside the ranch house on a tree-lined lawn
Catering: In-housePrice: $ • $$
Chaminade Resort & Spa
Santa Cruz, CA
Venue Superpowers:
All-Inclusive
Lush Grounds
Adventurous Amenities
Fab Features: Mediterranean-style hilltop retreat surrounded by 300 acres of native woodlands • ceremony terrace with a rose-covered pergola and stunning views of Monterey Bay • on-site pool, hot tub, tennis courts, and miles of hiking trails in the Santa Cruz Mountains
Catering: In-housePrice: $$
Highlands House and Park
Ben Lomond, California
Venue Superpowers:
Serene Setting
Non-Profit
Natural Beauty
Fab Features: 43-acre park setting • wonderful house and lawn encircled by towering oaks, pines, and redwoods • second-floor balcony for the bouquet toss
Catering: BYOPrice: $
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