26 Woodsy Wedding Venues in Northern California

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

Venue Superpowers:

Unique Redwood Paradise

Weekend Weddings

Miles of Trails

Fab Features: idyllic retreat perched atop the Santa Cruz Mountains • the grounds include an elegant Spanish-style estate, a retro-rustic Town Square and acres of majestic redwoods • indoor and outdoor dining areas feature a whimsical plaza with a fire pit that's ripe with event possibilities

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

Venue Superpowers:

Mountainside Retreat

Two-Level Redwood Patio

Striking Views

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

Venue Superpowers: 

Creativity Welcome

Unique Overnight Accommodations

Adventure Weddings

Fab Features: magical getaway in the woodlands of Mendocino offering endless options for customization, from catering to facilitated healing experiences • the welcoming Lodge boasts enormous skylights, a warm redwood interior, and a wood-burning stone hearth • everyone can stay overnight in charming cabins, glamping structures, or in a spacious meadow for tents & RVs

Venue Superpowers:

Upscale Club

Fairway + Mountain Views

All-Inclusive

Fab Features: classically elegant clubhouse surrounded by 128 acres off lush grounds and gorgeous vineyards • striking views of tree-studded fairways, verdant greenery, and surrounded mountains from indoor and outdoor venues • generous all-inclusive wedding packages

Venue Superpowers:

Weekend Retreats

Micro-Weddings

Redwood Grove 

Fab Features: rustic retreat offering generous weekend-long rentals • unique venues range from a charming English Garden to a historic Camp Pavilion and open-air dance floor to a secluded redwood grove • fabulous inclusions like specialty lighting packages, special rates on wine from on-site vintners, and a chic getting-ready spa

Venue Superpowers:

Victorian Manor

Weekend Weddings

Exclusive Use

Fab Features: a historic restaurant/barn and grand 1867 Victorian on 12 scenic acres • tie the knot surrounded by gorgeous walnut, redwood, oak, fir, and fig trees • celebrate all weekend long with amenities like a swimming pool, gym, and 14 cabins

Venue Superpowers:

19th-Century Mansion

Lush Gardens

Overnight Accommodations

Fab Features: gracious historic estate that blends Southern hospitality and California charm • romantic 19th-century mansion encircled by lush, blooming gardens and grassy oak-lined paths • plenty of accommodations for guests, including family-size, cozy cottages

Venue Superpowers:

Private Estate

Picturesque

Al Fresco Affairs

Fab Features: serene 1930s ranch house surrounded by lush gardens • exchange vows on the manicured lawn beneath towering trees • variety of event spaces from the rustic-chic stables to the open-air courtyard illuminated by string market lights and a cozy fireplace

Venue Superpowers:

Oceanside Bluff

Exclusive Use

Fab Mendocino Location

Fab Features: historic ranch set on the coast near Mendocino • exchange vows the oceanside bluff or beneath towering eucalyptus trees • enjoy exclusive use of the property with lavish accommodations for up to 23 guests in the Grand Victorian and chic barn loft

Venue Superpowers:

Bay and City Views

Luxe Amenities

Expansive Parkland

Fab Features: restored Colonial Revival complex set on 75,000 acres of national parkland • stunning views of the Bay, Golden Gate bridge and SF cityscape • luxurious amenities include the Healing Arts Center & Spa, an award-winning restaurant, and glamorous family-friendly suites and guest rooms

Venue Superpowers:

All-Inclusive

Golden Gate Bridge Views

Historic Details

Fab Features: unique 1937 Log Cabin with a fieldstone foundation, log-lined walls, wagon wheel chandeliers and fireplace • nestled in a forested national park with the iconic SF skyline (and Golden Gate Bridge!) as a backdrop • customizable, build-your-own wedding packages = value + your vision

Venue Superpowers: 

Sweeping Sierra Views

Ample Overnight Lodgings

Summer Camp Vibes

Fab Features: celebrate al fresco on an expansive lawn, beside the Sunset Pool, or in the amphitheater with sweeping views of the Sierra foothills, or party in a classic Dining Hall, the Lodge, or the Event Center • overnight accommodations for everyone range from glamping domes to cozy vacation homes • enjoy complimentary activities over the wedding weekend, including hiking, disc golf, board games, poolside ping-pong, and much more!

Venue Superpowers:

Romantically Woodsy

Panoramic Views

Cozy Cabins & Luxury Yurts

Fab Features: 164-acre historic eco-retreat in picturesque Hope Valley, nestled among lush meadows in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains • 27 cozy cabins and 7 luxury yurts offer plenty of lodging for your destination celebration • sustainable, responsible practices include the use of eco-friendly products, collaboration with the local Washoe tribe to learn proper stewardship practices, and planting a tree for every guest booking

Venue Superpowers:

Lake & Mountain Views

On-Site Accommodations

Al Fresco Celebrations

Fab Features: private mountaintop oasis (and off-season ski resort!) boasting sweeping views • stunning al fresco event spaces include a lovely lakeside beach, a woodland grove, a spacious patio, and a dreamy draped "dome" • stay overnight in the 48-room Inn, with easy access to thousands of acres of the Sierra National Forest and sparkling Huntington Lake

Venue Superpowers:

Ski Resort

Destination Weddings

Mountain Ridge Panoramas

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

Venue Superpowers: 

Mt. Diablo Views

Outdoor Ceremonies

Affordable

Fab Features: affordable slice of paradise set among broad lawns, colorful flowers, and grand old pepper, willow, poplar, and ash trees • al fresco gatherings on the verdant front lawn or west patio with its Mt. Diablo view • beautiful Mediterranean-style clubhouse dining room with classic furnishings, paneled ceilings, and breathtaking views of the rolling fairways and lakes

Venue Superpowers:

Lakeside Ceremonies

Mountain Views

On-Site Accommodations

Fab Features: up-close views of the breathtaking Genoa peak and surrounding valley • lakefront or garden ceremonies framed by pine trees and a rustic stone altar • wooden deck for scenic cocktail hours or receptions

Venue Superpowers:

Yosemite Views

National Forest Setting

On-Site Accommodations

Fab Features: exchange vows on the expansive lower lawn beneath a charming gazebo, embraced by the surrounding Stanislaus National Forest • watch the sun set behind Yosemite's snow-capped mountains as you dine and dance on the upper lawn and courtyard • celebrate all weekend, with lodging for up to 24 guests in the cozy lodge

Venue Superpowers:

Secluded Hideaway

Hidden Gem

Welcoming Lodge

Fab Features: garden hideaway set in a wooded canyon • exchange vows under a canopy of big-leaf maples, on a hill in a fern grotto, or deep in a grove of towering bay trees • al fresco receptions on the redwood terrace with a sunken dance floor surrounded by ferns and impatiens, or inside the warm Lodge, with its open-beamed ceiling, Oriental rugs, and a stone fireplace

Venue Superpowers:

Riverfront Setting

Exclusive Use

All-Inclusive

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 54 guests in historic main house, or romantic creekside & forest cabins

Venue Superpowers:

Victorian Mansion

Experienced Events Staff

All-Inclusive

Fab Features: Victorian mansion with wraparound porch and beautiful period details • 3 ceremony sites including a glass-enclosed stone veranda, a lawn, and a lush forest retreat • the magnificent Empire Room boasting 8 Victorian-style chandeliers and a cathedral ceiling.

Venue Superpowers:

Redwood Cathedral

Woodsy Preserve

Historic Stone Bridge

Fab Features: a lush 125-acre preserve that's home to the oldest privately owned picnic grounds in the area • exchange vows in Cathedral Grove where majestic redwoods and towering box elders lean towards each other and form an arch-like the ceiling of a Gothic church • receptions backed by Longbridge, a graceful stone span bridge built in 1902

Charleton Churchill Photography

For a wedding that’s as epic as the scenery, visit Yosemite, where jaw-dropping photo backdrops await you at every turn. Imagine saying “I do” in view of the park’s spectacular landmarks, such as rugged Half Dome, soaring El Capitan, and dramatic waterfalls! Serene riverfront spots along Yosemite Valley also offer their own inspiring panoramas. Enrich your destination wedding experience, and venture into Mariposa County’s charming communities, where rolling vineyards, local art galleries, and working ranches provide tons of authentic ambiance.

Historic lodges and luxe resorts…rustic wineries and casual breweries… quaint chapels and Grand Sequoia cathedrals…whatever you dream, Yosemite can deliver in postcard-worthy moments. Whether you’re an adventure couple who can’t wait to raft the rapids, or a pair of laid-back Nature lovers longing to stroll romantic footpaths and stargaze, you’ll find your zen in Yosemite.

Venue: San Francisco Botanical Garden