The Wedding Garden at Inn at Pasatiempo 555 Highway 17 • Santa Cruz • CA 95060

A Santa Cruz tradition for over 60 years, The Wedding Garden at Inn at Pasatiempo is tucked in the mountains just a few miles above town. This serene retreat, with its recently updated restaurant, the Back Nine Grill and Bar, continues to attract couples seeking a scenic, affordable, all-in-one event location.

At the center of the Inn is the star attraction: the romantic Wedding Garden encircled by a gently sloping terrace dressed with redwood bark, native grasses, and evergreen pear saplings. Guests (and the wedding party) reach the garden by a flight of downlit stairs descending from the banquet center to a manicured carpet of green. The couple exchange vows beneath a pergola topped with white sails, sheltered by a woodsy backdrop of acacia and willow trees whose leafy branches whisper in the breeze. Friends and family toast the newlyweds in this pretty setting, along with a view of both the garden and the lush Pasatiempo Golf Course on the horizon. In fact, the vista is so lovely you might opt to hold an al fresco reception right out here!

Indoor festivities have their own appeal. French doors open from the Terrace into two tastefully appointed event spaces, the Pasatiempo and Acacia Rooms, separated by multipaned glass doors for maximum event flow. Boasting a clean contemporary flair that embodies natural textures and sandy hues, the banquet rooms work well with any color scheme you choose, but also look quite sophisticated left au naturel. Rows of windows frame the outdoor scenery, and cathedral ceilings crisscrossed with open beams in rich dark wood lend an air of relaxed refinement to your gathering. Hosting a small wedding or rehearsal dinner? The intimate Fireplace Room offers dining alongside a handsome stone hearth, with skylights that bring in natural light for daytime get-togethers such as luncheons. The Inn’s meals are another plus, focusing on local, freshly grilled favorites from casual barbecue to elegantly plated cuisine.

When the last dance is over and good-night kisses exchanged, it’s just a few steps to the Inn’s welcoming accommodations. One wing is nestled against a majestic Eucalyptus grove, another faces the garden, and all have been recently renovated with modern comfort in mind. Vaulted ceilings, warm earth tones, and nature-themed décor evoke the coziness of an upscale mountain lodge. Guests also appreciate the Inn’s swimming pool, as well as being close to the golf course, wineries, amusement parks and, of course, the beach! While your loved ones are enjoying their mini-vacation, you and your sweetie can snuggle up in your dreamy fireplace suite, complete with deluxe oversized shower (room enough for two!)

Embraced by nature and checking so many event-friendly boxes, this new version of The Wedding Garden at Inn at Pasatiempo is sure to be a hit among today’s couples—and those in generations to come.