Drawn to Forest or woodsy vibes? I'm covering my favorite dreamy forest wedding venues in California. As a wedding photographer located in Los Angeles, I've seen a ton of wedding venues in California, particularly in SoCal.

To help keep things organized, I am going to categorize these woodsy California Wedding venues by area. Get a glimpse of the different areas in California I'll be covering below.

• Forest Wedding Venues in Los Angeles
• Sequoia National Park
• Big Sur Forest Wedding Venues
• Santa Cruz Mountain Wedding Venues
• San Francisco & Bay Area Forest Wedding Venues
• Big Bear & Lake Arrowhead Forest Wedding Venues
• Yosemite Wedding Venues
• Lake Tahoe Wedding Venues
• Mendocino Forest Wedding Venues

PLEASE NOTE: All of the venues on the list are situated within a forest or woodsy environment, what differs is where they are located along with the nuances of each specific venue.

Forest Wedding Venues in Los Angeles

As far as forest wedding venues California go, there are quite a few dreamy options in Los Angeles. They're include below!

The 1909, Topanga Canyon 

As far as forest wedding venues in Southern California go, my favorite is the 1909. It’s ceremony area is absolutely beautiful. It takes place in an outdoor wood amphitheater underneath a gigantic tree. The 1909 also features a blend of rustic elegance, with beautiful exposed beams and floor-to-ceiling windows. The venue can accommodate up to 150 guests and offers both indoor and outdoor ceremony and reception options.

To view a wedding I photographed at the 1909, click HERE.

The Oak Canyon Nature Center

The Oak Canyon Nature Center is a serene wedding venue nestled in the hills of Anaheim. This 58-acre park offers a tranquil setting with lush oak trees, winding trails, and a lovely stream. The Nature Center can accommodate up to 200 guests and provides a rustic outdoor ceremony space and a charming indoor reception area. This beautiful venue is perfect for couples seeking a natural, peaceful atmosphere for their special day.

Middle Ranch Lodge

Middle Ranch Lodge is a beautiful forest wedding venue located in Lake View Terrace. The property features picturesque gardens, a sparkling lake, and a majestic lodge. With the capacity to host up to 200 guests, this venue is perfect for couples seeking a romantic, rustic setting for their wedding. The Lodge offers both indoor and outdoor ceremony and reception options, as well as on-site accommodations for the wedding party.

The Houdini Estate

The Houdini Estate is a magical wedding venue nestled in the hills of Laurel Canyon. With its lush gardens, romantic waterfalls, and beautiful gazebos, this enchanting venue can accommodate up to 350 guests.

The Audubon Center, Los Angeles  

This space is surrounded by a ton of nature and requires full service wedding planning as everything would have to be brought in (tables, seatings, etc.).

This is an especially unique forest wedding venue in California because you can completely customize it according to your vision.

To view a wedding I photographed at the Audubon Center, click HERE.

Calamigos Ranch, Malibu

Calamigos Ranch is a larger woodsy wedding venue in Southern California; it has four different venue sites. Some of its venue spaces have more of a woodsy/forest vibe than others, but they are all incredibly beautiful and include elements from nature. My absolute favorite is the Oak Room venue, which has magnificent windows, gigantic trees, and a waterfall at the ceremony site.

The Elysian

The Elysian is a hidden gem located in the hills of Echo Park. This stunning wedding venue boasts a modern, minimalist design with lush gardens and breathtaking views of downtown Los Angeles. The Elysian can accommodate up to 150 guests and offers both indoor and outdoor ceremony and reception options.

Inn of the Seventh Ray, Topanga Canyon 

With huge trees, a waterfall, winding passageways, nature and fresh organic food, this outdoor wedding venue near Malibu has an enchanting quality.

Calamigos Los Angeles

This is not be confused with Calamigos Ranch, which is in Malibu and is a completely different wedding venue. Calamigos Los Angeles is located in Burbank, specifically within the historic Griffith park area. It is filled with ivy covered walls, pink & purple bougainvilleas, trees, and a mountain view.

Rancho Las Lomas, Silverado

This is one of my favorite forest wedding venues in California. I would even argue that it is one of the best wedding venues in Los Angeles.

With beautiful lawns, ancient oaks, apple trees, a zoological garden, and incredible architecture, this venue has A LOT going for it. This venue has a couple of different spaces to work with. If you’re particularly fond of a forest atmosphere, I would recommend having your ceremony in La Terraza, which is a large open space that is encircled by huge California Oak trees. This space also has cobblestone pathways and a beautiful wooden staircase.

It’s the perfect atmosphere for couples going for a free-spirited, natural, untraditional, or bohemian vibe.

Descanso Gardens

Descanso Gardens is located in La Canada, Flintridge. It’s perfect for those looking woodsy wedding venues in California that offer both garden and foresty vibes. It is at the foot of the San Gabriel mountains and has a Japanese garden, rose garden, an oak forest, and a ton of greenery.

Orcutt Ranch Horticultural Center

Orcutt Ranch Horticultural Center is a historic wedding venue located in West Hills. This 24-acre property features beautiful gardens, citrus orchards, and a charming adobe-style house. The venue can accommodate up to 175 guests and offers a variety of outdoor ceremony and reception options.

TreePeople Park

TreePeople Park is an eco-friendly wedding venue situated atop the Santa Monica Mountains in Beverly Hills. Surrounded by 45 acres of lush greenery, this unique location can accommodate up to 300 guests. The park features an outdoor amphitheater, a spacious deck, and stunning views of the city and mountains. As a bonus, hosting your wedding at TreePeople Park supports the park's mission of environmental conservation and sustainability.

The Los Angeles River Center and Gardens

The Los Angeles River Center and Gardens is a picturesque wedding venue located in the heart of Los Angeles. This hidden oasis features beautiful mission-style architecture, fragrant rose gardens, and a stunning courtyard. The venue can accommodate up to 250 guests and offers both indoor and outdoor ceremony and reception options. In addition to its breathtaking beauty, the Los Angeles River Center and Gardens is dedicated to preserving the local environment and river ecosystem.

Sequoia National Park

Redwood Ranch Three Rivers

Redwood Ranch Three Rivers is a captivating forest wedding venue that boasts stunning views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The venue can host up to 200 guests and offers multiple outdoor ceremony and reception spaces, including a picturesque meadow and a majestic redwood grove.

Wuksachi Lodge

Wuksachi Lodge is a charming forest wedding venue in California located in the heart of Sequoia National Park. This beautiful stone-and-cedar mountain lodge offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding forest and mountains. Wuksachi Lodge can accommodate up to 150 guests and provides both indoor and outdoor ceremony and reception options.

Montecito Sequoia Lodge

Montecito Sequoia Lodge is a rustic wedding venue situated between Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. This stunning mountain retreat features enchanting forests, serene lakes, and breathtaking views. The Lodge can accommodate up to 250 guests and offers both indoor and outdoor ceremony and reception spaces.

The White Horse Inn

The White Horse Inn is a quaint bed and breakfast nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, just outside Sequoia National Park. This charming venue offers a picturesque outdoor ceremony space and a cozy indoor reception area. The White Horse Inn can accommodate up to 75 guests, making it perfect for intimate weddings.

Silver City Mountain Resort

Silver City Mountain Resort is a secluded wedding venue located within the breathtaking Sequoia National Park. This rustic mountain resort is surrounded by towering sequoias, crystal-clear streams, and serene meadows. The venue can accommodate up to 100 guests and offers both indoor and outdoor ceremony and reception options.

River Ridge Ranch

River Ridge Ranch is a picturesque wedding venue located just outside Sequoia National Park in Springville. This 722-acre property features rolling hills, oak woodlands, and the lovely Tule River. The venue can accommodate up to 200 guests and offers a variety of outdoor ceremony and reception spaces. River Ridge Ranch also provides on-site accommodations, a dedicated event team, and a variety of customizable packages to help make your wedding day perfect.

Big Sur Forest Wedding Venues

The benefit of having your California forest wedding in the Big Sur is that you have the ocean adjacent to the forest; it's such a uniquely beautiful backdrop for a wedding.

Glen Oaks Big Sur Wedding

Glen Oaks is my favorite out of the Big Sur Wedding venues. It is versatile in that it offers a ceremony site for big weddings and a ceremony site for intimate weddings or elopements. In my opinion, it’s the best private redwood grove in all of Big Sur. The backdrop includes the magical Redwoods and Pfeiffer Beach is located nearby, a perfect place to stop for some more breathtaking Big Sur wedding photos.

This redwood forest wedding venue also has wonderfully cozy cabins on site, making everything very convenient. These cabins woodsy, but also, modern, hip, and comfortable.

The great thing about this venue is that you can plan a 100 guest wedding here or simply stay the night with your partner and elope.

They allow registered guests to hold a small elopement ceremony for free as long as it is 4 people or less.

Since this property is fairly large, I’d have your wedding photographer scope it out in advance so he or she has a good idea of where the best areas for photos will be.

Ventana Big Sur Wedding

As far as forest wedding venues California go, this is definitely one of the most luxurious options. This is a resort that offer both high end hotel rooms and hip, glamping sites. This venue is perfect for larger scale weddings as it can hold up to 1000 guests. The backdrop is the ocean/coast and Pfeiffer beach. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and Partington Cover are also nearby for other photo locations. This is a pricier venues, but well worth it for the spectacular views.

Holman Ranch Vineyards & Winery Wedding

This Big Sur wedding venue is set on 400 acres of vineyard and is a great option for wine lovers.

Post House Inn - Big Sur Wedding Venue

As far as wedding venues in Big Sur, Post House Inn is great for intimate weddings of up to 40 people. It sits on the coat and offers amazing panoramic views.

Big Sur Wedding – Loma Vista Gardens

This venue is a little different than the rest in that it showcases the forest, rather than ocean. It sits on the edge of redwoods, which is actually a plus to a lot of Big Sur wedding photographers because it gets better access to sunlight, making for brighter for more ethereal photos.

Pheiffer Beach is nearby and overall, I'd say this venue has a lovely rustic and intimate quality that a lot of people adore.

Henry Miller Memorial Library Wedding

This is a unique Big Sur venue with a bookshop and art exhibit. There is a canyon filled with redwoods right behind it. This venue has a laidback vibe, great for couples looking for a some private space to say “I do” while avoiding all the expenses that come with larger scaled venues.

Wind & Sea Wedding

This California forest wedding venue is great for intimate weddings as it has a maximum of 70 guests. It has gorgeous views of the coast; Partington Cove and Julia Pfeiffer Beach are also nearby!

Interested in Wedding Photography? Reach Out Here!

Santa Cruz Mountain Wedding Venues

Are you both interested in Santa Cruz mountain wedding venues? Below are my favorites that include an enchanted forest vibe.

Nestldown

Imagine a foresty venue that also has enchanting, fairytale vibes. That Santa Cruz wedding venue exists and it's called Nestldown. With a capacity of up to 200 guests, Nestldown offers both indoor and outdoor spaces, including a stunning open-air chapel, a beautifully restored barn, and a dreamy garden terrace.

It's located about 30 minutes away from San Jose Airport, making it pretty easy to access if your guests are traveling. It's also a private estate that includes towering redwoods, a historical house, etc. In my opinion, this is without a doubt one of the prettiest California forest wedding venues.

Henry Cowell State Park

This state park in Santa Cruz is particularly gorgeous because it's where the coast and redwoods meet. This space is amazing for elopements, as well as larger weddings. I recommend it for those attracted to untraditional weddings as your wedding literally take place in the middle of nature and one doesn't have to deal with all of the logistics that often come with renting out a venue space.

The Waterfall Lodge

This Santa Cruz mountain wedding venue is a hidden gem in California. Here you'll find giant redwood trees, minty-crisp air, a waterfall, and so much natural beauty everywhere you look.

Sparrow Valley Retreat

The sun peeks beautifully through the redwood trees that tower through this woodsy California wedding venue.

Camp Campbell

Camp Campbell is a forest wedding venue nestled among towering redwoods in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The venue can host up to 200 guests and features a variety of outdoor ceremony locations, as well as a rustic reception hall.

Roaring Camp

If you're looking for a Santa Cruz forest wedding that offers something truly unique, Roaring Camp has an old-timey steam train, huge barn, majestic redwood grove, and more.

The Mountain Terrace

As far as forest wedding venues California go, the Mountain Terrace is a stunning forest wedding venue that offers sweeping views of the Santa Cruz Mountains. With the ability to accommodate up to 300 guests, the venue features a rustic wooden deck for ceremonies and a charming redwood grove for receptions.

Sequoia Retreat Center

This is a forest wedding venue nestled among towering redwoods in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The venue can host up to 120 guests and offers a variety of outdoor ceremony locations, as well as a rustic reception hall.

Fern River Resort

Fern River Resort is a forest wedding venue nestled in the heart of the Santa Cruz Mountains. The venue can accommodate up to 125 guests and offers a variety of outdoor event spaces, including a serene riverside location and a romantic redwood grove.

San Francisco & Bay Area Forest Wedding Venues

Below are some of my favorite woodsy San Francisco & Bay Area wedding venues.

Saratoga Springs Wedding Venue

This woodsy outdoor venue in San Francisco has a gorgeous wooden bridge and a natural reception under the stars and twinkling lights. The venue features various locations such as the Cathedral Grove, which can accommodate up to 300 guests, and the Redwood Deck for more intimate gatherings of up to 100 guests.

The entire space is surrounded by redwoods and it also includes running creeks and on-site food that is really delicious!

Deer Park Villa

Deer Park Villa is located about 45 minutes from San Francisco. The venue can accommodate up to 300 guests and offers both indoor and outdoor event spaces. It's a romantic Bay Area wedding venue where one can have their ceremony within the towering redwoods. This redwood forest venue definitely has an enchanting quality.

The Redwood Grove at Berkeley Botanical Garden

The Redwood Grove at Berkeley Botanical Garden is a breathtaking wedding venue located within the University of California, Berkeley. This enchanting venue features a majestic redwood grove and a charming wooden deck for receptions. The Redwood Grove can accommodate up to 120 guests, making it perfect for intimate weddings.

Ralston White Retreat

Ralston White Retreat is a historic wedding venue located in Mill Valley, surrounded by the natural beauty of Muir Woods. This charming property features beautiful gardens, a romantic gazebo, and a lovely Victorian mansion. Ralston White Retreat can accommodate up to 150 guests and offers a variety of indoor and outdoor ceremony and reception spaces.

The Brazilian Room

The Brazilian Room is a charming wedding venue located in Tilden Regional Park, offering a stunning view of the San Francisco Bay. This historic property features beautiful gardens, a spacious patio, and a rustic indoor hall with exposed beams and a large fireplace. The Brazilian Room can accommodate up to 150 guests and offers both indoor and outdoor ceremony and reception options.

San Francisco Botanical Garden

San Francisco Botanical Garden is a breathtaking wedding venue situated in the heart of Golden Gate Park. This enchanting location features 55 acres of beautiful gardens, showcasing more than 8,500 different plant species from around the world. The Botanical Garden can accommodate up to 200 guests and offers a variety of outdoor ceremony and reception spaces, including the stunning Great Meadow and the intimate Redwood Grove.

Big Bear + Lake Arrowhead Forest Wedding Venues

Gold Mountain Manor

Yosemite Wedding Venues

There are so many spectacular options for having a Yosemite wedding. Selecting a venue really depends on what one's guest count is. For example, if one is eloping or planning on having an intimate wedding, you can get married within the park in one of the outdoor spaces surrounded by Yosemite's awe inspiring nature. If you're having a larger scale wedding, there are couple of different options, particularly just outside of Yosemite National Park, that offer a ceremony space, reception space, etc.

As far as California forest wedding venues go, I really think Yosemite is the area that has the most and best options. You truly can't beat it as far as nature goes.

Yosemite Wedding Venues - Outside the Park | Great for Larger Weddings

Tenaya Lodge Wedding

As far as Yosemite wedding venues go, this hotel is right outside Yosemite and it is BEAUTIFUL. It is the perfect place to have a Yosemite elopement or wedding. It is surrounded by nature and has this magical, rustic vibe.

The Pines Resort on Bass Lake

If you’d like to see a wedding I photographed at the Pines Resort, click HERE.

This California wedding venue is unique in that offers the beauty of the pine trees alone with the backdrop of the Bass Lake. It’s the best of both worlds.

Double Eagle Resort and Spa

This Yosemite wedding venue is located in June Lake, California, which is 12 miles away from the eastern entrance of Yosemite National Park. This California forest wedding venue offers everything in terms of nature, including views of majestic peaks, towering pine trees, waterfalls, etc. It’s magical.

Wonder Valley Ranch Resort

Wonder Valley ranch is about a two mile drive from Yosemite National Park. The nice thing about this venue is that it is pretty much all inclusive, which relieves so much wedding planning stress. This venue can accommodate up to 350 guests, making it a great choice for a larger wedding.

Evergreen Lodge Wedding

An Evergreen Lodge wedding offers the classic Yosemite experience. It includes comfy cabins in the middle of the woods along with activities, such as hammocks, zip lines, etc. It is located about an hour away from Yosemite Valley, so it’s really close by.

The venue can host up to 200 guests and offers a range of outdoor ceremony and reception spaces, including a serene meadow, a lush garden, and a spacious event lawn.This place makes you feel like you are in a hidden, charming village. It’s romantic and rustic. Fun fact - quite a few celebrities have gotten married here.

Rush Creek Lodge Wedding

As far as forest wedding venues Northern California go, Rush Creek Lodge is a Yosemite wedding venue located just outside of the park. It is the newest lodge in Yosemite and about 30 minutes from the valley. It has great food, and it’ clean and modern.

Rush Creek Lodge is the sister property of the Evergreen Lodge, but since it’s newer, it offers a more modern quality, while the Evergreen Lodge offers more the a quaint, “cabin in the woods” type of feel.

Yosemite Wedding - Inside the Park

These next places are recommended for couples who want to get married inside Yosemite national park, but still want a small to medium guest count (20 – 80 people).

Redwoods Yosemite Wedding

The Redwoods in Yosemite is located in Wawona, California, which is inside Yosemite national park. The nice thing about this specific option is that this venue can accommodate up to 80 guests, making it a great choice if you are set on getting married in the actual Yosemite park, but don’t want to compromise on your guest count. The Redwoods in Yosemite includes cozy cabins and spacious log homes, creating a unique Yosemite wedding experience for your guests!

Ahwahnee Hotel Wedding

This is without a doubt one of the dreamiest Forest Wedding Venues in California. I don't think anything would ever top an Ahwahnee Hotel wedding. This is the one larger hotel located right in the center Yosemite and let me just say, it is GORGEOUS. I mean, really, it is out of this world spectacular.

This is the only 4 star hotel in Yosemite Valley. It has several different ceremony locations on site. Couples usually have medium to larger weddings here. After the ceremony, I would take the couple outside of the hotel to take couple portraits around Yosemite. They would then return to the Ahwahnee Hotel for the reception.

If you love natural settings, the ceremony lawn at Ahwahnee is incredible. You get a 360 degree view of the majestic mountains, waterfalls, and meadows.

Yosemite Wedding Chapel

Um, this place is the cutest. It’s a charming tiny church in the middle of Yosemite Valley. It has a lot of history! The idea would be to get married inside of the church and then take photos outside in Yosemite park.

Thinking of having a Yosemite elopement?

If you're thinking of eloping, I have a much more comprehensive guide that includes all the best places to elope within Yosemite National Park.

Yosemite Elopement Guide

Lake Tahoe Forest Wedding Venues

The Hideout at Kirkwood

This 40-acre property features enchanting forests, serene ponds, and a rustic lodge. The HideOut can accommodate up to 200 guests and offers a variety of outdoor ceremony and reception spaces.

Valhalla Tahoe Venue

As far as forest wedding venues in California goes, the Valhalla Tahoe venue is located on the South shore of beautiful Lake Tahoe. The lodge was built in 1924 and presents rustic hardwood floors and french doors.

Tahoe Donner

The Tahoe Donner is truly one of the most enchanted forest wedding venues in California. It's tucked away within meadows and pines. It's also surrounded by the valleys and peaks of High Sierra, offering so much natural beauty.

Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe

This gorgeous Lake Tahoe wedding venue is surrounded by the mountains, meadows, and trees.

The Chateau at Incline Village

The Chateau at Incline Village is a breathtaking wedding venue located just a mile from the shores of Lake Tahoe. It has panoramic views of the mountains, a view of the lake, gigantic stone fireplaces, vaulted ceilings, and more.

Zephyr Cove Resort

Zephyr Cove Resort is a stunning beachfront wedding venue situated on the east shore of Lake Tahoe. This beautiful property features a private beach, a charming pier, and a rustic lodge for receptions. Zephyr Cove Resort can accommodate up to 200 guests and offers on-site catering, accommodations, and a dedicated event team to help create the perfect wedding experience.

The Resort at Squaw Creek

The Resort at Squaw Creek is a luxurious mountain wedding venue located near Lake Tahoe in Olympic Valley. This elegant property features breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, a beautiful outdoor ceremony space, and a grand ballroom for receptions. The Resort at Squaw Creek can accommodate up to 400 guests and offers on-site catering, accommodations, and a dedicated event team to ensure your wedding day is truly special.

Granlibakken Tahoe

Granlibakken Tahoe is a charming wedding venue nestled among the trees in Tahoe City. This beautiful property features a peaceful forest setting, a spacious outdoor ceremony space, and a rustic indoor reception area. Granlibakken Tahoe can accommodate up to 300 guests and offers on-site catering, accommodations, and a dedicated event team to help make your wedding day perfect.

Hellman-Ehrman Mansion

Hellman-Ehrman Mansion is a historic wedding venue situated on the picturesque shores of Lake Tahoe in Sugar Pine Point State Park. This elegant property features beautiful gardens, a grand lawn, and a charming gazebo for ceremonies. Hellman-Ehrman Mansion can accommodate up to 200 guests and offers a variety of outdoor ceremony and reception spaces.

West Shore Cafe and Inn

West Shore Cafe and Inn is a charming lakeside wedding venue situated on the shores of Lake Tahoe. This intimate property features a private pier, a romantic outdoor ceremony space, and a cozy indoor reception area. West Shore Cafe and Inn can accommodate up to 150 guests and offers on-site catering, accommodations, and a dedicated event team to help create the wedding of your dreams.

Mendocino Forest Wedding Venues

Heritage House

This Mendocino wedding venue is on the Pacific coastline. It offer woodland trails frames by trees, as well as an ocean view.

Cuffey's Cove

Cuffey's Cove is another beautiful woodsy wedding venue in California. It's a family run property on the Mendocino Coast and provides gorgeous views of nature.

The Inn at Newport Ranch

This Mendocnio wedding venue is steps away from the ocean. If that isn't beautiful enough, it also has the natural beauty of Mendocino as it's background, including the redwood trees, trails, forest mist, etc.

Bell Valley Retreat

Bell Valley is serene venue located in the hills of Anderson Valley. It includes 600 acres of comfortable accommodations for guests and the ceremony area is in a 150 amphitheater under old, gigantic trees. This venue is also very close-by to several walking trails to explore more of Mendocino's beauty.

Those are my recommended dreamy forest wedding venues in California. I hope you found some that you're excited to check out. If you have any questions or are looking for a California wedding photographer, feel free to reach me HERE.

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