How to Plan a Wedding in Big Sur
The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Wedding in Big Sur (complete with tips and venue information)
There are few places on the west coast as stunning as having a wedding in Big Sur. Known for state parks and coastal scenery, countless couples have planned their wedding in Big Sur and it is becoming one of the more popular locations to exchange vows and take wedding photos. Below is the ultimate guide for all your planning needs for a wedding in Big Sur.
1 Simple Method to Having a Wedding in Big Sur
All you really need to plan your elopement or wedding in Big Sur is an officiant, a marriage license, and one witness.
And of course, CONTACTING a photographer like me!
Getting the Marriage License
Your wedding in Big Sur can’t be official without a marriage license. In California, a marriage license can be obtained in any county for a ceremony held in the state, even if the marriage is held in a different county. Big Sur is in Monterey County, so you can get the license from San Francisco County, for example. However, you must return the license to the county that issued it, along with the signature of the officiant and at least one witness.
For out of town couples, it’s popular to stay in San Francisco while having your wedding in Big Sur. If this is the case with you, read up on how to get your marriage license in my San Francisco City Hall Weddings Planning Guide
And if you are flexible with locations, take a look at the Best Places to Have an Elopement in San Francisco
Big Sur Wedding Permit
Best Times of the Year for a Wedding in Big Sur
There are more ideal times to have your wedding at Big Sur. Perhaps the safest is Fall for its warmer weather, color, and clear skies. However, anytime between March and October is suitable while the winter months may be a bit too cold and overcast. Rain does tend to occur in early Spring so plan accordingly. If you plan it right, you can time your wedding in Big Sur with the warmest time of the year around September and October and if you’re lucky, can make a stop to see the visiting monarch butterflies nearby in Pacific Grove
Photo Locations for a Wedding in Big Sur
Regardless of where you host your wedding at Big Sur, you will have many breathtaking locations for photos nearby. The Bixby Bridge on Highway 1 provides a unique backdrop and is probably the most popular. Pfeiffer Burns State Park is a majestic location, particularly near sunset. Rocky Point Restaurant provides a scenic overlook set aside rugged coastal cliffs. Finally, Garrapata Trail is a perfect backdrop filled with wildflowers during spring and summer.
Big Sur Elopement Packages
Big Sur elopement packages are typically customized to fit your needs, but start at $2000 for 3 hours. A sample elopement in Big Sur consists of getting ready/details, the wedding ceremony, group photos, couples portraits, and a reception. For the more adventurous couples, doing multiple photo locations around gorgeous Big Sur is highly recommended to take advantage of the stunning coastline and scenic views
Best Wedding Venues in Big Sur CA
Big Sur is popular for elopements and marrying on cliffs overlooking the ocean, but for those who want an actual venue that’s no problem either! Let’s take a look at some of my favorite wedding venues in Big Sur CA.
Big Sur Lodge
Rental Fee: $599 – $1,199
This is one of the most classic Big Sur wedding venues around the area. Big Sur Lodge is located in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park with indoor and outdoor seating. Most popular is the Redwood Patio, located next to a flowing stream. There is also an option for a picnic style rehearsal dinner in the state park. This is easily the most popular place to have a wedding at Big Sur.
Ventana
Contact for pricing
Ventana is a resort that prides itself on a wide variety of options for your wedding in Big Sur. The blending of the ocean, forests, and mountains at this Big Sur wedding venue will leave you in awe. With over 12,000 feet of event space, there is a setting for a wedding of any size. Sur Visa is an outdoor overlook adorned with picnic tables and elegant landscaping. Redwood Cathedral provides a space surrounded by towering trees. The Loft blends natural woods with modern décor to create an intimate indoor setting. This is definitely one of the most diverse wedding venues in Big Sur CA to fit your needs.
Check out my Ventana Big Sur Wedding Guide for more details
Loma Vista Gardens
Rental Fee: $5,400 – $18,400 depending on size and day
Loma Vista was named for the its beautiful views, making this one of my favorite wedding venues in Big Sur CA. The location is backdropped by mountains and has elegantly manicured landscaping including cactus gardens. With packages for traditional and elopement weddings, Loma Vista Gardens can customize the perfect ceremony for any types of wedding in Big Sur. This locale is a great choice for couples wanting a rustic feel for an outdoor ceremony.
Point 16
Contact for pricing
Located about half an hour outside of downtown, Point 16 is an area off of Highway 1 that is frequently used for planning a wedding in Big Sur. There is perhaps no better view in the area as Point 16 overlooks the beauty of the Pacific Ocean from a lush hillside meadow. There is no bad time for a wedding here as any time of day will provide an excellent view for your wedding at Big Sur.
Post Ranch Inn
Rental Fee: $6,000
Small weddings: $5,500 – $6,600
Elopements: $3,900
You haven’t seen Big Sur until you’ve seen a sunset from the Post Ranch Inn’s view of the Pacific Ocean. Couples will find a variety of packages for any sized wedding in Big Sur at this popular venue. I recommend considering a sunset ceremony to fully take in the beauty at one of the more scenic wedding venues in Big Sur CA.
Wind and Sea
Rental Fee: $3,000 – $6,500
Situated on six acres of private property on the coast, Wind and Sea is filled with a wide variety of trees and plant life. Unique features of the site include copper soaking tubs, outdoor showers, and a dry sauna. Couples will love the 3,000 square foot modern home including a gourmet kitchen and three bedrooms which makes for luxury lodging for your getaway. If you want to be pampered for your wedding at Big Sur check this place out!
If you would like to chat about your wedding at Big Sur please CONTACT ME

18 Best Redwood Forest Wedding Venues
18 Best Redwood Forest Wedding Venues The Ultimate Guide to the 18 Best Redwood Forest Wedding Venues(with pricing and photos) Redwood forest wedding venues are a popular choice and it’s not hard to see why. Rather than a bare field decorated with flowers, redwood forests bring nature into the fold as the trees play a role in the overall appeal of the wedding. They give a woodsy charm to your special day, and thousands of couples choose to embrace the cathedral-like grandeur and majesty of redwoods—especially in the ancient redwood forests of California. Here is a list of the top redwood forest wedding venues that will make for a spectacular outdoor wedding come alive. Ovy Camp (San Gregorio) Rental Fee : $13,000 – $19,000 (rate includes 130 beds between lodging accomodations)Rental Period: Friday at 11am – Sunday at 1pmCapacity: up to 200 guests OVY Camp and Event Center can be rented by the weekend (exclusive use) for an incredibly reasonable price. It is one of the more flexible and affordable redwood wedding venues in the Bay Area. They provide the backdrop – you choose the rest. You are not tied down to a list of caterers, photographers, or event suppliers – assemble your own vendor team at no additional cost. Check out my blog post on an OVY Camp wedding for more info https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-9bvDRopSo Muir Woods (Mill Valley) Muir Woods is a stunning location to visit, let alone get married in. The picturesque nature of Muir Woods and the central location between San Francisco and Napa Valley makes it a very popular spot to celebrate. This place would also be a great opportunity to make an entire trip out of your wedding, with tons of things to see and do, as well as excellent cuisine to try a few miles away. Read my Muir Woods wedding guide for more info https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHcJNX09nCk Mountain Terrace (Woodside) Rental Fee : $2,500 – $4,500 (ceremony only) With decades-old trees acting as a wedding ceremony backdrop, The Mountain Terrace is the ideal setting for anyone who appreciates natural beauty and basking in the sun and fresh air. With a recently remodeled mega deck, they allow several options for outdoor and indoor receptions, making this redwood wedding venue a great choice. Read more about The Mountain Terrace with my walkthrough https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibmrGG9xbac&t=1s Old Mill Park (Mill Valley) Rental Fee : $125 – $275 / hourRefundable Deposit : $100 – $1,000 Located in Mill Valley across the Golden Gate Bridge, Old Mill Park is one of the most popular venues for weddings in San Francisco and perfect for those who love nature. They have a separate ampitheater that comes with its own staging and seating, making it a convenient wedding venue in San Francisco for large and small weddings. Check out my Ultimate Planning Guide for an Old Mill Park Wedding photo by Ian Chin Photography Sanborn County Park (Saratoga) Rental Fee: $495 reservation fee + $120 wedding fee + $6/vehicle parking feeCapacity: up to 300 guests For those who want an outdoor wedding venue in nature, this is arguably one of the best redwood wedding venues for its combination of beauty, weather, and price. With the grove of redwood trees acting as the perfect ceremony backdrop, this outdoor wedding venue is one of the most popular and affordable redwood wedding venues in the Santa Clara county area. Check out my Sanborn County Park wedding guide for more info photo by Ian Chin Photography LETS TALK ABOUT REDWOOD WEDDING VENUES UC Berkeley Mather Redwood Grove (Berkeley) Rental Fee: $1500 – $8500 Capacity: up to 200 guestsEmail: gardenrentals@berkeley.edu The centerpiece of the Mather Redwood Grove is the intimate Townsend Amphitheater, the setting for fantasy forest weddings. The bridal party walks under the towering redwood canopy to meet the gathered guests at the amphitheater and solemnize their union in this magnificent cathedral of redwoods. Check out my UC Berkeley Botanical Garden wedding guide for more info Deer Park Villa (Fairfax) Deer Park Villa is one of my favorite redwood wedding venues that will exceed your every expectation, not just with its natural beauty but also its convenient location near San Francisco. It is one of the prettiest Marin County wedding venues and features the best of both worlds : an indoor venue and a grove of towering redwoods. Check out my Ultimate Planning Guide for a Deer Park Villa Wedding SF Botanical Garden (San Francisco) Rental Fee: starting at $875Capacity: up to 70 guests The Redwood Grove is a tucked-away gem in the middle of the SF Botanical Garden, surrounded by towering redwood trees that create a setting similar to a Muir Woods wedding. It is currently only available for weekend ceremonies and has a 2 hour rental period. Check out my SF Botanical Garden wedding guide for more info Saratoga Springs (Saratoga) Rental Fee: $1000 – $6950 With towering trees surrounding you, this redwood forest wedding venue features only one indoor area, the Creekside Room, because the whole point of being here is to immerse yourself in nature! This large outdoor property offers 6 total ceremony locations, each ranging in guest size but all offering the beautiful outdoors of the South Bay Area. Check out this Saratoga Springs wedding guide for more info Outdoor Art Club (Mill Valley) Rental fee: $5,000 – $5,400 The Outdoor Art Club is a Mill Valley nonprofit organization that seeks to preserve and promote natural outdoor spaces. As such, it is one of the more surprisingly affordable Marin County wedding venues centrally located in Mill Valley. It offers a nice secluded location for an outdoor ceremony with a reception following in the century-old clubhouse. Waterfall Lodge (Ben Lomond) Rental Fee: $7,800 – $22,900 Waterfall Lodge is a gorgeous redwood forest wedding venue in the Santa Cruz mountains. It offers a choice of two sites for weddings wide terrace and patio areas for cocktail parties and dining in the middle of uplifting redwood scents. A reclaimed wood barn makes up the dancing area and some chic 1970’s style cabins for accommodation—summer camp style. It

26+ Best Santa Cruz Wedding Venues
26+ Best Santa Cruz Wedding Venues Ultimate Guide to the 26+ Best Santa Cruz Wedding Venues (updated 2024) If you are interested in learning the best Santa Cruz wedding venues you have come to the right place! In many ways, Santa Cruz is the quintessential Californian town with a mix of the coast, mountains, and local charm. For those ready to tie the knot in Santa Cruz, you will find many excellent locations to host your wedding regardless of whether you’re eloping or choosing to have a large celebration. Check out some of my personal favorite Santa Cruz wedding venues below. Nestldown (Los Gatos) Packages: $9,500 – $28,000 Just a short ten-minute drive north of Santa Cruz sits Nestldown, a place that aims to provide extraordinary experiences. Rental gives you and up to 200 guests private access to all 36 redwood strewn acres including a 20 passenter train, life size chess set, numerous photo ops, and beautiful gardens. You’ll also receive a dedicated four-person event planning staff to customize your wedding and reception over nine hours. Check out my Nestldown weddings guide for more info OVY Camp (San Gregorio) Rental Fee : $13,000 – $19,000 (rate includes 130 beds between lodging accomodations)Rental Period: Friday at 11am – Sunday at 1pmCapacity: up to 200 guests OVY Camp and Event Center can be rented by the weekend (exclusive use) for an incredibly reasonable price. It is one of the more flexible and affordable redwood wedding venues in the Bay Area. They provide the backdrop – you choose the rest. You are not tied down to a list of caterers, florists, or event suppliers – assemble your own vendor team at no additional cost. Check out my OVY Camp wedding guide for more info https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-9bvDRopSo Seymour Marine Discovery Center Rental fee: $3,350 Whether you’re a fan of museums or not, you’ll find the Seymour Center to be one of the most fun Santa Cruz wedding venues. This package includes expansive views of Monterey Bay, all-day use of the La Feliz Room & Deck, private use of the aquarium and Shipwreck Deck after 5 p.m., and a staffed aquarium touch table in the exhibit hall during the reception for your guests. It is a beautiful setting with great options for stunning photos. Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History Rental fee: $2,875 – $5,175 (ceremony & reception package) Art lovers will rejoice at a wedding at this Santa Cruz venue. With several ceremony locations including a rooftop sculpture garden, the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History can host up to 250 people. The full package includes nine hours; however, shorter ceremony & brunch or reception-only options are available for lower rates and up to 5 hour rentals For a more thorough breakdown of everything, check out their online brochure Kennolyn (Soquel) Package: starting at $11,000 With Kennolyn’s wedding package, the entire Hilltop Hacienda Estate is yours for a ceremony and reception. The package includes a wedding coordinator, music, tables, décor, and a wide array of perks. They also offer excellent catering packages. If you want a serene, peaceful location, this will be at the top of your list. Check out my Kennolyn weddings guide for more info Waterfall Lodge (Ben Lomond) Rental Fee: $7,800 – $22,900 Waterfall Lodge is a gorgeous redwood forest wedding venue in the Santa Cruz mountains. It offers a choice of two sites for weddings wide terrace and patio areas for cocktail parties and dining in the middle of uplifting redwood scents. A reclaimed wood barn makes up the dancing area and some chic 1970’s style cabins for accommodation—summer camp style. It is incredibly serene, and if you hadn’t deduced from the name, there is a gorgeous waterfall just to make it extra special and one of the most romantic redwood forest wedding venues. Check out my Waterfall Lodge weddings guide for more info CONTACT ME TO DISCUSS WEDDING VENUES IN SANTA CRUZ Inn at Pasatiempo Ceremony Fee : $1,500Reception Fee : $275 – $800 Here you’ll find the recently renovated Wedding Garden that features a lush lawn circled by a terrace featuring redwood bark décor and evergreen pear trees. The Inn at Pasatiempo also features indoor seating for up to 150 guests with three different rooms that can be booked for a reception dinner. A number of buffet menu packages are also available. Sydalyn Hill (Felton) Rental fee: Submit contact form for info A family run farm is the setting for this venue, which offers weddings between May and September each year. Offered only on Saturdays, a Sydalyn Hill wedding features rustic décor amidst walnut trees. Orchards, a garden, cabin, and barn are all available for photos. Felton Guild (Felton) Rental fee: contact the venue for the package This venue offers a serene setting and is located in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Therefore, if you love the outdoors, this peaceful, lovely location is an excellent choice. A beautifully planted space serves as the banquet area. More than 200 people may easily fit in the reception space. Around 100 guests can be seated on the cathedral’s redwood benches and seats, and there is plenty of standing area and capacity for additional chairs if there is a need. Check out my Redwood wedding venues guide for other similar Bay Area wedding venues Shadowbrook (Capitola) Ceremony fee: $250Rental fee: $200 – $2,000 Shadowbrook restaurant is located in nearby Capitola and probably the most romantic restaurant in the county. There are a number of options for location but the Creekside Patio is a personal favorite. The restaurant’s trolley is a must-have photo for the happy couple. Secret Garden Ceremonies (Santa Cruz County) Rental fee: $3,850 – $7,850 Specializing in micro-weddings of up to 40 people, there are two main areas for ceremonies and celebrations, the Secret Redwood Retreat and the Secret Garden Estate. Roaring Camp Railroads (Felton) Ceremony $700 – $2,950Reception $4,500 Create your own magical day with Roaring Camp Railroads. While there are a number of options, the most charming takes you and 100 guests round trip on a 100 year old

18+ Best Half Moon Bay Wedding Venues
18+ Best Half Moon Bay Wedding Venues Ultimate Guide to the Best 18+ Half Moon Bay Wedding Venues (with pricing and photos) If you are looking for the best Half Moon Bay wedding venues you have come to the right place! Half Moon Bay is a coastal city just a short drive south of San Francisco. Known for its incredible surfing, there are many opportunities here to host a wedding with or without ocean views. Those desiring a beach wedding or cliff side location will find many great Half Moon Bay wedding venues below in addition to some that are a short drive away from the coast, offering a variety of options to choose from. The Mountain Terrace (Woodside) Rental Fee + F&B Min: $23,000+Deposit : $500Capacity: up to 300 seated guestsHours: 8 hour rental period A combination indoor and outdoor venue, The Mountain Terrace offers a stunning redwood grove for your ceremony, providing one of the prettiest Half Moon Bay wedding venues background. Up to 120 guests can be seated inside with up to 300 outside. Fee includes day of the event rental and a one-hour rehearsal. Check out my Mountain Terrace wedding walkthrough for more details photo by Ian Chin Photography photo by Ian Chin Photography The Hastings House Garden Weddings Rental fees: Inquire for rates Unable to decide whether to host a beach wedding or a beautiful garden ceremony? Why not have the best of both worlds with this popular Half Moon Bay wedding venue? Located next to the ocean, The Hastings House boasts a garden that has been maintained by the same person since 1984, carefully cultivated to offer blooming flowers throughout the year. This is a great location for smaller weddings in Half Moon Bay since they only offer the space for ceremonies. Check out my Hastings House Garden Weddings walkthrough for more info Ritz Carlton Rental fee: Inquire for custom quote When you book your wedding at the Ritz Carlton, you know you’ll get top notch service. This property features a total of three locations for ceremonies and two for receptions. However, my favorite is the Mar Vista Lawn, a gorgeous 7,500 square foot alfresco space perfect for pairing a ceremony with a cocktail reception. In addition to weddings, I have photographed several proposals here, and the nearby Manhattan Beach, that make this one of more popular locations for weddings in Half Moon Bay I have photographed in. Thomas Fogarty Winery (Woodside) Rental Fee: starting at $16,00. Expect to spend $70K +Rental Period: 6 hours, with additional hours available at an extra cost of $250 per 30 minutes.Capacity: 200 guestsHours: 2PM – 11PM Located just east of Half Moon Bay, this spectacular location is perched 2,000 feet above Silicon Valley and makes for one of the most breathtaking views in the area. Rental gives you use of four locations for nine hours. The Pavillion is the feature here with 4,000 square feet suspended high above the chardonnay vineyard. This is personally one of my favorite wedding venues in Half Moon Bay. Check out my Thomas Fogarty Winery wedding walkthrough for more info Kohl Mansion (Burlingame) Rental Fee + F&B Min for 100 guests: $33,000+Capacity: up to 150 guests Coupled with versatile event spaces, a wedding at Kohl Mansion offers event spaces that includes the great hall, grand staircase, and the garden courtyard. Overall, this wedding venue mixes a historical location with elegance, versatility, and the perfect scenery for couples to tie the knot. Check out my Kohl Mansion wedding guide for more info Long Branch Farms Packages: Inquire for rates Long Branch Farms is one of the most unique options in California and is sure to be a fun setting for your special day. Created in the style of an old western town with a “main street” of buildings, there are tons of photo opportunities. Ceremony locations include a meadow or country chapel, and the expansive property can host up to 500 guests, making this one of the larger Half Moon Bay wedding venues. Domenico Winery (San Carlos) Domenico Winery offers a similar beauty and ambiance of a classic Napa winery located a short distance from San Francisco. The 6,200 sq ft. provides plentiful space to dance, eat, and drink with all your guests, making it the perfect reception space (although they do offer ceremonies as well) Check out my Domenico Winery wedding guide for more info La Costanera La Costanera is a modern Peruvian fusion restaurant in the heart of Half Moon Bay. They actually moved from their smaller storefront that overlooked the Pacific Ocean and moved into a much larger and more accommodating location during Covid, so this location is still new! It has stunning decor inside and offers 2 levels, 2 bars, and stunning views for your larger reception. This place is also one of the best Peruvian restaurants in the Bay Area in addition to being one of the newer Half Moon Bay wedding venues. CONTACT YOUR HALF MOON BAY WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER Pulgas Water Temple (Redwood City) Rental Fee: between $550 – $600 for up to 2 hoursCapacity: contact for capacity Now the temple stands tall at the end of a reflecting pool lined with lush green cypress trees. This is a perfect venue for all kinds of ceremonies if you want to keep it minimalist and private. Check out my Pulgas Water Temple wedding guide for more information photo by Ian Chin Photography Oceano Hotel & Spa Rental fee: $1,500 – $3,500 Pair class and elegance with a small town feel with Oceano Hotel & Spa’s wedding packages. The Wedding Garden provides a romantic harbor setting with cypresses and a white arbor while the Grand Ballroom features 4,400 square feet of space. There are plenty of dining packages as well. Depending on the venue you select, up to 300 guests can be accommodated at one of the most regal Half Moon Bay wedding venues. Douglas Beach House Rental fee: $1,500 (9 hours) A great reception location on Miramar Beach, Douglas Beach House’s professional staff is happy to consider every detail in creating

Carmel Valley Wedding Venues
Carmel Valley Wedding Venues The Ultimate Carmel Valley Wedding Venues Guide (with Pricing + Photos) Carmel Valley wedding venues offer an authentically Californian experience with wineries, rustic landscapes, and golf courses, making it a favorite choice for destination weddings. Just a short drive from the Pacific Ocean, Carmel Valley offers a rustic respite from the busy coastal life. Whether you live nearby or are traveling from around the world, there are plenty of perfect options for your Carmel Valley Wedding. Here are some of the top Carmel Valley wedding venues to consider! Gardner Ranch Rental Fee: $8,000 Gardner Ranch is a great location for wedding large and small alike. The sprawling estate provides many locations including three banquet rooms, a clubhouse, an outdoor patio, and many different lawn locations. The backdrop of the Santa Lucia Mountains makes for a great setting for an outdoor wedding in virtually any season. This is also surprisingly one of the more affordable Carmel Valley wedding venues given its elegance and charm. All weddings include exclusive use of Gardner Ranch, plenty of on-site parking, wine barrel cocktail tables, landscape lighting, wooden chairs, and plenty of other perks. This is one of the more popular Carmel Valley wedding venues around for good reason. Bernardus Lodge & Spa Rental Fee: $5,500 – $13,500 This is one of the larger Carmel Valley wedding venues that offers six different wedding locations that range from vineyard views to rose gardens. For intimate ceremonies or elopements of 10 people or less, the Vintner’s Suite is a favorite or can be used as a bridal suite. Of all the locations, the Wedding Garden is possibly the most beautiful with immaculate landscaping, over 100 varieties of roses, and the chef’s own vegetable garden. Wedding packages include luxury accommodations for the couple and an open bar with Bernardus’s own wines. Los Laureles Lodge Rental Fee: $2,500 – $3,300 One of the more unique Carmel Valley wedding venues, Los Laureles Lodge is a ten-acre ranch with three different options for settings. The largest is the Terrace Garden, a stunning area beneath cascading oak trees where guests watch from wooden pews. This holds up to 200 people. Intimate weddings of up to 30 guests can celebrate at Hill House, a beautifully adorned home with a hillside deck. The Hill House has a full kitchen and, true to its namesake, supports sweeping views of Carmel Valley. Finally, the Terrace Garden Banquet Room can hold a small reception or rehearsal dinner. Quail Lodge & Golf Club (Carmel by the Sea) Contact for pricing Quail Lodge Golf Club provides six different options for your ceremony. Quail Meadows is likely the favorite for outdoor weddings, which features a lush meadow on the banks of a stream, creating a perfect location for wedding photos. The Peninsula Ballroom in the Clubhouse is a great choice for a reception whether opting for buffet style or a sit-down dinner. This venue specializes in weddings from small groups to up to 200 guests. This is one of the more affordable Carmel Valley wedding venues for the budget-conscious bride and groom, providing beauty at a lower price than many local venues. Stonepine Estate Resort Rental Fee: starts at $9,000 As you approach through a road lined with oak trees, you will soon catch a glimpse of Chateau Noel, an architectural experience that will have you thinking you have somehow landed in Tuscany. Guests can opt for a California Country package which includes use of the Paddock Lawns or a Chateau Exclusive which involves use of Chateau Noel. Can’t decide? Book the entire estate to have one of the most regal wedding venues in Carmel Valley all to yourself! For a more Old West style feel, try the Blacksmith Bar where guests can practice archery and horseshoes while drinking beer. Needless to say, this is one of the most varied Carmel Valley wedding venues on this list. Holman Ranch Packages: $18,000 – $35,500 Holman Ranch is one of the few Carmel Valley wedding venues that can accommodate a larger number of guests with a capacity of 500. With 400 acres of land, Holman Ranch provides several wedding location options, but most couples choose the recently restored 1928 stone hacienda, an iconic building with an intimate courtyard. Others opt for a stone terrace adorned with flowers with the Santa Lucia Mountains serving as a great backdrop. Combine your ceremony with an elegant reception at the Carriage House, allowing guests to dine beneath twinkling lights. This huge estate offers something for everyone! The Holly Farm Rental Fee: starts at $28,000 One of the most beautiful Carmel Valley wedding venues, The Holly Farm is filled with winding gravel paths, towering bamboo and banana trees, and rustic cottages. The unique design of the grounds presents a variety of options for photos, ensuring you will have plenty of mementos of your wedding. In addition to no corkage or cake cutting fees, you’ll also find a number of other perks including hundreds of island orchids for décor. CONTACT ME TO DISCUSS CARMEL VALLEY WEDDING VENUES Best Wedding Venues in Carmel Valley for Elopements Joullian Vineyards Rental Fee: starts at $6,500 Located high above Carmel Valley, Joullian Vineyards’ Venue in the Vines is a premier wedding location. This is a place for weddings of many sizes, able to accompany as few as 50 guests or as many as 250. Smaller parties may instead be interested in The Overlook, which allows couples to exchange nuptials in front of a wood and floral arch with the entire Carmel Valley as the backdrop. With 20 to 50 guests, this is one of the more popular Carmel Valley wedding venues that caters to smaller weddings. Best Outdoor Carmel Valley Wedding Venues Chateu Carmel Ranch Contact for pricing Holman Ranch is one of the few Carmel Valley wedding venues that can accommodate a larger number of guests with a capacity of 500. With 400 acres of land, Holman Ranch provides several wedding location options, but most couples choose the recently

15 Best Wedding Venues in Monterey CA
15 Best Wedding Venues in Monterey CA The Ultimate Guide to the 15 Best Wedding Venues in Monterey CA(complete with pricing and photos) Couples seeking to take advantage of the Pacific Coast’s splendor for their weddings can take a look at the 15 best wedding venues in Monterey CA. Located in the center of California’s coastline, Monterey is known for its history, architecture, seafood, and local arts scene. For Californians seeking a beautiful place to get married, Monterey provides an excellent choice for a weekend escape. Let’s take a look at some of the top Monterey wedding venues. Best Times for a Wedding in Monterey CA Old Whaling Station Adobe & Gardens Rental Fee: $1,900 – $2,400Ceremony Only: $1,500 The Old Whaling Station may not sound like the most romantic spot; however, this is a beautiful space indoors and outdoors with flexible rental periods by the hour that focuses on affordable yet elegant weddings. The garden is the perfect spot for beautiful wedding photos, making it one of the more cozy and intimate wedding venues in Monterey CA. The Barns at Cooper Molera Rental Fee: $2,500 – $6,500 Formerly part of a National Trust, this historic property is perfect for a beautiful ceremony. This is one of the more unique wedding venues in Monterey CA in that you can get married in a beautifully restored barn or outdoors beneath oak trees. Memory Garden (Monterey State Historic Park) Rental Fee: $1,500 – $3,600 (depends on day of the week / number of hours)Processing Fee: $150Refundable deposit: $1,000 This park actually has six different gardens that are excellent choices for an elopement or small wedding. Stevenson Garden is enclosed by a rustic gated adobe wall and is named for author Robert Louis Stevenson. First Theatre Garden and Larkin Garden, in particular, also provide excellent settings for a wedding. The variety in settings makes this one of the more popular wedding venues in Monterey CA that appeals to most. Monterey Beach House Rental Fee: $1,500 – $5,000 Do you dream of a beach wedding? There is perhaps no better place in Monterey than Monterey Beach House. With the peninsula and ocean as a backdrop, this location provides one of the best views compared to other wedding venues in Monterey CA. Sunset ceremonies are popular here and al-inclusive packages mean you can rest assured you’ll be well taken care of. Perry House Rental Fee: $1,500 – $5,000 The Perry House provides an elegant setting with an ocean view. The Victorian style home was originally built in 1860 and has lush gardens. Renovated specifically to cater to weddings, this is an excellent choice to include in your list of wedding venues in Monterey CA. Jabberwock Inn Rental Fee: $1,000 – $1,500 for 4 hours Small weddings and elopements: $350 – $750 (depends on time of year) One of more popular bed and breakfast wedding venues in Monterey CA, Jabberwock Inn is an elegant craftsman style house that overlooks Monterey Bay. Tall hedges and stone-lined gardens form a perfect place to exchange vows while you can relax in style with your pick of charming rooms. Jabberwock Inn is an excellent choice for a Monterey wedding venue. Club Del Monte Contact for pricing Located on the campus of the Naval Postgraduate School and part of Hotel Del Monte, named the world’s most elegant seaside resort, this art deco facility is perfect for saying your vows whether you’d prefer the intimate La Novia Room or a spot next to the Roman Plunge Reflecting Pool. Monterey Stone Chapel Rental Fees: $300 – $750 (depends on number of guests / spaces reserved) You’ll find this chapel located amidst redwoods and gardens next to a turtle-filled pond. For a more intimate wedding, an outdoor gazebo garden wedding is an excellent decision with a quaint, intimate setting to exchange your vows. This is one of the best wedding venues in Monterey CA because the 5 star Tarpy’s Restaurant and steakhouse is right next door! CONTACT ME TO DISCUSS MONTEREY WEDDING PACKAGES Wedding Venues Near Monterey CA Lover’s Point Park (Pacific Grove) Contact for pricing While this community park just outside of Monterey has plenty of things for the community, it also serves as a beautiful site for a wedding. With an ocean view, a small beach, and manicured lawns, there are many different settings for wedding venues in Monterey CA. A rocky outcropping on the edge of the beach makes a great place for photos. A reservation and use permit is required for a wedding. Check out this Lovers Point Park Wedding to give you an idea of what I’ve done in the past. Big Sur Lodge – Pfeiffer State Park (Big Sur) Packages: $599 – $1,199 Big Sur is extremely popular with nature lovers and this rustic getaway right in the middle of Pfeiffer State Park provides easy walking access to many potential sites. Reserve a cozy cabin and take advantage of a ceremony surrounded by California’s majestic redwoods. The Lodge itself has four different indoor and outdoor venues and wedding consultants, making this one of the best wedding venues near Monterey CA. Huckleberry Hill (Pebble Beach) Contact for pricing This is one of those wedding venues near Monterey CA that you will feel was made for your elopement. Here you’ll find Huckleberry Hill Nature Preserve, which is home to several trails with plenty of picturesque spots. Find you and your love immersed in a wooded oasis amongst groves pine and cypress trees. There is a bit of elevation gain and a short hike, so this spot is best for a small, casual no-frills ceremony for outdoor lovers. Leal Vineyards (Hollister) Packages: $4,000 – $7,500 This facility has excellent options for elopements, small ceremonies, or mid-sized weddings. Leal Vineyards features three different settings and is one of the larger wedding venues in Monterey CA. Say “I do” surrounded by sweeping hills of vineyards at the Lavanda, have a quaint candlelit ceremony in the Barrel Room, or opt for the Olea with twinkling lights and a tunnel of olive trees. River Road Mansion (Salinas)

Venues for Weddings in San Francisco
The 50+ Most Popular Venues for Weddings in San Francisco Ultimate Guide to the Top Venues for Weddings in San Francisco (with pricing, photos, and videos) Here is a list of the best venues for weddings in San Francisco (updated for 2022!). We are so lucky to have such a wide variety of settings in the Bay Area ranging from giant redwood groves, rustic barns, elegant historic buildings, and more, and within a short drive from San Francisco. With so many options for venues for weddings in San Francisco and throughout the Bay Area, it is inevitable I missed some so please feel free to let me know. I will periodically update this page with more photos, individual blog posts, or videos to give you the best most comprehensive information to help plan your dream wedding. If you would like my honest opinion of your venue choices feel free to CONTACT ME – happy to help! Favorite San Francisco Elopement Locations: The Mountain Terrace, Shelldance Orchid Gardens, Hastings House Garden Weddings My Personal Favorite Venues for Weddings in San Francisco: Muir WoodsShelldance Orchid GardensPalace of Fine ArtsSan Francisco City HallLegion of HonorStern GroveThe Olympic ClubThe Mountain TerraceHastings House Garden Weddings Best “Only in San Francisco” Venues for Weddings in San Francisco: Want a location that shows off that you are in San Francisco? All of these wedding venues in San Francisco have views of the Golden Gate Bridge or other San Francisco landmarks. Hornblower Cruises (SF) Rental Fee : $118 / person For one of the more unique venues for weddings in San Francisco, why not sail around the San Francisco Bay! This popular and unique excursion allows you and your guest unique views of San Francisco as well as the ability to sail under the Golden Gate Bridge for some unique photographs. In addition, their food is world class from my own experiences. Cavallo Point (Sausalito) Rental Fee : Contact for pricing Located across the Golden Gate Bridge in Sausalito, no other wedding venues in SF shows off the Golden Gate Bridge as nicely as Cavallo Point. Sitting across a hill overlooking the Bridge and the Bay, choosing this San Francisco wedding venue will treat your guests to one of the most breathtaking views of San Francisco. Hotel Vitale (SF) Packages : $185 – $260 / person Situated along the Embarcadero, Hotel Vitale offers a panoramic view of both the Bay Bridge and the San Francisco Bay. It is one of the few rooftop venues for weddings in San Francisco as well. Being a hotel, they offer all inclusive services for you and your guests. Fort Mason Center (SF) Rental Fee : $1,650 – $11,000 The Fort Mason Center offers several wedding venues in SF but the most popular ones are the General’s Residence, Gallery 308, and the smaller Firehouse, each offering their own unique setting for your wedding day. Best Outdoor Wedding Venues in San Francisco: Love to be surrounded by trees and being outdoors in nature? These are the best wedding venues in SF and beyond with gorgeous views. The Mountain Terrace (Woodside) Rental Fee : $2,500 – $4,500 (ceremony only) With decades-old trees acting as a wedding ceremony backdrop, The Mountain Terrace is the ideal setting for anyone who appreciates natural beauty and basking in the sun and fresh air. With a recently remodeled mega deck, they allow several options for outdoor and indoor receptions, making this one of my favorite wedding venues in SF. Read more about The Mountain Terrace with my walkthrough https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibmrGG9xbac Muir Woods (Mill Valley) Permit Fee : $60 for up to 30 guests This popular elopement destination offers the perfect escape to nature by surrounding you with redwood groves all around. It is centrally located between San Francisco and Napa, allowing your out of town guests options in how they explore northern California. In addition to SF City Hall, this is one of my favorite wedding venues in SF for its simplicity and beauty for elopements and small weddings. Check out my Ultimate Guide to Planning a Wedding in Muir Woods for more details! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHcJNX09nCk Hastings House Garden Weddings (Half Moon Bay) Packages start at : $12,000 If you are looking for a secluded “secret” garden look no further than the Hastings House Garden Weddings for your elopement! This enchanting garden only allows for a small number of guests and is seemingly made just for elopements. You need little to no decor at this wedding venue in Half Moon Bay since the beauty is all around you! Read more about Hastings House Garden Weddings with my walkthrough Shakespeare Garden (SF) Reservation Fee : $506Hourly Rate : $144 (2 hour min)Refundable Deposit : $500 One of the best places to elope in San Francisco, this small garden in Golden Gate Park allows a great setting for an intimate place to say your vows. One of the more affordable and secluded wedding venues in SF, this is also the most popular Golden Gate Park wedding venue for those wanting a more natural background. Check out this Shakespeare Garden Wedding for inspiration! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIF4ytamSm0 Like what you see? Which venues for weddings in San Francisco fit your style? CONTACT ME TO DISCUSS SAN FRANCISCO WEDDING VENUES Old Mill Park (Mill Valley) Rental Fee : $125 – $275 / hourRefundable Deposit : $100 – $1,000 Located in Mill Valley across the Golden Gate Bridge, Old Mill Park is one of the most popular venues for weddings in San Francisco and perfect for those who love nature. They have a separate ampitheater that comes with its own staging and seating, making it a convenient wedding venue in San Francisco for large and small weddings. Check out my Ultimate Planning Guide for an Old Mill Park Wedding SF Botanical Garden Rental Fee : $875 – $10,000 This well manicured Garden in the middle of Golden Gate Park is one of the more forgotten wedding venues in SF since Golden Gate Park is so large. With 55 acres showcasing plants from all over the world, they offer the perfect natural
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Big Sur Elopement Packages
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