With its seemingly endless shoreline overlooking the glittering waters of Monterey Bay, lush redwood forests whose natural beauty evokes a magical feeling, and an ample assortment of iconic and historic locales that make for a truly distinctive celebration, Santa Cruz County is a dream wedding destination for many couples ready to say “I do.” From sweeping coastal bluffs to woodland hideaways and character-rich estates, the area offers a remarkable variety of settings that feel both unforgettable and deeply personal. Situated among some of the region’s most spectacular landscapes, these venues and outdoor locales are the top spots to tie the knot!
Felton
Quail Hollow Ranch County Park
A cherished local treasure, Quail Hollow Ranch County Park blends historical significance with distinctive natural beauty. Once owned by the founders of Sunset Magazine, this former ranch now serves as a scenic county park and an open canvas for couples dreaming of a personalized, do-it-yourself celebration. Surrounded by rolling hills, protected preserves, and woodland paths in the Santa Cruz Mountains, the setting feels peaceful and wonderfully secluded. Ceremonies often take place beneath a sprawling live oak tree, where soft light filters through the leaves, while the charming farmhouse, horse stalls, and trails offer endless opportunities for stunning portraits. Each of its habitats, from the stunning sandhills to the tranquil pond framed by an ancient red willow tree, make striking backdrops for your wedding portraits. With space for up to 100 guests, couples can host a picnic-style reception on the lawn, dance the night away on the brick patio, and bring in their own vendors to create a laid-back, rustic celebration that feels uniquely their own.
Fern River Resort
Tucked beneath towering redwoods in the heart of Felton, Fern River Resort feels like a nostalgic summer camp experience that has been reimagined for weddings. This family-owned property features 15 charming cabins and a warm, relaxed atmosphere that invites guests to truly unplug and settle in. With space for up to 150 guests, the resort offers an intimate yet celebratory setting that feels cozy, comfortable, and joyfully communal. Ceremonies and receptions are held in a sun-dappled meadow lined with flowers and shaded by redwoods, where a hand-built redwood gazebo makes a perfect ceremony backdrop before gathering around rustic redwood banquet tables beneath the trees for a cocktail hour and reception. Couples can sneak away for a personal moment and portraits on the resort’s private riverside beach on the San Lorenzo River. With the option to rent the entire property for exclusive use, Fern River Resort offers a secluded, all-yours woodland setting that’s equal parts romantic and relaxed.
Roaring Camp Railroads
For couples seeking a wedding experience that’s truly one of a kind, Roaring Camp Railroads delivers unforgettable charm and a touch of adventure. Begin the celebration by boarding a century-old steam train for an open-air journey through old-growth redwood forest, arriving at the breathtaking Big Trees Cathedral, an awe-inspiring ceremony site surrounded by towering giants. Head back to the depot to continue the celebration in a setting that evokes the feel of being in an 1800s mining town, just steps from Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. Receptions are held in the spacious Bret Harte Hall barn, where rustic details abound, from picnic-style seating beneath twinkling string lights to a vintage horse-trailer bar complete with beer taps and bartender, plus wagon-wheel dessert displays. With room for up to 500 guests, Roaring Camp offers a dynamic and whimsical setting perfect for couples who want their wedding day to feel like a joyful journey through history and nature.
Ben Lomond
Waterfall Lodge & Retreat
Tucked away within an 80-acre redwood forest in Ben Lomond, Waterfall Lodge & Retreat offers an immersive wedding escape where fairytale magic meets the nostalgic spirit of a woodland summer camp. Crafted from 19th-century reclaimed barn wood, the lodge blends old-world charm with modern comforts, creating a refined yet welcoming retreat-style atmosphere. The venue accommodates up to 150 wedding guests, with overnight lodging for up to 96, making it ideal for multi-day celebrations surrounded by nature. Ceremonies and receptions can be held outdoors within the towering redwood grove, at the spectacular 1,000-Year-Old Mother Tree, or indoors within the lodge, where ambient light gently streams through leaded glass windows. Cocktail hour often unfolds around the fire pit patio, while receptions take place on a stunning travertine stone terrace illuminated by sparkling market lights. A-frame cabins and spacious cottages dot the property, and winding nature trails invite guests to explore long after the vows are exchanged. With a bring-your-own-vendor approach and countless scenic nooks for portraits, Waterfall Lodge & Retreat offers a delightful balance of flexibility, romance, and unforgettable forest magic.
Highlands County Park
Formerly a private English-style estate retreat, Highlands County Park has evolved into a beloved local park and gathering place set across 43 beautifully manicured acres. The expansive lawn, framed by oaks, pines, and redwoods, sets the stage for garden-party-inspired celebrations, with a brick aisle leading directly to a charming white gazebo that feels effortlessly romantic. The historic Highlands House mansion, built in the 1940s, offers generous indoor space for getting ready and a grand hardwood-floored room that overlooks the gardens and is ideal for dancing the night away. The sunlit Garden Room is a favorite spot for showcasing the wedding cake, while outside, guests can wander manicured lawns, admire historic structures, and take in glimpses of the beach as they peer beyond the trees. With capacity for up to 200 guests during peak season (100 in the off-season), Highlands County Park is a timeless choice for couples drawn to classic elegance, lush grounds, and a setting that feels stately while remaining welcoming.
Santa Cruz
Seymour Marine Discovery Center
Situated atop a secluded bluff with sweeping views of the Santa Cruz coastline, the Seymour Marine Discovery Center offers a wedding experience unlike any other. This award-winning venue is a 100-acre marine science center by day, so you can host your “happily ever after” moment among the exhibits and in a stunning natural setting. Outside, the rhythmic sounds of the surf provide a breathtaking natural soundtrack while rustic, wood-planked buildings highlight the surrounding coastal prairie and wetlands. Ceremonies on the Shipwreck Deck immerse guests in the landscape, while cocktail hour plays out among interactive exhibits inside the Center’s halls. Receptions in the Los Feliz Room feature soaring, open-beamed ceilings, wood-framed windows, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow onto an adjacent patio overlooking the sea. With space for up to 140 guests, flexible vendor options, and eco-friendly facilities, every celebration here directly supports ocean conservation and marine education, making this a meaningful choice for couples who want their wedding to give back while delighting in the natural beauty.
Cowell Ranch Hay Barn
Begin your next chapter in a place rich with history – the Cowell Ranch Hay Barn, set on a hillside at the base of the UCSC Farm, blends its rustic character with modern comfort in a truly scenic campus setting. Originally built in the 1860s and thoughtfully renovated in 2015, the barn retains its original heavy timber beams while offering contemporary amenities, like radiant floor heating and expansive sliding doors that allow the coastal breeze to blow through. Ceremonies are beautifully brought to fruition inside the barn, at the nearby organic farm, or on a hilltop overlooking the bay and the Santa Lucia Mountain Range. The barn opens up to views of Monterey Bay and rolling redwood-covered hills, making it a spectacular place to hold receptions and dance the night away. With room for up to 150 guests and the freedom to bring in outside caterers and vendors, Cowell Hay Barn is ideal for couples seeking a warm, architectural space that reflects both their personal vision and Santa Cruz’s natural beauty.
The Grove: Santa Cruz Event Center
There are few places more iconic to Santa Cruz than the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, and for couples hoping to weave this historic landmark into their wedding day, The Grove offers a vibrant oceanfront setting. Perched along the sandy shoreline of Main Beach, this celebrated venue features sweeping views of Monterey Bay and a variety of flexible indoor and outdoor spaces suited to celebrations of all sizes. From relaxed ceremonies on the Aloha Terrace to elegant receptions in the glass-roofed Sun Room or the Bay View Room, where the ocean remains ever-present, each space captures the spirit of the coast. A disco-ball-adorned ballroom sets the scene for dancing, while multiple catering and bar options allow couples to tailor the experience to their tastes. Available from September through April and accommodating between 100 to 450 guests, The Grove delivers endless possibilities for unforgettable, joy-filled celebrations by the sea.
Lighthouse Field State Beach
Overlooking Steamer Lane and the sparkling expanse of Monterey Bay, Lighthouse Field State Beach offers one of Santa Cruz’s most iconic outdoor wedding settings. Anchored by the red-brick Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse, this open-air coastal terrain is softened by Monterey cypress and towering eucalyptus trees, where light filters beautifully during golden hour and wildflowers dot the meadows in season. Despite its central West Cliff Drive location, the park feels like a tranquil oasis, with monarch butterflies clustering in the treetops during winter months and surfers carving waves just beyond the cliffs. It’s an effortlessly scenic choice for couples drawn to simplicity, dynamic natural beauty, and unmistakable Santa Cruz character.
Pasatiempo: The Hollins House
Set within the storied grounds of Pasatiempo Golf Course, Hollins House brings timeless elegance to the Santa Cruz wedding scene. Built in 1931, this Golden Era home feels intimate yet awe-inspiring, with sweeping views across Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay. Ceremonies take place in the quaint garden gazebo framed by ancient oak trees, where the Pacific Ocean provides a breathtaking natural backdrop and twinkling string lights add evening romance. With on-site venue coordination to keep the day running smoothly and a culinary team that tailors menus to your tastes, cultural traditions, and dietary needs, Hollins House is a refined choice for couples seeking classic charm, thoughtful hospitality, and unforgettable coastal views.
MAH: Museum of Art & History
In the heart of downtown Santa Cruz, the Museum of Art & History (MAH) offers a bold, creative backdrop for art-forward celebrations. With capacity for up to 150 guests, couples can choose from a variety of distinctive spaces, from the light-filled Atrium with floor-to-ceiling windows to the intimate rooftop Sculpture Garden or the ivy-laced Kincentricity Garden, which can be paired with the indoor Garden Room. Exhibits change regularly, ensuring that no two weddings here are ever the same, and full buyouts of the three-story museum allow guests to wander freely throughout the evening. Just downstairs, Abbott Square Market adds to the lively atmosphere, making the MAH an ideal venue for couples seeking an elegant and energetic celebration infused with color, culture, and creativity.
Soquel
Kennolyn
Tucked into the redwoods in the hills above the quaint town of Soquel, Kennolyn offers a wedding experience that feels equal parts nature retreat and expertly orchestrated celebration. Open meadows, towering trees, and panoramic hilltop views set the scene, while a dedicated professional wedding coordinator is on scene to support couples throughout the planning journey and to ensure the day, from rehearsal to reception, flows seamlessly. For larger celebrations, the single-day event option is a Spanish-style Hacienda that accommodates up to 300 guests, featuring a sun-dappled ceremony space, dining with views stretching toward Monterey Bay, and a string-lit dance floor beneath the stars: an effortlessly magical way to end the evening. More intimate gatherings of up to 150 guests can become a wedding weekend retreat, with guests staying on-site in cozy cabins and enjoying everything from hiking trails and lawn games to campfires and late-night s’mores. Whether you’re envisioning a single-day celebration or an all-out, summer-camp-style wedding weekend, Kennolyn provides a welcoming backdrop designed for connection, joy, and unforgettable moments.
Capitola
Monarch Cove Inn
Perched atop the bluffs of Capitola Village’s historic Depot Hill, Monarch Cove Inn offers an intimate and secluded setting overlooking Monterey Bay. This charming Victorian-style bed-and-breakfast is surrounded by lush gardens woven throughout its 2.5-acre property, creating a tranquil atmosphere infused with whimsy and romance. During winter months, monarch butterflies make their seasonal home here, adding a magical natural touch to celebrations. Guests gather on the veranda for cocktails and receptions, while antique-furnished guestrooms and cottages provide a cozy retreat just steps away. With breathtaking views and a peaceful, tucked-away feel, Monarch Cove Inn is perfect for couples seeking an elegant yet deeply personal coastal celebration.
Aptos
Sand Rock Farm
Nestled within the rolling Aptos Hills, Sand Rock Farm is a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. This bed-and-breakfast-meets-wedding-venue whisks guests away to a secluded, ethereal setting where every celebration feels straight out of a fairy tale. Redwood-lined trails meander throughout the expansive property, revealing enchantingly lush grounds and intimate nooks tucked around every corner. Ideal for weddings of up to 120 guests, the venue offers a curated list of trusted vendors who know the space well, providing thoughtful support and peace of mind throughout the planning process. Couples can prepare for the day in the charming Craftsman-style farmhouse, built in the 1800s, where beautifully decorated interiors create a timeless backdrop for getting-ready moments. The property features a variety of settings for ceremonies and receptions, including a redwood grove and historic barn, but the Barrel Room remains a standout for its unique atmosphere. Enter through an ivy-laden archway into the open-air courtyard, where concrete walls are draped with greenery, and string lights add a romantic glow. As the festivities wind down, up to 18 guests can stay overnight in the farmhouse, with each room featuring a full bathroom and jacuzzi tub for ultimate relaxation. On this intimate property, meaningful moments come together naturally, encouraging couples and guests to savor each second.
Sparrow Valley Retreat
Resting atop a ridge tucked deep within twelve acres of redwood forest, Sparrow Valley Retreat is a secluded haven that feels worlds away while remaining conveniently close to town. The gentle babble of Valencia Creek and the surrounding canopy of towering redwoods create an enchanting, retreat-style atmosphere perfect for intimate celebrations rooted in nature. Ceremonies take place in the Redwood Cathedral, where a spacious wraparound deck is center-stage within a fairy-ring beneath the trees. As evening falls, guests gather for cocktails at the handcrafted redwood bar before settling in around a striking 52-foot, family-style table for dinner beneath a tapestry of stars. With bespoke cabins, an on-site sauna and soaking area, and a distinctly rustic charm, Sparrow Valley Retreat offers a deeply personal wedding experience designed for connection, relaxation, and lingering moments.
Sesnon House at Cabrillo College
Situated within the Cabrillo College campus in Aptos, Sesnon House is an elegant historic mansion surrounded by lush gardens and alluring coastal beauty. The home’s distinctive architecture blends Moorish, Mission, and American influences, described by its architect as distinctly “Californian,” with ocean views that stretch beyond the manicured grounds. Couples can host ceremonies on the covered terrace, with the mansion as a stately backdrop, or beneath two graceful palm trees that naturally frame a picturesque garden setting. With exclusive use of the entire property, the venue accommodates up to 130 guests indoors or 230 outdoors, offering flexibility for celebrations both intimate and expansive. On-site food and beverage services provided by Cabrillo College’s Culinary Arts and Hospitality Department add a thoughtful finishing touch to this refined and timeless venue.
Watsonville
The Hilltop
Resting high above the coastline, The Hilltop feels like a love letter to Santa Cruz County’s natural beauty. This family-owned property offers sweeping 360-degree views of Monterey Bay, the Santa Cruz Mountains, and softly rolling valleys, creating a setting that feels expansive while also deeply personal. Couples can opt to say “I do” under a stately magnolia tree with views of the garden and mountains beyond, on a lush half-acre poolside lawn with panoramic views of Monterey Bay and the Santa Cruz Mountains, or for more intimate gatherings, exchange vows while the sun dips beneath the horizon and set the skies ablaze with color from the west-facing firepit, a favorite for golden hour ceremonies. With exclusive use of the property and space for up to 150 guests, The Hilltop offers a serene, private setting where the surrounding landscape elevates every moment of the celebration.
Flora Vista Inn
For those dreaming of a garden-forward celebration with room to fully customize the experience, Flora Vista Inn delivers a quintessentially Californian wedding backdrop. This family-owned 1.3-acre knolltop outdoor venue is situated amid Watsonville’s rolling hills, strawberry fields, and seasonal blooms, with wide blue skies stretching overhead. Dedicated event managers work closely with couples, pairing them with preferred vendors to bring their vision to life, whether that means an elegant affair for up to 300 guests or a more laid-back celebration rooted in nature. The property also features a charming Lincoln-replica home built in 1871, offering six cozy guest rooms, each with a gas fireplace, as well as thoughtful touches like homemade breakfasts and deep two-person jacuzzi tubs for post-wedding relaxation. The historic home, pristine clay tennis courts, and seemingly endless beach just steps away provide a dreamlike setting for unforgettable wedding photos. It’s a place where meaningful moments unfold slowly, inviting couples and guests alike to be in the moment and savor the experience.
Davenport
Castle House & Garden
Built in 1938, Castle House & Garden is an enchanting estate that blends Mission-style architecture and Mediterranean influence, set amid 12 acres of meticulously curated gardens in Davenport. Pathways weave through the gardens, leading past fountains, flowers, and reflection pools, while a year-round creek and cascading waterfalls enhance the property’s serene, storybook ambiance. Intimate weddings of up to 60 guests come together in the whimsical brick courtyard, where couples dine and dance beneath the stars, surrounded by lush greenery, glowing fireplaces, and the soft flicker of candlelight reflected in the outdoor swimming pool. Inside, the home’s old-world plaster walls, oak floors, and intricate iron details evoke timeless elegance. Ideal for smaller celebrations, Castle House & Garden is a truly captivating setting for couples seeking romance, privacy, and garden-filled charm.
From the majestic redwoods of the Santa Cruz Mountains to the sandy shores of Monterey Bay, and everywhere in between, Santa Cruz County offers a wealth of unforgettable places to begin your happily ever after. Here, the region’s top spots to tie the knot span settings that range from serene and intimate to grand and iconic, creating celebrations as memorable as the love they honor. Whatever your dream wedding looks like, Santa Cruz County has the perfect venue or outdoor locale to bring your vision to life!