Stunning Northern California Wedding Venues
With backdrops of wine country, the coast, or mountains to choose from, Northern California has all the dreamy vibes for a wedding. Even better, the weather in this area is temperate year-round, so you can plan a wedding here in any season! Whether you’re looking to escape the cold and snow in the winter or don’t want to feel sweaty during your summer wedding, I’ve searched and found some incredible northern California wedding venues out there. I broke them down into a few different categories depending on the region or vibe you’re going for: the coast, wine country and the mountains.
If you’re searching for where to get married in northern California, look no further! These are my favorite recommendations north of San Francisco.
*Disclaimer - These venues options are based purely on my research as possible options for your wedding day and are meant to help you jumpstart your own research. I know how overwhelming googling can be! While I have been to the northern coast of California, I have not yet photographed at these venues but would love to do so, with YOU!
Northern California wedding venues: Coast
These venues are all located along the coast of Northern California. Marked by rocky cliffs and waves crashing against towering sea stacks, it’s truly a stunning part of the country. And it’s highly underrated so the crowds aren’t nearly as heavy as in other popular coastal spots like New England or southern California. Think cozy coastal grandmother vibes, but with a moody west coast twist. I truly love this part of the country - so much that I’ve written elopement guides for the Redwoods, Northern California and southern Oregon! If you’re planning an adventurous destination wedding, these are the best northern California wedding venues on the coast.
Image courtesy of Switzer Farm
Switzer Farm
Max Capacity: 99
Perfect for any couple looking for a farmhouse vibe and a more secluded area, Switzer Farm is a beautiful wedding venue that sits on 22 private, oceanfront acres. Located on the Mendocino Coast near the historic village of Westport, this venue is perfect for small to medium sized guest lists. If whale-watching, hiking, beach combing, or stargazing are among your interests, this northern California wedding venue is the perfect vibe for you!
Image courtesy of Deer Park Villa
Deer Park Villa
Max Capacity: Outdoor 350 | Indoor 300
If you want all the fairytale vibes, Deer Park Villa is the wedding venue for you! Northern California is known for its famous redwood trees, and this venue has them in abundance. You’ll feel magical against its backdrops of enchanted forest paradise. And because it can fit 300-350 people depending on the area you choose, this property is great for anyone with a larger guest list. It gives romantic outdoors vibes while still accommodating plenty of guests so you don’t have to sacrifice a thing!
Photo courtesy of Spring Ranch
Spring Ranch
Max Capacity: 200
Spring Ranch is the ideal wedding venue for anyone with a medium to large guest list who is looking for an upscale rustic vibe. It’s an elegant Victorian farmhouse built in the 1850s that offers incredible views of the Pacific Ocean, giant eucalyptus trees, sprawling meadows and secluded beaches. If you’re searching for where to get married in northern California that will give you tons of variety in your wedding photos, this is the spot! It’s also conveniently located to some of the cute coastal towns in the area for you and your guests to explore during your wedding week.
Photo courtesy of Heritage House
Heritage House
Max Capacity: 200
If a stunning backdrop for your wedding photos is on the top of your must-have list, Heritage House is the perfect Northern California wedding venue for you. Its landscape offers pristine cliff sides, endless ocean views, and mountain peaks sprinkled on the horizon. It also happens to be an incredible hotel with a Michelin-starred restaurant. It’s everything you need for a full wedding week experience. Whether you’re looking to host a small elopement or a larger affair, this venue will customize your wedding exactly how you want it.
Photo courtesy of The Inn at Newport Ranch
The Inn at Newport Ranch
Max Capacity: Outdoor 65 | Indoor 49
Offering both outdoor and indoor spots, The Inn at Newport Ranch is a magical venue for anyone having a smaller wedding or elopement. You can say “I Do” directly seaside, or if you opt for an indoor option, the inn’s tall, glass windows ensure that you’ll still have serene coastal views. And, if you’re up for a little adventure, you can enjoy horseback riding among the magical redwoods at this venue!
Photo courtesy of Stanford Inn & Resort
Stanford Inn & Resort
Max Capacity: 50
Stanford Inn & Resort is a great option for smaller destination weddings or elopements in Northern California. You can have your ceremony outdoors on a lawn or beside a magical garden, or, you can choose a more cozy vibe and exchange vows indoors beside a fireplace. Since this venue only hosts up to 50 guests, each wedding is tailor-made and personalized to ensure you have the wedding of your dreams.
Photo courtesy of Skunk Train
Skunk Train
Max Capacity: 225
If you’re up for a unique journey that will make your wedding day unforgettable, Skunk Train is the way to go. You can ride this train into the redwood forest and arrive at a woodland wonderland wedding venue. Skunk Train can accommodate weddings from just two people to 225. Whether you want a small intimate elopement or a large celebration, this is a great spot! There are two ceremony location options: a stunning, oceanfront vista, or a wedding amidst the magical, giant redwoods. Whichever spot you choose to adventure to, I can assure you that Skunk Train will make your wedding an absolute fairytale dream, and your guests will be talking about it for years to come!
Photo courtesy of Cuffey’s Cove Ranch
Cuffey’s Cove Ranch
Max Capacity: 180
Country and coastal vibes collide at Cuffey’s Cove Ranch. If you want coastal vibes mixed with small town, rustic barn aesthetic, this is the perfect wedding venue combo. Yes, it’s an actual historic ranch, which means a cow or two might make an appearance in the background of your wedding photos! If you prefer a waterfront vibe, you can head down to the expanse of Northern California beach adjacent to the ranch’s meadow. This venue does an amazing job mixing historic charm with modern design. It’s the best of both worlds!
Northern California wedding venues: Wine country
Whether you love wine or not, northern California’s wine country is a must-visit. Not only is there an incredible winery around every corner, but the rolling hills of vineyards are absolutely stunning. These wedding venues are the perfect way to mix breathtaking landscapes and delicious wine to create the wedding of your dreams!
Photo courtesy of Charles Krug Winery
Charles Krug Winery
Max Capacity: Outdoor 800 | Indoor 300
Country and coastal vibes collide at Cuffey’s Cove Ranch. If you want coastal vibes mixed with small town, rustic barn aesthetic, this is the perfect wedding venue combo. Yes, it’s an actual historic ranch, which means a cow or two might make an appearance in the background of your wedding photos! If you prefer a waterfront vibe, you can head down to the expanse of Northern California beach adjacent to the ranch’s meadow. This venue does an amazing job mixing historic charm with modern design. It’s the best of both worlds!
Photo courtesy of Trentadue Winery
Trentadue Winery
Max Capacity: 265
At Trentadue Winery, you can immerse yourself in wine country with both indoor and outdoor venue spaces that include being surrounded by grape vines and old-world Italian vibes. The indoor pavilion sports gorgeous french doors that allow you to have clear views of the stunning surrounding mountains, vineyards, and redwoods in Alexander Valley. This place is an absolutely artistic and refined California wedding venue.
Northern California wedding venues: Mountains
Not only does northern California have beaches and wineries, but it also has stunning mountains. Seriously, what can’t you find here?! For the couple looking for more of an adventure, we rounded up where to get married in Northern California if you want to be surrounded by its breathtaking mountains.
Photo courtesy of Chalet View Lodge
Chalet View Lodge
Max Capacity: 250
Chalet View is surrounded by tall trees and offers the perfect spot for a private, unique wedding oasis. Since it’s a resort, you can choose from a variety of spaces as backdrops for your wedding including a brewery, pool, pond, golf course, or lounge. If it’s a destination wedding for you, this is a great option because 150 of your guests have the option to stay overnight on site.
Photo courtesy of Highlands Ranch Resort
Highlands Ranch Resort
Max Capacity: Indoor 40 | Outdoor Any amount
Chalet View is surrounded by tall trees and offers the perfect spot for a private, unique wedding oasis. Since it’s a resort, you can choose from a variety of spaces as backdrops for your wedding including a brewery, pool, pond, golf course, or lounge. If it’s a destination wedding for you, this is a great option because 150 of your guests have the option to stay overnight on site.
Which Northern California wedding venue will you choose?
Whether your preference is a beachfront landscape, lush vineyard, or mountain vibes, Northern California offers a variety of stunning locations with unique venues that will make all of your wedding dreams come true!