The Best Park & Garden Wedding Venues in Santa Cruz, CA

The Best Park & Garden Wedding Venues in Santa Cruz, CA

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9 Wedding Venues in Santa Cruz, CA

Parks, gardens
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The Village, Big Sur 

5.0

Big Sur, CA
  • Up to 150 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $8,160

The Village is located in the heart of Big Sur along scenic highway 1. Perched along the Big Sur river, 1.25 acres of redwood and sycamore dappled grounds accommodate up to 150 guests. The Village encompasses a full-service restaurant, an organic market and bodega, and a collection of sprawling indoor and outdoor event spaces equipped for celebrations of all kinds. At The Village, guests enjoy locally sourced cuisine, sommelier curated wine lists, and craft cocktails sure to excite the spirit. Event spaces include: multiple lush lawn areas, outdoor bar and lounge areas, a fully-equipped restaurant with private dining and main dining rooms, an interior cocktail lounge and bar, an 1800-square foot barn with roll up doors for an open air experience, and an array of unique add-on offerings for your next event in Big Sur.

Why you'll love this venue

  • All-inclusive venue packages
  • Pets can join the celebration
  • Both indoor and outdoor options

Venue considerations

  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • On-site parking not available
  • No on-premises lodging options
The Village, Big Sur was an absolute dream to work with, creating our "Night Before" celebration. I could not be happier with our evening and dinner! The staff was amazing both planning and executing our event which was held on the lawn and in "the barn", a truly gorgeous, serene setting. Attention to detail was evident, personal and thoughtful. The evening began with a "welcome" signature cocktail, champagne, and a beautiful canape' station. Dinner followed with a land and sea inspired menu. Absolute perfection! Thank you Catherine, Chef Tim, and Matt for making our special night unforgettable.
Sally - Sean &., a year ago
Shadowbrook Restaurant 
Capitola, CA
  • Up to 60 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor

We are honored by your interest in Shadowbrook’s facilities and services for something as special as your wedding and reception. For 75-years Shadowbrook has been a favorite setting for exquisite weddings because of its romantic ambiance and magnificent setting on the banks of the Soquel Creek, near the delightful village of Capitola-by-the-Sea. We are proud to have been recognized for being the “Most Romantic Restaurant” in Northern California by the readers of San Francisco Focus and voted as one of the Top 100 Romantic Restaurants in the nation by 5 million members of Open Table. As you learn more about us and what we can provide, I think you will agree that Shadowbrook is the perfect venue to make your wedding day even more memorable. Much more than just a beautiful setting amongst lush grounds and waterfalls, Shadowbrook’s interior has an old-world charm that will put you and your guests at ease.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Has an intimate atmosphere
  • Multiple event spaces
  • Provides a dedicated team on-site

Venue considerations

  • No on-site guest accommodations
  • No free parking
  • No in-house lighting and sound packages available
Aptos Village Park 
Aptos, CA
  • Up to 200 guests
  • Raw space
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $875

Tucked away in the former Aptos Village, this lush, 10-acre park offers a breathtaking outdoor venue. The charming clubhouse and picturesque park is located between the beaches and hills of Aptos, just steps off the highway and minutes from downtown Santa Cruz. The spacious, grassy lawn is a charming location for an outdoor ceremony, and your guests will enjoy the sounds of the babbling brook that lines the park. Tall, green trees frame the lawn and surrounding area, and happy birds tweet a song just for you on your special day under a cloudless blue sky. A sweet gazebo makes your fantasy ceremony come alive, and your guests will enjoy the festivities inside the grand hall. The lovely stone patio will be filled with the people you love enjoying themselves as they celebrate your love while dining and dancing.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Raw space for complete customization
  • Rustic yet refined style
  • Has an energetic and exciting atmosphere

Venue considerations

  • Couple must handle cleanup and setup
  • Large venue, not ideal for small guest lists
  • Dance floor not included
Seascape County Park 
Aptos, CA
  • Up to 150 guests
  • Raw space
  • Outdoor
  • Starts at $150

Stroll through this 6 acre neighborhood park or rest on one of the handsome benches created by artist Mary Fuller, which are carved with images of local wildlife, as you catch the breathtaking view of the Monterey Bay. A picnic area and a wheelchair accessible playground and restrooms are available. Wedding ceremonies are available with a reservation on the bluff overlooking the ocean.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Natural elegance with open spaces
  • Offers full flexibility in setup and decor
  • Has a relaxed and casual vibe

Venue considerations

  • Does not provide event staff
  • No venue-provided food services
  • Does not allow pets
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The Barn at River House 
Ben Lomond, CA
  • Up to 200 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $17,000

Nestled in the Santa Cruz mountains, yet easily accessible, River House is a blend of rustic hideaway and country estate. One of the most beautiful aspects of the property is the wisteria covered arbor that leads the bridal party to the wooden gazebo overlooking San Lorenzo River. 14000 square feet of lawn easily accommodates up to 250 guests. a large aggregate patio serves as the cocktail area. A Redwood grove is available for the ceremony or a small cocktail hour. Flower-lined paths encircle the property. Catering station and bridal cottage included. A 3500 square foot barn has just been completed and is an absolutely stunning addition to the property . The Rustic/Industrial barn is furnished with custom lighting and windmill fans. A 600 Square Foot lounge on the second floors allows for relaxing and viewing of the dance floor. A wrap around cat walk circle the second story. Just added beautiful rustic bathrooms

Why you'll love this venue

  • Both indoor and outdoor options
  • Rustic-chic setting
  • Provides catering services

Venue considerations

  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Does not allow pets
  • On-site parking not available
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The Highlands House 
Ben Lomond, CA
  • Up to 200 guests
  • Raw space
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $975

The Highlands House is an elegant-meets-homey mansion with a private yard nestled in enchanted forests of the Santa Cruz Mountains. The venue features several rooms for dining and dancing, a wet bar, a large kitchen, two changing rooms, an elegant staircase perfect for grand entrances. A brick pathway leads from the house to the lawn. There, you’ll find a ceremony area on one side and on the other, space large enough for guests to dine and play yard games. The lawn is surrounded by trees and hedges, creating intimacy for your upscale backyard party. Tables and chairs are provided. The rest - from décor to caterers - is up to you, which makes the Highlands House an extraordinarily customizable venue. The Highlands House can host up to 200 people in the peak season (April – October) and 100 during the winter season (November – March). This includes your guests, vendors, and anyone else helping you on your big day.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Multiple event spaces
  • Bridal suite on site
  • Wheelchair accessible

Venue considerations

  • Does not have a dance floor
  • Requires outside catering services
  • Does not allow pets
Quail Hollow Ranch 
Felton, CA
  • Up to 120 guests
  • Raw space
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $875

Quail Hollow Ranch is a charming ranch of historical and ecological significance. The ranch was once the home of the Lane family who owned Sunset Magazine from 1929-1991. The park sits on ecologically rare habitats with endemic wild flowers and abundant wildlife. Your reservation includes the exquisite ranch house and spacious lawn which offers scenic views of an orchard and the forested Santa Cruz Mountains. This location is well-suited for outdoor ceremonies and receptions.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Rustic-chic setting
  • Flexible event spaces
  • Private area for the wedding party

Venue considerations

  • Limited cleanup and setup services
  • No built-in audiovisual options
  • Does not provide event staff
Valencia Hall 
Aptos, CA
  • Up to 80 guests
  • Raw space
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $640

Valencia Hall is a popular location for weddings, parties and meetings. The Valencia Hall and historic General Store/Post Office are the last two remnants of Frederick Hihn's logging community of Valencia. Built by Hihn in the early 1880's, these historic buildings allowed the community to gather for a variety of events. Following in this tradition, Santa Cruz County Parks offers this unique facility for your special event.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Flexible event spaces
  • Classic, vintage atmosphere
  • Offers full flexibility in setup and decor

Venue considerations

  • No on-site guest accommodations
  • Does not have a dance floor
  • Does not allow pets

Location flexible? Discover venues near Santa Cruz, CA

About wedding venues in Santa Cruz, CA

How much do wedding venues typically cost in Santa Cruz, CA?

The cost of a wedding venue varies widely by location, number of guests, and many other details of the wedding package. Santa Cruz, CA offers a range of options that can fit most budgets. Raw venue space rentals (which only include the space itself) start at $150 and average $875. All-inclusive packages start at $2,000 and average $8,200.

What types of venues can I find in Santa Cruz, CA?

Santa Cruz offers a wide range of venues, including Park and garden, Barn and ranch and Restaurant and brewery.

What are some of the best wedding and reception venues available in Santa Cruz, CA?

Some of the most popular venues in this area include The Village, Big Sur, Carmel Fields by Wedgewood Weddings and Sand Rock Farm. But just like finding "the one," finding the perfect wedding venue takes time and a little bit of magic. Start by envisioning your dream wedding - the ambiance, style, and location. Then, explore our extensive collection of carefully curated wedding venues. Our marketplace provides detailed information, stunning photos, and real couples' reviews to help you make an informed decision. Trust your instincts, and when you find that venue that gives you butterflies, you'll know it's the one.

What questions should I ask when booking a venue in Santa Cruz, CA?

It all depends on what you're looking for, but you may want to consider things like whether the venue has an on-site bridal suite (35% in Santa Cruz do) or whether the venue provides an event coordinator (25% in Santa Cruz do!).

Additionally, some venues work with certain caterers and require a minimum food and beverage spend in addition to the space rentals. Others might have a recommended list of preferred caterers that they'd like you to work with.

Can the venues in Santa Cruz, CA accommodate both small and large weddings?

Of course! Small wedding venues in Santa Cruz, CA can host intimate parties while large venues can accommodate up to 450. The average venue in Santa Cruz can seat 100 guests.

What amenities do the reception venues in Santa Cruz, CA offer?

The venues in Santa Cruz, CA are known for the exceptional suite of services and amenities offered to couples and their wedding parties. The most common services provided are Wi-Fi, Wheelchair accessible and Bar services. Some venues even offer Transportation!

What types of wedding venues are in Santa Cruz, CA?

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