Say "I Do" To These Stunning Santa Cruz Wedding Venues

Santa Cruz enchants engaged couples with its natural beauty and unique wedding venues.
Jessica Estrada - The Knot Contributor.
by
Jessica Estrada
Jessica Estrada - The Knot Contributor.
Jessica Estrada
The Knot Contributor
  • Jessica contributes wedding planning, wedding etiquette and relationship content to The Knot.
  • She also covers lifestyle and wellness topics for print and digital publications such Refinery29, Bustle, Well + Good, Cosmopolitan, Byrdie, The Zoe Report, The Cut and more.
  • Jessica has a journalism degree from Cal State University, Northridge and is certified as a life and success coach.
Updated Feb 02, 2024

From the Bay Area to Southern California, it's no secret that the Golden State has some of the most alluring wedding locations. The central California coast, too, has so many beautiful wedding venue options for couples who are ready to tie the knot. Sandwiched between San Francisco and Monterey, Santa Cruz wedding venues, in particular, enchant with their dazzling Pacific Ocean views, picturesque Santa Cruz Mountains and majestic redwood trees. Where Santa Cruz truly shines in terms of wedding venues is in variety. There's a bed and breakfast for couples craving something cozy and intimate, an oceanfront venue where couples can exchange vows with their toes in the sand, and rustic venues surrounded by towering redwood trees. Magic and romance is definitely in the air here.

Not convinced yet? Keep reading to learn more about the best Santa Cruz wedding venues. Then, head over to The Knot Vendor Marketplace to start planning your dream Santa Cruz wedding.

Dream Inn Santa Cruz in Santa Cruz, California

The Dream Inn Santa Cruz is the perfect Santa Cruz wedding venue for couples with their hearts set on a simple, beach-chic wedding. The beachfront hotel offers indoor and outdoor wedding ceremony locations onsite and offsite including a nearby historic cathedral, a grove of redwood trees, an open-air field and right on Cowell Beach. For the reception area, the aptly titled Dream Ballroom has everything you need including floor-to-ceiling windows with dazzling views of the Santa Cruz Wharf and Monterey Bay.

Hilton Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley in Santa Cruz, California

Couples searching for a simple yet beautiful Santa Cruz wedding venue can look to the Hilton Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley. Located at the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, the hotel offers couples two beautiful outdoor wedding ceremony locations as well as a ballroom for the reception that can accommodate up to 200 guests for a plated dinner.

Chaminade Resort & Spa in Santa Cruz, California

With its awe-inspiring vistas of the Monterey Bay and the Santa Cruz Mountains, it's no wonder the Chaminade Resort & Spa has made The Knot's Best of Weddings list in years past. Whether you're a Northern California local or are planning a destination wedding in Santa Cruz, you can say "I do" in a Spanish courtyard with ocean views or on a sunset patio made beautiful by rolling wooded hillsides and vibrant bougainvillea.

The Hollins House in Santa Cruz, California

If majestic views are your goal, this historic Santa Cruz wedding venue is definitely worth checking out. With ample indoor and outdoor event spaces, and room for up to 200 guests, The Hollins House has so much to offer—and the food wins raves, too. Says one recent bride: "I cannot stress enough, just how amazing the Hollins House was to work with. From the moment we booked our first tour to the moment our wedding ended, the Hollins House took incredible care of us."

Find your kind of venue

From barns to ballrooms, discover reception venues that feel like you.

Seymour Marine Discovery Center in Santa Cruz, California

For couples who love the water, there may be no better Santa Cruz wedding venue than the Seymour Marine Discovery Center. You'll get gorgeous views of Monterey Bay and aquarium access, plus room for up to 150 of your nearest and dearest. You can also bring your own vendors and customize the space to fit your wedding theme and style. Plus, your rental fee supports the Center's education programs and ocean conservation—such a win-win!

Bargetto Winery in Soquel, California

The Bargetto Winery has been a Santa Cruz wedding venue favorite since 1933. It's situated near the Pacific Ocean and downtown Soquel, making it a great Santa Cruz wedding venue for friends and family who are traveling in from out of town. The venue itself is rustic and charming, and the historic wine cellar, in particular, serves as a unique space to shoot your wedding photos.

Roaring Camp Railroads in Felton, California

For couples looking for a Santa Cruz wedding venue that's immersed in the region's natural beauty, look no further than Roaring Camp Railroads. There are three distinct ceremony locations including a rustic barn adorned with twinkle lights. Or, couples and their guests can take a train into the forest and exchange vows encircled by towering redwoods. Talk about dream wedding.

Toll House Hotel in Los Gatos, California

The Toll House Hotel is a small, sweet hotel that sets the scene for a memorable celebration thanks to its indoor and outdoor wedding event spaces—think romantic courtyard with a waterfall and a luxe ballroom. Wedding packages include all the essentials including food, chairs and linens, a cocktail reception, a champagne toast and more. Couples can also host their rehearsal dinner and post-wedding brunch here too. No matter what option you and your fiance choose at this Santa Cruz wedding venue, you'll be treated to accommodations in the plush honeymoon suite complete with an in-room fireplace.

Nestldown in Los Gatos, California

With its lush greenery, majestic Redwood trees and fairy tale-like vibes, there's only one word to describe Nestldown and that word is magic, making it a fitting scenery for a wedding. Set on 36 acres of California redwoods, this Santa Cruz wedding venue can host celebrations big and small. Wedding packages here include unique details that will make your wedding all the more special including a 20-passenger train, a vintage London taxi, a life-size chess set, bocce ball courts and more. Couples wanting an elopement are also welcome.

Felton Guild Redwood Cathedral in Felton, California

Nothing says everlasting romance like an outdoor redwood cathedral and that's precisely what Felton Guild Redwood Cathedral is and more. Settled in the picturesque Santa Cruz Mountains, this wedding venue stars a redwood stage where couples can commit to each other in front of their closest friends and family. For the reception, there's a sprawling lawn nearby set with a dance floor and tables made out of—you guessed it—redwood.

Chapel on the Hill in Los Gatos, California

Situated 30 minutes away from downtown San Jose, Chapel on the Hill is a striking wood chapel snuggled within a redwood forest. For the wedding reception, couples can use the garden area to drink and dance the night away under the stars. Note that this Santa Cruz wedding venue only provides the venue rental so you'll need a wedding planner and other vendors for all the other details.

Sand Rock Farm in Aptos, California

Just a short drive from Carmel and Monterey Bay, Sand Rock Farm sits on 10 sprawling acres. The former winery turned bed and breakfast is complete with restored antique furnishings and fixtures. What's special about this venue is that you can rent it out for the day or the weekend as your wedding ceremony venue and it can also serve as lodging for your guests all in one beautiful place.

Kennolyn- Hilltop Hacienda Estate in Soquel, California

One look at photos of weddings hosted at Kennolyn Hilltop Hacienda Estate and it's easy to see why couples say "I do" to this venue and why it's landed on The Knot's Best of Weddings list. Two ceremony locations are available: a luxe lawn with ocean views, and for more intimate celebrations, a redwood grove. The setting itself is as picturesque as they come awash in greenery and sprinkled with unique accents such as Spanish-style architecture, fountains and terraces overlooking the Pacific Ocean. We also love that this Santa Cruz wedding venue offers all-inclusive wedding packages making planning so much easier.

The Sanctuary Beach Resort - Monterey Bay in Marina, California

If you're looking for a wedding venue just outside of Santa Cruz, look to The Sanctuary Beach Resort - Monterey Bay located in neighboring Monterey Bay. This beachfront property set on 19 acres can host weddings of all sizes including elopements that range in style from glam affairs to casual beach weddings. For guests traveling in, the resort's chic cottage rooms are available to be booked as room blocks.

CordeValle in San Martin, California

CordeValle, situated at the Santa Cruz Mountains' foothills, has multiple wedding venues that will make your jaw drop. The Rose Garden, for example, is surrounded by hillsides and scented by the rose's lovely fragrance. There's also the Oak Terrace which stuns with a verdant lawn, a pergola-shaded patio and golf course views. Don't miss CordeValle's spa packages too for some pre and post-wedding pampering.

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