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Updated Dec 06, 2023The Top 13 Forest Wedding Venues in the U.S.
Surround yourself with natural beauty as you exchange vows in a breathtaking setting that's sure to wow your guests.
There's something about being out in the forest that evokes feelings of relaxation and contentment. From the surplus of fresh air to the scent of pine trees and the soothing sounds of a babbling brook, there's no shortage of natural beauty. A location with such swoon-worthy sights makes it a natural fit for a wedding venue. Whether you're looking to throw a grand, whimsical event with the beauty of nature as your backdrop or seeking something down-to-earth and low-key, the choice is yours. With the built-in aesthetic, a forest wedding venue requires little effort to get it wedding ready. Below you'll find a list of ceremony sites all over the country, and head over to The Knot Marketplace for even more.
Salish Lodge & Spa in Snoqualmie, Washington
Imagine tying the knot in an outdoor ceremony with the soothing sounds of nature surrounding you. Your fantasy becomes reality when you pick a wedding venue overlooking the Snoqualmie Falls just east of Seattle. Choose from various event spaces for your wedding ceremony and reception. The centennial green offers stunning views of the Snoqualmie Valley while the Cliffside Room boasts a balcony overlooking the falls, ideal for a more intimate wedding. Breathtaking mountain views that are accessible all across the Salish Lodge & Spa and locally-sourced Pacific Northwest cuisine will really give your guests something to write home about.
Hawk Lake Venue in Carlton, Oregon
Tranquility and serenity is the name of the game at this family-owned forest wedding venue. You'll be surrounded by thick woodlands giving you and your guests the ultimate private setting to celebrate your big day. Towering cedar and fir trees are in abundance at this outdoor wedding venue and lush greenery, a gazebo, waterfalls and a lake are just a few of the natural backdrops your wedding photographer has to choose from. Build your own wedding reception space from scratch on top of the cement surface, have your dance floor right next to a lovely creek, and get ready for the big day in the three-bedroom bridal suite. Hawk Lake Venue's all-inclusive set of services allow you to have a stress-free wedding day.
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Roxbury Barn and Estate in Roxbury, New York
On 42 acres of pristine land is a gorgeous private estate where you can celebrate your special day. An 1850s-style carriage barn serves as the perfect reception venue. From a picturesque pine grove, extensive gardens, and a lily pond, there are plenty of outdoor spaces to consider for your wedding ceremony. Complete with farm-to-table catering, event coordination and full-bar service, the hands-on approach gives you and your partner a high-quality and relaxing experience. Whether you choose to invite 80 guests or 140, the Roxbury Barn and Estate will bring your wedding to life.
Burlap and Bells in Black River Falls, Wisconsin
Watch all of your whimsical wedding dreams come true at this forest wedding venue. Choose between three jaw-dropping ceremony spaces. There's the Vine Chapel with hops vines on the church frames and benches that seat an intimate 75 guests. If you want panoramic views of the countryside, the cliff top complete with a wrought-iron arch is the epitome of breathtaking natural beauty. Lastly, exchange vows surrounded by soaring Norway pines in the venue's tree grove which creates a magical ambience. Enjoy cocktail hour nestled in the woods with overhead bistro lighting and celebrate your love with a reception in the covered pavilion boasting hanging white curtains and sliding barn doors. Consider Burlap and Bells for your fairytale forest wedding.
Waterfall Lodge in Ben Lomond, California
Surrounded by a redwood grove, this forest wedding venue nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains is the definition of rustic beauty. Breath in the fresh mountain air surrounded by the iconic towering trees. The barn, which is a perfect reception space, is made of reclaimed wood from a 19th-century farm building. Guests can make it a weekend getaway by staying in one of the 33 1970s A-frame cabins that are situated throughout the property. The Waterfall Lodge also comes with an on-site wedding coordinator making your big day completely stress-free, so you can enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Piney River Ranch in Vail, Colorado
It's not surprising that this ranch is considered one of Colorado's prime wedding destinations. It sits below the Gore Range and boasts epic views of the beautiful mountain vistas that serve as a dramatic and breathtaking backdrop for an outdoor wedding ceremony. This private, 40-acre Rocky Mountain retreat is a nature lover's dream, surrounded by thousands of acres of wilderness within the White River National Forest. Having a small wedding or elopement? Everyone can stay on site, as the ranch is complete with four guest cabins, a lakeside yurt, three glamping tents and an on-site restaurant and bar. Make it a weekend getaway and become one with nature as you celebrate your special day at Piney River Ranch.
Woodend Sanctuary & Mansion in Chevy Chase, Maryland
If you're looking for the perfect balance of historic charm and rustic elegance, look no further. This 1920s mansion and non-profit sits within a 40-acre nature sanctuary just a few miles from downtown DC. Have your wedding ceremony outside in the tree-lined Hemlock Grove or in the tented terrace. The mansion boasts gorgeous wood floors, perfect for cocktail hour or the dance floor if you prefer to move indoors for part of the reception. The elegant Woodend Sanctuary and Mansion can accommodate up to 170 guests depending on the time of year and is perfect for the couple that's passionate about nature and wildlife preservation.
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Cooper Spur Mountain Resort in Mt. Hood, Oregon
You can't get more outdoorsy than getting hitched in a national forest. This cozy and rustic resort is located into 775 acres in the Mt. Hood National Forest. Surrounded by mountain views, expansive meadows, pristine waters and evergreen trees, your wedding location will be a nature lover's dream. Rent the entire property for the weekend and turn this resort into a playground for you and your guests. From the rustic mountain lodge and log cabins to hiking, stargazing and a plethora of other activities--turn your special day into a special weekend with your closest family and friends. Cooper Spur Mountain Resort is the perfect retreat for your wedding weekend and their exceptional and attentive staff is ready to make your big day a memorable one.
Timberlake Earth Sanctuary in Whitsett, North Carolina
Become one with nature as you join your two lives together on a 165-acre nature preserve encircled by Lake Makintosh and filled with wildflower meadows, pine and hardwood forests cedar glades, ponds and creeks galore. This sanctuary's mission is to "heal the human-earth-divine relationship" guaranteeing it to be a serene, peaceful and relaxing place to say "I do". Choose between three ceremony sites, the first being the magical and earthy woodlands surrounded by majestic pines, the second is a partially tree-shaded orchard, or for something more intimate, there's the colorful Gaia's Garden. You'll get exclusive access to the Timberlake Earth Sanctuary for two full days and have access to the tented court adorned with string lights for your reception.
Migis Lodge in South Casco, Maine
Exchange vows with pristine lake and mountain views as your backdrop. Nestled in 125 acres of pine forest along Sebago Lake, this family-owned secluded wedding venue was built in 1916 and is the epitome of rustic tranquility. Complete with a lodge, 35 cottages, and a 1947 Chris Craft boat to make a memorable entrance, this is the ultimate place to say "I do" if you love the outdoors. At this lakeside venue you can enjoy activities such as kayaking, sailing, visiting the private island or getting a massage at the wellness center. Doesn't that sound like an outdoor lover's dream? If that's you, you need to consider Migis Lodge for your special day!
Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite in Fish Camp, California
National park aficionados can stop their wedding venue hunt right now. This resort is situated on 48 acres of natural beauty amongst the majestic Sierra Nevada. Located just two miles from Yosemite National Park, you won't want to miss the Mariposa Grove filled with 500 sequoia trees or the breathtaking waterfall, Bridalveil Fall. At the resort you'll have options for your ceremony and reception. The Grand Ballroom is the largest event space and boasts tall picture windows so guests don't miss out of the beauty of the outdoors. If you want to keep things outside the Pavilion and Terrace offer views of the Sierra National Forest and a fire pit. The Tenaya Lodge offers 302 guest rooms, suites and cottages to accommodate all of your guests so everyone can stay on-site for the weekend.
The Springs in Magnolia, Texas
This rustic and elegant venue features beautiful, manicured lawns, towering trees and two main event spaces for couples to choose from. Both event spaces feature a wooden pavilion that couples can design and customize to their liking with greenery or florals. Host your cocktail on the pristine lawn and use the natural surrounding beauty as the backdrop for your wedding photos. Move inside for your reception at one of two venues. The first, Stonebridge Hall, is surrounded by Magnolia trees and drenched in sunlight through the windows. The second evokes a more rustic vibe, Pinehaven Hall, a ranch-style structure with oak hardwood floors that also offers a covered porch. The Springs will offer a list of recommended vendors and provide clean-up services for your special day.
Kuaola Ranch & Private Nature Preserve in Kaneohe, Hawaii
Tropical meets enchanted forest on this 4,000 acre nature reserve 22 miles outside of Waikiki—a perfect forest wedding venue for a destination wedding. The property is family-owned and operated and they're committed to preserving the beauty of the private venue. It's also been the set of over 170+ movies and TV shows including Jurassic Park, Lost, and 50 First Dates. There are multiple breathtaking ceremony and reception locations to choose from on the property. The Secret Island Beach offers a secluded and private area to exchange vows and the Ranch House Terrace fits 250 guests and features an enclosed pavilion. The Paliku Gardens, which boast an open-air pavilion and fit up to 250 guests, are situated at the base of a mountain and has had celebrity visitors such as Michelle Obama and the Dalai Lama. Lastly, the Moli'i Gardens is a two-tiered venue on the edge of an 800-year-old Hawaiian fish pond. Kuaola Ranch & Private Nature Preserve is the perfect blend of tropical beach and rustic forest.
