Weddings in Nature and Wildlife
CA
Service area
Holds ceremonies and receptions
Elizabeth Graff
COORDINATOR
Typically responds within 24h
Situated in Bakersfield, CA, The Willows at California Living Museum, or The Willows at CALM for short, is a picturesque and pastoral venue that exudes the beauty of nature during weddings and other celebrations of life. Couples looking for a breathtaking backdrop to seamlessly tie their day can find a treasure chest amidst this stellar venue choice.
Situated on the serene banks of the Kern River, The Willows provides breathtaking views of the surrounding foothills, sure to captivate both the couple and their guests. This unique venue, within the setting of a zoo, harmoniously blends the enchantment of wedding celebrations with the sounds of resident wildlife. Guests can enjoy exploring captivating exhibits while sipping cocktails in complete privacy. The venue can host up to 250 guests, all ready to partake in the remarkable experience of the wedding day.
The Willows team understands the uniqueness of every love story and is committed to creating a personalized experience that reflects the couple's style and vision. You can choose from our two wedding packages entitled, The Wildflower and The Essentials. Both packages come with tables/chairs/linens, event staff including security, and set up and tear down services. The dedicated event coordinators work closely with couples to curate the perfect atmosphere, ensuring that every detail, from décor to cuisine, tells the story of their love. Additional offerings include event rentals, exclusive access to the zoo, floral arrangements, security, and a dance floor, depending on your chosen package. The venue invites couples seeking a nature-filled experience amid lush greenery and the gentle rustling of leaves to get in touch with them today.
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Amenities + details
Amenities
Ceremony Area
Dressing Room
Handicap Accessible
Outdoor Event Space
Reception Area
Wireless Internet
Ceremony Types
Civil Union
Commitment Ceremony
Elopement
Interfaith Ceremony
Non-Religious Ceremony
Religious Ceremony
Second Wedding
Vow Renewal Ceremony
Settings
Garden
Museum
Trees
Venue Service Offerings
Food & Catering
Planning
Wedding Design
Rentals & Equipment
Service Staff
Any questions?
Meet the team
Elizabeth Graff
Coordinator
Meet Elizabeth, Volunteer and Community Engagement Facilitator at CALM and one of our exceptional wedding coordinators. As the first-ever bride at the Willows, she knows the ins and outs, ensuring your special day is flawlessly executed. With experience coordinating multiple weddings and events, she values meticulous attention to detail. Her friendly and calming presence instantly puts couples at ease, making the planning process enjoyable. Her infectious passion for wedding planning is bound to inspire and excite you. Meet Elizabeth today and let her help you plan your perfect day.
Reviews
5.0
out of 5.07 reviews
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Review Summary
This AI-generated summary is a snapshot of this vendor's ratings and feedback.
The Willows at CALM is highly praised by reviewers for exceeding expectations as a wedding venue. The coordinators and event planners are described as professional, kind, attentive, and helpful, ensuring every detail is taken care of to create a seamless and beautiful event. Guests rave about the stunning scenery, impeccable organization, and the dedication of the staff in making the wedding day a dream come true. The seamless communication, inclusive packages, and overall exceptional service make The Willows a top recommendation for couples seeking a stress-free and magical wedding experience.Review photos
Showing slide number 1 out of 4
Alysa F
5.0
6/30/2025
We could not have chosen a more perfect wedding venue! From start to finish, the entire team exceeded our expectations in every possible way. The coordinators and event planners we...
re not only professional but also incredibly kind, compassionate, and attentive to every detail.
They went above and beyond to keep in constant communication with us, answering every question and ensuring we felt completely supported throughout the entire planning process. On the day of our wedding, everything ran seamlessly thanks to their dedication and expertise.
Our guests couldn’t stop raving about how beautiful and well-organized everything was. We are so grateful to have celebrated such a special day at this venue—it truly was the wedding of our dreams. If you’re considering this place, don’t hesitate. You will be in the best hands!
Denise G
5.0
5/07/2025
My experience at The Willows exceeded my expectations. Janeyle was my event coordinator, and she was kind, thorough, helpful, and made me feel confident that our special day would ...
run smoothly (and it did). I am so appreciative of the thought and care from this team. Our event was perfect, and we truly enjoyed our wedding day every step of the way.
Any questions?
Abbey P
5.0
4/01/2025
We had an amazing experience at the Willows. We wanted an outdoor wedding with a beautiful scenery and that’s just what we got. The ceremony site offers a lovely view of the mounta...
ins and is very green in the spring time. There are plenty of areas with trees and other greenery to take photos in. Jennifer was an awesome wedding coordinator and made us feel taken care of on our big day. All of the staff at the venue worked really hard to make our dream come true. I highly recommend The willows at CALM!
Sara J
5.0
10/31/2024
I will never be able to write enough good things about The Willows. Amazing views? Check. Amazing coordinator? Check. Getting married at a ZOO? Check. Everything about this place w...
as immaculate for us. The way that Jennifer, the coordinator, made sure everything was absolutely perfect for our day made the stress load of planning a wedding so much easier. Where also can you go and have everything included in your package that you get here for the price? You can't. I will forever recommend this place from the top of my lungs. DO IT.
Justin O
5.0
6/17/2024
My wife and I couldn’t be happier to express the satisfaction and gratefulness this venue provided to us. We were married in May and had the most beautiful wedding reception. My wi...
fe and I reached out to The Willows at CALM two months prior to our wedding date for a reception, not expecting much of an availability due to the short notice. Not only did they have the availability, but both Jennifer and Elizabeth jumped right in with us to help plan our reception with suggestions for multiple vendors. They were more than helpful and were available every step of the way. They made the process simple, fun, and they were personable. I would gladly recommend this venue to anybody looking for a gorgeous venue with expert staffing to help plan your dream wedding without breaking the bank!
Holly M
5.0
4/17/2024
We had such a wonderful experience at The Willows at CALM! From beginning to end everyone was professional, helpful and ensured that we had a beautiful, stress free event. The co...
mmunication was outstanding. The setting was gorgeous. We could not have been happier!
Jeff G
5.0
4/16/2024
From the venue to the staff at the Willows they were amazing. Everyone was so helpful and willing to do what it took to make the day perfect. Jenn and Elizabeth were great listener...
s and worked incredibly hard at making the day so special. Sooo many guests commented on how beautiful the reception area was and how fun it was to have it at The Willows @ CALM.
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The Willows at CALM
Elizabeth Graff
|
Coordinator
Typically responds within 24h
Wedding vendors in Bakersfield
The Willows at CALM
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