my favorite wedding venues

in Santa Cruz


Getting married in Santa Cruz is a dream come true. I've lived here for a long time, and it's a joy to photograph weddings in the same forests where I hike with my family. The stunning coastal views and magical redwood forests provide an incredible backdrop for your special day. Whether you're exchanging vows on a romantic beach with the sound of waves or among towering redwoods, Santa Cruz offers a variety of beautiful settings.

Santa Cruz's mild climate is perfect for outdoor ceremonies, especially in the fall when the weather is at its best. The unique venues here, from historic sites like the Cowell Hay Barn to adventurous spots like Roaring Camp Railroads (shout out to my train-loving neurospicy peeps!) and gems like Waterfall Lodge & Spa, are simply breathtaking. I’ve shot at most of these venues multiple times and never tire of their beauty. I love sharing my local knowledge and helping couples create the perfect Santa Cruz wedding.

Santa Cruz is also an ideal location for your guests, offering the perfect vacation town experience with its charming downtown, scenic beaches, and abundant activities. Plus, it’s conveniently close to Silicon Valley and San Francisco, making it easily accessible for your guests.

Outdoor wedding ceremony setup with white chairs on a wooden deck surrounded by towering redwood trees in a forest.
A romantic wedding moment captured outdoors at sunset with a couple embracing in formal attire.

Amphitheater of the Redwoods

Nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains, this venue provides a serene setting among towering redwoods, ideal for nature lovers seeking a tranquil, forested wedding location​

Take a historic steam train ride into the redwoods to exchange vows in a charming grove. This unique venue is perfect for adventurous couples and train enthusiasts.

Rustic wooden barn with large glass windows silhouetted against golden sunset light and wildflowers in foreground.
A rustic wooden wedding arch adorned with floral decorations stands on a hilltop with mountains and blue sky in the background.

Cowell Ranch Hay Barn

This historic barn offers a rustic charm with its open-air design and scenic views, perfect for a romantic, countryside wedding.

Couple shares romantic moment on wooden deck overlooking scenic waterfall in forest setting.
A rustic wooden barn-style building with timber frame construction and lantern-style exterior lights in a forest setting.

Waterfall Lodge & Spa

Take a historic steam train ride into the redwoods to exchange vows in a charming grove. This unique venue is perfect for adventurous couples and train enthusiasts.

more venues in Santa Cruz

String lights illuminate an outdoor dining table set up under a natural green archway during golden hour.

Sand Rock Farm

This historic farm offers a blend of rustic charm and elegance with its gardens, redwoods, and vintage barn, perfect for an intimate wedding.

Outdoor wedding ceremony takes place in front of rustic wooden fence under golden autumn foliage.

Mt Madonna County Park

Nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains, this venue provides a serene setting among towering redwoods, ideal for nature lovers seeking a tranquil, forested wedding location​

An intimate outdoor garden wedding ceremony takes place surrounded by lush greenery and bright orange flowers.

Fern River Inn

Set in the heart of the redwoods, Fern River offers a peaceful and intimate setting, ideal for couples looking for a nature-inspired wedding venue.

Small wedding ceremony takes place under a lush vine-covered pergola during golden hour at an outdoor venue.

Chaminade Resort & Spa

Overlooking Monterey Bay, Chaminade offers elegant indoor and outdoor spaces with stunning views, making it a versatile choice for a luxurious wedding.

A group gathers outdoors on a patio with tan umbrellas overlooking a scenic golf course and distant hills.

Hollins House

Located at Pasatiempo Golf Club, Hollins House combines historic elegance with stunning views of Monterey Bay, perfect for a sophisticated wedding.

A couple on the beach holding hands and dancing together in black and white photography.

New Brighton State Park

Take a historic steam train ride into the redwoods to exchange vows in a charming grove. This unique venue is perfect for adventurous couples and train enthusiasts.

Seascape Golf Course

Situated in Aptos, Seascape Golf Club offers picturesque views of coastal highlands and beautifully designed interiors, perfect for a stylish and memorable wedding​.

A dressed up couple crosses a small stream in a lush forest setting during what appears to be a wedding photoshoot.

The Forest of Nisine Marks

Situated in Aptos, Seascape Golf Club offers picturesque views of coastal highlands and beautifully designed interiors, perfect for a stylish and memorable wedding​.

Elegant black and white wedding photo of couple holding hands and dancing joyfully in a grassy meadow.

Quail Hollow

Located in the redwoods, this venue features an enchanting waterfall backdrop, providing a serene and fairytale-like setting for your wedding.

June, 20

Osaka, Japan


I quick overview with a detailed checklist on things you need to do to get more international clients and travel for work.

June, 20

Rome, Italy


I quick overview with a detailed checklist on things you need to do to get more international clients and travel for work.

June, 20

Milan, Italy


I quick overview with a detailed checklist on things you need to do to get more international clients and travel for work.

June, 20

Campinas, Brazil


I quick overview with a detailed checklist on things you need to do to get more international clients and travel for work.