Wedding Venues in Santa Cruz County

How to Choose a Wedding Venue Location in Santa Cruz County, California

Santa Cruz County in California is a perfect location for a memorable wedding. We’re talking about coastal beauty, redwood forests, and charming small towns here. Due to the high variety of wedding venue options here, finding the right spot might be challenging. Therefore, we’ve prepared this guide to walk you through the crucial factors to analyze when choosing the ideal wedding venue in this unique and picturesque region.

Budget: Santa Cruz is mainly known for a plenitude of mid-range options for wedding celebrations. This is particularly true if you compare venue prices here with those in neighboring Monterey County. For example, venues like The Seymour Marine Discovery Center offer stunning ocean views but are way more affordable than similar venues in Monterey, where the coast usually carries a premium price tag. Sure, there are many high-end options, too. If that’s what you’re looking for, research venues like the Chaminade Resort & Spa, and you’ll be pleased to discover that their luxury and all-inclusive packages are similar to those offered by wedding venues in fancy Napa County.

High/Low Seasons: Most people in Santa Cruz, California, get married in the late spring through early fall. The reason is pretty straightforward – the weather is most stable and the natural surroundings at that time are at their best. If you want to exchange vows during those months in venues like the Hollins House at Pasatiempo or Roaring Camp Railroads in Felton, make sure you book them in advance. Summer weddings are also popular. However, summer usually means coastal fog, especially at beachfront venues like Seascape Resort in Aptos.

Visit in Person: Due to the unique terrain and climate of Santa Cruz County in California, we highly recommend visiting several potential wedding venues in person. Trust us, a redwood grove venue like Nestldown in the Santa Cruz Mountains comes with a magical forest setting that you won’t be able to fully appreciate through photos alone. Paying a visit to venues like the historic Coconut Grove at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is also extremely useful as it can give you a better sense of the venue’s layout and proximity to the beach. It’ll also help you plan the logistical aspects of your wedding like parking for guests and overnight accommodation options nearby.

Guest List: Big or small – Santa Cruz County has options to accommodate events of different sizes. If you’re planning a smaller, more intimate gathering pulsating a cozy and personal atmosphere, research venues such as the Monarch Cove Inn in Capitola or the Sesnon House at Cabrillo. If you’re thinking of a larger celebration with a stunning background and excellent service, consider venues like Chaminade Resort & Spa or Roaring Camp Railroads. In fact, venues in Santa Cruz County are more often selected for smaller events close to nature, which contrasts with those in Santa Clara County, boasting larger urban venues.

Aesthetics: If you’re after captivating coastal cliffs, have a look at venues like Costanoa Lodge. If you’re into enchanting redwood forests, consider places like Deer Park Villa in Fairfax. If you prefer surf culture and beach charm, why don’t you look at what places such as the Dream Inn or the nearby Capitola Venetian Hotel have to offer? In general, let’s just say that wedding locations in Santa Cruz County in California often carry a more relaxed, bohemian atmosphere.

Local Vendors: Santa Cruz County is home to a vibrant community of local vendors. Caterers use ingredients from the region’s rich agricultural lands, while florists are known for their masterpieces from native blooms like California poppies and coastal succulents. Local photographers, especially those based in Santa Cruz or Scotts Valley, are experts at capturing the unique light and landscapes that define the area no matter when and where – let it be the golden hour over the ocean or the dappled sunlight in a redwood grove.

Weather Considerations: Santa Cruz County is known for its microclimates and occasional coastal fog. For example, the summer months are generally warm and dry. Yet, coastal venues in Santa Cruz often seem cooler than expected due to the fog. Bear this in mind if you’re planning a summer wedding in areas like Davenport or Aptos. If you want a warmer and sunnier experience, consider venues further inland, just as those in the Santa Cruz Mountains. However, these areas can get pretty hot in the peak of summer, so consider venues with shade and AC options if you’re planning an outdoor ceremony there.

The Vibe: If we were to generalize, we could say that wedding venues in Santa Cruz County in California often offer a relaxed, bohemian atmosphere that’s hard to find elsewhere. Neighboring counties like Monterey usually feature more traditional, formal venues, so Santa Cruz County is a popular choice among couples seeking a more personalized and unconventional celebration.