Wedding planning is a beautiful journey filled with a myriad of decisions. Among them, picking the perfect stunning wedding venue is paramount. If you're captivated by the allure of nature, forest wedding venues offer a magical setting. Imagine saying "I do," surrounded by towering trees, rustling leaves, and the serene sounds of the wilderness.
In this article, I will go over some of the best forest wedding venues across various states, providing a comprehensive guide to help you find your perfect forest wedding venue.
Also, if you would like for me to be your wedding day photographer, feel free to contact me, RayCee the Artist, at raycee@rayceeartist.com to learn more about the wedding packages that I offer!
Why Choose Forest Wedding Venues?
There are multiple reasons why couples are increasingly opting for an outdoor wedding venue such as a forest wedding venue. The idea of exchanging vows in the heart of nature, under a sprawling tree canopy, is undeniably romantic.
Imagine the soft sunlight filtering through the leaves, casting a beautiful glow on your ceremony. Forest weddings can provide a spectacular backdrop with minimal need for additional decorations, making it a cost-effective option for your wedding day as well.
Natural Beauty
Forest wedding venues are a treasure trove of natural beauty. With towering pine trees, lush greenery, and often a water feature like a pond or stream, these places offer a tranquil and breathtaking setting.
Privacy
Another advantage of forest venues is the privacy they offer. Many such venues and ceremony sites are located in secluded areas, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. This ensures a more intimate wedding and personal experience for both you and your guests/wedding party.
Versatility
Forest venues often offer a range of indoor and outdoor spaces for your ceremony, reception, and cocktail hour. Whether you want to say 'I do' under the open sky or prefer a more sheltered setting, there's a good chance you'll find it in a forest venue.
Key Factors to Consider
While forest wedding venues are undoubtedly enchanting, there are a few factors you should consider before making your final decision.
Accessibility
Consider the accessibility of the venue for you and your guests. Some forest venues might be located in remote areas that could be difficult for some guests to reach. Ensure you assess the transportation options and lodging facilities in the nearby area.
Weather
While the idea of a wedding in the woods is romantic, the reality is that weather can be unpredictable. Have a backup plan in place in case of adverse weather conditions. Some forest venues offer indoor options that can serve as a backup.
Permits and Regulations
Depending on the location, you may need a permit to host your wedding in a forest venue. Make sure to check all the legal requirements in advance.
Southern California
Southern California offers a variety of forest wedding venues, each radiating its unique charm.
Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa
Located in Lake Arrowhead, the Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa is an exquisite venue nestled amidst the richly forested San Bernardino Mountains. The resort offers a lakeside lawn for ceremonies, enveloped by towering pines, and an elegant terrace room for receptions.
SkyPark Weddings
Situated on 150 acres of the San Bernardino National Forest, SkyPark Weddings provides a serene setting for your special day. Enjoy the tranquil ambiance of a forested meadow or a peaceful creek for your ceremony, and dine under the stars on their Whispering Pines terrace.
Willow Woods Park
Historic and picturesque, Willow Woods Park offers a majestic redwood setting. Exchange vows under towering trees or a natural wood arch in the wildflower gardens, with the historic cabins serving as a romantic backdrop for your reception.
Sequoia National Park
Sequoia National Park, with its iconic towering trees, offers a mesmerizing backdrop for your wedding.
Redwood Ranch Three Rivers
Redwood Ranch Three Rivers encapsulates the majesty of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in a stunning forest setting. With its picturesque meadow and redwood grove, it's a dream destination for nature-loving couples.
Wuksachi Lodge
Situated in the heart of Sequoia National Park, Wuksachi Lodge offers panoramic views of the surrounding forest and mountains. Whether you desire an outdoor ceremony amidst nature or a cozy indoor reception, this rustic lodge caters to your needs.
Big Sur
Big Sur offers a unique blend of forest and ocean views, creating a mesmerizing setting for your wedding.
Glen Oaks
Glen Oaks is a charming venue nestled amidst towering redwoods. It offers a variety of ceremony and reception locations, including a massive tree, an expansive meadow, and a cozy indoor space.
Ventana Big Sur
Ventana Big Sur is a luxurious forest wedding venue that offers an Old World Mediterranean feel. With 300 acres of vineyards and a dedicated hillside for weddings, it provides a stunning backdrop for your special day.
Santa Cruz Mountains
The Santa Cruz Mountains offer a range of beautiful wedding venues nestled amidst lush forests.
Nestldown
Nestldown is a picturesque venue surrounded by towering redwoods. With its enchanting forest space and rustic barn for receptions, it's the perfect destination for a woodland fairytale wedding.
Sequoia Retreat Center
Nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains, the Sequoia Retreat Center offers a tranquil and natural setting for your special day. With its towering redwoods and rustic reception hall, it's a stunning destination for an intimate wedding.
San Francisco and Bay Area
The San Francisco and Bay Area is home to a variety of beautiful forest wedding venues.
Ralston White Retreat
Situated in Mill Valley, the Ralston White Retreat is a historic wedding venue located amidst natural beauty. With its beautiful gardens, romantic gazebo, and Victorian mansion, it's a charming destination for your special day.
Mountain House Estate
The Mountain House Estate, located in Cloverdale amidst the Santa Cruz Mountains, provides a serene landscape for your special day. With its rustic wooden deck and charming redwood grove, it's a perfect venue for nature lovers.
Forest Wedding Venues Around the US
Salish Lodge & Spa in Snoqualmie, Washington
Located just east of Seattle, the Salish Lodge & Spa offers stunning views of the Snoqualmie Valley. The venue offers various options for your ceremony and reception, with the ability to accommodate intimate weddings as well as larger gatherings.
Hawk Lake Venue in Carlton, Oregon
A family-owned venue, Hawk Lake Venue offers a tranquil and serene setting for your big day. The venue is surrounded by lush greenery, a gazebo, waterfalls, and a lake, providing plenty of natural backdrops for your wedding photos.
Roxbury Barn and Estate in Roxbury, New York
This private estate located in New York offers a variety of outdoor spaces for your ceremony. With farm-to-table catering, event coordination, and full-bar service, the Roxbury Barn and Estate ensures a high-quality and relaxing experience for you and your guests.
Piney River Ranch in Vail, Colorado
Considered one of Colorado's prime wedding destinations, Piney River Ranch offers breathtaking mountain vistas that serve as a dramatic backdrop for an outdoor wedding ceremony.
Woodend Sanctuary & Mansion in Chevy Chase, Maryland
This 1920s mansion and non-profit venue sits within a 40-acre nature sanctuary. This gorgeous private estate can accommodate up to 170 guests and is perfect for couples passionate about nature and wildlife preservation.
Conclusion
A forest wedding venue offers a magical and serene setting for your special day. The rustling leaves, the whispering wind, and the enchanting woodland atmosphere create an unforgettable backdrop for your "I do's." Whether you dream of a Southern California forest wedding venue nestled amidst towering pines, or a majestic Sequoia National Park wedding ceremony, these forest wedding venues offer a unique charm that will make your special day truly memorable.
Whether you're looking for a rustic barn setting, a historic estate, or a serene beachside venue, you're sure to find a forest wedding venue that suits your style.
Also, if you would like for me to be your wedding day photographer, feel free to contact me, RayCee the Artist, at raycee@rayceeartist.com to learn more about the wedding packages that I offer!
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