June 28, 2018

This unique Redwoods wedding venue happens to be tucked away in the beautiful forest. There is something enchanting about the ancient trees and canopy-covered forests within a coastal state. The Redwood National Forest in Northern California really feels like you are on a different planet. My favorite part of the Redwoods is how you are totally encapsulated by nature. Still, in reality, you are so close to some of the busiest cities in the U.S. In this blog, we’ll chat about what to consider seasonally for a Redwoods wedding and why you should choose a Redwood wedding venue over another location. Plus, we will highlight Alvin and Helena’s stunning wedding day that I had the joy of capturing.

a bride in a white dress and groom at their ceremony in their Redwoods wedding venue

Having a wedding in Redwoods, California

Okay, so you know you want to have your wedding in Redwoods, California, but what comes next? The first thing to remember is that to get married in the Redwoods National Park you need to have a permit. Without one, you run the risk of your event being shut down and disrespecting the hard work that rangers do to keep these spaces wild. This is why I highly recommend going with a designated Redwoods wedding venue. Not only will you be bringing less foot traffic into the forest, but you will be able to have any kind of theme you are looking for while still getting the calmness that the park provides.

Another reason to choose a designated Redwoods wedding venue over a random location in the woods is crowds. People all over the world come to California to see the ancient trees and the last thing you need is tourists in your wedding photos! Crowds might also be an excellent reason to choose a winter wedding. No matter the season, a Redwoods wedding is always a great option.

Northern California weather

Even though California is known for hot weather all year round, it’s really only the southern California part. Northern and central California still see milder temps and rain can be unpredictable at times. Depending on how much heat or cold you’re willing to have on your wedding day will be entirely up to you. While the spring and summer can reach high temps, the wintertime in northern California can get snow in certain areas and at times road closures. When considering which season to choose, I suggest keeping this in mind and note that average temps for the area range from 40-65 degrees.

Los Gatos wedding venue

This Redwood’s wedding venue, Nestledown in Los Gatos, California is like stepping into a fairytale. It sits on 36 acres of lush forest and gardens. Although receptions can be held outside on their main lawn, they also provide a 3,000 square foot wood barn with high ceilings and a massive chandelier in the middle of it all. All 5 separate gardens plus the koi pond will be available to couples that decide to choose this Los Gatos wedding venue. Nestldown’s open season is all year round with capacity ranging from 125-200 people varying by the season.

Nestledown’s wedding packages range from $9,500-$28,000 depending on the season & day of the week. Some package features include:

Special Events Manager

Day of Event Team of 4 (including the SEM)

Customized Nestldown Timeline & Layout

9-hour Site Rental

20 Passenger Train

Vintage London Taxi

Ceremony & Reception Tables and Chairs

Sound System for Ceremony

Life-Size Chess Set

2 Bocce Ball Courts

The offered amenities

One of the best parts of this venue happens to be the 5 gardens and koi ponds available to you and your guests. Making this Redwoods venue perfect for a whimsical and eclectic wedding aesthetic. The ceremony is held in what Nestledown calls The Chapel. A natural amphitheater surrounded by tall trees and overlooking the koi pond. The venue has surround sound speakers strategically placed to create an encompassing atomosphere.

When considering the cocktail hour, the Main Lawn has a scenic view of flower gardens and string lights hugging the nearby trees. It’s perfect for a lounge area for your guests as it is equipped with lower seating and fire pits. The Fantasy and Medieval gardens plus Foxglove Meadow are also ideal for yard games and have a life-sized chessboard for guests to use. This venue is so charming and perfect for a couple that wants a laid-back yet upscale wedding that’s accommodating for all kinds of guests and is a true family affair.

An elegant wedding in the Redwood forest

Alvin and Helena chose a chic and classic wedding theme. The reception was filled with white flower bouquet centerpieces, grey linens, and sleek gold silverware. They chose deep blue as their accent color seen in the wedding party attire and spotted among their guests. They even had an old-fashioned taxi to add a classic touch. Everything about their ceremony was a perfect reflection of these two. Seeing their friends and family come together in this gorgeous space was inspiring and reminded me of the power of an intimate and intentional wedding. I was so happy that I got to support these two on their day and hope many blessings come to them in the future.