Table of Contents
Best Wedding Venues on the Northern California Coast
- Cuffey’s Cove Ranch
- Sea Ranch Lodge
- Timber Cove Resort
- Oz Farm
- The Lodge at Marconi
Traveling to the Coast in Northern California
Best Time of Year to get married on the Northern California Coast
Northern California Coast Photographer
More Planning Resources – Northern California Coast Weddings
You’re here because you’re on the search for an epic wedding venue on the Northern California Coast, you haven’t quite found the place but are on the search for a coastal property in Northern California that has lodging options for your guests. You’ve landed on the right page and I’m so excited to share with you five of my favorite non-traditional venues with the most incredible views of the Pacific Ocean.
The Northern California Coast is such an incredible place to get married, the expansive landscape and winding Highway 1 has an untouched feeling of being in the middle of nowhere but is also only a few hours drive from the San Francisco Bay Area and large airports. It’s truly a hidden gem. As you’ve been on the search for a wedding venue, I’m sure you have come across the popular spots in Big Sur and Monterey, they’re stunning! But I hope you consider the Northern California Coast for your wedding. I know you won’t regret it, and there is so much we can do without all the crowds.
Are you trying to decide if you want to invite a few guests to your elopement or even a few more, like 30 of your closest friends and family members? When looking at Wedding Venues in Northern California, choosing a property that has lodging gives you room to start small and invite more as you detail out your vision and plans. Each of these locations has stunning wedding ceremony locations, options for small private dinners with your favorite humans, and also lodging so all of your favorite people can be in the same place for more than 5 hours. These locations are spotted along the Northern California Coast, between Marin County and Mendocino – just far enough away for your celebration where you don’t have to feel the guilt of including everyone you know.
Best Wedding Venues on the Northern California Coast
These wedding venues will surely check epic location, community vibes, and luxury lodging off your wedding planning checklist.
Cuffey’s Cove Ranch
Cuffey’s Cove Ranch is a coastal ranch gem nestled on the Northern California Coast, just south of Mendocino. The venue offers a breathtaking backdrop for Micro Weddings, featuring expansive open lands and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. Guests can enjoy a range of accommodations, from a beautifully restored historic home to unique glamping options right on the property.
Why you should get married at Cuffey’s Cove
Cuffey’s Cove Ranch is a place where your wedding becomes not just an event, but an unforgettable experience. Choosing Cuffey’s Cove as your micro wedding venue is a 3 night minimum, creating space for a fully immersive and relaxed celebration, giving you and your guests ample time to soak in every moment together. With over 1000 acres of land, Cuffey’s Cove offers endless opportunities for exploration and connection with nature across the vast property, and a stunning backdrop for your special moments.
Want to know more about Cuffey’s Cove? Check out my Complete Guide to planning your Micro Wedding at Cuffey’s Cove.
Sea Ranch Lodge
Sea Ranch is a 7000 acre community on the Sonoma coast, known for its architectural design that blends harmony with the natural elements. Stunning minimalist style with a luxe cabin vibe, many homes are tucked into the redwoods and some sit down on the bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. There are many rentals on Airbnb in Sea Ranch that would be perfect for an Elopement but if you are considering inviting guests, you should Sea Ranch Lodge for as your Northern California Coastal Wedding Venue.
Why you should get married at Sea Ranch Lodge
Sea Ranch Lodge in Northern California, is a beautiful option for your Coastal Wedding dreams. With a unique and subtle blend of an outdoor event space, intimate settings to gather with your favorite humans, and private dining options the Lodge offers many stunning spaces from private courtyards, decks overlooking the ocean and multiple meadows to help you plan a laid back celebration in the outdoors.
Timber Cove Resort
Just a 2.5-hour drive from San Francisco, you can escape to this dog-friendly, luxury hotel overlooking the Pacific Ocean with 180-degree coastal views. This is an incredible venue for an elopement just the two of you, inviting a select group of guests to witness your special day or hosting your full micro wedding. Having photographed a wedding of every size here, Timber Cove is a unique and stunning location if you’re considering getting married on the California coast!
Why you should get Married at Timber Cove Resort
Timber Cove is one of my favorite venues on the Northern California Coast. The 25 acre property has trails all over for morning walks, each room is aesthetically beautiful (and also has record players!), and photo-wise, there’s so many beautiful spots on the property and nearby.
If you’ve been considering Northern California’s rugged coast would be the perfect backdrop for your wedding but want to escape the crowds of popular coastal towns, Timber Cove Resort is your spot!
Check out this full guide to Eloping at Timber Cove or this gallery!
Oz Farm
This is a real hidden gem tucked into the redwoods of the California coast, the property is filled with cabins and yurts for you to host 30 of your closest friends to stay the weekend for your micro wedding at the Oz Farm, many of the vendor options support the farm by having your florals sourced from their garden and catering options that include locals who have spent time living on the land – the Oz Farm breathes community and is a special place to bring yours!
Why you should get married at the Oz Farm
With options for 30 overnight guests + camping, the Oz farm is perfect if you are looking for a venue on the Northern California Coast but want to create a more laid back experience. If you and your friends love being out in nature, this venue is stunning and will create an unforgettable weekend experience filled with shared memories in the great outdoors.
Lodge at Marconi
A 62 acre nature retreat on Tomales Bay, and just a short drive into Point Reyes. Marconi Lodge is a stunning wedding venue on the Northern California Coast. The property offers a variety of indoor and outdoor options for your wedding, onsite lodging so your guests can fully immerse in the outdoors and your celebration.
Why you should get married at the Lodge at Marconi
On the list of Northern California Coast Wedding Venues, this one is closest to San Francisco, and the best part – it’s incredibly close to Point Reyes National Seashore, for a hike with your favorite people, picnic on the coast or a private vow reading + portraits.
Traveling to the Coast in Northern California
The Northern California Coast is moderately accessible. If you or your guests are flying in, you’ll want to consider the major airports in the San Francisco Bay Area, and will need a car to get around and access any of the wedding venues above.
Major Airports in Northern California
Here, list out the major airports in the San Francisco Bay Area – SFO and OAK are your best bets, Sonoma County Airport in Santa Rosa is a much smaller airport but is the closest.
- San Francisco International (SFO) | 2 – 4 hour drive from these wedding venues
- Oakland International (OAK) | 2 – 4 hour drive from these wedding venues
- Charles M. Schultz – Sonoma County Airport (STS) | 1 – 2.5 hour drive from these wedding venues
How to Travel Around Northern California by Car
You and your guests will absolutely need a car to travel to the Northern California Coast, and any of these incredible venues mentioned here. The Northern California Coast is pretty remote, the towns are tiny with maybe just a market and a few local places. So it’s good to stop in Sonoma or Santa Rosa for any last minute things you need to grab before you head to the coast. There aren’t Ubers / Lyfts on the coast. The best part though, is driving along highway 1 is absolutely beautiful and a real experience for anyone that’s never visited.
Best time of year to get married on the Northern California Coast
Spring on The Northern California Coast
Late spring brings a fresh vibrancy to the coast, with the landscape coming alive in full bloom. The period from late April to early June is another fantastic time for weddings here. With daytime highs reaching the high 60s and nighttime lows in the low 40s, the weather is pleasantly mild, ideal for both outdoor ceremonies and cozy nighttime gatherings.
Summer on The Northern California Coast
Summer on the Northern California Coast is foggy and cold most days. It’s a total myth to visit California in the summer if you want to go to the beach. Especially in Northern California.
Fall on The Northern California Coast
September and October stand out as the best months for weather. It’s truly a spectacular time of year to visit the Coast in Northern California. These months bring sunny days adorned with a gentle coastal breeze in the evenings, making fall not just visually stunning with its golden hues but also comfortable for you and your guests. You can expect daytime highs around 60°F and evening lows dipping into the low 50s.
Meet Your Northern California Coast Photographer
Hi, I’m Jess – your Northern California Coast Photographer! As a passionate explorer and lover of the rugged beauty that our coastline offers, I’m here to help you capture the allure of your elopement, micro-wedding, or wedding weekend amidst some of the most breathtaking landscapes in California.
With years of experience photographing in stunning locations like Timber Cove, Mendocino, and the Redwoods, I bring a deep appreciation for the unique light, natural settings, and serene moments that define this incredible region. My mission is to document your story in a way that feels authentic, adventurous, and timeless, ensuring that your memories are preserved with the highest artistic quality.
My Northern California wedding and elopement packages are thoughtfully curated to offer you a seamless experience. From guides to helping you secure permits and craft the perfect timeline, to finding those hidden gem locations that will make your photos truly unforgettable – I’ve got you covered. Whether you’re planning an intimate elopement or a multi-day celebration, you can trust me to provide guidance and support every step of the way.
Explore More in Northern California
- Dreamy Redwoods Elopement
- How to plan an Epic Mirco Wedding in Northern California
- Top 5 Locations for your West Coast Elopement
- Full Guide to Eloping at Timber Cove Resort
- Planning a Micro Wedding at Cuffey’s Cove Ranch
Ready to start planning your Northern California Coast elopement or wedding? Reach out to me here, and let’s create an experience to look back on years from now.
