If you’re dreaming of a laid-back wedding day surrounded by redwoods, salty air, and your favorite people—you’ve landed in the right place. In this Santa Cruz micro wedding guide, you’ll get a look inside a real Airbnb wedding day in the Santa Cruz Mountains, plus inspiration for local micro wedding venues, Airbnb stays in Santa Cruz, and planning tips to help you create a day that’s grounded, intentional, and true to you.

Table of Contents:
Santa Cruz Micro Weddings: The Perfect Blend of Coast + Redwoods
Inside this Santa Cruz Airbnb Wedding Day
Santa Cruz Micro Wedding Venues & Unique Locations
Choosing an Airbnb for your Micro Wedding
Planning Tips – Best Time of Year and Local Vendors

Santa Cruz Micro Weddings: The Perfect Blend of Coast + Redwoods

Santa Cruz offers the perfect blend of coastal charm, towering redwoods, and laid-back surf-town vibes—all nestled along the rugged Northern California coastline. With its eclectic energy and diverse natural landscapes, Santa Cruz, California is an incredible spot for a laidback micro wedding surrounded by your favorite humans.

Whether you’re planning a destination-style wedding weekend from the Bay Area or you’re a local looking to celebrate close to home, planning a Santa Cruz Micro Wedding allows you to craft an intentional day. With access to redwood forests, scenic coastline, and incredible local vendors, you can curate an experience that feels like you—and brings your people together in a way that’s truly memorable.

Inside this Santa Cruz Airbnb Wedding Day

Marley and Quinn’s Santa Cruz micro wedding was the perfect blend of intention and natural beauty. Held at a private Airbnb tucked into the Santa Cruz Mountains, their celebration was centered around meaningful time with their closest people—and of course, their pups were part of the day in every way.

Guests arrived to a serene ceremony nestled in the redwoods, framed by warm, rusty-toned florals thoughtfully designed by local florist Seascape Flowers. The ceremony was heartfelt and deeply personal—a grounded moment amongst nature.

The afternoon unfolded intentionally. Filled with laughter, mingling, and connection. As golden light filtered through the trees, family and friends gathered on the deck to share toasts and stories that celebrated Marley and Quinn’s story.

Santa Cruz Micro Wedding Venues & Unique Locations

On the search for a non-traditional venue for your Santa Cruz micro wedding? Whether you’re dreaming of redwoods, coastal views, or cozy garden vibes, here are a few of my favorite small wedding venues that offer something a little different:

Sparrow Valley Retreat – A tucked-away redwood sanctuary with a stunning ceremony space and backyard vibes for celebration after.
Costanoa Lodge – This eco-adventure resort blends rustic charm with luxury along the coast. Think glamping, hiking trails, and cozy cabins—ideal for a full wedding weekend experience.
HOME Restaurant – Located in Soquel, this intimate restaurant is surrounded by lush garden patios and is perfect for a small dinner party-style reception.

Each of these spaces offers its own unique vibe and allows you to plan a wedding day or an entire weekend that truly reflects who you guys are.

Why Airbnbs are perfect for Micro Wedding Celebrations

Airbnbs are a beautiful way to plan a laid-back, yet intentional wedding day—one that truly celebrates your story in a way that feels personal and aligned with your values. From redwood hideaways to stylish beach homes, these spaces are all about the location, vibe, and design. Airbnbs are often a more affordable route than booking a traditional micro wedding venue, they allow for flexibility and creativity in designing your wedding day.

That said, Airbnb’s policies around hosting events have become stricter in recent years. If you’re set on finding a unique home for your celebration, be sure to search listings that match your guest count—and always be completely transparent with the host about your plans when reaching out.

Here are a few stunning Airbnb and Wander properties near Santa Cruz to spark your search:

Evergreen Escape in Felton – a cozy cabin in the woods with large decks, pet-friendly, and room for up to 10 guests.
The Waves – a modern oceanfront stay in Aptos with unbeatable views and a breezy, coastal design.
Wander Property in Aptos –a private 4-acre mountaintop escape with luxe amenities and next-level views.
Beachfront Property at Pajaro Dunes – spacious beach house for up to 10 guests, with sand dunes and a fire pit just steps from the beach.
Luxury Mid-Century Modern in Woodside – a breathtaking redwood-surrounded home with decks, outdoor spaces and a stay for up to 12 guests.
Secluded Forest Oasis in Montara – nestled on a private acre of forest, this peaceful retreat can host up to 14 guests and feels worlds away.

For more tips on how to plan an Airbnb wedding from start to finish, check out my guide –
How to Plan an Epic Airbnb Wedding or Elopement in California

Planning Tips for Your Santa Cruz Micro Wedding

Best Time of Year to get married in Santa Cruz, California

Santa Cruz is the perfect location for couples who want variety in their micro wedding setting—from lush redwoods to dramatic coastal bluffs and sandy dunes. The best time of year for a wedding in Santa Cruz is typically spring or fall. If you’re not familiar with the Northern California coast, it’s often socked in with fog during the summer months—moody and magical in its own right, but not always weather. For dreamy sunsets, warmer days and better visibility, September through Early November are your sweet spot.

Plan a Weekday Wedding

For a more relaxed vibe, weekday weddings are an excellent choice—especially in a destination like Santa Cruz. You’ll often benefit from lower rental minimums, more Airbnb options, and easier booking with your local vendors. Thursday or Friday weddings are perfect for couples planning a weekend experience, giving everyone time to settle in and explore the area before or after your celebration.

Finding Your Santa Cruz Micro Wedding Vendors

Santa Cruz is home to an incredible community of creatives and small businesses who specialize in thoughtful, small-scale celebrations. Here are two vendor favorites from Marley + Quinn’s day:

Florals | Seascape Flowers – known for warm, seasonal palettes and artful design rooted in the coast.
Hair & Makeup | Malina Terra – a Santa Cruz-based beauty artist who brings calm energy and elevated, natural looks.

When you book with me, I’ll help you curate your day with custom location suggestions, personalized vendor recommendations, and all the support you need to create a day that feels like you.

Your Santa Cruz Elopement + Micro Wedding Photographer

As a Northern California elopement and micro wedding photographer, my style is rooted in storytelling with a documentary approach. I focus on capturing real, unfiltered moments—so your photos feel honest and true to you.

Whether you’re planning an intimate afternoon ceremony and dinner, or a full wedding weekend, my packages are built for flexibility. I offer half-day, full-day, and multi-day coverage that evolves with your plans and vision.

From the start, I’ll support you with custom location guides, curated vendor recommendations, and thoughtful planning help. So when the day comes, you can be fully present—and I’ll be there to document it, just as it unfolds. Ready to start planning your Santa Cruz micro wedding? Reach out here.