Planning to get hitched in an enchanting location? If so, then a Southern California forest wedding is a perfect bet. All you need to do is to find the best wedding venue in Southern California to say ‘I DO.’ To ease out your stress, we have compiled a list of the 10 best SoCal Forest wedding venues in 2025.
Whether you are planning a grand wedding or an intimate wedding, hang in here! The venues listed in this article have the perfect setting for your wedding celebration. Additionally, we have provided you with detailed information on all you need to know about each venue. Let’s get started…
Table of Contents
Why Choose Southern California for a Wedding?
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Forest Venue
10 Southern California Forest Wedding Venues (Main Section)
- 1.The Redwood Grove at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
- The Forest House Lodge
- Temescal Gateway Park
- The Hidden Oaks Nature Center
- Sessions Retreat & Hotel
- The Oak Canyon Nature Center
- The Los Rios Rancho
- The Descanso Gardens
- The El Capitan Canyon
- The Sturtevant Falls Campground
Why Choose a Forest Wedding in Southern California?
Ideas for Planning a Forest Wedding in 2025
Things to Consider When Booking a Forest Wedding Venue
Last Few Words
Why Choose Southern California for a Wedding?
Southern California is one of the most beautiful locations in the world. It offers a unique blend of natural beauty, diverse landscapes, and a year-round Mediterranean climate, making it the most sought-after location for destination weddings. Among various locations, Southern California has the most stunning venues for couples seeking a woodland wedding. SoCal has the best enchanting forest venues in the country. SoCal’s forest has magical backdrops for beautiful pictures while you say ‘I do’. So, if you want an unforgettable wedding celebration, SoCal is the location.
However, choosing the right venue requires some effort and careful planning to set things right. Read the upcoming section for the key factors to consider when finding a forest venue. Here we go…
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Forest Venue
Scenic Beauty & Atmosphere: When planning your wedding in Southern California, look for a venue that offers both, scenic beauty and the right atmosphere. These two will help you have the best pictures of your wedding without over spending on expensive props.
Venue Capacity & Parking: Another key point to consider when choosing a venue is looking for venue capacity and parking. Choose the venue according to your wedding type and the guest count. A small venue will do in case you are hosting an intimate wedding, while for a big fat wedding book a larger wedding venue with large parking area.
Venue Rental Cost: Visit several venues in Southern California to check out the venue rental cost. Compare the cost and choose the venue that offers everything that you need in your budget.
Restroom Facilities, Privacy & Exclusivity: Keep your guests’ requirements in mind when choosing a forest venue in SoCal. Do visit the venue in person and check for all necessary arrangements, such as restroom facilities, private areas, etc.
Indoor vs Outdoor Spaces: When choosing your venue, consider your wedding season for the best selection. Compare both indoor and outdoor spaces for your wedding. Choose the one according to the weather conditions.
On-Site vs Off-Site Catering: Enquire if the venue allows off-site catering or has its own catering service. Sometimes, off-site caterers charge less than the onsite catering service providers. If you are on budget then look for a venue where you can have your own vendors. If you wish to have it all in one place, then a venue with all-inclusive services is the best option.
Decor Flexibility: Choose a venue with décor flexibility. Some venues have standard decoration at all times. However, if you have a specific wedding theme, then choose a venue that offers décor flexibility.
Photography Spots: Choose a venue with good spots for wedding photography. Make sure to visit the venue in person to see whether the venue has photography spots or not. These spots are required for a couple’s wedding photography.
Time of Year Suitability: The prices of wedding venues are influenced by the season and time of year. A wedding in a peak season will cost you more than an off-season wedding. If you are on a budget, then choose the time of year when you can get venues at discounted prices.
Travel & Accessibility: Last but not least, take into account travel and accessibility as well. Select a location that is convenient to reach and requires minimal effort to access. Your guests may feel frustrated if locating the venue proves to be overly challenging.
Top 10 Southern California Forest Wedding Venues
Here is our list of the 10 best SoCal Forest wedding venues for you to choose from. Take a look…
1. The Redwood Grove at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Located in Felton, CA, Redwood Grove is one of the best forest wedding venues in the region. It is nestled among ancient redwoods. It gives you a unique feeling when you step in – just like a fairytale. It has tower trees, which makes it look like a natural cathedral that is perfect for a grand wedding ceremony. The venue is perfect for couples seeking a serene and nature-inspired setting for their wedding ceremony.
The venue’s proximity to Santa Cruz makes it easier for you to have a beachside honeymoon after your forest wedding. It also offers picnic areas where you can hold your wedding receptions. It’s an ideal choice for couples seeking to have magical memories of their wedding. The cost for this venue varies depending on the season or day of the week.
Location: Felton, CA
Capacity: Up to 150 guests
Cost: $9000
2. The Forest House Lodge
Here’s another stunning and magical forest wedding venue perched on the San Bernardino Mountain. Located in the Crestline, CA, the Forest House Lodge offers a cozy forest setting perfect for a grand wedding. If you want a venue that offers mountain retreat vibes, consider the Forest House Lodge. It offers a beautiful space for outdoor ceremonies and it’s surrounded by pines. This place is perfect for both intimate weddings and big fat weddings. There’s a hall for a reception with attractive features of woodland views from floor to ceiling.
If you have wedding guests coming from afar, you have nothing to worry about. This place also offers onsite accommodation for around 50 guests. It’s the best SoCal Forest wedding venue for your weekend wedding or getaway.
Location: Crestline, CA
Capacity: Up to 200 guests
Cost: $6,000–$10,000 (includes all modern amenities)
3. Temescal Gateway Park
Another beautiful wedding venue in Southern California is Temescal Gateway Park. This wonder venue is located in the Santa Monica Mountains, which has a lush forest setting around it. The best thing about this venue is that it is very close to Los Angeles. Additionally, it has a park that’s a bit close to the ocean, giving a unique twist to your forest wedding.
If you’re searching for a venue that’s a bit close to the city, Temescal getaway park is a perfect choice. The venue is surrounded by oaks and sycamore trees. It has a stunning reception area with a magical patio with string lights around.
Location: Pacific Palisades, CA
Capacity: Up to 100 guests
Cost: $3,000–$6,000
4. The Hidden Oaks Nature Center
Here is another enchanting wedding venue for a forest wedding in SoCal. The Hidden Oaks Nature Center is located in Thousand Oaks, CA. It’s a perfect place for eco-conscious couples seeking a forest wedding venue that has a blend of nature.
It offers a mesmerizing setting with beautiful surroundings to create unforgettable memories of your wedding. The venue is surrounded by oak trees, thus the name. These trees could serve as a canopy for you and your wedding guests. Additionally, there is a rustic barn and an open-air pavilion where you can consider holding your reception. It’s a perfect setting – you can host a wedding for up to 120 guests in this location.
Location: Thousand Oaks, CA
Capacity: Up to 120 guests
Cost: $4,000–$7,000
5. Sessions Retreat & Hotel
For couples who want an adventurous wedding by the lakeside, here’s a perfect choice! Located in Big Bear Lake, SA, Sessions Retreat & Hotel is an ideal venue for hosting a memorable wedding. It offers mind-blowing views every couple will like. It’s surrounded by woods and a lake.
Sessions Retreat is a beautiful boutique hotel that offers couples a serene space to host their dream wedding. This location is perfect for hosting a romantic wedding. You and your guests would love to relax and revel in nature. The best thing about this place is that you don’t need to worry about wedding décor or wedding food. They provide you with an event coordinator who will assist you in the planning process and ensure your needs are met. Moreover, they have in-house services, including catering, décor, etc., to ensure a seamless wedding experience. Additionally, they offer onsite accommodation options also to help you accommodate your guests.
Location: Big Bear Lake, CA
Capacity: Up to 100 guests
Cost: $8,000–$12,000
6. The Oak Canyon Nature Center
Here is another beautiful wedding venue for your forest wedding – The Oak Canyon Nature Center. Oak Canyon Nature Center is a 58-acre natural park nestled in the Anaheim Hills. Located in the heart of Orange County, Oak Canyon Nature Center features a shaded grove of oak trees where you can tie the knot and a charming picnic area.
Couples planning to host a serene forest wedding close to the urban city can choose this venue. In addition, this venue also has a rustic amphitheater where you can host your wedding reception. It has three adjoining canyons, four miles of hiking trails and native wildlife, which makes this location a sought-after place for couples. The natural features of this location will add a unique touch and glamour to your wedding.
Location: Anaheim, CA
Capacity: Up to 150 guests
Cost: $3,500–$6,500
7. The Los Rios Rancho
If you’re searching for a venue with rustic features, go for Los Rio’s Rancho. Located in Oak Glen, CA, Los Rios is a historic ranch that’s surrounded by apple orchards and pine forests. The picturesque surroundings provide an ideal setting for your wedding photographs. You will fall in love with the beautiful view here, featuring a mountain with a grassy meadow. The venue is breathtaking and ideal for your enchanting forest wedding.
Whether you want an indoor or outdoor reception, this venue got you covered. It has a rustic barn for your reception and a pavilion for your outdoor ceremony. Aside from beautiful surroundings, this venue also offers fun activities that your guests would love to indulge in.
Location: Oak Glen, CA
Capacity: Up to 300 guests
Cost: $7,000–$15,000
8. The Descanso Gardens
The next on the list is Descanso Gardens. Located in La Cañada Flintridge, CA, Descanso Gardens is an ideal place for a sophisticated and elegant forest wedding. This place makes your wedding an event to remember. Whether you wish to have an intimate celebration or a lavish affair, Descanso Gardens is perfect.
Aside from mesmerizing settings, they have dedicated event planning staff and an exclusive onsite caterer who can help you create a memorable wedding.
Location: La Cañada Flintridge, CA
Capacity: Up to 200 guests
Cost: $5,000–$10,000
9. The El Capitan Canyon
Here’s a glamping-style venue perfect for couples that want a bohemian forest wedding. The El Capitan Canyon located in Santa Barbara, CA, is a perfect venue for a serene wedding celebration. Nestled by the coast in historic groves of 350 acres of oak and sycamore trees along seasonal El Capitan Creek, this venue features redwood, providing a beautiful setting for your wedding ceremony.
Additionally, it has a rustic lodge where you can hold your wedding reception. There’s no need to worry about where your guests will stay for your weekend wedding. The property features luxurious cabins for accommodation.
Location: Santa Barbara, CA
Capacity: Up to 180 guests
Cost: $6,000–$12,000
10. The Sturtevant Falls Campground
Last but not least is The Sturtevant Falls Campground. If you’re searching for a budget-friendly venue for your forest wedding, look no further! Sturtevant venue is a perfect place. It is located in the Los Angeles National Forest. It has secluded areas perfect for your intimate wedding.
The venue has a waterfall, which can serve as a beautiful backdrop for your wedding pictures. It also has a picnic area where you can have your reception and host your guests. The venue is naturally beautiful and, indeed, a hidden gem. They have cabins where you can accommodate your wedding guests. The best thing about this location is that it offers enchanting features at a very affordable price!
Location: Arcadia, CA
Capacity: Up to 100 guests
Cost: $2,000–$4,000
Why Choose a Forest Wedding in Southern California?
The forests of Southern California provide a serene and picturesque setting for wedding ceremonies. You can choose to host your wedding at any of the forest venues in SoCal. All of the venues are perfect for creating your dream wedding. Forest venues in Southern California provide breathtaking scenery and picturesque natural settings that will ensure your wedding day is filled with unforgettable memories.
The enchanting allure of the forest adds a distinctive and whimsical element to your wedding. It serves as a means to express your individuality and appreciation for the natural world. Weddings in the forest offer a range of possibilities. It is advisable to choose a venue that resonates with you the most.
Read ahead for some of the best ideas to host a memorable forest wedding in 2025 and beyond. Here we go…
Ideas for Planning a Forest Wedding in 2025
For a stress-free forest wedding, these ideas will help you plan well.
- Book your forest venue early before your D-day as SoCal forest wedding venues are now high in demand.
- Make provision for blankets or heaters for your wedding guests. The weather is usually cold in the evenings.
- Partner with a wedding planner who’s familiar with forest venues. They will help you set up a perfect forest wedding. You can also consider selecting a wedding venue with event coordinators as they can help you create a perfect ceremony.
- If you are on a budget, then consider using natural elements for wedding décor. Woods, greenery, and wildflowers perfectly blend with the forest setting and make the whole environment look awesome.
- Make travel arrangements in advance to avoid last minute chaos. Last minute tickets could be expensive. Hence, it is vital to book your travel and accommodation very well in advance.
- Give directions to your guests in advance to avoid any frustration or last minute drop outs. Make sure to create a wedding site where you can provide clear directions for your guests so that they can find the venue easily and effortlessly.
Read this section for the most important things to consider when booking your venue for your forest wedding.
Things to Consider When Booking a Forest Wedding Venue
Weather & Seasonal Changes: Weather conditions in Southern California fluctuate a pretty lot. Therefore, it is crucial to make arrangements keeping the weather in mind. Ask venue managers to make arrangements for blankets and heaters for your guests if you plan to get hitched during the extreme winter season.
Permits & Restrictions: You may need to acquire a special event permit from the park or land management agency overseeing the area to host a forest wedding in SoCal. Additionally, there may be certain restrictions on guest numbers, activities, and fire safety. Make sure to enquire them in advance to have a hassle-free wedding. Also, it is crucial to submit a permit application very well in advance.
Power & Lighting Availability: Enquire with your venue regarding the availability of power backup. This is to prevent any complications that may occur in the event of a power outage.
Catering & Food Regulations: Make sure to design your wedding food menu according to the food regulations in the Southern California region. Also, talk to your caterer in advance to prevent complications.
Noise Ordinances & Curfews: DJ or entertainment is a must for a memorable wedding celebration. It is important to ask your venue about the noise regulations and curfews that must be adhered to when getting married in a forest venue in SoCal.
Wildlife & Insects: Forest weddings don’t come alone! There are some repercussions as well. Wildlife and insects are pretty common. It is essential to ensure that appropriate arrangements are made for such matters as well.
Backup Plan for Rain or Extreme Weather: As said earlier, the weather in Southern California fluctuates pretty frequently. It is crucial to have a backup plan for extreme weather conditions, such as rain, etc. Arrange for umbrellas or indoor settings (for rainy weather) for blankets and heaters (for winter weddings).
Fire Safety & Open Flame Policies: Ensure that the venue you select has established fire safety and open flame policies to guarantee a smooth wedding experience.
Lodging & Accommodations Nearby: If you are planning a destination wedding, then having proper lodging and accommodation is crucial. Make sure to choose a venue with an accommodation facility or make arrangements in a nearby location with proper cab facilities.
Cell Service & WiFi Availability: Do not miss to check the cell service and WiFi availability at the venue. You will need to connect with your guests, vendors, and other service providers to have a seamless experience. In this scenario, having proper communication and internet connection is crucial.
Last Few Words…
So, these are the top 10 Southern California (SoCal) Forest wedding venues in 2025. Planning a forest wedding in Southern California is more than a wedding celebration – it’s fun. These forest wedding venues listed here offer the perfect setting for your wedding ceremony. In the woodlands of Southern California, your dream wedding awaits you. Start planning your forest wedding! Happy Wedding… 😊 😊
