Forest wedding venues bring a very specific kind of atmosphere—quiet, moody, and grounding in the best way. There’s space to breathe, to talk, to actually take in the day. Across the United States, you’ll find wooded settings that offer that feeling effortlessly, from dense evergreens to softer, light-filled groves. And if you’re still choosing a date, fall works especially well in these landscapes. The cooler weather and shifting colors add depth without needing much decoration. In this guide, we’re sharing some of the best forest wedding venues in the country; places where nature supports the celebration rather than overwhelming it.
Photo: Teri B, Courtesy of Chalet View Lodge, Venue: Waterfall Lodge, Chalet View Lodge
Key Factors When Choosing a Forest Wedding Venue
Choosing a forest wedding venue involves more than just falling in love with the scenery. Forest settings are beautiful but come with unique logistics, so it’s important to weigh a few key factors early in your planning process.
Accessibility is essential. Many forest venues are remote or hidden deep in nature. Some require winding drives through mountain roads, gravel paths, or even walking through trails. Ask if shuttles are available for guests, whether parking is onsite or nearby, and how accessible the site is for elderly guests or vendors.
Weather can be unpredictable in wooded areas. Forests are typically cooler and shadier, but they’re also more prone to moisture and sudden changes in climate. Make sure your venue offers tenting options or indoor spaces in case of rain. Even if you’re envisioning a full forest wedding aesthetic, having a reliable backup plan will help everything run smoothly.
Photo: Ben Ingram Visuals, Rachel Fugate, Venue: Waterfall Lodge, RT Lodge
Lighting and electricity are easy to overlook but crucial. Natural light fades quickly in the woods, especially under dense tree canopies. Consider what kind of lighting is included — from string lights to lanterns — and whether there’s enough power supply for music, catering, and photo booths. Some remote venues may require a generator.
Amenities and capacity also vary. Some forest wedding venues cater to elopements or micro weddings, while others can host 200+ guests. Check if the venue provides restrooms, getting-ready spaces, lodging, or equipment rentals like tables and chairs. Ask what’s included and what needs to be brought in.
Lastly, look into permits and restrictions. Many forest venues are located near protected lands or in counties with specific rules. A well-run venue will guide you through noise limits, fire safety regulations, and local ordinances.
Photo: Courtesy of Nestledown, Lindsey Boluyt, Venue: Nestledown, Dunton Hot Springs
Best Forest Wedding Venues
Tucked away in the redwood forests of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Waterfall Lodge is a forest wedding venue designed for couples seeking complete immersion in nature. Located on 80 acres, the property includes a redwood cathedral ceremony space, a romantic lodge with beveled glass doors, and 32 rustic-chic cabins for overnight stays.
This venue is best known for its multi-day wedding packages, which include exclusive access to the entire property for at least two nights and lodging for up to 86 overnight guests. Couples are free to bring their own vendors, or select from a trusted preferred list. With a maximum event capacity of 150, you can celebrate intimately — surrounded by redwoods, nature paths, reclaimed-wood structures, and curated spots like the Mother Tree at High Meadow Camp or the 1820s carved French doors of the Lodge. Whether you plan a relaxed celebration or something more formal, Waterfall Lodge allows you to make the weekend completely your own.
What we love: a redwood cathedral ceremony space, a reclaimed 19th-century barn, hiking trails and a giant mountaintop meadow, multiple cabins for weekend weddings.
Photo: Anastasiya S Photography, Courtesy of Waterfall Lodge
Set within a 20,000-acre private nature preserve in the Santa Lucia Mountains, Santa Lucia Preserve is a forest wedding venue that offers more than just a location — it provides an unforgettable experience surrounded by ancient trees, wildlife, and sweeping views.
Couples can exchange vows in a redwood grove where trees have stood for over 800 years, host portraits at the historic Hacienda, and celebrate in a 100-year-old barn filled with rustic charm. The Hacienda itself dates back to the Roaring Twenties and serves as the heart of the venue, combining old California character with refined elegance. After the celebration, couples and guests can stay overnight in a cozy honeymoon suite or glamping-style campsites near Moore’s Lake. Whether arriving on horseback or by trail, the preserve’s expansive scenery creates a deeply immersive wedding escape.
What we love: 20s-era Hacienda, a rustic barn reception space, horseback rides, panoramic views on mountains, farm-to-table cuisine, and exquisite California wines.
Photo: Mark Boatright, BrittRenePhoto
Just 80 minutes south of San Francisco, Sequoia Retreat Center is a forest wedding venue nestled high in the Santa Cruz Mountains, where sunbeams filter through ancient redwoods and the air feels still and sacred. Designed for celebrations with up to 150 guests, this venue offers exclusive use of its grounds for the full day — including multiple ceremony and reception spaces across the property.
Couples can say their vows in Peace Park, a tranquil forest clearing with open grass and ferns, then celebrate in Pixie’s Garden under bistro lights or dance the night away in Las Alas Lodge. The venue provides cocktail furniture, arches, and wooden décor, along with two cabins for getting ready — one of which also offers overnight accommodation. With spaces like the Zazen Circle, Redwood Grove, and Alba Vista cottage, the setting feels intentionally peaceful while maintaining a warm, rustic-elegant charm.
What we love: a park ceremony site, the forest-wrapped lodges, multiple areas for the wedding day, and catering options.
Photo: Jenny Losee, Katherine Elyse Media
Say “I do” surrounded by the sweeping charm of the Catskills. Callicoon Hills features multiple idyllic venues for weddings of every style and size, whether you’re planning an intimate gathering of ten or a lively celebration for 200 guests. With a dedicated team of event professionals to guide you, the planning process feels effortless. They’ve also created a range of curated wedding packages, each with optional enhancements, designed to take the pressure off and help you focus on what matters most.
When the big day is over, you and your guests can unwind in one of 65 inviting rooms spread across the property. Stay in the cozy Boarding House or Deck House for classic comfort, or choose an A-Frame cabin tucked among tall pines for a closer connection to nature. This Catskills hideaway is also rich with activities — from hiking and swimming to yoga, biking, fishing, glamping, and more — making it the perfect setting for a celebration that feels like a getaway.
What we love: Two-hour drive from New York City, unparalleled natural beauty, vintage charm, tailored packages, artisanal cuisine, indoor-outdoor gym, nightly s’mores.
Photo: Jordan Voth
Perched between the Pacific Ocean and towering redwoods, Alila Ventana Big Sur is a forest wedding venue that captures Big Sur’s wild elegance. The resort offers a range of ceremony and reception spaces, from elopements in the Circle of Life to larger events on the Ocean Meadow Lawn, reserved for full property buyouts.
Couples can exchange vows in the Redwood Cathedral surrounded by old-growth trees, celebrate in The Loft with its oversized hearth and redwood views, or gather on the Sur Vista terrace overlooking the ocean. The venue also includes the Glass House for intimate dinners and the Sky Terrace for private meals with panoramic views. Alila Ventana offers packages for both large and small celebrations, all enhanced by Big Sur–inspired cuisine, organic garden ingredients, a luxury spa, and access to hiking trails and glamping accommodations. Whether you’re eloping or hosting 200 guests, the setting invites calm, beauty, and deep connection.
What we love: Redwood Cathedral ceremony space, ocean-view terraces, local dining experience, on-site spa and pool, forest wedding moments with full resort luxury.
Photo: Hugo Film
Just 30 minutes east of Portland, Bridal Veil Lakes is a secluded forest wedding venue surrounded by towering old-growth trees and a tranquil, spring-fed lake. “You feel like you’ve been transported into a forest dream, like an inspiration for a painting, says an Oregon-based wedding and elopement photographer, Angelina Lusetti. “The private space is artfully maintained and creates a gorgeous backdrop for photos while also feeling like a serene oasis for guests.”
The venue accommodates over 250 guests and provides complete flexibility — couples can bring in their own vendors or explore the venue’s recommended list. Two 800-square-foot covered areas sit at the water’s edge, offering romantic spots for dining and dancing under decorative lights. Amenities include indoor restrooms with showers, a catering prep area with refrigeration, a custom BBQ grill, and seating and tables for large gatherings. “The property’s team is communicative and lovely to work with for both couples and vendors. There are many creative ways to customize the space and it’s a favorite with wedding vendors and guests alike,” Angelina adds.
What we love: lakefront ceremony views, towering evergreens, open-air pavilions, canoe access, and full flexibility.
Photo: Madeline Rose Photography, Leah Warner
Set on 93 acres in the Catskills, just two hours from New York City, Handsome Hollow is a forest wedding venue that balances rustic charm with modern elegance. At its heart is a restored 240-year-old Amish barn, rebuilt with original post-and-beam construction and soaring ceilings. Couples can host up to 150 guests inside the 4,200-square-foot space, with access to a full commercial kitchen, sound system, and bluestone cocktail patios.
The venue includes a two-night stay in a three-bedroom farmhouse and full use of the grounds, which feature three unique ceremony sites: a fern-filled forest clearing, a wildflower field with mountain views, and an ancient stonewall ruin. Guests can gather around the bonfire under string lights or explore the property’s creeks and wooded trails. Vintage wood chairs and banquet tables for 200 are included, with optional rentals like farm tables and mismatched tableware available. A 12am curfew and no noise ordinance allow for a full evening of celebration.
What we love: 240-year-old barn, fern forest and mountain view ceremony options, wraparound farmhouse porch, fire pit gatherings, and full access to Catskills wilderness.
Photo: Indwell Weddings
Located just 20 minutes from Silicon Valley, Nestldown is a private forest wedding venue set on 180 acres in the Santa Cruz Mountains. With 36 acres of gardens surrounded by towering redwoods, two koi-filled ponds, waterfalls, and whimsical features like a vintage London taxi and life-size chess set, the setting feels storybook and serene.
Weddings at Nestldown include exclusive use of the entire event space, with access to multiple ceremony and reception areas. Depending on the season, the capacity ranges from 125 to 200 guests. Couples receive support from a special events manager and day-of team, plus included furniture, ceremony sound system, and a personalized timeline and layout. From intimate “minimonies” to large weekend celebrations, Nestldown offers a customizable, nature-filled setting where each event becomes part of the venue’s ongoing story. Guests can arrive by a 20-passenger train and explore hidden garden corners throughout the day.
What we love: redwood groves, koi ponds and waterfalls, fantasy garden details, seasonal floral backdrops, and the feeling of being inside a private, enchanted woodland.
Photo: Jake & Necia, Megan Goetz
Set across 100 acres of hilltop scenery with sweeping views of the Berkshires and the Catskills, Gather Greene feels like its own little world. The property offers an array of cinematic backdrops for multi-day celebrations — from a quiet quarry pond and open meadows dotted with wildflowers, to winding woodland trails that open into hidden clearings, and ridge-top fire pits perfect for late-night moments. To keep everyone close and the celebration flowing, the venue also features thoughtfully designed cabins that sit gently within the landscape. Each one is simple, modern, and cozy, giving guests the sense of being wrapped in nature while still enjoying the ease and comfort of a boutique hotel.
What we love: unique indoor and outdoor experiences, modern amenities, mountain views, and bonfires at the quarry under the stars.
Photo: Weddings By Nato, Ricky Rodriguez
Tucked into the Santa Cruz Mountains just minutes from Silicon Valley, Saratoga Springs is a forest wedding venue rooted in history and natural beauty. Family-owned since the late 1800s, the property offers a full-service outdoor wedding experience surrounded by redwoods, flowing creeks, and fresh mountain air.
Couples can choose from six private groves, each set apart by natural terrain and ranging in capacity from 75 to 800 guests. The venue provides in-house catering, on-site planning support, and a wide range of outdoor amenities — from volleyball courts and bocce ball to scenic ceremony areas under the trees. With decades of experience and a location that feels both tucked away and conveniently close to the Bay Area, Saratoga Springs offers a classic California forest setting with seamless execution.
What we love: six private groves, creekside ceremony options, in-house catering, various outdoor activities, event planning support.
Photo: Apollo Fotografie
Set in the quiet expanse of the Lost Sierra, Chalet View Lodge is a forest wedding venue designed as a full weekend escape. The 10-acre boutique resort offers exclusive use of the entire property, allowing couples and up to 150 guests to enjoy a completely private celebration surrounded by pine forests, a golf course, and open skies.
The venue includes multiple ceremony and reception areas — from the manicured lawn and pondside platforms to a poolside terrace and rustic lodge interiors. Accommodations include 52 rooms, suites, cabins, and private villas, some with kitchens, decks, and hot tubs. Chalet View Lodge also offers customizable all-inclusive wedding packages with planning support, curated rentals, and connections to catering partners. Guests can explore on-site trails, play volleyball or bocce ball, enjoy craft beer at the lodge’s own Eureka Peak Brewing Co., and unwind in the seasonal pool. It’s a true destination-style wedding in a quiet alpine setting.
What we love: full-resort buyout, private villas with hot tubs, a ceremony space by the pond, on-site craft brewery, a pool, and the peaceful energy of the Lost Sierra forest.
Photo: Sunnie Heers, Wander Love Photography
Nestled in the Catskill Mountains, Roxbury Barn & Estate is a forest wedding venue that blends bold design with wild surroundings. The 42-acre estate includes a dramatic pine grove ceremony site, a 170-year-old carriage barn for receptions, and a mountaintop cocktail hour location with panoramic views.
Weddings at Roxbury Barn are supported by a full in-house team, including planning, design, floral, bar, and day-of coordination. Ceremonies take place in a forest cathedral framed by tall pines, while dinner and dancing unfold inside the restored barn with modern lighting, polished concrete floors, and reclaimed wood details. The estate includes landscaped gardens, a lily pond, and winding drives through the trees. Couples can choose curated menus based on seasonal ingredients and enjoy service from a full bar team offering craft cocktails, wines, and locally inspired pairings. The venue hosts only one event per weekend and offers a structured, yet relaxed planning experience from start to finish.
What we loved: forest ceremony in the pine grove, mountaintop cocktail spot, in-house floral and bar service, weekend-long exclusivity, and the balance of natural seclusion with refined style.
Photo: Love + Wolves Co, Magic Flute
Hidden deep in the San Juan Mountains, Dunton Hot Springs is a restored 1800s ghost town turned luxury forest wedding venue. The former mining village now features hand-built log cabins, natural hot springs, and wide alpine meadows — all available for private, full-property buyout.
Couples can exchange vows outdoors in the open air chapel, gather for drinks in the Saloon beneath original hand-carved beams, and dine in the rustic Dance Hall or beneath the stars. Dunton’s 13 unique cabins blend historic character with upscale comfort, and some include private hot springs or cold plunge tubs. The resort also offers a dedicated team to assist with planning, dining, and guest experiences. Small wedding packages are available for groups up to 14, and larger weddings are built around exclusive use of the town, with access to hot springs, spa treatments, horseback riding, guided hikes, and seasonal alpine adventures.
What we love: full town buyout, natural hot springs, open-air chapel, 19th-century saloon dining, alpine adventures.
Photo: Cara Mia, Lindsey Boluyt
Just 30 minutes from Seattle, TreeHouse Point is a forest wedding venue set on four acres of moss-covered forest along the Raging River. Best known for its seven handcrafted treehouses, this intimate destination offers a one-of-a-kind elopement or micro-wedding experience for couples who want to be surrounded by nature.
Weddings here include exclusive use of the property, with options for ceremonies beside the river or under the trees. The venue provides tables and chairs, and welcomes outside vendors with a curated list of recommendations. Overnight accommodations are available for up to 18 guests across the treehouses and main lodge. The property also includes two cedar-lined bathhouses, a central event lodge, and trails winding through the forest — all designed to create a peaceful, immersive stay in the Pacific Northwest woods.
What we love: exclusive-use treehouse lodging, riverside ceremony spots, intimate forest setting, bathhouses, and the pure quiet of a wedding in the Washington woods.
Photo: Luma Weddings, Ashley Hillstead
Surrounded by tall oaks and quiet trails, RT Lodge in Maryville, Tennessee, offers a refined forest wedding venue with exclusive weekend access. Located near the Smoky Mountains, the property combines historic charm with Southern hospitality, allowing couples to host every part of their celebration—from welcome dinner to farewell brunch—all in one wooded setting.
Ceremonies take place on the Ceremony Lawn or along the tree-lined Winding Road, while receptions unfold under a sailcloth Sperry Tent with space for up to 200 guests. The lodge features 58 guest rooms with custom furniture, luxury linens, and a breakfast service included each morning. RT Lodge’s culinary team creates seasonally inspired menus built around regional flavors—like house-made charcuterie and buttermilk fried chicken. Guests can gather around the outdoor fire pit for s’mores, explore the garden paths, or relax on the wraparound porch with a glass of wine.
What we love: full-property exclusivity, woodland ceremony settings, chef-led seasonal menus, fire pit s’mores, cozy atmosphere.
Photo: Grace Torres, Brandon Chesbro
Arrowhead Pine Rose is a forest wedding venue In the San Bernardino Mountains that offers an intimate, storybook setting among creeks, koi ponds, and pine trees. Set on 10 wooded acres in Twin Peaks, the property features rustic outdoor ceremony spaces, unique cabin accommodations, and full-service wedding planning with a personal touch.
Couples can exchange vows in the Cedar Creek Log Gazebo, then host dinner and dancing under string lights beside a forest stream. The venue offers all-inclusive wedding packages that cover coordination, catering, cake, and overnight lodging at the Hidden Creek Lodge. For smaller events, Pine Rose also provides tailored elopement and micro-wedding options. Onsite cabins come in various styles, each with full kitchens, fireplaces, and private outdoor space, while guests enjoy access to a seasonal pool, fire pits, and nearby Lake Arrowhead trails.
What we love: log gazebo ceremonies, forest creeks and koi ponds, themed cabins with fireplaces, full-service planning, and a cozy mountain feel.
Photo: Courtesy of Arrowhead Pine Rose, Vivian Fox
Tucked in the forest just 40 miles from Seattle, Twin Willow Gardens is a forest wedding venue set among tall cedar, hemlock, and maple trees. This family-owned property in Snohomish offers privacy, natural beauty, and thoughtful details designed specifically for Pacific Northwest weddings.
Ceremonies take place in a forest clearing surrounded by moss and old-growth trees, while receptions are held under a white canopy tent lit with chandeliers and bistro lights. The property includes two modern tiny homes for getting ready, each with a bathroom, kitchenette, and climate control. Twin Willow Gardens provides tables, chairs, a built-in bar with keg taps, fire pits, and a full catering prep area. Couples have access to the entire property for the day, with winding garden paths, a dedicated dance floor, and open lawn space. Owned and managed by Rebecca and Brian Grant, the venue combines a deep connection to the land with years of wedding experience.
What we love: forest ceremony site, elegant tented reception space, modern tiny homes, built-in bar, and the quiet intimacy of a woodland garden venue.
Set on 66 private acres just outside Portland, The Barn at Flanagan Farm is a forest-meets-farm wedding venue designed for exclusive weekend celebrations. The restored 19th-century barn combines classic Maine character with modern lighting, a sound system, and 2,400 square feet of reception space.
Couples can exchange vows in the forest sanctuary, host cocktails near the farmhouse, and dine and dance under vaulted wooden beams lit by handcrafted chandeliers. On-site accommodations include a five-bedroom farmhouse that sleeps 10, plus a seasonal cottage. Winter weddings are especially atmospheric here, with cozy indoor options and full access to a commercial prep kitchen and farmhouse tables. The venue rental includes the entire property, offering couples privacy and flexibility to create a multi-day celebration.
What we love: forest ceremony site, vaulted barn reception with chandeliers, weekend-long access, charming farmhouse lodging, and a cozy vibe.
Photo: Novae Film and Photo, Emily Delamater
Just outside Chattanooga on the slopes of Lookout Mountain, Oakleaf Cottage is a forest wedding venue offering an intentionally quiet setting surrounded by mossy boulders, woodlands, and mountain air. With 32 private acres and a focus on sustainability, it’s designed for intimate events with a personal, natural feel.
Couples can choose between two outdoor ceremony spots—Forest View and Mountainside—each set among towering trees and native plants and offering seating space for 115 guests. Receptions take place in the Stable Barn, a modern indoor space with large windows, wood accents, and central heat and air. The on-site cottage sleeps up to 9 guests and offers a private space for getting ready or staying overnight. Oakleaf’s planning team offers curated rentals, including handcrafted tables, vintage china, and florals, while their green|light certification reflects a strong commitment to eco-conscious practices like composting and energy efficiency. Weddings here are personal, calm, and beautifully tied to the land.
What we love: forest ceremony options, clean barn aesthetic, on-site lodging, curated tabletop rentals, and a venue that leads with sustainability.
Photo: Sarah Larae Gilliam, Ivanna Melesi
Rocky Hill is a secluded wedding venue in White Salmon, Washington, hand-built by a local family with a deep commitment to sustainability and the land. Set on 13 private acres surrounded by evergreens, it blends modern industrial design with warm wood details and sweeping forest views.
The venue accommodates up to 150 guests and offers tables, cross-back chairs, a catering prep kitchen, an indoor bar, two private getting-ready suites, ample parking, and ADA access. Ceremonies take place on a tree deck that extends into the woods, receptions in a spacious hall with large windows and natural light, and dancing under the stars in the courtyard. The property is designed so guests can move easily between spaces while always staying connected to nature.
What we love: Sustainability, all hand-built by a local family, a picturesque setting, a warm yet stylish ambiance, and two parking lots holding 50 cars.
Photo: Taylor Denton, Andrea Zajonc
VENUES Waterfall Lodge, Santa Lucia Preserve, Sequoia Retreat Center, Callicoon Hills, Alila Ventana Big Sur, Bridal Veil Lakes, Handsome Hollow, Nestledown, Gather Greene, Saratoga Springs, Chalet View Lodge, Roxbury Barn, Dunton Hot Springs, TreeHouse Point, RT Lodge, Arrowhead Pine Rose, Twin Willow Gardens, The Barn at Flanagan Farm, Oakleaf Cottage, Rocky Hill
