My Favorite Northern California Wedding Venues


There is something truly so magical about weddings in Northern California! This year, I was lucky enough to photograph weddings at some of the most breathtaking Northern California wedding venues that this region has to offer. These spots are full of whimsical charm and so many dreamy details - it's impossible not to fall in love with them! If you're planning your wedding in Northern California, here are my top 6 venues I worked at in 2024.



Yokayo Ranch - Ukiah, CA


In the heart of Mendocino County, Yokayo Ranch is a hidden gem. With rolling hills, oak trees, and a rustic-modern vibe, it's the perfect spot for couples who want a laid-back yet elevated celebration. This venue will give you all the cozy, intimate feels while still be stylish and fun!

Rustic cottage with stone chimney and gray roof nestled among trees.
White poolside cabanas with comfortable lounge furniture and umbrellas.
Wooden benches arranged in rows under weeping willow trees for an outdoor ceremony.
Elegant floral arrangement with wild flowers and dried elements in warm autumn colors.
Group photo of friends enjoying a relaxed moment together on a couch.
Garden archway decorated with orange and yellow flowers creating a romantic path.
Wedding ceremony setup with wooden benches and floral arch in a garden setting.
Swimming pool area with lounge chairs and covered pavilion surrounded by lush greenery.
Bride in white gown walking down outdoor aisle lined with willow trees.
Outdoor wedding ceremony under a floral arch with guests seated on wooden chairs in a garden setting.
Elegant round sweetheart table with white tablecloth and hanging lanterns in a garden setting.
Long dining table set with white linens and bistro chairs for an outdoor garden reception.
Elegant outdoor wedding reception table with white linens and place settings under string lights.
Black and white candid moment at a wedding with floral arch in background.
Wedding couple sharing a joyful moment at their sweetheart table during outdoor reception.

Golden Gate Club - San Francisco, CA


This iconic venue in the Presidio offers unbeatable views of the Golden Gate Bridge, and it's just as stunning inside. The historic building combines classic architecture with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the bay. It's perfect for couples who want timeless San Francisco charm with a touch of nature!

Formal dining table set with white chairs and place settings in elegant pattern.
Modern white building with large windows set on a grassy lawn surrounded by evergreen trees.
Elegant wedding reception setup with long tables, string lights, and yellow floral centerpieces.
Long banquet table with white linens decorated with colorful floral arrangements and place settings.
Outdoor wedding ceremony setup with wooden chairs and floral-lined aisle in a garden setting.
Wedding reception venue with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking green landscape and water views.
Outdoor wedding ceremony site with wooden chairs and tall eucalyptus trees creating natural backdrop.
Garden wedding ceremony setup with wooden chairs and coral floral arrangements along concrete path.
Symmetrical garden ceremony setup with wooden chairs arranged between mature trees.
Wedding ceremony taking place under tall eucalyptus trees with lush greenery arch.
Black and white wedding ceremony photo under floral arch with greenery backdrop.
A joyful moment captured between two people in wedding attire surrounded by lush greenery and ferns.
Wedding ceremony guests watch and take photos as the couple walks down an outdoor aisle.
Elegant wedding portrait in front of a historic church entrance with ornate wooden doors.
Black and white image of a bride in flowing dress and veil on church steps.

Straus Home Ranch - Marshall, CA


Imagine saying "I Do" surrounded by dreamy pastures and views of Tomales Bay! That's exactly what you'll get at Straus Home Ranch. This historic dairy fam turned wedding venue feels like stepping into a storybook. The natural, organic vibes will make your day feel effortlessly romantic.

White wedding dress hanging by window with floral bouquet on bedside table.
Classic white colonial house with climbing vines and wedding dress displayed on porch.
Elegant wedding gown displayed against window in sunlit bedroom.
Southern colonial style house with white columns and green shutters.
Elegant bridal portrait in white dress on balcony in black and white.
Intimate wedding moment with couple embracing outdoors, featuring a beautiful bouquet of yellow and white flowers.
Creative wedding photo with couple on different levels of a white colonial style building's porch.
Delicate spring wedding bouquet with yellow roses, white flowers and blue accents tied with gold ribbon.
Wedding portrait in garden setting with purple lupines and tall eucalyptus trees in background.
Back view of bride in white dress holding spring bouquet among purple flowers and greenery.
Joyful bridal portrait in natural garden setting with purple lupines and yellow flowers.
Elegant bridal portrait amid towering trees and purple lupine flowers in garden setting.
Romantic wedding couple embracing in garden path surrounded by purple lupines and mature trees.
Intimate black and white wedding portrait showing tender moment between newlyweds.
Full length wedding portrait of couple standing among purple lupines and mature trees in garden setting.

Nestldown - Los Gatos, CA


Nestldown is straight out of a fairytale! Tucked away in the Santa Cruz Mountains, this venue features towering redwoods, lush gardens and even a little train! A wedding here feels like a secret woodland escape. A wedding here with an intimate ceremony surrounded by the trees, followed by cocktails in the garden, would be an absolute dream!

Couple takes romantic first look photos in a garden setting.
Playful first look moment in front of a fairy tale cottage in the woods.
Bridesmaids in sparkly dresses hold white bouquets while posing in a forest setting.
Groomsmen in black suits pose together on grass with tall redwood trees in background.
Wedding party gathered on grass with white dog and flowing bridal gown in woodsy outdoor setting.
White floral arrangements line the aisle of a forest wedding ceremony setup with white chairs.
Outdoor wedding ceremony site with white floral arch and chairs arranged in forest setting.
Stone steps leading through tall redwood trees in a serene forest setting.
Wedding ceremony setup with white chairs and floral arch nestled in a peaceful forest setting.
Wedding guests walking down forest path surrounded by tall trees and lush greenery.
Aerial view of outdoor wedding ceremony setup surrounded by towering trees and forest landscape.
Stone steps winding through majestic redwood forest with sunlight filtering through trees.
Elegant floral arrangement featuring white roses and delicate blooms against forest backdrop.
Romantic wedding moment under floral arch surrounded by lush forest greenery.
A wedding ceremony in a redwood forest with white floral arch and seated guests.

Ruth Bancroft Garden - Walnut Creek, CA


For couples who love the modern desert vibes, Ruth Bancroft Garden is a dream come true. The succulents and cacti here create a stunning backdrop, especially for your sunset portraits! I absolutely adored photographing a wedding here. We really leaned into the venue's natural beauty with earthy tones and boho-inspired details. It's the perfect spot for a celebration that feels unique and intentional.

Desert landscape garden featuring large cacti and agave plants around a rustic building.
Curved metal arch with floral arrangement between eucalyptus trees on dirt path.
Rows of wooden crossback chairs set up for outdoor ceremony with desert plants in background.
Curved rows of wooden chairs arranged on dirt path lined with desert plants and flowers.
Guests gathering on garden path under trees with umbrella and palm fronds visible.
Colorful koi fish swimming in pond with lily pads and ornamental grasses along the edge.
A wedding day portrait showing a groom in a classic black suit and light blue tie surrounded by lush garden foliage.
An outdoor wedding venue features a mint green greenhouse structure amidst tropical plants and natural landscaping.
A wedding ceremony takes place in a scenic garden setting with tall palm trees and natural decor.
Wedding guests seated on wooden chairs line a natural pathway during an outdoor ceremony.
An elegant wedding reception table setup with white linens and wooden cross-back chairs.
A garden wedding ceremony with guests seated along a natural path lined with eucalyptus trees.
A modern wedding reception table featuring a gold arch, floral arrangements, and elegant white decor.
Wedding guests gather at an outdoor reception with sun-dappled trees creating a magical atmosphere.
Wedding guests mingle during an outdoor reception beneath towering trees at sunset.

Joullian Vineyards - Carmel Valley, CA


If you're dreaming of a vineyard wedding, Joullian Vineyards is it! This Carmel Valley gem is surrounded by rolling hills and endless vines. Consider having an amazing al fresco dinner under string lights, with stunning florals surrounding the tables. Your day will be full of laughter, great wine and heartfelt moments at this amazing venue!

Black and white photo of final wedding preparations by a window.
An elegant white wedding dress hangs beneath a wooden pergola creating dramatic shadows and light patterns.
A black and white photograph showing a garden setting with formal attire and landscaping.
A couple exchanges vows during an outdoor ceremony with mountain views and lush greenery.
Bridesmaids in pink dresses gather around the bride for a group photo in a scenic garden setting.
A couple stands together during their garden wedding ceremony beneath a towering oak tree.
Wedding party members hold white parasols while posing in a sun-dappled garden.
A dreamy black and white photo captures flowing veils and dresses in natural outdoor lighting.
An arched mirror reflects lush greenery and mountain views in an elegant garden setting.
A wedding seating chart display with floral arrangements under a large oak tree.
Wooden chairs and colorful floral arrangements frame a vineyard ceremony site with mountain views.
Wine barrel decorated with flowers serves as ceremony decor with wooden chairs arranged on lawn overlooking vineyard hills.
Elegant table setting at outdoor vineyard reception with white linens and floral centerpieces beneath umbrella.
Outdoor wedding reception seating arranged on grass with wine barrels and mountain backdrop.
Reception dining area set up on patio with string lights and umbrellas overlooking mountain vineyard.

Let's Capture Your Day At One Of These Northern California Wedding Venues!


These venues made 2024 such an incredible year for me as a wedding photographer, and I’d love to capture more celebrations at these dreamy spots. If you’re planning your wedding at one of these Northern California gems (or anywhere else, honestly), let’s make magic together. Get in touch here to chat about your vision and how I can help bring it to life!