Sparrow Valley Retreat: Best Wedding Venues in Santa Cruz

a bride and groom stand at the altar under the redwoods at Sparrow Valley Retreat, one of the best wedding venues in Santa Cruz

Have you heard of this wedding venue in the Santa Cruz Mountains? Sparrow Valley Retreat is one of the best wedding venues in Santa Cruz County. Nestled in the redwoods on top of a ridge, this gorgeous retreat is perfect for outdoor weddings big and small. I have photographed at A LOT of venues, including most of the redwood grove wedding venues in California. I can tell you from experience that Sparrow Valley Retreat is simply incredible.

A Rustic Retreat for Laid Back Nature Lovers

Sparrow Valley Retreat is a dream come true for laid back couples who love the outdoors and woodsy environments. Redwood trees tower around the ceremony deck in a fairy ring, hand built by the owners themselves. Guests may sit on rustic benches built into the small hillside that looks down on the ceremony area. Walking into the wooded ceremony space feels like entering a lush cathedral of earthy fragrance and sunbeams.

The rest of the venue is truly an intimate retreat that highlights the natural environment. Couples who book this venue get overnight lodging in a beautiful house that the owners built themselves. There are other “habitats” on the property as well, and more being built as I type! While you’re there, why not take a hike down to Valencia Creek, sunbathe on the lawn, or relax in the sauna or bathtub jacuzzi?

After the ceremony, guests can enjoy cocktail hour on a spacious deck and migrate over to the banquet tables for dinner. Oh and the tables? The owners milled the wood from their property and hand built these stunning, giant tables that perfectly compliment the woodsy environment. If you couldn’t already tell, the owners put a lot of love and sweat into creating this wonderful space.

Originally this venue was only serving intimate weddings, but soon they will be accommodating large weddings too! Sparrow Valley Retreat is still a young venue, but it soared in popularity in 2021. So if you are curious, be sure to snag a tour and a wedding date before they book up!