A Dreamy Forest Wedding at Sequoia Retreat Center | Santa Cruz Wedding Photographer
Santa Cruz Wedding Photographer
Nestled in the redwoods of the Santa Cruz Mountains, the Sequoia Retreat Center is one of California’s most magical wedding venues for couples who love nature, intimacy, and timeless beauty. As a wedding photographer, I’ve seen many venues, but few match the serenity and cinematic atmosphere of this forest hideaway. With towering trees, filtered golden light, and a peaceful ambiance, Sequoia Retreat Center offers the perfect backdrop for organic, emotional, and breathtaking wedding photography.
What makes this venue so special is the immersive forest experience it offers from start to finish. The ceremony site is surrounded by ancient redwoods that create a natural cathedral—quiet, sacred, and unforgettable. There’s a built-in amphitheater for guests, rustic cabins on-site for overnight stays, and an open-air dining deck that feels like a treehouse celebration. Every part of the property is photographable, from the mossy trails to the romantic twilight lighting that falls between the trees.
For couples planning an outdoor wedding in the Santa Cruz area, Sequoia Retreat Center offers a secluded and soulful alternative to coastal or winery venues. It’s ideal for couples who want something nontraditional, spiritual, or even a little bohemian. As a photographer, I love how the redwood backdrop frames moments naturally, requiring very little styling—the forest does the work for us. Every image feels rich, warm, and story-driven.
If you’re envisioning a wedding that feels like an escape into nature—where your vows echo through the trees and your portraits feel like a fairytale—this might be your perfect spot. And being located just an hour from the Bay Area, it’s accessible for guests while still feeling worlds away. The light in the forest shifts throughout the day, making it a photographer’s playground for capturing moody, golden-hour magic and cozy night shots under string lights or stars.
Looking for a Santa Cruz wedding photographer who knows how to photograph Sequoia Retreat Center with a mix of candid emotion and fine-art detail? I’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re eloping under the redwoods or hosting a full weekend celebration, this venue is one of my favorites—and I know all the best photo spots. Reach out to learn more or browse the gallery from past weddings I've photographed here.
Bride Getting ready
Groom getting ready
The details
Ceremony
Couple’s formals
Reception details
Frist Dance
Party Time
Toasts
If you are looking for a photographer in Santa Cruz to capture your special celebration contact me today to talk further for your special day.