Top Big Sur Venues

• Spaces for 200 Guests

Bayonet Black Horse is a historic golf and event venue set on the former grounds of Fort Ord in Seaside, California, with panoramic views of Monterey Bay and fairways lined by mature oak and cypress trees. The property traces its roots to 1954, when General Robert B. McClure established the Bayonet Course on what had been Army training grounds, followed by the Black Horse Course in 1964 — both named after distinguished military units. The clubhouse and grounds accommodate a range of private events, including weddings, reunions, showers, proms, business meetings, and community celebrations. The setting combines coastal California scenery with the storied character of a course that has hosted PGA Tour legends and heads of state alike. A dedicated food and beverage team leads event coordination, offering catering options from casual BBQ and diverse buffets to plated sit-down dinners and brunch service. Bayonet Black Horse is managed by Troon Golf and located at 1 McClure Way in Seaside, a short drive north of Monterey.

• Spaces for 100 Guests
• 3 Resorts

Say “I do” at The Sanctuary Beach Resort, one of the most beautiful Monterey Bay wedding venues and “most instagrammable wedding locations“, with luxurious accommodations and an unbeatable seaside location. Set between a state park and the protected Marina Dunes Preserve, The Sanctuary Beach Resort welcomes guests to 19 acres of exclusive beachfront property. Onsite wedding-planners specialize in designing breathtaking waterfront ceremonies that range from casual beach weddings to luxurious affairs. Bookable room blocks in the 60 cottage guest rooms allow couples to share their special day with large parties. Or, for a more intimate celebration, guests can have a small sunset ceremony with just their closest friends and family. Brides and grooms can pamper themselves in this Monterey Beach wedding venue’s the Spa at Sanctuary Beach Resort, which offers a full range of massages and treatments. And just this year, The Sanctuary Beach Resort opened Salt Wood Kitchen & Oysterette Restaurant, our elegant California-fresh restaurant overlooking the Bay, and an ideal choice for rehearsal dinners or receptions.

Since 1849, the region presently known as Eden Rift has been under vine. These limestone- and dolomite-rich soils have passed through the hands of fearless pioneers with their own bold viticultural obsessions for well over a century. Walter Burley Griffin, a fan of the Prairie School and a close associate of Frank Lloyd Wright, designed the Dickinson House. It is a true representation of Prairie School architecture from the early twentieth century, having been built in 1906. The Prairie School was an anti-mass-production, anti-assembly-line style that pushed for "organic architecture," the idea that a structure should appear to have grown organically from the land on which it was built. Moreover, the Prairie School was conceived as a uniquely North American architectural style. In order to achieve this, the Prairie School builders used decoration sparingly. With its basic, prominent horizontal lines, inconspicuous roof, and overhanging eaves, the Dickinson House exemplifies this. It appears to yield to the natural world around it.

• Spaces for 300-500 Guests
• 2 Outdoor Spaces
• 4 Vineyards
• 4 Total Spaces

Léal Vineyards is a winery estate set among rolling hills at 300 Maranatha Drive in Hollister, California, within San Benito County on the Central Coast. Founded in 1998 by Frank Léal, the estate produces Bordeaux-varietal wines from vineyards shaped by the region's interwoven soils, elevations, and microclimates — and it doubles as a full-service event destination accommodating celebrations of up to 700 guests year-round. Four distinct spaces span the property: Lavanda, an outdoor setting along rows of vines beside a lake, accommodating up to 300 guests; Olea, a 12,000-square-foot indoor venue at the top of the estate with panoramic views, accommodating up to 500 guests; Olive Grove, an outdoor area framed by olive trees and a stone fireplace, accommodating up to 300 guests; and the Barrel Room, an indoor space with arched wooden doors and crystal chandeliers, accommodating up to 300 guests. All events at Léal Vineyards are supported by an in-house team providing day-of coordination, catering and beverages, DJ entertainment, table and chair rentals, and floral and décor design through LUXE Design+Décor. Three furnished on-site homes are available for overnight accommodations.

• Spaces for 150 Guests

Monarch Cove Inn is a historic bed-and-breakfast and event estate perched on Depot Hill in Capitola, California, overlooking Monterey Bay. Established in 1895, the 2.5-acre property was originally developed as a private retreat by two English families and later became a celebrated resort that hosted notable guests including actress Mary Pickford. The estate received its current name in 1991 in honor of the thousands of monarch butterflies that migrate through its protected sanctuary each year from mid-October through mid-February. The property features nine Victorian guestrooms and two two-bedroom suites, along with a network of flower-filled gardens, mature trees, and an ocean-cliff setting that provides sweeping views of Monterey Bay. Events at Monarch Cove Inn are hosted as exclusive-use buyouts, allowing wedding parties and private groups to reserve the entire estate for one or two days. The inn is within walking distance of Capitola Village and is recognized as one of Capitola's historical landmarks.

• Spaces for 98-235 Guests
• 2 Museums
• 2 Outdoor Spaces
• 2 Waterfront

The Seymour Marine Discovery Center is an oceanfront event venue operated by UC Santa Cruz, perched on a bluff above Monterey Bay at 100 McAllister Way in Santa Cruz, California. The center's coastal setting offers unobstructed ocean views and natural light throughout, creating a backdrop that few venues in Santa Cruz County can match. Two distinct event spaces accommodate gatherings ranging from intimate work retreats to full receptions of up to 235 guests. The La Feliz Room & Terrace is a private, indoor-outdoor space featuring vaulted ceilings, exposed beams, herringbone flooring, and a sheltered ocean-view terrace with bistro lighting. The Exhibit Hall & Shipwreck Deck integrates live marine exhibits and interactive touch tables with seawater from Monterey Bay alongside a ceremony deck overlooking the ocean, offering an immersive experience available nowhere else in the region. The center operates as a bring-your-own-vendor venue, welcoming all caterers and vendors, with a preferred vendor list available for those who want guidance. Events hosted here directly support UC Santa Cruz's nonprofit marine science education mission.

• Spaces for 200 Guests
• 1 Outdoor
• 1 Event Space
• 1 space at this venue

Aptos Village Park is a 10.3-acre County of Santa Cruz park tucked between the Santa Cruz beaches and the Aptos hills, about 15 minutes south of downtown Santa Cruz. Mature redwoods and stately trees frame an expansive lawn, a charming gazebo, and Aptos Creek, creating a naturally scenic backdrop for outdoor celebrations. The park's primary event space is the Clubhouse and one-third Lawn, which accommodates up to 200 guests during peak season (April through October) and up to 100 guests in winter. The rental includes a fully equipped kitchen, 125 chairs, 20 six-foot banquet tables, and seven picnic tables. Amplified sound is permitted outdoors until 8 p.m., with indoor amplification allowed later in the evening. Aptos Village Park hosts weddings, outdoor ceremonies, vow renewals, private parties, and festivals — all managed through Santa Cruz County Parks. Reservations can be made up to one year in advance on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Spaces for 10-300 Guests
• 1 Restaurant
• 5 Hotels
• 5 Total Spaces

Dream Inn Santa Cruz sits directly on Cowell Beach at 175 West Cliff Drive, making it the only beachfront hotel in Santa Cruz. Set against the backdrop of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and the Municipal Wharf, the property blends coastal California character with full-service event capabilities. The hotel offers 3,500 square feet of flexible indoor event space across three connected rooms — the Surf View Room, the Beach View Room, and the Sand Room — all sharing a spacious pre-function foyer. Together they accommodate up to 200 guests for weddings, galas, corporate meetings, and private dinners, with floor-to-ceiling windows framing panoramic views of Monterey Bay. An additional private meeting room, The Cove, seats up to 10 for intimate gatherings, while Jack's Patio, an 8,000-square-foot outdoor venue, hosts receptions of up to 300. All event spaces are equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi and state-of-the-art A/V equipment. The culinary team sources from more than 20 local Monterey Bay farms and is a member of the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch program, offering plated, buffet, and family-style menus with vegan and vegetarian options.

• Spaces for 16-100 Guests
• 4 Restaurants
• 4 Historic Spaces
• 1 Waterfront

Shadowbrook Restaurant sits on the banks of Soquel Creek in Capitola-by-the-Sea, California, where it has welcomed guests for fine dining and private events since 1947. The restaurant's origins trace to a 1920s log cabin that was discovered, restored over three years, and opened as a 50-seat dining room — growing over the decades to include a hillside cable car (added in 1958), a riverside deck, a wine cellar, and a renovated redwood bar. The venue has been recognized as the "Most Romantic Restaurant" in Northern California by San Francisco Focus readers. For private events, Shadowbrook offers four distinct dining rooms that accommodate gatherings from intimate dinners of 9 to combined receptions of up to 100 guests. The Owner's Private Reserve seats up to 16 guests; the Redwood Room, with its warm redwood walls and views of the chef's herb garden, seats up to 22; the Wine Cellar accommodates up to 37 guests surrounded by the restaurant's wine collection; and the Green House fits 38 to 60 guests in a light-filled space with stained glass windows opening onto the creek-side gardens. The venue hosts weddings, rehearsal dinners, corporate meetings, milestone celebrations, and anniversaries. Award-winning cuisine, customizable menus, and an extensive wine program are available for all private events.

• Spaces for 50-130 Guests
• 1 Museum
• 1 Landmark

The Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History (MAH) occupies a landmark building at 705 Front Street in the heart of downtown Santa Cruz, California. As the cultural hub of Santa Cruz County, the MAH brings together bilingual exhibitions, community events, and educational programming in a setting equally suited to private gatherings and celebrations. The museum's rentable spaces range from intimate to expansive, accommodating groups of 20 to 200 guests across five distinct areas. The 1,200-square-foot Atrium offers floor-to-ceiling windows and a projection system for receptions and presentations, while the Kincentricity Garden provides 1,800 square feet of lush outdoor space ideal for wedding ceremonies and seated dinners. The rooftop Sculpture Garden — the only rentable rooftop in Downtown Santa Cruz — and the indoor/outdoor Garden Room round out the venue's versatile offerings. Each rental includes complimentary use of the in-house sound system, rectangle and cocktail tables, folding chairs, and one dedicated MAH staff member. Couples and event planners will find the museum's distinctive blend of art, history, and community spirit a memorable backdrop for any occasion.

• Spaces for 80 Guests
• 1 Outdoor
• 1 Event Space
• 1 space at this venue

Valencia Hall is a restored 1880s historic hall nestled on the outskirts of Aptos, California, managed by Santa Cruz County Parks. Built by Frederick Hihn as part of a once-thriving logging community, Valencia Hall and the adjacent historic General Store and Post Office are the last two surviving structures from the original settlement of Valencia — giving the property a sense of history that few event venues can match.\n\nThe charming white-clapboard hall accommodates up to 80 guests and lends itself naturally to intimate weddings, receptions, and private gatherings. Its covered porch serves as an inviting ceremony space, while the interior hall handles celebrations of all kinds. A bordering orchard and a backdrop of coastal redwoods provide a scenic, secluded setting that makes guests feel transported from everyday life.\n\nSanta Cruz County Parks manages reservations for weddings, meetings, and special events. The venue's rural character, historic architecture, and redwood surroundings make it a distinctive choice for couples and groups seeking a one-of-a-kind setting in the Santa Cruz Mountains foothills.

• Spaces for 20-400 Guests
• 1 Restaurant
• 3 Hotels
• 3 Total Spaces

With 8,000 square feet of adaptable meeting space, delicious onsite catering, professional event organizing, and cutting-edge audio/visual services, Hotel Paradox ensures that your gathering will be a success. In addition to our sleek, modern ballroom and two distinct function rooms, which can accommodate parties ranging from five to 400 people, our sunny pool deck with fire pits and cabanas will add to the whole experience. THE BALLROOM IS 4,400 SQ. FT. IN SIZE. In addition to being available as a whole or divided into four independent sections, the Sequoia Ballroom accommodates up to 490 guests in comfort. Create an atmosphere of inspiration for your visitors by having images of redwoods engraved into the glass, which will provide exactly the correct amount of privacy for your gathering. 535 SQ. Cypress Room Our 535-square-foot Cypress Room, which can be expanded to include 200 square feet of beautiful outdoor area, combines the beauty of nature with contemporary architecture.

• Spaces for 125-150 Guests
• 1 Outdoor
• 1 Winery
• 1 Waterfront

Bargetto Winery is a family-owned estate winery established in 1933, set along the banks of Soquel Creek in the Santa Cruz Mountains, just one and a half miles from the Pacific Ocean. Founded by the Bargetto family — Italian immigrants who brought Old World winemaking traditions to California — the winery has grown into one of the central coast's most historic wine estates, specializing in estate-grown Italian varietals, honey meads, and premium dessert wines. The Soquel property hosts private events across three distinctive spaces: the Creekside Courtyard, an open-air setting nestled alongside the creek with burnt orange tiles and a long weathered bar; the La Vita Room, a Mediterranean-inspired indoor venue featuring burnished redwood doors, handcrafted chandeliers, arched windows overlooking the creek, and reclaimed antique wine tank wood; and the Historic Cellars, a rustic underground setting rich with winery heritage, amber lighting, and a glittering crystal chandelier. Together the spaces accommodate weddings, rehearsal dinners, bridal showers, anniversaries, fundraisers, corporate gatherings, and wine tastings, with capacity for up to 125 seated guests. The winery's events team coordinates each gathering, and a historic 1950 cottage known as Grandma's House — furnished with hand-selected antiques — serves as a bridal suite in the two hours before ceremonies.

• Spaces for 75-100 Guests
• 1 Winery

Take a moment to imagine hosting your next special occasion in one of the most calm and magnificent settings that nature has to offer. You can host a gathering of family and friends at Hecker Pass Winery's La Vigna Event Center, which offers stunning views of gorgeous vineyards and rolling hills in a breathtaking location. The event packages at La Vigna Event Center are completely customisable and include everything you need for a successful event. We can provide a venue for your particular occasion. We are available all year and have all of the amenities you could possibly need for your special event. Please contact us for more information. Picture windows and French doors lead out to our expansive covered outdoor patio from our banquet room, which has been handcrafted with arched redwood doors, a magnificent polished granite bar, and picture windows and French doors. In addition to providing magnificent views of our vineyard and surrounding hills, the covered patio and open dance floor serve as a beautiful setting for lasting and memorable photographs. Make a lasting impression on your visitors by serving them quality wines from our custom-built Barrel Bar. In a secluded corner of the building, a tastefully decorated bridal suite awaits you on your special day. The cost of an all-inclusive event package may include meals prepared by a well-known local chef as well as tables and chairs as well as linens and overlays as well as china, stemware, and flatware. Our services include complete set-up, bar and table service, as well as complete cleanup after the event. We provide a comprehensive list of trusted providers to aid you in locating everything from photography to cake and everything in between. The personnel at La Vigna Event Center will work with you to ensure that the planning and execution of your event are as stress-free as possible.

• Spaces for 500 Guests

Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation and California's only horticultural theme park, located at 3050 Hecker Pass Highway in Gilroy — about 30 miles south of San Jose and within an hour of San Francisco, Santa Cruz, and Monterey. Founded by Michael Bonfante and first opened to the public in June 2001, the park brings together more than 40 rides and attractions, majestic gardens, and more than 10,000 trees with an emphasis on local history and horticulture. The park's mission is to educate and inspire families, especially children, to appreciate trees and plants in a fun, beautifully landscaped setting. Its six distinctive gardens include the world-famous Circus Trees — rare arbor sculptures shaped by the late Axel Erlandson — alongside the lush Camellia Garden and the tropical Monarch Garden housed inside a 60-foot-tall glass greenhouse. For groups and private events, Gilroy Gardens offers multiple event spaces throughout the grounds — from the Creekside Terrace along a tranquil creek to the Events Plaza at the heart of the park and the South County Grove's open-lawn space — supported by an experienced in-house event planning and catering team. The park accommodates everything from company gatherings and school proms to quinceañeras, family reunions, and full park buyouts.

• Spaces for 120-300 Guests
• 1 Outdoor
• 2 Vineyards
• 2 Total Spaces

Fortino Winery Event Center sits on 30 acres in Gilroy, California, along the scenic Hecker Pass Highway — a working winery established in 1970, surrounded by Merlot and Chardonnay vineyards, towering redwoods, and manicured hillside grounds. Two dedicated event spaces accommodate celebrations from intimate gatherings to weddings of up to 300 guests. The outdoor Redwood Terrace features a ceremony area, reception lawn, covered stage and dance floor, full bar, and private entry through the vineyard. The Barrel Room is an indoor banquet hall — recently renovated with air conditioning and heat — with an attached outdoor covered space and vineyard views, suited for up to 120 guests. In-house catering draws on Italian culinary traditions, with menus offered buffet-style, family-style, or as plated dinners; the kitchen team also accommodates specialty menus. The winery is licensed for beer and wine service, with selections from Fortino's own cellar. Wedding coordination is available on-site, and the grounds include a dedicated bridal preparation room.

• Spaces for 110-300 Guests
• 1 Ballroom
• 1 Historic Space
• 1 Meeting Space

Gilroy Lodge on the Hill is a hilltop event facility perched above Gilroy, California, with sweeping views of the surrounding valley, oak-covered hillsides, and nearby wine country. The lodge is an affiliate of Gilroy Elks Lodge #1567 and has been recognized as a Best of Gilroy award recipient for event venues. Two banquet rooms accommodate gatherings from 50 to 300 guests. The Valley View Room features floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the hillside and opens to a spacious outdoor patio, making it well suited for weddings, anniversaries, quinceañeras, reunions, fundraisers, and proms. The Mt. Madonna Room offers a more intimate setting for birthdays, baby and bridal showers, and corporate meetings. All catering is provided in-house and rental rates include tables, basic chairs, table linens, setup, and cleanup. A day-of event coordinator, projector, bridal suite, and bar service are available as add-ons.

• Spaces for 150-300 Guests
• 2 Outdoor Spaces
• 1 Historic Space
• 2 Total Spaces

We Have a Mission However, Kennolyn has been the site of world-renowned summer camp programs since 1946, when it first opened its doors to host weddings, special events, and retreats for guests. From its beginnings as a mere 60 acres at Stone Creek Village, it grew to 300 acres with the addition of Hilltop Hacienda Estate in 1956, and it has now grown to 450 acres with the addition of Soquel Ranch, which began as a mere 60 acres at Stone Creek Village. The vast majority of the land has remained undeveloped to this day because Kennolyn's commitment to harmony and awe for nature is inextricably linked to the preservation of natural life and beauty. Nonetheless, we have not shied away from providing all of the amenities, resources, and activities that will create one-of-a-kind memories and connections for those who visit our facilities. Kennolyn Events is still in business today, bringing people together for weddings, retreats, and other types of special occasions. Consider the Wedding of Your Dreams Weddings are a reflection of who you are as a couple: the things that make you laugh, the things you've learned about each other and about yourselves, and the things you want to take with you as you begin your new life together. At Kennolyn, we are driven by the desire to assist you in bringing those qualities to life and transforming that representation into an unforgettable celebration. Our private, all-inclusive venues can be completely customized to reflect your personality and the setting of your dreams.

• Spaces for 150-200 Guests
• 1 Event Space

The UC Santa Cruz Arboretum & Botanic Garden is a collection of gardens and research areas on the University of California Santa Cruz campus that totals approximately 100 acres in size. Guests can enjoy a truly unique and rustic setting for weddings and other special events at this venue. Take a look at our photo gallery of the venue. The gardens provide the ideal setting for a celebration, with unrivaled beauty and diversity of flora from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and California providing the perfect backdrop. The Arboretum & Botanic Garden at the University of California, Santa Cruz is the ideal location for your event. In addition to the South African Garden, the Garden has two outdoor spaces: the Australian Rock Garden and Picnic Area and the Australian Rock Garden. Our Gardens are the perfect setting for a rustic wedding ceremony, poetry reading, or family get-together. From 9:00 a.m. until sunset, or during the hours specified below, outdoor spaces may be rented. Full day fees are charged from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays. After-hours services are billed on an hourly basis and require prior approval.

• Spaces for 100-200 Guests
• 1 Outdoor
• 1 Vineyard
• 1 space at this venue

Redwood Retreat at Fernwood Cellars is a historic estate winery nestled in a canyon at the base of the Santa Cruz Mountains, located at the end of Redwood Retreat Road in Gilroy, California. Established in 1863 with six generations of family stewardship, the property encompasses towering ancient redwoods and 100% estate-grown vineyards farmed using sustainable practices. The venue accommodates private events of up to 100 guests across its grounds, offering ceremonies among the redwoods and reception space that draws on the estate's natural and historic character. A historic tasting room serves as a getting-ready suite for weddings, and the estate provides indoor/outdoor flexibility suited to year-round gatherings. Weddings, corporate retreats, family reunions, and private celebrations are all hosted here. Every private event includes full estate access, a personal event coordinator, a customized wine selection, setup and breakdown time, and ample on-site parking.