Top Soquel Venues

• 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 45-100 Guests
• 2 Restaurants
• 1 Outdoor

• Spaces for 70-400 Guests
• 6 Hotels
• 6 Ballrooms

At Seascape Beach Resort, your wedding is about so much more than two people saying “I do.” It’s a weekend with friends and family, a celebration of community, and the pure, spontaneous joy of building a life together. Stylish, distinctive, refreshingly unconventional. Whether it begins with a beach fire welcome reception on our private beach or winds down over a farewell brunch overlooking the bay, your Seascape wedding is strung together by made-for-you moments to be shared and celebrated.

• 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 150-250 Guests
• 1 Hotel
• 1 Ballroom

Host indoor-outdoor events with redwood forest views. We have ballrooms with space for up to 300 guests, a picturesque patio, and a private dining room. Our expert planners are on hand to assist with catering, A/V, and any special requests.

• 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 50-200 Guests
• 1 Event Space

Are you planning an event a wedding reception, anniversary party, birthday party, business or organization meeting, or other special activity? Scotts Valley is truly a beautiful place for a memorial event. We have the rental rates very attractive to make it easy for you to take advantage of our community facilities. You will find our friendly and helpful staff ready to assist you with arrangements and pricing. We look forward to assisting you with your event in Scotts Valley. Make your reservation by completing a Facility Application form (PDF) at our office. Book your next event today! We have a variety of facilities to serve your needs.

• 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 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 79-500 Guests
• 3 Outdoor Spaces
• 3 Parks
• 3 Ranches

Roaring Camp Railroads is a historic narrow-gauge railroad and event destination nestled among ancient coastal redwoods in Felton, California, in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The 1880s-themed property transports guests back in time through a covered bridge gateway into a working heritage site where steam locomotives dating to 1890 still carry passengers over trestles and through towering groves to the summit of Bear Mountain. The grounds accommodate groups from 25 to 2,500 guests across indoor and outdoor spaces. Bret Harte Hall, a 6,120-square-foot 1880s-style structure with a 32-foot ceiling, raised theatrical stage, and on-site prep kitchen, serves corporate events, receptions, reunions, concerts, and trade shows. Reserved forested picnic areas along Deer Creek seat groups ranging from 79 to 250 guests, each with BBQ pits shaded by redwoods and oaks. Weddings, birthday parties, alumni gatherings, and corporate team-building events can all incorporate heritage train excursions, Chuckwagon BBQ catering, and activities including gold panning and candlemaking — giving every gathering a setting and experience that cannot be replicated elsewhere.

• Spaces for 150-200 Guests
• 3 Outdoor Spaces
• 1 Historic Space
• 3 Total Spaces

Fern River Resort is a third-generation, family-owned property nestled in the redwood forest of the Santa Cruz Mountains in Felton, California. Originally established as Griffin's Resort in 1929, the 5.25-acre grounds sit along Highway 9 near Gold Gulch Creek and have been stewarded by the Martin family since 1971, with an on-site redwood mill supplying materials for decks, gazebos, and furnishings throughout. The resort offers four distinct outdoor ceremony and reception areas — including the Redwood Gazebo Meadow, Arbor Garden, River Overlook Area, and Cocktail Lawn — accommodating ceremonies of up to 200 guests and receptions of up to 150 guests. For groups seeking exclusive use of the full property, all 15 cabins across 62 guest beds are available for a full three-night buyout. Across all events, the site rental includes ceremony and reception seating, dining tables, LED uplighting, café lighting, a professional sound system, access to a private river beach, and a campfire ring. The resort sits directly across from Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, offering guests direct access to hiking trails through old-growth forest.

• Spaces for 250 Guests

Thank you for your interest in the Wedding Connection. With 28 years of planning and coordinating experience, we have organized events and have worked all over the Bay area, Santa Cruz County, Monterey Bay and Carmel Valley and even Hawaii and Southern California.'