Hey there, future forest newlyweds! Ready to ditch the basic ballroom and say “I do” surrounded by trees older than your great-great-grandma’s wedding china? Let’s dive into the world of Arcata CA wedding venues, where Mother Nature is your ultimate wedding planner (with a little help from yours truly).
Arcata CA | Not Your Average “I Do” Destination
Picture this: you’re rocking that wedding attire, standing next to your ride-or-die, and instead of Uncle Bob’s snoring echoing through a stuffy hall, you’ve got ancient redwoods as your witnesses. Welcome to Arcata, California – where wedding dreams come true and your photos will make your Instagram followers weep with envy.
Why Arcata? Let me count the ways…
- Epic Scenery – Redwoods, coastlines, and views that’ll make your heart skip a beat
- Small-Town Vibes – Where everybody knows your name (by the end of the wedding weekend)
- Adventure Central – Hike, kayak, or spot Bigfoot on your big day
- Foodie Heaven – Farm-to-table eats that’ll make your taste buds do the cha-cha
- Photo Ops Galore – #NoFilter needed when Mother Nature’s your backdrop
Now, let’s talk about the crown jewel of Arcata wedding venues: Ridgefield Events. Spoiler alert: it’s not just a wedding venue, it’s a whole vibe.
Ridgefield Events | Where Fairies Vacation
Imagine a place where redwoods play bouncer, gardens are your dance floor, and every detail is handled so you can focus on not tripping down the aisle. That’s Ridgefield Events, baby. Let’s break it down…
Ridgefield’s Greatest Hits
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Features |
The Lowdown |
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Location |
80 acres of pure redwood bliss |
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Scenery |
Trees, flowers, and views for days |
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Packages |
From DIY to “I don’t lift a finger” |
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Privacy |
Paparazzi-proof (sorry, woodland critters only) |
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Getting There |
Flights that won’t require a pit stop |
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Planning Help |
For when “wedding brain” kicks in |
But wait, there’s more! (Cue infomercial voice) Ridgefield’s all-inclusive package is like having a fairy godmother, minus the pumpkin carriage.
All-Inclusive Magic | Your Ticket to Stress-Free Planning
Wedding planning got you stress-eating cake samples? Fear not! Ridgefield’s all-inclusive wedding services are here to save your waistline and your sanity. Check out their epic inclusions…
- 80 acres of “OMG, is this real?” scenery
- Two ceremony spots: “The Stone Patio” (for nature enthusiasts) and “The Redwood Grove” (for the serious tree huggers)
- A stunning ready-room (selfie central, anyone?)
- Gourmet catering by Chef Natalia Boyce (your guests’ taste buds will thank you)
- Sugar Bear Baking sweets (because stressed is desserts spelled backward)
- Buttermilk Floral blooms
- An on-site event guru (your personal wedding fairy)
- DJ to keep the party poppin’ during your wedding celebration
- Tables, chairs, and linens for your wedding reception
- Lawn games
- Onsite accommodations for 2 (no need to stress about night-of lodging logistics!)
And the best part? These aren’t your average in-house wedding vendors. I’m talking Northern California’s crème de la crème of wedding pros. It’s like the Avengers of the wedding world, assembled just for you.
Magical Venue Spaces | Choose Your Own Adventure
Alright, let’s take a tour of Ridgefield’s venue options. Each one’s more jaw-dropping than the last…
The Redwood Grove
This moody forest wedding venue is for when you want to feel like a woodland fairy during your wedding ceremony. It’s an excellent spot for Pinterest-worthy photo ops, too. :)
Terrace and Lawn
Two majestic spaces best for mingling, sipping, and “accidentally” avoiding that coworker you forgot you invited. The lawn is also a great spot for a tented reception if you want a little timeout from the great outdoors.
Stone Patio
A great ceremony or reception space for intimate gatherings. It’s also an ideal spot to showcase those questionable dance moves you’ve been working on…
Lodging and Get-Ready Areas
Start and end your day without a trek through the forest (unless that’s your thing) and cozy up in the manor house fit with a honeymoon suite for 2. Wake up to the wildlife sounds in Ridgefield’s protected sanctuary.
Planning at Arcata CA Wedding Venues
Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t sweat it (save that for the dance floor). Here are some pro tips to keep you sane during the wedding experience…
- Embrace the woodsy wonderland vibes. Arcata’s natural beauty is your BFF. Work it!
- Avoid weather woes. Arcata can be moody. Have a Plan B (and maybe a C).
- Give your guests guidance. Help your city-slicker friends navigate the redwoods with helpful guides (keep reading to see a map I’ve put together!).
- Choose your seasonal sensations. Each season in Arcata has its perks. Choose your favorite.
- Get your adventure on. Plan some outdoor shenanigans. Redwood selfie contest, anyone?
Beyond “I Do” | Humboldt County Adventures Await
Your wedding rental’s just the appetizer in this Arcata feast. Here’s what’s on the menu…
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Local Landmarks/Activities |
What’s the Deal? |
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Get a feel for Ridgefield’s epic natural setting & walk among the giants in this iconic U.S. destination spot |
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Romantic strolls and oceanfront fun |
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Local flavor meets quirky charm |
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Relaxing trails and serenity |
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Local Vineyards and Wineries |
Toast with some local liquid courage |
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Remember to check out Ridgefield’s page on conservation efforts. The owners of this property, Scott and Krista, care deeply for this community and the natural environment that makes it unique.
FAQs | Because I Know You’ve Got Questions
Ridgefield Rapid-Fire
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Questions |
The Real Deal |
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BYO Vendors? |
Their crew’s amazing, but they’re open to talking about your faves if you choose a venue-only package. |
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Noise Rules? |
The music cuts at 9:30 PM, and it’s time to wrap it up and stargaze. |
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Best Wedding Season? |
I personally love Sept/Oct for clear skies and crisp weather, but every season’s got its charm. |
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Furry Friends? |
Bring ’em! Ridgefield loves four-legged ring bearers and furbabies. |
More Q’s For the “But What About This…” Crowd
I’m planning from out of town. What if some of my guests can’t make the trek?
- Livestream it! Let them enjoy the redwoods in their PJs. I also know plenty of couples that had smaller destination weddings who decided to host epic anniversary parties at home to make up for it.
Any NorCal honeymoon ideas?
- Road trip it! Arcata to Napa to San Fran to Big Sur is a great honeymoon itinerary. It’s like a buffet of West Coast romance!
What are some trendy forest themes you’ve been seeing?
- Bohemian, enchanted forest, or pastel fairy tale (think Bridgerton meets the Redwoods) really have my heart right now. They’re all highly customizable themes that work well against natural wedding venue backdrops. Let your creativity run wild though, it’s your day after all!
What if I want an eco-friendly forest fête?
- I would say, please do! Sustainability and preservation are central to Ridgefield’s ethos. I suggest potted centerpieces that can be used as favors, digital invites, and upcycled wedding decor. To cut back on even more waste, ask your guests to donate to a conservation fund in lieu of a wedding gift. Mother Nature will be so grateful, I just know it. ;)
How can I keep my guests comfortable in an outdoor setting?
- Blankets, bug spray, and booze—the iconic trio of outdoor celebrations! But seriously, the weather in Arcata is pretty mild. Tell guests to pack layers and keep checking the weather forecast as your date approaches so you can plan accordingly.
What are some other wedding venues in the area?
- Some other nearby venues include The Gingerbread Mansion Inn, The Benbow Historic Inn, Lost Coast Ranch Retreat, The Lost Whale Inn, The Historic Eage House, and Switzer Farm. While these destinations offer old town charm and greenery, none can compete with the natural environment, unique architecture, all-inclusive wedding packages, and overall sophistication that Ridgefield provides.
Your Redwood Romance Awaits
Phew! We’ve covered more ground than a squirrel on espresso. From Ridgefield’s magical venue space rentals to Arcata’s charms, planning hacks to honeymoon hints – I hope you’re itching to get hitched in the land of the giants. Your big day is all about your love story. And let’s be real, what’s a better backdrop than trees that have seen centuries of love stories unfold? Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate shindig or a full-blown forest festival, Arcata (and Ridgefield!) has got you covered. Ready to make like a tree and leave… for your Arcata wedding adventure? Click the button below to start planning! 🌲🥂
