Frequently Asked Questions
Wedding and Event FAQ
At a Glance
Policies
Requirements
Capacity
Deposit
General
The seamless blend of spaciousness and privacy (80 acres, to be exact), just a short two miles from Arcata, sets us apart. We’re all inclusive, and family-owned. The colonial charm of our home, the formal terrace garden, and the enchanting redwood grove ceremony space, located a mere 200 feet away, collectively create a distinctive ambiance. Guests often say, “This doesn’t look like Humboldt!” – a compliment we cherish.
Ridgefield was named after the town in southern Connecticut where the owner, Scott, grew up. The name Ridgefield also perfectly describes our location. Nestled atop a ridge and surrounded by fields, it reflects the scenic beauty of our venue.
For destination weddings, we provide comprehensive support through local preferred coordinators, conducting Zoom meetings, calls, and emails to ensure seamless planning and organization. Our all inclusive packages take the stress and decision overwhelm away from your journey.
Situated on 80 private acres, we recently gifted the land to the city of Arcata as a conservation easement to preserve the forest habitat indefinitely. Acquired in 2004, our property boasts a house constructed in 2005, with continuous enhancements over the past 19 years, including the addition of a formal garden with a stone floor and brick garden beds.
Ceremonies are often held under the white arbor on the terrace or in “the Grove,” a scenic redwood forest area just 200 feet from our terrace gardens. Cocktail hours unfold on the terrace or deck in the lounge area. We’re currently in the process of adding an ADA-compliant bathroom. With ample space for parking in a meadow, we offer a private room for the bridal party and another for the groomsmen to prepare.
Countless photo opportunities abound – in front of the house with its pillars and front door, at the white wedding arbor in the terrace garden, on the stairs with ivy-covered stone walls, in the Grove ceremony space amidst the redwood forest, and on the deck/lounge area with balustrades and the forest as a backdrop. The meadows and garden offer additional picturesque spots limited only by your imagination.
Absolutely! Our overnight suite is a spacious 650 square feet, providing guests with epic views across the meadows and a unique vantage point overlooking a 2,000-year-old old-growth redwood stump. This private haven is newly remodeled and features a comfortable queen-size bed, a convenient kitchen area, and an ADA bathroom designed with inclusivity in mind. The bathroom includes a roll-in shower with no lip or rim on the floor, ensuring accessibility for all guests. The suite is thoughtfully positioned to offer seclusion from the main house, providing an intimate and exclusive retreat for couples to unwind and savor the natural beauty of our surroundings.
Ample parking is available in the meadow.
We specialize in hosting upscale, private, and elegant all inclusive weddings featuring our colonial home and redwood forest. Whether it’s an intimate elopement or a grand celebration with up to 300 guests, our venue provides the ideal backdrop for events that prioritize privacy, convenience, and a unique Humboldt County ambiance.
We have an all inclusive package that you will love. Otherwise, ask us to create a custom package just for you!
Venue
- Access to our entire private 80-acre property with the option to add on our Honeymoon Suite for the two of you
- Catering, Florals, DJ, Dessert
- Access to bridal suite & grooms room (ready rooms)
- Rehearsal time (dinner not included)
- Tables & Chairs
- Choice of Ceremony and Reception Sites
- Parking Area
- Preferred Vendor list
- Lighting features
Experience the versatility of our outdoor spaces, including a charming terrace, an inviting deck, picturesque meadows, a serene Redwood forest grove, and a tent-lawn area (please note: tent not provided). This last option adds an extra touch of sophistication to your event.
Rest assured, we’ve got you covered. In case of unexpected weather changes, we have some indoor spaces within the main house to ensure your celebration goes seamlessly. We also recommend renting tents for your celebration for your peace of mind.
Absolutely! We encourage you to personalize your event to your heart’s content. Feel free to bring in your own decorations to create a space that truly reflects your style and vision.
Elevate the ambiance with our string lighting that gracefully illuminates the entire terrace garden. It adds a magical touch to your celebration, creating a warm and enchanting atmosphere.
Certainly! We offer designated ready rooms for both the bridal party and the groom and groomsmen. These spaces are designed to provide comfort and convenience as you prepare for your special day.
Leave the logistics to us. We take care of both the setup and teardown of tables and chairs, ensuring that every detail is meticulously arranged for your event.
We understand that pets are cherished members of the family, and we welcome them to be a part of your special day. If there is a beloved family pet that the couple wishes to include in the ceremony, we ask that someone be appointed to look after the pet on a leash. Following the ceremony, we kindly request that the pet be returned home to ensure the comfort and safety of all our guests.
Planning and Booking
Certainly, we have an on-site coordinator dedicated to assisting with venue coordination. Additionally, we require that couples hire a month-of coordinator or a planner to ensure seamless execution of your special day.
While we are committed to accommodating late bookings (within 2-3 months), we recommend securing Ridgefield 6-18 months ahead of your desired wedding date for the most optimal planning experience.
Access to the venue begins at 9 am on the wedding day, allowing ample time for preparations and setup.
To ensure a smooth flow of events, all guests must conclude their time on-site by 9:30 pm unless they are staying in the suite.
Yes, we have liability insurance to provide additional peace of mind for you and your guests.
The celebration is to conclude by 9:30 pm, ensuring a timely and comfortable conclusion to your special day.
To secure your desired date, we require a 25% deposit.
A $500 refundable security deposit is required.
The final payment is due 60-120 days before the scheduled event.
Logistics and Activities
California Redwood Coast – Humboldt County Airport, also known as Arcata–Eureka Airport and Arcata Airport, is in Humboldt County, California, United States, 8 miles north of Arcata and 15 miles north of Eureka, in McKinleyville.
ACV offers direct service to San Francisco (45 minutes), Los Angeles (1hr 20 minutes), as well as direct flights to Denver, Las Vegas, and Burbank.
Absolutely! The surrounding area offers a plethora of outdoor activities for guests to enjoy, including fishing, hiking, biking, and birdwatching.
Certainly! Our venue provides access to a private gate into the Arcata Community Forest, which boasts miles of groomed trails perfect for hiking, biking, and even horseback riding. It’s an ideal opportunity for guests to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the surroundings.
There are plenty of hotels, motels, VRBOs, and Airbnbs within 10 minutes of the property.
- Days Inn by Wyndham Eureka CA
- Location: Downtown Eureka
- Average Price: $88 per night
- Motel 6 Arcata, CA – Cal Poly Humboldt
- Location: Pacific
- Average Price: $71 per night
- Clarion Hotel By Humboldt Bay
- Location: Eureka
- Average Price: $102 per night
- Hotel Arcata
- Location: Arcata
- Average Price: $119 per night
- Hampton Inn & Suites Arcata
- Location: Pacific
- Average Price: $144 per night
- Bayside Inn & Suites
- Location: Downtown Eureka
- Average Price: $100 per night
- Pinc Lady Mansion
- Location: Old Town Eureka
- Average Price: $180 per night
- Ramada by Wyndham Arcata
- Location: Pacific
- Average Price: $96 per night
- Best Western Arcata Inn
- Location: Pacific
- Average Price: $119 per night
- Super 8 by Wyndham Arcata
- Location: Pacific
- Average Price: $67 per night
- Blue Lake Casino & Hotel
- Average Price: $149 per night
- Red Lion Hotel Eureka
- Location: Downtown Eureka
- Average Price: $113 per night
- Bayside Inn & Suites
- Location: Downtown Eureka
- Average Price: $100 per night
- Super 8 by Wyndham Eureka
- Location: Downtown Eureka
- Average Price: $95 per night
- Eureka Inn, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
- Location: Eureka
- Average Price: $113 per night
- Super 8 by Wyndham Eureka
- Location: Downtown Eureka
- Average Price: $95 per night
- Town House Motel – Historic Old Town Eureka
- Location: Downtown Eureka
- Average Price: $80 per night
- Days Inn by Wyndham Eureka CA
- Location: Downtown Eureka
- Average Price: $88 per night
- Best Western Plus Humboldt Bay Inn
- Location: Downtown Eureka
- Average Price: $135 per night
- Travelodge by Wyndham Eureka
- Location: Downtown Eureka
- Average Price: $85 per night
- The Inn at 2nd & C
- Location: Downtown Eureka
- Average Price: $229 per night
- Studio 6 Eureka, CA – Old Town
- Location: Downtown Eureka
- Average Price: $77 per night
- Carter House Inns
- Location: Downtown Eureka
- Average Price: $210 per night
- Holiday Inn Express Arcata / Eureka – Airport Area, an IHG Hotel
- Location: McKinleyville
- Average Price: $132 per night
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Eureka, an IHG Hotel
- Location: Eureka
- Average Price: $145 per night
- Motel 6 Eureka, CA – Redwood Coast
- Location: Eureka
- Average Price: $75 per night
- Motel 6 Eureka, CA – Redwood Coast
- Location: Eureka
- Average Price: $75 per night
- Best Western Plus Bayshore Inn
- Location: Eureka
- Average Price: $127 per night
- Comfort Inn Eureka
- Location: Eureka, 8.9 mi from Arcata
- Average Price: $109 per night
- Emerald Forest Cabins
- Location: Entire home, 14.6 mi from Arcata
- Average Price: $139 per night
- Bear River Casino Resort
- Location: 17.85 mi from Arcata
- Average Price: $169 per night
- Turtle Rocks Oceanfront Inn
- Location: 18.05 mi from Arcata
- Average Price: $376 per night
- View Crest Lodge
- Location: 18.07 mi from Arcata
- Average Price: $115 per night
- Travel Inn
- Location: 19.25 mi from Arcata
- Average Price: $109 per night
- Super 8 by Wyndham Fortuna
- Location: 20.21 mi from Arcata
- Average Price: $121 per night
- The Redwood Riverwalk, A Boutique Motel
- Location: 20.25 mi from Arcata
- Average Price: $127 per night
- Comfort Inn & Suites Redwood Country
- Location: 20.31 mi from Arcata
- Average Price: $140 per night
- Best Western Country Inn
- Location: 20.33 mi from Arcata
- Average Price: $130 per night
- Gingerbread Mansion Inn
- Location: 22.19 mi from Arcata
- Average Price: $245 per night
- Redwood Suites
- Location: 22.23 mi from Arcata
- Average Price: $188 per night
- Victorian Inn
- Location: 22.24 mi from Arcata
- Average Price: $278 per night
- Ye Olde Danish Inn
- Location: 22.25 mi from Arcata
- Average Price: $136 per night
Yes, we can recommend local entertainment options such as live bands, DJs, or other performers.
Absolutely! We have ample outdoor space, and we can assist in organizing activities or other recreational events.
Yes, we have partnerships with local businesses for services such as photography, florists, and catering. We can provide recommendations based on your preferences.
