Planning a one-day wedding can be like cooking a five-course meal just to serve one bite. Today’s couples are craving more time, more connection, and more experience—and that starts with venues that offer on-site lodging or overnight accommodations nearby.
If you’re searching for northern California wedding venues with lodging, you’re already on the right path. You want a space where the celebration lasts more than a few hours and your guests aren’t scrambling for Ubers at the end of the night. And lucky for you, the northern half of the Golden State delivers.
From redwood forest retreats to chic wine country estates and rustic event barns, there are venues that let you slow down, settle in, and actually enjoy the best weekend of your life.
The Magic of Ridgefield | A Redwoods Wedding Weekend Done Right
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Tucked away in Humboldt County, Ridgefield isn’t just a venue—it’s an experience. With towering redwoods, exclusive-use policies, and a retreat-style wedding package that includes two nights of lodging, it’s built for couples who want more out of their wedding.
Here’s what’s included in Ridgefield’s all-inclusive Retreat Package:
- Private redwood venue rental from Friday to Sunday
- Lodging for up to 14 guests right on-site
- Access to private, gated hiking trails in the redwoods
- Catering for the whole weekend:
- Friday night plated rehearsal dinner for 20
- Saturday breakfast grazing table
- Wedding dinner for up to 75
- Sunday brunch with champagne
- Planning & coordination services from an expert wedding planner
- Floral and dessert credits
- DJ and bar services
- Lawn games, lighting, tents, and more
If you want to feel like your wedding takes place inside a dreamy fairytale, Ridgefield makes it happen.
How Ridgefield Stands Out From Other Lodging-Style Venues
A lot of wedding venues advertise “lodging options,” but that can mean anything from a nearby hotel block to a vaguely Airbnb-able barn down the road. Ridgefield’s retreat-style lodging is designed to feel intimate, connected, and elevated. Here’s how we compare…
|
Features |
Ridgefield |
Typical Venues with Lodging |
|
On-site accommodations |
Yes, for up to 14 guests |
Sometimes |
|
Multi-day venue rental |
Yes, Fri–Sun |
Rare |
|
Private redwood forest |
Yes |
Nope |
|
Weekend meal service included |
Yes |
Usually not |
|
Dedicated wedding planner |
Yes |
Sometimes extra |
Why Northern California Is the Spot for Lodging-Friendly Wedding Weekends
From the redwoods of Humboldt to the hills of Mendocino and Sonoma, Northern California is a playground for wedding weekends. What makes it special? The landscapes do most of the work for you. Lodging options here are often tucked into the scenery—think boutique inns, eco-lodges, cabins, and wine country bungalows.
Plus, compared to states like Texas, New Mexico, or Arizona, where venue-lodging combos often mean mega resorts or ranch-style setups, Northern California’s venues feel a bit more… curated. More intentional. Less country club or hotel, more quiet luxury.
A Few Other Notable Northern California Wedding Venues with Lodging (We’re Biased, But We’ll Play Fair)
If you’re still weighing your options, here are a few other Northern California wedding venues with lodging worth a look…
- Autocamp Yosemite (Midpines): Luxury Airstreams + glamping vibes. Chic, but a little more casual.
- Cuffey’s Cove Ranch (Mendocino): Coastal views and rustic-meets-elegant event space.
- Black Oak Mountain Vineyards (Cool): Wine country elegance with on-site lodging for smaller groups.
- Oz Farm (Point Arena): Off-grid, boho, and earthy to the max. Gorgeous but not for everyone.
Each has its charm, but Ridgefield remains the top pick for couples who want intimacy, high-touch service, and a redwood setting that’s pure magic.
FAQs | Planning a Destination Wedding in Northern California
What if we have more than 14 guests who want to stay on-site?
Ridgefield sleeps 14 in on-site accommodations, but there are multiple nearby options—from cozy inns to scenic Airbnbs. We provide a curated list of recommended lodging for overflow guests, and many are less than 15 minutes from the venue.
Can we host our rehearsal dinner and farewell brunch on-site?
Absolutely! That’s the point of the Weekend Retreat Package. From your Friday night welcome dinner to your Sunday morning brunch, Ridgefield is all yours.
How far is Ridgefield from major airports?
We recommend flying into Arcata-Eureka Airport (ACV), just 15 minutes away. Guests coming from out of state—whether it’s Ohio, Pennsylvania, Arkansas, or New Jersey—can usually connect through San Francisco (SFO) or Sacramento (SMF).
What time of year is best for a redwood forest wedding weekend?
Spring through early fall is the sweet spot, but even a winter celebration feels dreamy with the right layers and lighting. The redwoods stay green year-round, and Ridgefield’s layout works beautifully in all seasons.
Where should we honeymoon after a Northern California wedding?
You’re already in paradise, but if you want to keep exploring, head south to Big Sur, take a scenic drive through wine country, or road trip up to Oregon’s southern coast.
A Wedding Weekend That Actually Feels Like One
The best Northern California wedding venues with lodging don’t just give you a space to get married. They give you time to be fully present, to connect with your people, and to actually experience your wedding—not just sprint through it.
And Ridgefield? It gives you all that with redwoods, planning support, luxe extras, and the kind of vibe your guests will talk about for years.
