Planning Your Mill Valley Wedding: A Guide for Couples Who Want Nature, Charm, and Great Pizza
Planning Your Mill Valley Wedding: A Guide for Couples Who Want Nature, Charm, and Great Pizza
If you’re tossing around the idea of getting married in Mill Valley, let me just say—you’ve got great taste. This little town tucked into the foothills of Mount Tamalpais has everything you want for a laid-back, beautiful wedding: redwoods, coastal views, a charming downtown, and a relaxed vibe that makes the whole day feel like a breath of fresh air (because it literally is).
Whether you're eloping just the two of you or gathering a handful of your favorite people, this guide is here to help you plan your Mill Valley wedding—from venues and timelines to portrait locations and where to grab cake.
Why Mill Valley is Such a Kickass Spot for Weddings
Mill Valley is peaceful and pretty without feeling stuffy or boring. The scenery? Next-level. The town? Walkable and charming. And the vibe? Perfect if you're trying to keep things intimate, meaningful, and rooted in nature.
You’re close to some of California’s most photogenic spots—Muir Beach, Mount Tam, and redwood groves—but without the chaos of big city traffic or wedding factory venues. Everyone thinks SF City Hall is the best place to elope, but it’s got NOTHING on the Marin County Civic Center. No joke.
If you’re drawn to redwoods and outdoor vibes, you’ll definitely want to check out this blog on getting married at Saratoga Springs—another dreamy forest venue tucked into the Bay Area hills.
Ceremony & Portrait Locations Around Mill Valley
Depending on how you’re planning your day, here are a few ceremony and portrait locations to consider:
Tucked right off Throckmorton Ave, this boutique hotel is a gem. It's got a cozy redwood grove out back, a light-filled penthouse suite (perfect for getting ready), and balconies made for toasts and sunset portraits. If you’re staying here, it makes sense to build your timeline around it. Some couples even use the redwood grove or balcony for a mini ceremony.
Pro tip: This is a dream spot for your photo + video team to start the day. Lots of natural light and woodsy textures.
If you’re planning a civil ceremony, this is your spot. It's about 25 minutes away in San Rafael and was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Like I said before, this spot has way more character than City Hall, and half as many people (almost no one if you’re doing this thing on a weekday). Seriously, the building is gorgeous and makes for killer photo and video. You can get married outside in the garden or indoors in their “wedding room.” Either way, it’s smooth and scenic.
📝 Don’t forget to build in time for portraits—between the curved hallways, bright staircases, and fountains, there’s a lot to work with.
🌄 Trojan Point (Mount Tam State Park)
Want wide-open views of the ocean and Marin’s golden hills? This overlook is your golden hour dream. It’s just a short walk from the parking area, and there’s a tucked-away grove of trees for a little privacy if you want to read vows, have a moment together, or grab those cinematic photo/video shots.
End your day with a walk on the sand. Muir Beach is quiet, rugged, and absolutely stunning around sunset. It’s also dog-friendly, which is helpful if you’re bringing a furry witness. The boardwalk and cliffs offer different backdrops depending on your vibe—and the fog, honestly, just makes it more magical.
For more ideas on combining epic landscapes with intimate vows, take a look at this Sparks Lake elopement guide—the golden-hour views are unreal.
A Real-Life Mill Valley Wedding Timeline
Here’s a sample timeline based on a real elopement I captured for Katryce + Frank in 2024. Hopefully, it helps you visualize how your day could flow:
Morning: Getting ready at Mill Valley Inn. Makeup in the suite, breakfast from Madrona Bakery, and a first look in the redwood grove.
Midday: Drive to Marin County Civic Center for the legal ceremony. After the ceremony, we carved out time for a photo + video session around the building.
Break: Back to the hotel for a breather, outfit change, and some chill time.
Late afternoon: Off to Trojan Point for golden hour portraits and a private vow exchange.
Evening: Head to Muir Beach for blue hour photo + video.
After dark: Pizza + cake back on the balcony at the inn, candlelight and all.
No stress. Just thoughtful pacing, good light, and a mix of gorgeous settings.
Looking for more laid-back wedding day ideas? This Loloma Lodge Wedding is another favorite for couples who want their day to feel more like an adventure than an event.
Where to Eat, Stay, and Celebrate
🍽 Food
Madrona Bakery – Start your day with pastries and snacks.
Piazza D’Angelo – Order a few pizzas and bring them back to the hotel (or to a picnic spot).
Safeway – I know. I know! But hear me out: Their bakery cakes are shockingly good and perfect for small celebrations. I feel like I don’t have to link to this one.
🏨 Lodging
Mill Valley Inn – Great location, beautiful rooms, and the redwood grove out back is a built-in portrait spot.
Airbnbs in Muir Beach or Mill Valley – Lots of woodsy cabins and cozy homes with views of the hills or the sea.
The Logistics: Marriage License & Permits
💍 How to Get Legally Married in Mill Valley
Apply for your license through Marin County, and you can do everything in one place. There’s no waiting period in California, so you can pick up your license and get married the same day. You’ll need one witness (your photo/video team can help there if needed).
Apply for a License
📋 Permits for Outdoor Locations
For quick elopements without chairs or decorations, you don’t need a permit. But if you’re bringing guests or planning any kind of setup, check in with:
California State Parks for Mount Tam
National Park Service for Muir Beach
Better to double-check than risk getting asked to pack up mid-vows.
Vendor Tips from Someone Who's Been There
Plan things with your photo/video team in advance. Mill Valley has its quirks—light changes fast, fog rolls in quickly, and some of the best spots take a little off-roading.
Schedule with light in mind. Golden hour is real magic at Trojan Point. Blue hour at Muir Beach is moody and cinematic.
Bring layers. Even in summer, it gets chilly once the sun sets.
Pack flexible shoes. You’ll thank yourself when you're walking up trails or across boardwalks.
Final Thoughts
If you're planning a wedding that feels more like an adventure than an event, Mill Valley might be your place. It gives you stunning views, cozy forest vibes, and enough flexibility to make the day whatever you want it to be.
The biggest takeaway? Keep it simple. Build in time for the quiet moments. And surround yourself with people (and vendors) who get what you’re going for.
WHAT’S NEXT?
If you’re planning on a Mill Valley wedding, you’ve got damn good taste and an adventurer’s spirit. I think we’re gonna be friends. This is me btw, balancing with my camera on a boat cause who cares about a little water damage when you’re creating beautiful freaking art with amazing people. The wedding is gonna be epic, let’s make sure the video never lets you forget it! Let’s schedule a quick meeting to get to know each other and see if we’re a good fit!
