The Ultimate Guide to Getting Married at Saratoga Springs in Saratoga, CA

If you’re dreaming of a wedding surrounded by towering redwoods, bubbling creeks, and the tranquil beauty of Northern California’s forests, Saratoga Springs might be the perfect venue for you. Nestled in the scenic foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, just outside of San Jose, this venue offers a truly magical outdoor setting for couples looking to celebrate in nature.

From its variety of ceremony locations to customizable wedding packages, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about hosting your wedding at Saratoga Springs.

Why Choose Saratoga Springs for Your Wedding?

There are plenty of wedding venues in the Bay Area, but Saratoga Springs stands out for couples who love nature, rustic elegance, and a seamless outdoor wedding experience. Here’s why:

✅ Breathtaking Redwoods & Natural Beauty – If you love the idea of exchanging vows under ancient redwoods, this venue delivers. The towering trees, lush greenery, and charming wooden bridges create a fairytale-like setting.

✅ Multiple Ceremony & Reception Sites – Whether you’re hosting an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, Saratoga Springs offers six distinct venue options, each with its own ambiance and capacity.

✅ Exclusive & Private – Unlike many other venues, you won’t have to share your space with multiple events. When you book your ceremony site, it’s exclusively yours for the day.

✅ Convenient Bay Area Location – Just 20 minutes from San Jose and an hour from San Francisco, this venue is easily accessible for local and out-of-town guests.

✅ All-Inclusive Catering & Bar Packages – With in-house catering and bar services available, Saratoga Springs makes planning easy by providing delicious food, drinks, and a hassle-free reception experience.

Saratoga Springs Wedding Venue Options

One of the biggest perks of getting married at Saratoga Springs is the variety of ceremony and reception locations. Whether you're planning a small elopement or a 500-person reception, there’s a space that fits your vision.

1. Cathedral Grove

🌲 Best for: Larger weddings with up to 180 guests (or 300 guests with Hilltop add-on)
🏕 Vibe: A grand outdoor setting surrounded by majestic redwoods, with a rustic wooden bridge leading to the altar.

This is one of the most popular ceremony sites due to its natural beauty and open layout. Guests are seated at long family-style tables, creating a cozy, communal feel.

2. Redwood Grove

🌲 Best for: Intimate weddings (up to 125 guests or 150 with Saratoga Cove add-on)
🏕 Vibe: Secluded, romantic, and immersed in the redwoods

If you’re envisioning a smaller, more intimate ceremony, Redwood Grove is perfect. With limited availability, it’s a coveted space for couples who want a cozy, nature-filled atmosphere.

3. Longbridge

🌉 Best for: Grand celebrations (up to 500 guests)
🏕 Vibe: Spacious, open-air setting with twinkling bistro lights

This is the largest reception area, making it ideal for couples hosting a big wedding. It includes picnic tables, wooden arches, and a stunning bridge backdrop.

4. Creekside Room

🌊 Best for: Small weddings (up to 50 guests)
🏕 Vibe: Cozy indoor space near the creek

This is the only indoor ceremony space, perfect for intimate gatherings or winter weddings. It comes with a $2,000 rental fee and a $1,000 food & beverage minimum.

Saratoga Springs Wedding Pricing

The cost of a wedding at Saratoga Springs varies based on day of the week, guest count, and location. Here’s a breakdown:

Venue Rental Fees

💰 Monday–Wednesday: $4,950
💰 Thursday: $5,950
💰 Friday: $7,950
💰 Saturday: $10,950
💰 Sunday: $6,950

⏳ Event Timing:

Evening weddings (Fri-Sun): 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Weekday weddings: 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Daytime weddings: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM ($6,950)

Food & Beverage Minimums

Longbridge & Cathedral Grove: 125 guests minimum
Redwood Grove: 75 guests minimum

💡 Outside Catering Option: If you bring your own caterer, there’s a $50 per person fee.

Catering & Bar Options

Saratoga Springs provides in-house catering, offering a buffet-style meal with several menu options:

Buffet Packages (Includes House Beer & Wine)

🥗 Vegetarian Penne Pasta – $89.95 per person
🥩 Santa Maria Steak, Chicken Milano & Pasta – $99.95 per person
🐟 Salmon, Steak, & Pasta – $107.95 per person
🍽 Salmon, Steak, Chicken, & Pasta – $109.95 per person

👉 Kids (4-12 years old) & Vendors: $59.95 per person
👉 Toddlers (1-3 years old): $19.95

Bar Packages

🍷 Includes House Beer & Wine (Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Merlot, etc.)
🥂 Upgrade to Premium Beverages (Champagne, specialty cocktails, etc.)

What’s Included in Your Wedding Package?

When you book a wedding at Saratoga Springs, you get more than just a venue.

✅ Bistro & twinkle lights
✅ Wooden arch for ceremony
✅ Picnic tables for dining
✅ Bonfire for evening ambiance
✅ Dance floor & DJ space

Add-ons: Farm tables, banquet linens, lounge furniture, wine barrels, and more!

Guest Experience & Nearby Accommodations

Since Saratoga Springs is an outdoor-only venue, there are no on-site accommodations. However, guests can stay in nearby hotels such as:

🏨 Saratoga Oaks Lodge (5 min away)
🏨 The Inn at Saratoga (10 min away)
🏨 Hotel Valencia Santana Row (20 min away)

For a rustic experience, Airbnb cabins in the Santa Cruz Mountains are also great options.

How to Book Your Wedding at Saratoga Springs

To reserve your wedding date:

📍 Visit their website: Saratoga Springs Weddings
📞 Call: 408-502-8310
📧 Email: Contact the Director of Celebrations

💡 Pro Tip: Book 6-12 months in advance, especially for peak wedding season (spring & summer).

If you’re looking for a magical forest setting, complete with towering redwoods, charming bridges, and a rustic yet elegant feel, Saratoga Springs is a fantastic choice.

It’s perfect if you:
✔ Love outdoor weddings
✔ Want a secluded, private setting
✔ Appreciate natural beauty over ballroom-style venues
✔ Prefer an all-in-one package with catering & drinks included

WHAT’S NEXT?

If you’re planning on a Smith Rock wedding, you’ve got damn good taste and an adventurer’s spirit. I think we’re gonna be friends. This is me btw, shaking my camera around on the Oregon Coast cause who cares about a little water and sand 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!

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