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Wedding Venue
Highlands County Park
Central Coast
Nestled in the redwood forests of the Santa Cruz Mountains near Ben Lomond, Highlands County Park offers a serene woodland setting for couples seeking a natural, intimate wedding experience. Your ceremony can unfold beneath towering old-growth trees, with the park's quiet trails and meadows providing a stunning backdrop for photos and a peaceful atmosphere for your guests. The 200-guest capacity makes it ideal for smaller to mid-sized celebrations, and the park's natural landscape requires minimal decoration—the forest canopy and dappled sunlight do the work for you. This is a destination venue perfect for outdoor-loving couples who want their wedding rooted in California's natural beauty.
Styles
Park/Garden
Guest Capacity
200
Services
Outdoor Ceremony, Outdoor Reception
Venue Information
Highlands County Park
Highlands County Park, 8500 CA-9, Ben Lomond, CA 95005, USA
Email
parksinfo@scparks.com
Phone
831-454-7938
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the woodland setting like for a ceremony at Highlands County Park?
Highlands County Park is set within the redwood forests of the Santa Cruz Mountains, featuring towering old-growth trees, natural meadows, and peaceful forest trails. The natural canopy provides natural shade and a dramatic, photogenic backdrop without requiring extensive floral or structural decoration. The park's quiet, serene environment creates an intimate atmosphere ideal for smaller ceremonies, and the woodland setting appeals to couples seeking an eco-conscious, nature-centered celebration.
Is Highlands County Park suitable for both ceremony and reception?
Yes, the park's open meadow and picnic areas can accommodate both ceremony and reception activities for groups up to 200 guests. However, the venue lacks built-in indoor shelter or kitchen facilities, so you'll need to arrange catering, rentals (tent, tables, chairs), and weather contingencies independently. Many couples choose to keep receptions casual with picnic-style catering or bring in a full event setup through a wedding planner or catering company familiar with county park events.
What photography opportunities does Highlands County Park offer?
The redwood forest, natural light filtering through the canopy, forest trails, and meadow settings create exceptional photography locations throughout the day. The interplay of dappled sunlight and shadow, combined with the towering trees and lush vegetation, produces authentic, naturally beautiful wedding photos. Photographers particularly appreciate the venue's varied landscape—you can capture intimate ceremony moments under the trees, couple portraits on the trails, and wider reception scenes in the open meadow.
What permits and logistics do I need to know about for a wedding at Highlands County Park?
County park weddings require a permit from Santa Cruz County Parks, and you'll need to coordinate event details including guest count, parking arrangements, and setup/teardown times through the county. The park has limited built-in amenities, so you'll be responsible for arranging catering, rentals, restroom facilities (if needed), and cleanup. Contact Santa Cruz County Parks directly at 831-454-7938 to confirm current permit requirements, fees, and any seasonal restrictions.
Is Highlands County Park best for outdoor-only weddings or can it work year-round?
The venue is designed for outdoor celebrations, and while the redwood canopy provides some natural shelter, you'll want to plan for weather contingencies year-round. Winter brings rain risk, while summer offers more stable conditions. Many couples rent a tent or plan flexible programming to adapt to weather. The park's natural beauty shines most in late spring through early fall, though autumn redwood light is also stunning for photography—just plan accordingly for California's unpredictable weather.
