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About

The Waterfall Lodge and Retreat, sitting high in California’s Santa Cruz Mountains, is a tranquil wedding venue for couples from Ben Lomond, CA. Surrounded by ancient redwood trees, this venue embraces its unique position in nature. The barn is made of reclaimed wood from a 19th-century farm building, with romantic lanterns casting a glow over the couple’s celebration. Sunshine slants through the leaves of the forest, lighting the way to an unforgettable day.

Waterfall Lodge & Retreat features warm wood throughout and a gorgeous patio made of travertine stone where guests can immerse themselves in the forest surrounding them. Doors, windows, and gates are laced with delicate wrought-iron ornamentation for an elegant, classic touch. Couples and their loved ones can enjoy a getaway in the majestic beauty of the forests, and take deep breaths of the fresh mountain air. With incredible views of the countryside and towering redwoods, couples have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for truly spectacular wedding photos. A beautiful space for rustic celebrations, its secluded location enhances a feeling of community among its visitors. The day after the wedding, guests can explore the various nature trails through the mountains, and go for a rejuvenating hike in the beautiful countryside.

Couples can say their vows outdoors in one of Waterfall Lodge and Retreat’s various ceremony venues. The ceremony and reception areas, can fit up to 150 guests. Tables and chairs are artfully arranged on the patio, allowing guests to relax beneath a sky of sparkling market lights. When they are worn out from celebrating, this estate features a number of spaces for overnight accommodations. The lodge itself has two large bedrooms and two full bathrooms. Thirty-three cabins are nestled around the property and are just a short walk from the lodge and can accommodate up to 96 overnight guests onsite.

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Frequently asked questions

Do you have a site fee for wedding receptions at your venue?

Yes

What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during peak season?

$12,000

What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during off-peak season?

$9,000

Do you have a site fee for wedding ceremonies at your venue?

No

Which of the following are included in starting site fee?

Bridal Suite
Chairs
Parking
Tables

Describe your venue:

Barn
Campsite/Cabin
Hotel

What kind of settings are available?

Indoor
Uncovered Outdoor

Which of the following wedding events does your venue service?

Ceremony
Reception
Bridal Shower
Engagement Party
Elopements
Rehearsal Dinner

What event services do you offer?

Accommodations
Get Ready Rooms
Outside Vendors
Pet Friendly
Wifi

What bar services do you provide?

Outside Alcohol

What event items are available?

Aisle Runners
Altar/Arch
Chairs
Dance Floor
Furniture
Lighting
Tables

What transportation and access is available?

Parking

What months are included in your peak season?

April
May
June
July
August
September
October

What months are included in your off-peak season?

January
February
March
November
December

Reviews of Waterfall Lodge & Retreat

This AI-generated summary gives you a snapshot of the overall ratings and feedback from the reviews this vendor has received.

Review summary

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Waterfall Lodge is a magical wedding venue set amidst towering redwoods and charming cabins, providing a serene and picturesque atmosphere for ceremonies and celebrations. Guests and couples alike were enamored by the lush greenery, peaceful forest setting, and cozy lodging options available on-site. The accommodating staff, particularly Cristina, ensured a seamless planning process and attentive service throughout the wedding weekend. The all-inclusive packages and shuttle services added convenience, making Waterfall Lodge a highly recommended choice for unforgettable and stress-free weddings.

Review summary

Powered by AI
This AI-generated summary gives you a snapshot of the overall ratings and feedback from the reviews this vendor has received.

Waterfall Lodge is a magical wedding venue set amidst towering redwoods and charming cabins, providing a serene and picturesque atmosphere for ceremonies and celebrations. Guests and couples alike were enamored by the lush greenery, peaceful forest setting, and cozy lodging options available on-site. The accommodating staff, particularly Cristina, ensured a seamless planning process and attentive service throughout the wedding weekend. The all-inclusive packages and shuttle services added convenience, making Waterfall Lodge a highly recommended choice for unforgettable and stress-free weddings.

Emily
Emily Sent on 12/22/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Perfect venue!

We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect wedding venue than Waterfall Lodge! It was everything we were looking for and more. From the moment we found this place, we knew it was the one. We wanted to get married in a beautiful forest setting, and Waterfall Lodge delivered beyond our expectations. The property is absolutely breathtaking—surrounded by lush greenery and towering trees, it created the most magical and intimate atmosphere for our ceremony.
One of the things we loved most about Waterfall Lodge was the ability to stay on-site, which made the entire weekend so much more relaxed and stress-free. We were able to enjoy the full experience without worrying about transportation or logistics. It was such a joy to have the entire wedding weekend unfold right there, and the fact that so many of our guests could also stay on-site made it even more special.
The team at Waterfall Lodge was fantastic. They were incredibly accommodating and made sure we had everything we needed. Anytime we needed a lift around the property or had a question, they were right there to help. Their attention to detail and care made us feel so supported throughout the entire process.
If you’re looking for a beautiful, serene, and unforgettable place to host your wedding, Waterfall Lodge is the absolute perfect choice. We’re so grateful to have had the chance to celebrate our love there, and we wouldn’t change a thing.
Sarah
Sarah Sent on 10/17/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Unique redwood experience

Waterfall Lodge is absolutely magical! our wedding there could not have gone more smoothly. Only visit the venue if you are prepared to be swept off your feet by the trees, the peace and quiet of the forest, the adorable cabins, and the beautiful lodge. We were a little nervous when we first booked that the rustic nature of the venue and some of the requirements might make our event more complicated, but we needn’t have worried. We did take care to book vendors that were familiar with the site, which went a long way to enabling such a great day, but they were also very accommodating of our DIY plans and really worked to make sure that we had the chance to create our vision. The shuttle service was wonderful for our older guests, and everyone else really loved walking around the property and finding little paths through the woods to get around. We didn’t even notice the noise restrictions on the dance floor (and we like some bass!). The cabins were cozy and comfy - just what you want after a whirlwind day. Our guests were completely enchanted and really grateful for the chance to experience the redwood forest.If you have guests coming from out of town who might not have ever visited California, the woods just up the road from a quintessential beach town makes for a really unforgettable weekend. We wish we could have spent more time there, but even booking just one night we didn’t feel rushed at all. The staff were so friendly all day, and made everyone feel welcome. Thanks so much for hosting the best day of our lives!
J
Jessica Sent on 08/26/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Waterfall Lodge & Retreat is even more romantic and beautiful in person.

You may already know this and have seen tons of photos already, so let's dive into my honest review, from start to finish!

As we were looking into venues, Waterfall Lodge & Retreat (WFL) also stood out for my husband and I. It was literally everything we were looking for, they offered/included tables, chairs, couches, wine barrels, etc. They have so much land, that we were able to do our ceremony, rehersal and party all on the same property! In fact, they have the beautiful rustic and romantic cabins for guests to stay in.

Let's talk about Cristina, who I believe is WFL's point of contact/ administrator. WOW! The email correspondace with her is 10/10. Any questions or concern I may have ad during the wedding planning process, she responded in a timely manner! Cristina even took the time to review our wedding website as I wanted to make sure I communicated to guests the correct informations. Not only did she review it, but also offered clarifiying or wording sections a certain way!

When it came to the cabins, Cristina provided handouts/worsheets to help set us up for success when coordinating/assigning cabins to our guests. Extremely helpful!

WFL orginally had a golf cart shuttle to help shuttle guests, but on the day of our wedding the "golf cart shuttle" got upgraded to a big SUV vehicle! It was a nice upgrade!
Abigail
Abigail Sent on 08/08/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Most amazing venue

Waterfall lodge is an incredible venue. Nothing compared to the towering redwoods and amazing cabins. All of our guests loved it. It is a massive venue but they have an internal shuttle to help with transportation. I loved having a 3 day event where we played volleyball and games night before, had a relaxing wedding morning, and stayed the night after the wedding. Book your wedding here!!
Caroline
Caroline Sent on 07/21/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Dream Venue

Waterfall lodge was an absolute dream wedding venue. Everything was absolutely perfect. The pictures really don’t even do it justice. We had the best experience you could hope for. From the actual beauty of the venue to the incredible effort and detail the staff pay to your event, you simply cannot go wrong. As soon as I visited I knew we had to get married here, and I am so glad we did.
Kaedyn
Kaedyn Sent on 04/13/2024
5 out of 5 rating

March 2024 - Wedding at the Waterfall Lodge

We celebrated our wedding at the Waterfall Lodge this March and it was genuinely perfect. The staff were all so incredibly kind and helpful, the venue was gorgeous (in the rainy season the waterfall is super prominent and is an amazing landmark) and the lodgings were super cozy even on cold nights. We were initially worried about our guests navigating the grounds but Waterfall was very coordinated and there were no issues. We can't thank the wonderful folks at Waterfall Lodge enough for the wonderful day!
Sydney
Sydney Sent on 12/10/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Magic under the redwoods

Waterfall Lodge is a dream of a venue and I would get married there again and again. The ceremony site feels like pure magic, standing under the redwood trees surrounded by the most important people in your life. There is easily space for your welcome table and for people to mingle as they start shuttling in. There is lodging available on site, so our wedding party did stay on site with us which was very special. It did take some extra coordination on our part to assign rooms and ask everyone ahead of time to commit to staying onsite. It also took some extra coordination to organize the shuttles for offsite guests from the parking lot and another shuttle for guests who didn’t want to drive. But in the end, it felt so worth it.

The space for the reception is perfection, from the farm tables to the hanging string lights, to the barrel tables, and the spectacular lodge to host dance parties. My only minor complaint about this area was that there are only 2 bathrooms, so when you have 115 people drinking, there is constantly a long line. But the bathrooms were inside so people were warm and mingling.

Communication with the Waterfall Lodge was okay but I do think could have been better. We found ourselves trying to piece together exactly what the Lodge would come with (from tables and dimensions to decorations) so it would have been helpful to have a list with photos that is continually updating. We also weren’t notified of one of the cabins being taken off the site so when our guest went to book, they weren’t able to and we had to shift things around. Lastly, we were informed when we booked that this was a beer and wine venue only but our coordinator let us know 3 weeks before the wedding that they changed the rules, so we didn’t have enough time to change the menus and add in a specialty cocktail.

All things considered, it was a magical day and Waterfall lodge is so special. It just does take a little extra work to make sure you are getting the wedding of your dreams.
S
Samantha Sent on 10/08/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Look no further for your wedding venue

We cannot recommend WL&R enough. The venue is STUNNING! From our very first visit we were greeted with professionalism and kindness. We toured the venue in the pouring rain and one of the staff members, Bella, graciously continued the tour. She was thorough in her description and outlined everything in detail. Cristina is amazing! She responded to all of our emails promptly and with a lot of detail. She was consistently helpful throughout the entire process. The venue speaks for itself….the redwoods are stunning. We had our wedding in September and we were nervous for heat but it was perfectly perfect! Birds were chirping during our ceremony and the weather was perfect. The trees are captivating and we had many of our guests commenting on the breathtaking beauty of every aspect of the venue. The ceremony site is stunning. Absolutely stunning. The dinner area, under the trees and lights, was perfect. The barn was gorgeous and perfect for dancing. The cocktail hour overlooks a valley of redwoods that cannot be found anywhere else. We did not want to leave! Michael, Cristina, and their team helped us have our fairytale wedding and we cannot thank them enough.
Megan
Megan Sent on 08/18/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Magical Setting

There is nothing more magical than this setting for your big day! It's secluded and surrounded by the most gorgeous trees with a beautiful lodge and outdoor patio for all your festivities. It is such a special place to get married and all our guests enjoyed their getaway in the mountains.
H
Huy P. Sent on 06/13/2023
5 out of 5 rating

A Fairy Tale Like Wedding at Waterfall Lodge

Waterfall Lodge was the perfect venue for our May 2023 wedding! It was magical, fairy-tale like, and everything we could've hoped and asked for! The weather was gorgeous. The cabins were picturesque, cute, and comfy. The waterfall was flowing. The peaceful beauty of the ceremony site blew everyone's mind. The staff were so easy to work with and so responsive throughout the entire process. Because we had a Sunday wedding, the day was short and sweet but it would've been really nice to have time to just enjoy downtime at the venue without the stresses of having a wedding because it really is gorgeous at Waterfall Lodge. We can't wait to come back one day as guests! Thank you to Michael, Cristina, and the team for everything! They really did an amazing job of making our wedding day run as smoothly as possible!
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Awards

25
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2023 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2022 Winner

Map

Waterfall Lodge & Retreat frequently asked questions

Waterfall Lodge & Retreat includes the following items and services for wedding events in its starting site fee:
  • Bridal Suite
  • Chairs
  • Parking
  • Tables
The space offered by Waterfall Lodge & Retreat for wedding events is known for:
  • Barn
  • Campsite/Cabin
  • Hotel
Waterfall Lodge & Retreat offers the following indoor/outdoor options for weddings:
  • Indoor
  • Uncovered Outdoor
Waterfall Lodge & Retreat offers the following types of wedding events:
  • Ceremony
  • Reception
  • Bridal Shower
  • Engagement Party
  • Elopements
  • Rehearsal Dinner
Waterfall Lodge & Retreat offers the following services for wedding events:
  • Accommodations
  • Get Ready Rooms
  • Outside Vendors
  • Pet Friendly
  • Wifi
Waterfall Lodge & Retreat offers the following furniture and decor items for weddings:
  • Aisle Runners
  • Altar/Arch
  • Chairs
  • Dance Floor
  • Furniture
  • Lighting
  • Tables
Waterfall Lodge & Retreat is recommended by 98% of couples who have used their services. Their overall rating is 4.9 out of 5 with the following breakdown: 5 in quality of service, 4.9 in average response time, 4.9 in flexibility, 4.9 in professionalism and 4.9 in value.
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