Does anyone know a few good spots in the forest to have my wedding and reception in socal

Have you tried around Ojai or Topanga?

Welcome to WeddingWire @tiffiny!

Have you called and asked about any of the parks in your area? I'm not sure about the laws for holding events in the woods in that region....

My mom got married in Lake Arrowhead. She wanted the "forest scenery" too. It was at a bed and breakfast that has since been closed... There are places, you just have to start researching. Unfortunately, Southern California is a desert so you will definitely need to search but its possible!

I did find this for you (:

Take a look, it might be in your budget (not sure what yours is?)

http://malibu-weddings.com/

As you plan this make sure you also have a plan B that you can put in place with a quick phone call a few days before the wedding.

Remember that there is no electricity in the forest and generators, as a rule, are quite noisy. Usually having lots of apps as your food can get quite expensive because each piece is made individually - labor =$$$$.

Have you considered the cost of renting chairs, any tentage/awnings you will need to cover the food and beverages? The logistics of how you will do drinks, ice, etc?

Your vision really really sounds lovely but comes with massive logistical issues that aren't cheap. make sure you cover all your bases and that you can afford all the accomodations you will need before you decide this vision is the best way to go.

Also, what about bathroom facilities? Do you have any physically handicapped guests or guests who just can't hike thru the forest?

I really am not trying to be a wet blanket here. I have had 4 daughters get married, got married twice myself and worked many years in the military in logistics. I told my girls a billion times, "logistics is everything!" in planning a successful wedding. They got tired of hearing it but they all had beautifully executed weddings and their guests where treated like gold. Logistics really is everything!

Thanks Kelly, I have looked and fell in love with a few Topanga Canyon locations, sadly our budget is $4,500 including catering which is why we've opted for a ceremony followed by a cocktail party with cake! I need to look at Ojai again.

WW Christina, I've been trying to find the right phone numbers for the areas that do allow private events.

CMH to CML yes Lake Arrowhead is beautiful and I've got my eye on a few venues that might work in that area.

Justine Anne, Malibu Phoenix is a great possibility thank you for pointing me in there direction.

I'm not sure how fancy you are trying to go, but I looked at a few group camps in the LA area. Forest, casual, mini cabins for guests to stay in on site.... ended up not being able to go with it because of the booking timelines and that alcohol wasn't allowed, but it might work for you!

Lizzys, I'm finding the same problem with the alcohol and some of the places are only open til 6:30p.m. I still have hope

Idyllwild keeps coming to my mind and Camarillo.

Tiffany, how many guests do you plan on having? This makes a big difference. Most national forests and state parks have rules about permits; if your guest count is below a certain amount, you don't need a permit. But remember, if there are a lot of people, you need bathrooms.

You can always come up to the Sierras near Lake Tahoe and I'm happy to help you. My avatar is an eloping couple at Sardine Lake in the High Sierra. Great wedding . But I grew up down where you are and know those areas pretty well, also. Holcomb Valley near Big Bear would be amazing. But again - if a lot of people, there are no bathrooms.

Also - if you have a small budget, the problem with places that are "venues" is that they may be out of your price range for a ceremony and reception.

Some places, you can do your ceremony there for about $500. If you only have 20 or so guests, then go out to a restaurant.

Try airbnb to see if you can find any private places - if you are having a small intimate ceremony.

If you come up this way by Tahoe, I just found an awesome High Sierra private ranch. Comes with a ranch house, "teepee," and group camping. Can easily accommodate up to 100. But logistics - you'd have to bring in more bathrooms, chairs, tables, and a caterer.

Hi Monique thank you so much for all your great Ideas, to reiterate I have a $4,500 budget with a guest list of no more than 50. We weren't planning on having the wedding any further then Los Padres, so Lake Tahoe is a bit too far. We are however, looking at gardens, arboretums & summer campgrounds. I haven't tried airbnb yet but I def will, thank you. The key is "forestlike" it doesn't need to be in the dead center of the forest. We really just to create something beautiful and memorable for our families and friends and keep to our budget without resorting to a generic banquet hall, 2 choices of pasta & a cash bar.

Again thank you all for your ongoing suggestions, I really appreciate it!

Hello! One of my good friends got married at Wrightwood Guest Ranch! I don't remember the price, but they were on a budget, as they were both going overseas to teach English straight out of college. With that said, it was stunning. Check it out, hope the prices are great!

Tons of cool venues on socalocations.com. check it out