Best Wedding Venues In Mendocino, California| Mendocino Wedding Photographer

Hey friends! I am often asked for my favorite wedding venues on the Mendocino Coast. Honestly, that’s a loaded question because I love them all, but like anyone, I definitely have my favorites. I decided to give you a little glimpse into a few of my favorites. So here they are in no particular order:

best wedding venues on the mendocino coast

The Inn at Newport Ranch

Driving up to this property, you will instantly feel like you have stepped onto a movie set. You may be greeted by a cow in the driveway, but most definitely by your hosts who will likely offer you a water or glass of wine. With breathtaking ocean views, gorgeous architecture, stunning interior design, and love in every corner, this is the perfect location for an intimate wedding. As if that wasn’t enough, let’s not forget the redwood lined ridge-top and coastal views. We can explore the redwoods together for your bridal session and then you can be married overlooking the breathtaking pacific ocean. This is also a perfect place for a Mendocino Honeymoon or even a quick lovers getaway. We’ve had our own staycation there and can not say better things about it!

photo courtesy of theinnatnewportranch.com

photo courtesy of theinnatnewportranch.com

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Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens

Although it has been an incredibly long time since I have photographed a wedding there, I spend a lot of time with my family and friends at Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. I had the honor of photographing a proposal there over the summer (oops a little behind on blogging, coming soon!) and wowza, look at those colors! This place is a treasure trove of color, texture, and most importantly will save you a boat load in decorating costs. Home to the Dahlia Garden and best known for their Rhododendrons, the garden is beautifully fragrant and will entertain all the senses. Oh and did I mention the ocean views? Yes, this is your all inclusive choice on the coast. Mendocino Coast Botanical has it all!

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Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens+wedding+-photographer
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Switzer Farm

Located 20 miles north of Fort Bragg, California, this venue boasts breathtaking ocean views, a beautifully manicured garden, and a centuries old victorian farmhouse. The farmhouse home can accommodates 20 plus guests, and for those not staying with you, there are several Bead and Breakfast’s to choose from just up the road in Westport. This is the perfect place for the couple who wants to bring their family along for their big day!

Switzer Farm+Wedding+-photographer
switzer farm + wedding +-photographer

Ellie’s Farmhouse

A country home is nestled among 40 acres with meadows & majestic redwoods, Ellie’s Farmhouse is a perfect place for your intimate wedding or gathering. The most unique and possibly my favorite feature of this property is the old fashioned Fire Engine from Mendocino Fire District that sits on the lawn. It’s a perfect prop for photos. The house can accommodate up to 7 overnight guests, and there is a bonus Glamping Tent that could serve as your place to snuggle up after your wedding day! There is a beautiful kitchen that is perfect for your caterer or family to prepare a meal. Every nook and cranny is full of perfect details for your wedding day!

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Mendoicno+California+ Wedding+ Photographer
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Mendocino+California+ Wedding+ Photographer
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Mendocino+California+Wedding+-photographer
Mendocino+California+Weddings+-photographer

A Few additional Venues on the coast for your consideration:

(click the words below to be taken to the venue website!)

Albion River Inn

Caspar Community Center

Elk Cove Inn

Holly’s Ocean Meadow

Jug Handle Creek Farm

Macculum House (I am excited to be working with Elope Mendocino on a wedding here this summer)

Mendocino Headlands State Park

Philo Apple Farm (discounts apply for anyone booking a wedding with me here)

Red Barn Ranch

Spring Ranch

Stanford Inn

Yokayo Ranch (I am excited to be working with his venue this summer, keep a lookout for a blog post sometime in June)

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Some of my favorite Wedding Planners:

Elope Mendocino (Elopements are my jam, and I love working with Vanna, let’s make magic together!)

Mendocino Weddings & Events

Mendocino Wedding Witch

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No matter where you decided to exchange nuptials on The Mendocino Coast, you are sure to have beautiful views and unforgettable memories!

Brides, what do you look for when you are considering from a venue? Tell us in the comments below! and for all my Wedding Professional Friends out there, What are your favorite venues here on the coast? Drop a comment and give us your best tips!


Chelsi is a destination wedding  and portrait photographer based in Fort Bragg, California. She loves to travel and will go anywhere to capture your life's sweet moments. She lives for seeing the world, capturing authentic love, and making people feel fabulous. Her style is authentic, real, and emotional. She believes in laughing too much, singing too loud, and most importantly living life to the fullest and prefers capturing every single authentic beautiful moment that evoke emotion over perfectly posed photos.