Kaillie & Nico’s destination wedding at the Amphitheater of the Redwoods at Pema Osel Ling was an unforgettable celebration deeply rooted in nature. This breathtaking Redwoods wedding venue Santa Cruz is known for its towering trees, serene forest atmosphere, and intimate settings — everything couples dreaming of a destination wedding in the forest want.

Tucked away in the Santa Cruz Mountains, the venue offers a perfect balance of secluded ceremony sites and cozy reception spaces, making it ideal for destination weddings where you and your guests can immerse yourselves in nature’s calm.

The Magic of a Forest Ceremony

The amphitheater, surrounded by ancient redwoods, provided a stunning and natural setting for Kaillie & Nico’s vows. With natural wooden benches arranged in a circle, every guest felt close to the moment. Kaillie walked down the aisle with her mom, Tonya, and the ceremony was officiated by Nico’s stepdad, Eric — adding personal warmth and intimacy.

For couples looking for a wedding venue surrounded by redwoods near Santa Cruz, this forest sanctuary is truly special.

Golden Hour Portraits and Forest Reception

Following the ceremony, portraits bathed in the warm glow of golden hour light showcased the beauty of the venue’s towering trees and lush surroundings. The outdoor reception space, adorned with twinkle lights and surrounded by nature, provided the perfect backdrop for dinner, speeches, and dancing.

This venue’s indoor-outdoor flow makes it a top choice among destination weddings in the Santa Cruz redwoods.

This venue’s indoor-outdoor flow makes it a top choice among destination weddings in Santa Cruz’s redwoods.

Why Couples Love This Forest Wedding Venue

Having photographed multiple weddings here, I keep coming back to the Amphitheater of the Redwoods because it offers:

Peaceful, private ceremony spaces deep in the forest
On-site lodging for extended wedding weekends
Reception areas that blend indoor comfort with outdoor beauty
A vendor-friendly layout ideal for photo and video teams
The perfect backdrop for cinematic wedding photography

Photo + Video: Bundling for the Best Experience

I had the pleasure of collaborating with the talented Delaney, owner of Honey I Do Photo & Video, at Kaillie & Nico’s wedding. Her cinematic videos beautifully captured the emotion of the day, and she brings incredible professionalism and positive energy to every couple she works with.

If you’re planning a wedding at this redwoods forest venue near Santa Cruz, I highly recommend bundling photo and video coverage with a team familiar with the venue — it makes your wedding day flow effortlessly and your memories shine.

👉 Watch their wedding film here

Vendor Team

Photography: By Jenna Roden (associate for Honey I Do Photo & Video)
Videography: Honey I Do Photo & Video
Venue: Amphitheater of the Redwoods at Pema Osel Ling
Coordinator: Mia Buak + on-site team
Officiant: Groom’s stepdad, Eric

Ready to Plan Your Destination Wedding in the Santa Cruz Redwoods?

If you want a wedding surrounded by towering trees, serene nature, and a space that feels both intimate and grand, the Amphitheater of the Redwoods at Pema Osel Ling is your answer.

📍Contact me today to book your photo and video coverage (I’ll grab Delaney) — I’d love to help tell your story here.

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By Jenna Roden | California Wedding Photographer

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