Danielle & Max’s Celebration Under the Trees | A Redwoods Wedding at Waterfall Lodge In Ben Lomond, Ca

Bride and groom standing under redwoods at Waterfall Lodge in Ben Lomond California, Santa Cruz redwoods wedding

Danielle & Max’s

Celebration Under the Trees

 

Tucked deep in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Waterfall Lodge in Ben Lomond, California offers one of the most magical redwood wedding venues in Northern California—and Danielle and Max’s heartfelt celebration was the perfect example of why this spot is such a hidden gem.

Surrounded by towering trees, cozy A-frame cabins, and the softest of forest light, their wedding was intimate (but not in size), emotional, and uniquely them. With their two beautiful children—baby Jack and their daughter Noa—by their side the entire day, it was more than a wedding... it was a family celebration woven into nature itself.

 

Getting Ready in the Redwoods

The day began slowly and sweetly, with morning light filtering through the redwoods as guests settled into the A-frame cabins onsite. This is one of the most special things about having a Waterfall Lodge wedding: the entire property becomes a weekend retreat. From the rustic cabins to the lodge itself, guests are immersed in nature—and in each other.

Danielle got ready just steps away from the ceremony site, her energy calm and full of love. Noa twirled around in her flower girl dress while baby Jack charmed everyone with sleepy smiles.

 

A Ceremony That Celebrated Family

Set beneath a canopy of towering redwoods, the ceremony was simple, emotional, and absolutely stunning. Danielle and Max exchanged vows surrounded by the people who mattered most—and when they walked back down the aisle, guests greeted them with a joyful shower of bubbles, floating through shafts of light in the trees. It felt like a scene from a forest fairytale.

Of course, one very special “guest” made an appearance: Max’s prized white Porsche, gleaming beneath the trees and adding a touch of modern cool to the woodsy scene. The car, like the couple, was polished, meaningful, and completely authentic.

 

Reception Vibes: Pressed Flowers, & A Giant Handmade Charcuterie Table

The reception that followed was full of laughter, music, and forest air. One of the most jaw-dropping details? Their wedding cake—covered in delicate, dried pressed flowers by Melinda’s Gluten Free Bakery. It was almost too beautiful to eat (but yes, everyone did, and it was delicious). Another show-stopper, the giant table-length charcuterie the bride and her friends prepared for the guests to enjoy. And they did! Not one morsel was left standing!

Guests mingled under string lights, wandered between cabins, enjoyed handcrafted beverages from the amazing bar cart Movin and Shakin Cocktail Company and tons of fresh seafood and oysters from H & H Fresh Fish CO and soaked in the magic of the forest. Kids played on the grass, Noa danced barefoot, and baby Jack was passed between relatives and friends like a little bundle of joy.

 

Why Waterfall Lodge is One of the Best Wedding Venues in Santa Cruz County

Waterfall Lodge is that Santa Cruz redwoods wedding venue that feels like stepping into another world. It’s located just outside the small mountain town of Ben Lomond, tucked away enough to feel private, but still close to town for vendors and guests.

It offers:

  • Onsite lodging in charming A-frame cabins

  • A secluded redwood ceremony grove

  • A covered reception space with wooden Lodge and forest views

  • Easy access to nearby towns like Santa Cruz with beaches and the Boardwalk for ACTIVITIES, Felton with roaring camp railroads, and Boulder Creek with plenty of nature

  • A true “wedding weekend retreat” experience

Whether you’re planning an intimate elopement or a full weekend wedding, Waterfall Lodge offers something rare: quiet, grounding magic.

Danielle & Max’s wedding was the perfect reflection of what that can look like when love and family are at the center of it all.

 

Planning Your Own Santa Cruz Redwoods Wedding?

If you're dreaming of a wedding among the trees—whether it's an elopement with just the two of you or a celebration with all your favorite people—I'd love to help document it. As a local Santa Cruz wedding and elopement photographer, I specialize in capturing honest, heartfelt moments in the most magical corners of California’s coast and redwood forests.

Reach out to see if your date is available—I'm currently booking Waterfall Lodge weddings, Big Sur elopements, and ANY other Santa Cruz AND beyond sessions if you need help for the upcoming season.

Inquire Here
 

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