Getting Married at The Sea Ranch Lodge
An Unforgettable Coastal Experience
Tucked along the rugged and scenic Northern California coastline, The Sea Ranch Lodge offers an extraordinary setting for couples who want their wedding to feel intentional, elevated, and immersed in nature. With its minimal architecture, panoramic ocean views, and quiet luxury, this 53-acre Sonoma County property feels like a hidden gem — perfect for a relaxed yet refined celebration that’s all about the experience.
The Location
The Sea Ranch Lodge is located about three hours north of San Francisco, making it feel like a true escape without being too far from home. Its architecture is thoughtfully designed to blend into the landscape—weathered wood buildings set against wild meadows, coastal cliffs, and the ever-changing Pacific. For your wedding day (or weekend), the Lodge offers both indoor and outdoor event spaces with stunning views, plus 17 beautifully appointed guest rooms on-site so you can truly make a full experience of it with your closest people.
The Scenery & Architecture
What makes Sea Ranch so special is how seamlessly the natural beauty and architecture work together. The design is minimal and earthy, nothing too flashy, so the dramatic ocean cliffs, windswept meadows, and towering redwoods can take center stage. It’s the kind of place where the views and atmosphere do a lot of the storytelling. As a photographer, I make sure that your gallery showcases not only your people and the key moments of your day, but also the landscapes and scenery that provide a backdrop for your special celebration.
Ways to Celebrate
Whether you're dreaming of an intimate elopement or a full wedding weekend with all your friends and family, Sea Ranch has a range of options:
Elopements for just the two of you or a few guests.
Private dinners for a relaxed, intentional gathering.
Micro weddings with a more curated guest list.
Full wedding ceremonies + receptions with up to 150 guests.
Indoor Event Spaces
There are several indoor venues to choose from, each with its own vibe and versatility depending on your guest count.
The Lodge
The largest indoor venue at Sea Ranch is the main Lodge itself, featuring the quintessential Sea Ranch architecture and walls of windows with direct views of the coast. With a property buyout, the entire space is at your disposal.
Capacity: up to 110
Fireside Lounge
Within the main hub of the Lodge and next to the Dining Room, you’ll find the Fireside Lounge, a cozy room featuring a massive stone fireplace. This is the perfect space for a casual cocktail hour or mingling spot for guests between main events
Capacity: up to 80
Solarium
Next to the Fireside Lounge is the semi-private Solarium, a light-filled room full of windows with panoramic views, perfect for an intimate dinner celebration.
Capacity: up to 35
Redwood Room
Away from the main Lodge and adjacent to the Redwood Patio, this intimate room is perfect for a private elopement lunch or dinner.
Capacity: up to 12
The Chef’s Table
A long, hand hewn wooden table located in a semi-private area in the main dining room. If you want the signature oceanfront views of the Lodge and don’t mind not having complete privacy, this is a great dinner spot for small groups.
Capacity: up to 15
Outdoor Event Spaces
For couples looking to fully embrace the scenery, the outdoor venues are truly one-of-a-kind.
The Barn Meadow
A favorite for ceremonies, this meadow is more sheltered from the main Lodge, tucked next the historic Black Point Barn, and features stunning views of the dramatic coastline.
Capacity: up to 150
The Ocean Meadow
Perched on the cliffs in front of the main Lodge (seen from the Lodge Dining Room), this meadow has unparalleled ocean views. For more privacy, I recommend this only with a full property buyout.
Capacity: up to 110
The Meadow
Just beyond the main Lodge and guest rooms, this meadow features seasonal wildflowers, coastal views, and the occasional sheep. It can be accessed from the Redwood Patio, which is a great transition space for your celebration.
Capacity: up to 150
Ocean Deck
An intimate deck directly off the main Lodge, ideal for smaller ceremonies or cocktail receptions. Also a great backup for wet days (to avoid muddy meadows).
Capacity: up to 40
Redwood Patio
A semi-sheltered outdoor space away from the main Lodge — perfect for small gatherings like an intimate reception or private dinner. Has its own iconic “Portal” window overlooking The Meadow and the Coast. Since it leads to the Meadow, this area can also be used for cocktail hour before dinner in the Meadow or as a welcome area for guests before your ceremony.
Capacity: up to 50
The Courtyard
Located away from the main Lodge in the center of the guest room buildings, this area is naturally wind-protected. The space could be used for a ceremony or reception during the shoulder seasons or as a portrait location to capture the Lodge’s iconic architecture.
Capacity: up to 150
Lodging Options
Lodge Rooms
There are 17 rooms right at the main Lodge—modern, warm, and simple in the best way. If you're getting ready on-site, the Deluxe Lodge Studio is a great option for a little more space and beautiful light.
Sea Ranch Living Homes
For couples who want a little more privacy or space to get ready, the Sea Ranch Living vacation rentals are an incredible option.
There are 12 architect-designed homes, each 1–3 bedrooms (sleeping 2–6 guests)
All within 10 minutes of the Lodge
Each rental comes with concierge services and access to Lodge amenities
Includes thoughtful touches and extras that make it feel like a luxury home base
A few standout homes for getting ready or just enjoying the stay:
The Spring Meadow
Shanti House
Piper Haus
Casa de Luz
Third Rock
Compass Close
Public Spaces at the Lodge
Your guests will love exploring the Lodge’s shared spaces during your wedding weekend.
The Dining Room
Solarium
Bar + Lounge
The Café
General Store
Coastal trails and over 500,000 sq ft of land with sweeping ocean views
Tips for Planning a Sea Ranch Wedding
Book a property buyout for full privacy and flexible use of spaces (especially if you're inviting 50+ guests).
Hire a planner with a design-forward approach to help you create something that complements the natural aesthetic.
Weekday weddings are great for elopements or small groups as there’s less foot traffic and more privacy.
Arrive early to settle in, enjoy the trails, and take in the incredible food on-site. It really sets the tone for a relaxing weekend!
Best Time of Year to Get Married at Sea Ranch
Spring: lush and vibrant with wildflowers; can be windy
Fall: warm, golden light and clear skies—September to early October is ideal
Winter: moody skies and cozy vibes if you’re going for that Pacific Northwest feel
Sea Ranch Wedding Inspiration
This wedding-inspired shoot at The Sea Ranch Lodge highlights just how effortlessly beautiful a celebration here can be. From getting ready at the Spring Meadow (one of Sea Ranch’s private home rentals) to an intimate ceremony in the Barn Meadow, and a reception setup overlooking the ocean in The Meadow, every moment was grounded in the natural beauty of the coast. Portraits were captured around the main Lodge and at sunset in the Meadow, where the light and landscape came together in the most magical way.
VENDORS
Photography: Carrie Rogers Photography
Planning & design: Wilde & Sage Co
Venue: The Sea Ranch Lodge
Florals: Paloma Floral
Furniture Rentals: Found Rental Co
Bar Service: Twin Crafted Mobile Bar
Linens: Nuage Designs Inc
Content Creator: The Candid Bride
Signage & Stationery: Paper Cliche
Couple: Ben and Ashton
Hair/Makeup: Samantha Keefauver
Dresses: Dalliance Gown Rentals | Shona Joy
Shoes: Dolce Vita
Jewelry: Adorn Pili
Tux: Friar Tux
Sea Ranch Lodge Wedding Photography
If you're planning a wedding or elopement at The Sea Ranch Lodge and are looking for a photographer who values candid storytelling, intentionality, and capturing the little in-between moments that make your day feel like you—I’d love to connect. My approach is laid back yet detail-oriented, and I’m always inspired by the beauty of this coastal setting. You can view more of my work throughout this blog, and if it resonates, reach out here to start the conversation.
Photography Collections start at $7500
