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Weddings

22 Forest Wedding Venues for Couples Who Love the Great Outdoors

If you're looking for stunning scenery to serve as your big day's backdrop, check out these truly spectacular nature and forest wedding venues from around the country.

two brides holding hands and walking in forest

If you and your future spouse are all about spending time outside, then you’ll likely want to check out nature and forest wedding venues for your big day. These nature-packed venues feature amazing flora and fauna, and many are non-profits committed to preservation. With both indoor and open-air settings for ceremonies and receptions, you’ll find lots of options for your wedding in nature. Check out the top 22 forest wedding venues in the U.S. to find a scenic setting for your nuptials!

outdoor forest wedding ceremony

Woodend Sanctuary & Mansion
Chevy Chase, Maryland

Located on a 40-acre nature sanctuary, this secluded and relaxed wedding venue is located just nine miles outside of downtown Washington, DC—so convenient! A Couples’ Choice Award winner, Woodend Sanctuary can accommodate outdoor wedding ceremonies in the grove, and tented or indoor receptions. It’s a more intimate wedding venue, with space for up to 170 guests, and—major bonus!—up to $1,500 of your rental fee is tax-deductible. 

Learn more about Woodend Sanctuary & Mansion »

forest wedding ceremony

Timberlake Earth Sanctuary
Whitsett, North Carolina

This scenic, wooded forest wedding venue located just outside of Greensboro, has a variety of outdoor locations for an intimate ceremony, including woodlands, an orchard, a pond, or a pretty garden. Tented receptions are held in the courtyard, and can hold up to 150 guests. You can rent this venue for an entire weekend, meaning that you can host your rehearsal dinner there, as well.

Learn more about Timberlake Earth Sanctuary »

bride and groom kissing in wheat field

Wolf Oak Acres
Oneida, New York

Whether you’re looking to elope or host a celebration for 400 people, this nature wedding venue in Upstate New York provides a stunning setting with a variety of spaces for your special day. Whether you host your ceremony in the rustic wooden chapel, near the water, in the woodland grove, or in the garden it’s sure to be a memorable experience. And since you’ll be surrounded by so much amazing scenery, your photos will surely be incredible! Pricing for a Saturday wedding starts at $6,950; for non-Saturdays pricing starts at $6,450. 

Learn more about Wolf Oak Acres »

bride and groom kissing on dock

Chattahoochee Nature Center
Roswell, Georgia

This Roswell, Georgia venue is ideal for your wedding in nature. You can host your ceremony in the meadow, under a 100-year-old pine tree, or in the Ben Brady Lakeside Pavilion. Receptions are also held in the open-air pavilion, which can accommodate up to 200 guests. This venue will make planning a breeze, with an on-premises bridal suite, plus tables, chairs, lights, drapery, and more included. Rental pricing for a Friday or Sunday ceremony and reception starts at $3,200; on Saturdays the cost is $3,700.

Learn more about the Chattahoochee Nature Center »

wedding ceremony on scenic terrace

The Vineyards at Betty’s Creek
Sylva, North Carolina

Located in the Nantahala National Forest, this Western North Carolina venue has truly spectacular views of the Great Smoky Mountains, as well as five different ceremony sites to choose from, including beneath a canopy of trees on the garden lawn, on the lodge’s patio boasting incredible views, and in a flower garden overlooking the orchard. This Couples’ Choice Award-winning venue, which can accommodate up to 250 guests, also has a brand-new open-air event pavilion with a rustic industrial vibe. Wedding packages start at $12,500 for off-season events (including catering).

Learn more about the Vineyards at Betty’s Creek »

outdoor forest wedding venue

The Springs in Magnolia
Magnolia, Texas

At this woodsy location about an hour north of Houston, there are two completely separate venues to choose from—Stonebridge, with its white limestone walls and stone bridge that leads to the wooded ceremony site, and Pinehaven, which as its name indicates, is surrounded by majestic pine trees. This venue can host up to 320 guests, and provides an all-day rental so that you’ll have plenty of time to set up for your dream wedding. Rental fees start at $3,250 for weekday events. 

Learn more about The Springs in Magnolia »

couple standing on wooded bridge

Woldumar Nature Center
Lansing, Michigan

This non-profit environmental center is an ideal rustic nature wedding venue. Host your ceremony on the porch of the Moon Log Cabin, at the Sunrise Pavilion, or the more intimate Walnut Glen Amphitheatre. Receptions are typically held in the R.E. Olds Anderson Rotary Barn, a two-story 20th century dairy barn, which is decorated with paper lanterns and twinkle lights for a whimsical feel. This Couples’ Choice Award-winning venue can comfortably hold up to 150 guests for a wedding in nature. Saturday pricing starts at $3,900. 

Learn more about the Woldumar Nature Center »

forest wedding venue

Twenty Mile House
Graeagle, California

With a breathtaking Northern California location in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, this secluded 200-acre eco-estate has a unique history—it was a stagecoach stop in the mid-19th century. You’ll love the serene forest setting, as well as the all-inclusive wedding packages (featuring organic, local cuisine!) for the ultimate in stress-free planning. There are three ceremony sites here—the forest, by the river, and in the gardens, plus an outdoor wedding reception site surrounded by trees. This venue can host up to 200 guests, and you and your crew can stay on premises in one of the on-site cabins. Wedding packages start at $11,995, plus $165 per person for a Sunday through Thursday event (including catering). 

Learn more about the Twenty Mile House »

outdoor wedding ceremony

Dallas Arboretum
Dallas, Texas

At this nature wedding venue, you’ll find gorgeous indoor and outdoor spaces throughout 66 acres of stunning property conveniently located in Dallas’ Lakewood neighborhood. You can host your ceremony in one of the gorgeous gardens, followed by a reception in one of three sites—the Rosine Hall, with space for 350 seated guests, the intimate DeGolyer House, which was built in the 1940s in the Spanish Revival style, and the Alex Camp House, a two-story home overlooking White Rock Lake.

Learn more about the Dallas Arboretum »

forest wedding ceremony

Nestldown
Los Gatos, California

This private retreat venue truly celebrates California’s majestic redwood trees and is ideal for a nature wedding in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Exchange vows as the redwood grove towers overhead, and then host your reception either inside the event barn or outdoors. The 180-acre property is full of unique photo backdrops, and couples rave about the helpful staff who go above and beyond to make your big day extra special.

Learn more about Nestldown »

outdoor wedding

Morris Arboretum
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

One of our top nature wedding venues, this Couples’ Choice Award-winning Philadelphia arboretum has a romantic Victorian feel that’s ideal for weddings of up to 175 guests. From the scenic Magnolia Slope, Baxter Memorial, and Two Lines to the expansive Widener Lawn and Azalea Meadow, and the serene Pennock Walk, there are so many ceremony sites to choose from. We also love the unique Out on a Limb walkway as a cocktail hour site—it’s a treetop walkway located 50 feet above the ground! Receptions are typically held in a tent adjoining the historic Carriage House.

Learn more about the Morris Arboretum »

Audubon at Succop Nature Park

Audubon at Succop Nature Park
Butler, Pennsylvania

Located just north of Pittsburgh, this is an ideal venue for weddings inspired by nature. With space for up to 300 guests and all-inclusive packages, there are covered and uncovered outdoor locations for ceremonies and receptions, plus a variety of scenic settings for amazing portraits. You and your guests will love the bucolic surroundings, filled with abundant flora and fauna. Wedding pricing starts at $63 per person for a Sunday wedding of more than 131 guests.

Learn more about Audubon at Succop Nature Park »

stone house

Schlitz Audubon Nature Center
Bayside, Wisconsin

On the shores of Lake Michigan 15 minutes north of downtown Milwaukee, this venue can host weddings in all seasons, whether you’re planning an outdoor spring event or a cozy winter affair. Ceremonies can be held outdoors or in, and the Great Hall is an ideal rustic indoor venue, with space for up to 225 guests. Animal lovers will be delighted to know that owls, hawks, falcons, and a bald eagle can join your guests at cocktail hour for a truly unique experience. Wedding pricing starts at $2,400 for a Sunday wedding during the off-season.

Learn more about the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center »

outdoor pavilion wedding ceremony

Cielo at Castle Pines
Castle Rock, Colorado

If you’re looking for a mountain venue for your wedding day, Cielo at Castle Pines is a must-see. Surrounded by mountains and majestic pine trees, this forest wedding venue offers a scenic garden for ceremonies and the light-filled Pine Room for receptions. The wedding packages here can be customized, so you can pick and choose the items and services you need, stress-free. You and up to 350 loved ones will adore this peaceful setting, located between Denver and Colorado Springs. Rental pricing starts at $1,700 for an off-season weekday wedding. 

Learn more about Cielo at Castle Pines »

couple kissing under a large tree

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Chaska, Minnesota

With 16 event spaces and capacity of up to 300 guests, this Minnesota forest wedding venue will ensure your big day reflects your unique personality. A Couples’ Choice Award winner, the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum can host small ceremonies in the aptly-named Knot Garden, medium ceremonies in the lush Wilson Rose Garden, and larger ceremonies in the expansive Sensory Garden, among others. Receptions are typically held in one of the indoor venues, including the rustic-inspired Snyder Auditorium, which features a glorious arched ceiling.

Learn more about the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum »

arrowhead pine rose wedding

Arrowhead Pine Rose
Big Bear, California

If you’ve always dreamed of marrying in a fairytale forest, you’ll love this Southern California woodland venue. At the Hidden Creek Lodge venue, you can say “I do” while standing in a log-and-branch gazebo within an amphitheater, surrounded by majestic pine trees. Receptions can be held outdoors, too. Catering and rentals are included with the wedding packages, and for added convenience, your wedding party can stay in one of the on-site cabins for the ultimate weekend getaway! Wedding package pricing (including catering) starts at about $22,350.

Learn more about Arrowhead Pine Rose »

brick terrace wedding ceremony

The Pines at Genesee
Golden, Colorado

Convenient to downtown Denver, this nature wedding venue feels worlds away from the city. You’ll love the glorious mountain views, as well as the convenience of in-house catering and rentals. This Couples’ Choice Award-winning venue has two terraces for outdoor ceremonies, and a 12,000 square foot banquet hall with two levels and outdoor patios to accommodate up to 300 guests.

Learn more about The Pines at Genesee »

hawaii outdoor wedding ceremony

Kuaola Ranch & Private Nature Preserve
Kaneohe, Hawaii

We all know that Hawaii is home to some of the most amazing natural wonders in the country, and this nature wedding venue showcases some of the best the Aloha State has to offer. From the private Secret Island Beach with its panoramic views of the Ko’olau Mountains to the rustic Ranch House Terrace and the tropical Paliku Gardens, you’ll be absolutely wowed by the spectacular beauty this venue has to offer.

Learn more about Kuaola Ranch & Private Nature Preserve »

waterfall wedding ceremony

Dogwood Canyon Nature Park
Lampe, Missouri

If you’re looking for a forest wedding venue with a rustic and casual vibe, this Missouri location might be just the place. We particularly love the Hope Wilderness Chapel as a stunning indoor ceremony space, with gorgeous waterfall views, followed by a reception on the chapel’s patio. There are other equally beautiful wedding spaces to choose from, with a capacity of up to 200 guests. Elopement packages are available. 

Learn more about Dogwood Canyon Nature Park »

autumn forest wedding ceremony

Cedars of Lebanon State Park
Lebanon, Tennessee

If you're looking for an affordable forest wedding venue near Nashville, Cedars of Lebanon State Park is a popular location. Exchange vows under the majestic trees, and then enjoy dinner and dancing in one of two event spaces. The Cedar Forest Lodge can host events of up to 75 people ($1,200 rental fee for a weekend wedding), while the Assembly Hall can accommodate up to 250 guests ($620 rental fee for a weekend wedding). 

Learn more about Cedars of Lebanon State Park »

couple kissing next to a treehouse

TreeHouse Point
Fall City, Washington

Located less than 30 minutes east of Seattle, you'll feel a world away from the big city at this magical forest wedding venue. Host your ceremony outdoors and your reception both indoors and out. And don't forget to take some truly magical wedding portraits amid the real-life treehouses! With overnight accommodations for up to 18 people, you and your crew can actually stay in one of this venue's amazing treehouses. TreeHouse Point also offers elopement packages. 

Learn more about TreeHouse Point »

bride and groom kissing amid trees

Glen Oaks Big Sur
Big Sur, California

Big Sur, California is known for its amazing redwood groves—and this forest wedding venue truly celebrates those stunning trees. Wedding ceremonies are held next to the serene Big Sur River, with receptions following at the Big Sur Roadhouse, either on the back terrace or inside the restaurant. This venue can host intimate events of up to 100 guests.

Learn more about Glen Oaks Big Sur »