Mill Valley, sitting just outside of San Francisco, features gorgeous redwoods that make it an ideal wedding destination in the Bay Area.
Mill Valley Wedding
A dreamy little town that is tucked at the base of Mount Tamalpais, Mill Valley is just a short drive from San Francisco. The redwoods and rolling hills create a really laid-back and beautiful setting, perfect for anyone wanting a nature-filled wedding, but conveniently located. It was the perfect destination wedding spot for Jamie + Andrew, as well as their guests, who were all from the East Coast!
It was the most intimate and relaxed event with their small guest count, which meant a lot less stress and fewer time crunches. They could just fully enjoy their day with their favorite people, without the rush of a typical wedding day. They then got to celebrate afterwards with a small dinner party, where they could speak with each guest and it truly felt just like a family dinner table. It was such a sweet day, in such a beautiful place!
Wedding at Old Mill Park Amphitheater
Within Mill Valley is the Mill Valley Community Center, where you feel a sense of privacy and seclusion, even with it being situated directly in town. It’s towering redwood trees, plus the proximity to the bay, make it an ideal location for a wedding in the Bay Area!
The community center itself has a cozy-lodge like feel with large windows to let in all the gorgeous natural light, and wows you with its gorgeous architecture. The main event space, the Cascade Room, opens up to a big lawn and patio, which makes it perfect for both an indoor and outdoor event. There are other spaces available, both indoor and outdoor, that you can take advantage of for your event, including smaller rooms for getting ready, a cocktail party, or an intimate dinner. And if you’d like, you can even rent the whole facility out for your wedding, which would include a swimming pool, jacuzzi, giant water slide, and an adjoining patio.
The most popular ceremony location though, is the gorgeous Old Mill Park Amphitheater. It’s absolutely majestic sitting beneath the trees, creating the most romantic atmosphere. It is a ten-minute drive from the community center, making it feel even more secluded and as if you’re being transported somewhere much farther into nature. The lighting from the trees is stunning, but keep in mind that once the sun sets over Mount Tamalpais, it can make this spot quite chilly and dark pretty quickly.
Mill Valley, and specifically the Old Mill Park Amphitheater, is what I would recommend to anyone wanting the feel of an adventurous destination wedding, with the convenience of being close to the city!
Where to Plan a Bay Area Wedding
Because the Bay Area covers such an expansive area, it is filled with many different options to choose from for your wedding! Here are just a few to consider:
- San Francisco: This of course, is an iconic location filled with historic landmarks, and a wide range of gorgeous wedding venues, such as The Olympic Club.
- Sausalito: This charming waterfront town just across the Golden Gate Bridge is ideal if you’re looking for a wedding with a coastal and luxurious feel.
- Napa: Technically part of the greater Bay Area, Napa is for those wanting a backdrop of wine country, and dream of elegant and upscale venues.
- Berkeley: Here you’ll have a perfect blend of natural beauty and some historical charm, with many venues featuring hilltop locations overlooking the bay.
- Half Moon Bay: To get a completely different vibe, you can opt for Half Moon Bay, a sweet beachside town where you can celebrate at an oceanfront location.
Poggio at the Casa Madrona Hotel + Spa
Poggio, located at the Casa Madrona Hotel + Spa, is an incredible Italian restaurant that created the perfect setting for an intimate wedding reception. Their private room, Salone Brescia, is separated by wooden doors giving you and your guests complete privacy. It has stunning details giving it an elegant feel, and the windows give you a gorgeous view of the Sausalito Harbor.
On top of the space being ideal visually, the food here is sure to wow both you and your guests. They utilize the best available local ingredients, and pull inspiration from classics of Northern Italy. There couldn’t have been a better choice for this sweet, intimate event.
Bay Area Wedding Photographer
Hi, I’m Sabrina, a San Francisco Wedding Photographer that serves the Bay Area, California’s Central Valley, and beyond. Mill Valley is an incredible hidden gem here in the Bay Area, filled with natural beauty while being conveniently located. I’m here to help capture and preserve your unique story, so reach out to plan your Bay Area wedding!
