Nestldown: A Whimsical Forest Wedding Venue in Los Gatos, California
If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into a fairytale for your wedding day, Nestldown might just be the place for you. Tucked away in the redwood-covered hills of Los Gatos, just 20 minutes from Santa Cruz, this enchanting venue feels like a secret garden pulled from the pages of a storybook. From its lush landscaping and whimsical architecture to the towering redwoods that surround you, Nestldown is easily one of the most magical wedding venues in Northern California.
Nestldown is conveniently located between Santa Cruz and San Jose
Just half an hour away from the nearest airport
What makes Nestldown great for your California wedding
Nestldown sits on 36 acres of beautifully maintained forest, gardens, and meadows. What makes it truly unique is how intentionally every corner of the property is designed to create a sense of wonder—from the storybook cottage and koi pond to the treehouse and vintage London taxi (yes, you read that right). There’s even a little red train that runs through the property, which guests can ride during cocktail hour. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel like a kid again, where your imagination can run wild and your wedding can feel like a true escape from the everyday.
Multiple Ceremony & Reception Options
One of the best things about Nestldown is the variety of spaces available for your wedding day. Whether you’re envisioning an intimate forest ceremony under towering redwoods or a lively reception in a grand barn lit with twinkle lights, Nestldown offers flexibility without ever losing its charm. There are several gardens, lawns, and indoor spaces to choose from depending on the size and style of your event. Every location on the property is thoughtfully curated, so no matter where you say “I do,” it’s going to look and feel incredible. My personal favorite is the redwood amphitheater!
A Seamless, Stress-Free Experience
Planning a wedding can be overwhelming—but Nestldown has one of the most supportive and professional teams around. Their on-site event managers are highly organized and genuinely invested in making your day feel smooth and special. One of the unique perks of Nestldown is that you may not need to hire a full wedding planner. Their team handles a lot of the coordination with vendors and offers detailed guidance throughout the planning process. From preferred food vendors, florists, and DJs the Nestldown has you covered! If you're the kind of couple who wants to enjoy the day without worrying about logistics, Nestldown’s staff really goes above and beyond.
One thing to note is that if you hire a photographer, DJ, Caterer, etc that hasn't worked there before, Nestldown requires them to come do a site visit to get the lay of the land before the day of the wedding. This ensures a smooth day for you! Since I am local Santa Cruz wedding photographer and have worked here before, i'm ready for your wedding anytime, even at short notice!
Say your vows in any of these locations + more!
A Few Things to Know
Nestldown is a premium venue, so it’s important to budget accordingly. It’s also a private property and only available for weddings through advance booking—typically up to 12–18 months out. The venue does have some restrictions to preserve its peaceful environment, including set hours and vendor guidelines, but none of those take away from the magic. If anything, they help ensure that every wedding at Nestldown is respectful of the landscape and just as beautiful as the last.
How Much Does Getting Married at Nestldown Cost?
Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know about Nestldown wedding pricing.
Venue Rental Fees: What You Can Expect
Nestldown wedding costs range quite a bit depending on the season and the day of the week. Here's a general idea:
- Weekday or Off-Season Weddings (March, December, etc.):
Expect to pay $15,000 to $22,000
- Weekend Weddings in Peak Season (late spring to early fall):
Pricing typically ranges from $26,000 to $36,000+
(Saturdays being the most expensive)
This fee includes 9 hours of exclusive access to the entire 36-acre estate, with multiple ceremony and reception spaces to choose from, On site wedding planners, day-of coordination, tables and chairs for up to 200 guests, and the London taxi. Vendors are not included in the price above!
While the venue fee sets the foundation, your total costs will depend heavily on your guest count and vendor choices.
For example:
A wedding with 70–100 guests might start around $13,000–$15,000 for venue access alone. By adding full-service catering, bar packages, floral design, and rentals can easily bring your total to $25,000–$45,000+, especially if you're planning a high-touch, elegant event. Keep in mind, catering alone in the Bay Area typically ranges from $150 to $300+ per guest.
Final Thoughts
As a local Santa Cruz wedding photographer, I can honestly say Nestldown is one of the most visually stunning venues I’ve ever worked at. The light filtering through the redwoods, the fairytale-like buildings, and the loving attention to detail make it a dream backdrop for photos and an unforgettable experience for couples and guests alike.
If you're looking for a venue that feels both luxurious and grounded in nature—a place where elegance meets whimsy—Nestldown should absolutely be on your list.
Planning Your Wedding at Nestldown?
As wedding photographers who love working in the Santa Cruz Mountains, we know the flow of this venue and all its secret corners of golden light. If you're planning your day at Nestldown and looking for a photographer who can help you navigate the timeline, locations, and storytelling—we’d love to hear from you.
Let’s make some magic in the redwoods!
