Everything You Need to Know About Getting Married at Deer Park Villa
If you’re dreaming of a wedding day surrounded by towering redwoods, twinkle lights, and a magical forest vibe, Deer Park Villa in Fairfax, California might be the perfect place for you. Just 30 minutes north of San Francisco, this venue is tucked away in Marin County and offers that incredible redwood setting without having to travel far.
I’ve photographed weddings here before, and every single time I walk through the gates into the grove, I’m reminded of how special this place is. There’s just something so romantic about exchanging vows under ancient redwoods and then celebrating the night away surrounded by string lights that feel like you’re dancing under the stars.
Why Choose Deer Park Villa for Your Wedding
Deer Park Villa is one of those rare venues that combines the beauty of a redwood forest with the convenience of being close to the Bay Area. It feels private, intimate, and tucked away, but you and your guests won’t have to trek hours into the woods to find it.
It’s perfect if you love:
The idea of saying your vows surrounded by redwoods.
A venue that’s beautiful on its own and doesn’t need much extra décor.
Magical outdoor receptions with twinkle lights.
A space that can work for both intimate weddings and larger celebrations.
Ceremony & Reception Spaces
The star of the show at Deer Park Villa is the Redwood Grove. This space is surrounded by massive, ancient redwoods and creates a breathtaking backdrop for your ceremony. You can exchange vows beneath the trees, and the light filtering through the branches is absolutely dreamy for photos.
After the ceremony, most couples host cocktail hour and their reception right there in the grove. Once the sun sets, the grove transforms into something out of a fairytale — string lights illuminate the trees, the whole place glows, and it feels completely magical.
There’s also an indoor space that works perfectly as a backup plan if you run into unexpected weather.
Getting Ready Spaces
Deer Park Villa has on-site spaces for you and your partner to get ready before the wedding. Having everything in one place makes the day run so much more smoothly and allows you to relax without rushing between multiple locations. It’s also a great opportunity for those fun getting-ready photos with your wedding party.
Guest Capacity
One of the best parts about Deer Park Villa is how flexible it is. Whether you’re planning a small, intimate wedding or a larger celebration, the venue can accommodate you. The grove has plenty of space for larger guest counts, but it still feels intimate when you have a smaller group.
What Makes Deer Park Villa Unique
The Redwoods: Not many Bay Area venues offer a true redwood forest setting this close to San Francisco.
Twinkle Lights Everywhere: The string lights in the grove make nighttime photos feel magical and romantic.
Flexibility: Whether you’re having 30 guests or 200, the venue works beautifully.
Convenience: Easy to get to from anywhere in the Bay, and you still feel completely transported once you’re there.
Photography at Deer Park Villa
As a photographer, I can tell you that Deer Park Villa is a dream. The redwoods create a dramatic and romantic backdrop for portraits, and there are plenty of beautiful spots tucked around the property. During the day, the filtered light through the trees is soft and flattering, and once the sun goes down, those glowing string lights give everything a cozy, magical feel.
Some of my favorite moments to capture here are:
Ceremonies beneath the redwoods.
First looks tucked away on the paths leading into the grove.
Couples portraits in the golden light before sunset.
Receptions under the glowing lights — they always feel like something out of a fairytale.
Things to Consider
Weather: Fairfax can be warm in the summer and chilly at night, so plan your outfits and bring layers for evening celebrations.
Lighting: The redwoods are gorgeous but shady, work with your photographer to plan the best time for portraits when the light is just right.
Accessibility: The grove has paths and open space, but it’s always a good idea to double check accessibility needs for your guests.
Tips for Planning Your Deer Park Villa Wedding
Plan your ceremony timing so you can take advantage of the best light for portraits.
Keep décor simple, the redwoods and string lights do all the work for you.
Build in time during your reception to sneak away for a few sunset photos.
Still Searching Around for Other Incredible Venues in the Bay?
Here are some other blogs I’ve written that might help:
Everything You Need to Know About Having Your Wedding at Old St. Hilary’s
Why Hacienda de las Flores is One of the Best Bay Area Wedding Venues
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a wedding venue that combines the magic of a redwood forest with the convenience of being close to San Francisco, Deer Park Villa is one of the best choices in the Bay Area. It’s romantic, unique, and such a beautiful place to start your marriage.
If you’d like to see more photos from weddings I’ve captured here or learn more about my wedding packages, you can head over to my contact page, I’d love to help you plan and capture your perfect Deer Park Villa wedding day.
