Redwood Destination Wedding Venue-Santa Cruz Mnts
201 to 250 guests
Holds ceremonies and receptions
April 2024 Date Available! April 12-14, 2024! Celebrate with 35+ friends and family all weekend long! With on-site catering, lodging and coordination your wedding can happen THIS SPRING! Rest easy knowing we got your back - 14 hours of pre-event consultation and 8 hours of day-of coordination included! Contact us to learn more and read on for more package information for guest counts of 35-250:
With our destination package you and your families and friends will have a precious opportunity to spend three days getting to know each other. As you celebrate the start of your new life together, you will be surrounded by loved ones and the majestic beauty of this sacred land. In addition to our beautiful, tranquil redwood setting we offer a variety of amenities, which includes outstanding catering, affordable on-site accommodations, a refreshing pool, and friendly staff with exclusive attention to detail and care.
At your reception you may dance under the stars until 10 pm, and afterwards are invited to wind down around a fire circle until 12am. You may bring your own alcohol and we do not charge corkage fees. Our stellar on-site caterer will provide delicious meals throughout the weekend for you and your guests with a personalized menu and individual attention.
From start to finish, we will work with you to customize both your ceremony and reception according to your vision. As part of your site fee, your on-site wedding coordinator will assist you with all of your plans and details and oversee your event (providing 14 hours of Pre-Wedding Coordination and 8 hours of support on the day of your wedding), along with all of our caring staff who will make it a priority that your wedding is a time of great joy for everyone.
Pema Osel Ling is run by the Vajrayana Foundation, a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote the Tibetan Buddhist ideals of peace and compassion.
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Pricing details
Starting prices
Reception:
$6,950
Ceremony:
Contact for price
Bar services:
Contact for price
Catering:
Contact for price
Starting prices don't include service fees, taxes, gratuity, and rental fees. Guest count and seasonality may also affect prices. Peak season for this venue is Jun-Oct.
Amenities + details
Amenities
Ceremony Area
Covered Outdoors Space
Dressing Room
Handicap Accessible
Indoor Event Space
On-Site Accommodations
Outdoor Event Space
Reception Area
Wireless Internet
Ceremony Types
Civil Union
Commitment Ceremony
Elopement
Interfaith Ceremony
Non-Religious Ceremony
Religious Ceremony
Second Wedding
Vow Renewal Ceremony
Guest Capacity
Up to 250
Settings
Backyard
Garden
Mountain
Religious Setting
Temple
Trees
Venue Service Offerings
Bar & Drinks
Bar Rental
Destination Weddings
Destination Wedding Packages
Destination Wedding Planning
Food & Catering
Planning
Destination Wedding Planning
Rentals & Equipment
Tents
Service Staff
Any questions?
Availability
Reviews
4.9
out of 5.018 reviews
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Michael S
5.0
12/15/2024
From start to finish Mia and the entire staff at Amphitheater of the Redwoods were an absolute dream to work with. They always answered our questions promptly and the advice/recommendations of the staff helped everything run smoothly when the big day finally came.
The team accommodated our personal touches and brought so much attention to detail to every aspect of the wedding. Planning a wedding is all about the small things, being able to pivot when the unexpected occurs, and providing a calm and capable presence for the couple and their families. Mia exemplified all of these traits and her dedication to the process made our wedding weekend the best weekend of the year for us and our guests.
We booked this spot based on photos, knowing we wanted to get married within a year of our engagement, and we couldn’t have been happier with our choice. It was reasonably priced for a destination wedding and the convenience of housing people on-site CANNOT be understated.
They say people will only remember two things about your wedding day, the food and the music. We have cover bands in the family so we provided the band and sound equipment ourselves.
The staff helped the whole thing go smoothly, allowing soundcheck at a convenient hour for the band and ensuring we had the proper power requirements and access to outlets.
Again, these kinds of small details are what make or break the smoothness of the day when it comes. Their ability to think ahead, pivot on a dime and be friendly and efficient all along the way made a huge impression on us. The staff are professionals through and through.
The food was exquisite. The chef knows what he’s doing and everyone commented on how delicious the meals and appetizers were.
Another plus to mention is the beauty of the venue. Every guest was stunned and commented on the setting. So many people asked us how we found it, or mentioned that it was their favourite wedding they’d ever been to.
We didn’t expect everything to be perfect because nothing in life ever is. So many things can change, even on the day of the ceremony. The greatest gift of this weekend was that from start to finish the whole experience truly was perfect. To see our families so at ease, our guests having so much fun, and the day/night running smoothly meant everything to us. That’s a reflection of the dedication of Mia and this staff, and we owe the success of the wedding to them.
response 02/25/2025
Dear Michael,
Thank you so much for taking the time to write this thoughtful and detailed...
review! We thoroughly enjoyed helping you two bring your vision to life. It fulfills our hearts to hear that your friends and family enjoyed their time on the property and our catering. Best wishes on your new journey together!
- The Wedding Team
Christina C
5.0
12/13/2023
We chose POL for the beautiful redwood fairy circle amphitheater and for the ability for the guests stay on site. Our overall weekend was wonderful and I couldn't have asked for better. We chose to have our reception in the gallery meadow which was perfect. The on-site coordinator included in the package, Mia, was so responsive, helpful, kind, and patient the entire time. She gave very helpful advice and helped us make decisions when we were overwhelmed. We loved having everything on the same property and we loved all of the potential activities we could do (yoga the morning of the wedding, lawn games, hiking, etc). The meals included in the package were delicious, and we mainly chose the baseline cost ones. They were very up front with all the costs, but I wish I had calculated things out fully prior to making my guest list. A few suggestions to potential brides/grooms:
1) the food adds a 20% service fee and tax (9ish%) to all menu items. So the cost per person is actually going to be about 30% higher than you think it is.
2) our bartender was bout $1500 for the reception, plus the cost of alcohol so include this in your estimates.
3) for the onsite lodging, you have to pay for everyone and then get them to pay you back. This obviously isn't a dealbreaker, but it would've been nicer if people could just pay the venue directly.
4) they do not provide late night food. But you can bring your own (we did a ramen bar at the fire pit and it was a huge hit. they provided hot water heaters for us and it was very well done).
5) The site is very large. so plan to have some people designated to drive older /mobility impaired guests around. This was very reasonable for us, but one or two of our friends had to save the drinking till later in the night.
If I had to plan a wedding again, I would go to POL every time. Even the base case menu was delicious. All of our guests raved about the food. The staff were all very friendly, even down to the late night attendants who supervised the fire pit at night. Mia is amazing and we are so happy that she was part of our weekend.
response 12/27/2023
Dear Christina,
Thank you so much for writing this review - we appreciate your time and t...
he opportunity to host your wedding weekend! It was so fulfilling to see you and your guests take full advantage of the property - with the yoga by the pond, snacks at the firepit and even the eclipse viewing! Thank you for noting those helpful tips to future couples - we do try to be as transparent as possible but an insider perspective is helpful!
Congratulations and thank you again!
- The Wedding Team
Any questions?
Leslie S
5.0
2/13/2023
Pema Osel Ling helped us put on the wedding of our dreams. We got married in November 2022. Having spent the past 2 years away from friends and family scattered across the US, we didn't want our wedding to be just a day where we barely got to spend time with anyone, but rather we wanted a special place where we could be present with our loved ones for the whole weekend. We love the redwoods, and Pema Osel Ling was the perfect fit for our needs. Mia was our coordinator and we could not have asked for someone more patient, kind, thoughtful, and decisive in helping us plan and making sure the weekend went as smoothly as possible. All our guests emphasized how much they loved the venue, how good the food was, and how attentive staff were the whole time. Thank you POL!
response 03/14/2023
Dear Leslie,
We are so honored to have played a part of your wedding weekend! We are thri...
lled that you and your family enjoyed their time with us. You made our job easy with your thorough organizational skills and are so grateful for the kindness of your guests while we navigated the changing weather - you were all awesome! We wish you both all the best on your new journey together!
Best wishes,
The Wedding Team
Amanda S
4.0
8/09/2019
This venue is absolutely stunning. We had the weekend package and our friends and family all mentioned how it was the best wedding they’ve been to. We loved our venue and could not be happier with our choice! If you love the Redwood forest, nature & camping, choose Pema Osel Ling!
We unfortunately a few minor issues with the venue, they are as followed...
1. The catering tasting (their onsite catering is the only option) was hosted in the Fall. Most of the food was seasonal only and this is great... but our wedding was the following Summer. A lot of the dishes they served us were only available in the fall and we were unable to try their summer menu. It was also strange that they served us the dishes when they only offer buffet services. Not a big deal but we wish we would have a had a better “taste” of what to expect
(as the catering for the whole weekend was approx. 18k) We asked to pay for a private tasting as well but were denied.
*Luckily the food ended up being absolutely amazing, so our worries were put to rest. But would have been nice to try the menu instead making choices based on how they sound rather than how it tasted.
But like I said, food was 10/10!
2. The final invoice was significantly different than the running spreadsheet they give you. They quoted us for 150 guests & we ended up having 130 but the total was different (much higher with a lower number) We entered the correct data several times over the course of our planning. Upon being given the final invoice the day before the wedding, there was a significant “site fee” that was never included in this or discussed in meetings.
3. We were told there would be an attendant at the front to let guests arriving Saturday (and staying the night) where their cabins were. Instead the info was posted in a booth but non of our guests were directed there and I spent the end of my wedding night telling everyone where to go. Kind of a bummer but everyone found their cabins eventually.
Overall besides these minor mishaps it was a wonderful venue and we would recommend it for easy going nature loving couples! Food was incredible and the staff was helpful.
response 01/13/2022
Dear Amanda,
We are so happy to hear that you, your friends and family had a great weddin...
g weekend with us! We are so grateful for your helpful feedback, as we continue to strive for providing the best overall experience we can. Our team is honored to have been a part of your story! We wish you both all the best!
~ POL Wedding Team
Sonia Z
5.0
11/09/2018
On 10.14.18 my husband and I got married here at Pema Osel Ling, and it was an absolute dream! ALL of the staff was extremely helpful, sweet, and a pleasure to work before and during a day that we will hold very close to our hearts. Our coordinator was Eden, who was great with answering all of my questions and helped with making everything a smooth process. The food for the reception and brunch the following morning was delicious and a huge hit. We stuck to a pretty basic menu even though we had the option to get really creative and incorporate lots of food items, and it was still an incredible meal that everyone loved. Our wedding was on the smaller side with roughly 70 guests, and we didn't want it to feel like we had a lot of extra strangers/vendors at our wedding, but that was not the case at all. Every single person from Pema that we came into contact with was incredibly nice and added such a positive touch to our wedding.
We had our ceremony at the Amphitheatre of the Redwoods, and it was absolutely incredible! The area was able to accommodate all of our guests and more; however, it had a feeling of being very intimate. We were approved to have dried lavender tossed, and the entire amphitheatre smelled of lavender and it was perfect!
Cocktail hour was outside of Celebration Hall, and the bartenders provided by Pema were great and kept all of our guests happy (with alcohol that we provided!). For dinner we had everyone seated in the lawn area outside of Celebration Hall. The weather wasn't too cold but we had heaters and everyone was comfortable. Dancing and dessert were inside of Celebration Hall and this provided such a great space for guests who didn't want to be outside. We were worried that the space would feel too big and empty for our guest size, but we felt that it was perfect for everyone to be able to enjoy the venue without feeling too cramped or pressured to do a certain activity. At night we made use of the fire pit, which was a perfect way to wind down the night with our friends and family. It was incredible being able to take a moment to look up and see the beautiful night sky while making smores.
We had a lot of friends and family spend the night at Pema, which was really affordable. All of the housing from the cabins, to the yurt, and the houses were clean, comfortable and provided the perfect space for people to spend the night. Pema is about 20 min from major hotels and the road to get to the venue is very windy (which was the only "negative" thing about Pema) so it really helped having such nice accommodations for people to be able to avoid unnecessary late night driving on the road. For getting ready, I got ready at the Orchard House and my husband got ready at the Sangha House. Both homes provided plenty of light and space to get ready before the ceremony. The check-in and check-out process for guests was also extremely easy and straight forward which was another added bonus!
Almost a month later, I don't remember all of the specifics of the day, but I do remember the emotions and feelings from the day. Everything went really smoothly, and everyone was so kind and helpful - and these are the things that stick with you. We only have positive things to say about getting married at Pema Osel Ling and are so grateful to everyone that helped make our wedding day such a lovely day to remember.
response 12/27/2023
Dear Sonia,
Thank you so much for taking the time to write this review! It was a true ho...
nor to host you two and your guests. We are so happy to hear that everyone enjoyed their time with us and we're over the moon that you had your dream wedding!
With love,
The Wedding Team
Tawsha F
5.0
10/29/2018
We got married on 10.20.18 and it was the most beautiful wedding anyone could ask for. The Amphitheatre of Redwoods is the most magical place to have a ceremony and the Celebration Hall Lawn is a great place to party the night away. The weather was perfect, even at night.
The staff was very attentive and the food was above our expectations for buffet wedding food!
Miranda, our coordinator, made sure everything ran smoothly and perfectly.
We would totally do this all over again! ;)
Breeanne S
5.0
10/04/2018
When my, then fiance, and I went to visit Pema Osel Ling (POL), we fell in love immediately. The venue is stunning. They care so much about the upkeep of the grounds and it really shows. The event coordinator we initially worked with, Kirstie, was so lovely and really helped us solidify our decision while being realistic about pricing options. Once we had signed the contract we began working with our wedding coordinator, Miranda. She is such a sweetheart and was responsive to the questions I had for her throughout the year of planning. On the day of she went above and beyond to make sure everything was perfect, working with my family and bridesmaids so as not to trouble me on my day. It was truly everything I could have asked for. We had the place to ourselves for the whole weekend and everything from the rehearsal dinner, to the poolside hangout for our guests the day of, to the ceremony, reception, and post-reception (whew! it was a lot!) the entire staff at POL was 100%. Not to even mention the food. I could honestly write on and on about it, but suffice to say the chef is fantastic and we got endless compliments about how great the dinner was. The short ribs... just... do it. Seriously this place is great, if you are realistic about your budget, then there is absolutely no reason not to have your special day here.
response 12/27/2023
Dear Breeanne,
We are honored to have helped plan and host your wedding weekend!
Best ...
wishes,
The Wedding Team
Sadye B
5.0
9/27/2018
We just got married at Pema 9/16/18 and it was absolutely perfect! When you first arrive at Pema you are immediately greeted by a huge water fountain that just sets the tone for the whole venue. The redwood grove is where we had the ceremony and then did cocktail hour on the patio and dinner on the lawn. The redwood grove is breathtaking, it feels so intimate and cozy, almost like a secret space. Our guests were in awe of the venue and were amazed at the views. One of the best things about Pema is that it comes with a chef and a coordinator! Eden was the coordinator we had and she was the best at making sure everything was done right. She was always so cheerful to be around and had a smile on her face the whole time. She made me feel comfortable and completely relaxed. The food was hands down one of the best meals I’ve ever had! Our guests could not stop talking about the rosemary potatoes and the fresh bread! The staff was friendly and the bartender was awesome! Everyone that works here just seems to love their job and it shows. After we danced all night we went down to the lower lawn to have a bonfire and s’mores! What an amazing time that was to just unwind and soak up the day we all had just had. Our close family and wedding party all had rented cabins and cottages on the property. They are adorable! Waking up in a cozy cottage in the redwood forest is definitely something that should be on everyone’s bucket list. The next morning we saw wild life and listened to the birds sing. The sun came up and the valley below was golden. Our entire experience at Pema was one for the books. I couldn’t have planned a more perfect day or venue to get married at. Thank you again Eden!
Megan A
5.0
8/12/2018
Our wedding at Pema Osel Ling was more amazing than we could have imagined. All of the staff members were friendly, helpful and attentive. Having the help of our wedding coordinator, Miranda, was invaluable and she guided us through each step of the process. All of our guests were so impressed with how well-coordinated the entire event was, not to mention how beautiful the location is. We are so grateful for Pema Osel Ling and the magical day they helped us create.
Jessie F
5.0
4/26/2018
The staff were perfect. The food was tasty. The scenery to gorgeous. Got married April 2017 and it was a magical day. Don't regret spending one penny.
response 12/27/2023
Dear Jessie,
Thank you for this thorough yet succinct review!! We are thrilled that your...
wedding weekend was magical.
Best wishes,
The Wedding Team
brittany W
5.0
12/27/2017
We had our wedding in September 2017 here and the venue delivered everything we wanted from our wedding. The grounds are amazingly beautiful and the Ampitheater of the Redwoods was a special place to have the ceremony.
The grounds came equipped with 2 large houses, 6 cabins, and lots of camp sites which was great for our wedding as we were looking for a venue with lots of accommodations on site. You can fit about 80 people on site.
The catering is included when you book the venue and the food was amazing. Food was a very important part of our wedding and we were so happy to find a venue that had a stellar catering department. We were able to customize the menu to our desire and we ended up with dishes that everyone loved.
We want to give a special thanks to Miranda, who is the on-site wedding coordinator. She helped guide us through the whole planning process and was always available to answer whatever crazy questions popped into our minds. During the weekend she was there to receive our vendors, walk us through each event, and make sure all the events went smoothly and on time.
Kriszta F
5.0
12/10/2017
Our wedding at Pema was absolutely beautiful! The staff was wonderful to work with, the food was delicious, and the scenery was magical!
Alexandra A
5.0
8/06/2017
We just had our wedding at Pema Osel Ling in July, 2017 and we had an amazing experience. The venue itself is stunning, and a perfect place to share this meaningful time with your closest friends and family. The staff were all very courteous and professional, and several people came up to us afterward to tell us how much they enjoyed the food. The ability to host a weekend-long event was a big draw for us - we had a reception Friday evening and campfires both Friday and Saturday nights, which were a great way for our friends and family to get to know each other and enjoy the beautiful space.
The previous review mentioned a less-than-ideal experience with the coordinator, but this was definitely not the case with us. Our coordinator Miranda (who only started at Pema Osel Ling about 8 months ago, part way through our planning) was absolutely fantastic. Especially in the last weeks leading up to the wedding and during the wedding weekend itself, she was very accessible, organized, helpful, and extremely patient. A pleasure to work with!
We would highly recommend Pema Osel Ling as a venue, and Miranda as an on-site coordinator!
Cody B
5.0
9/17/2015
My wedding was everything that I dreamed - the venue was beautiful, the weather was perfect, and I spent a weekend surrounded by friends and family. The food was absolutely amazing and the catering and bar tending staff was a dream come true. The only complaint that I have was was the coordinator. I did not at all feel supported by her throughout the planning process but dismissed it hoping that she would step up her game the day of. However, when my maid of honor ripped her dress on the way to set up, she did nothing but watch us and tell us we had to hurry up. When we asked for a sewing kit she stared blankly and made us drive back to where we came from to fix the dress, even though I found out later that she had a kit less than a hundred feet away. She seemed disinterested the entire day and was nowhere to be found when our dj blew a fuse and we had no music for 15 minutes.
Again, the venue is absolutely stunning and there's nothing like a retreat for a real wedding weekend. I just wish that she had done her part.
Nicki B
5.0
8/31/2013
Here's the summary:
-This was the only venue my fiancee and I viewed before choosing, and after our initial contract meeting with Kristie, we left confident that this was the ONLY venue for us. They combine catering into their venue contract (the food is absolutely amazing, btw- and pick the potatoes for the brunch, not the pancakes), and gave me personal creative freedom to decorate and provide activities tailored to our own tastes. Our wedding was very personalized.
-While they don't have a bar, you can BYOB and hire a bartender (we used a couple kegs from BevMo and crates of Two-Buck Chuck from Trader Joes). They also provide you with a long list of rentals for any extras you need: I strongly recommend the umbrellas (it gets blazing hot in the day) and heaters (it gets chilly at night).
-The venue is beautiful and spread out. My guests had the full run of it for the weekend to do our rehearsal, rehearsal dinner, Capture the Flag, party it up, wedding, reception, bonfire, and brunches.
Mainly I'd list to gush about the amazing staff (it's all in the details):
-The day we were leaving for the venue for the rehearsal we had an episode at home in which my fiancee and I were threatened (like I need ANYMORE stress- I was literally shaking as I drove up the mountain to my wedding). We immediately voiced our concerns to Shaunah and Kristie regarding our own safety, as well as the safety of their staff. We had already rented the basic security guard that Pema Osel Ling offers but the staff at Pema Osel Ling felt it would be better for everyone if we hired actual armed security. Not only did Shaunah find an affordable armed security guard LAST MINUTE, less than 24 hours before the wedding, but she kept him hidden from me the entire day of the wedding. She was worried that I would freak out more if I visualized this security guard, and he was so sneaky I literally did not see or think about him until the end of the night when he was leaving. I completely forgot I had security! You might wonder if that meant he was hiding instead of doing his job but that certainly wasn't the case. Everyone ELSE saw him- he had a photo of the unwelcome guests, checked guests in cars as they arrived and patrolled the ceremony and the reception. Thankfully, he wasn't needed to tackle anyone- in fact, there were many guests who assumed he was my hired stripper, and mistakely ran up to him for photos. LOL. Poor guy. I REALLY APPRECIATED the extra mile Shaunah and Kristie went to ensure the safety of my guests and their staff. I was very happy to put the extra money forward last minute.
-Shaunah kicks ass. Throughout the entire process. She answered every single question I had- we literally had strings of emails going back and forth full of my nit picky questions and her thorough replies. I was absolutely impressed with how quickly she responded at times- it'd be late at night within a half hour sometimes, and I'm wondering: "you're not in the office, why are you responding?" As the wedding coordinator, she assisted me with finding my own vendors, rentals, collecting payments, reviewing contracts, trouble-shooting decorations and activities with me and generally acted as air-traffic control the weekend of the wedding. She was friendly, personable and professional 100% of the time. Actually, she's the sweetest person in the world.
Laura B
5.0
8/06/2013
Very accommodating! Beautiful
Jennifer b
5.0
6/16/2013
Pema Osel Ling was the absolute perfect setting for our wedding! The redwood setting was like a storybook and made for some increidible pictures. We loved our wedding coordinator Margo. She was amazing from start to finish. The food was excellent and the facilities were great.
Randee M
5.0
6/06/2013
I cannot say enough great things about this venue. Literally everything went perfect the weekend of my wedding!
The site itself is absolutely breath-taking, the staff is ridiculously friendly, and the food was truly delicious!! Everything is all inclusive there and we were able to have a whole weekend event rather than just one special day. It allowed to spend quality time with friends and family that was priceless. My wedding would not have been my dream come true if it weren't for this place. I couldn't have been happier with everything they offered.
Bottom line.. If you want an amazing mountain wedding with great people and delicious food, POL will exceed your expectations!
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