The Best Outdoor Wedding Venues in Palo Alto, CA

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15 Wedding Venues in Palo Alto, CA

Outdoor
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el PRADO Hotel 
Rating: 5.0 (4 reviews)
Palo Alto, CA
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $10,000

Tucked in the heart of downtown Palo Alto, el PRADO Hotel is where Spanish Revival charm meets modern sophistication. Named one of Silicon Valley’s top hotels by Forbes, our boutique property offers a timeless, intimate setting for weddings and social celebrations that feel both elevated and effortlessly personal. Each event space features abundant natural light, with flowing indoor & outdoor access and elegant drapery to set the mood. Toast in the courtyard, celebrate under the glow of the skylight, or host an intimate gathering on our sun-drenched terraces. From beautifully appointed guest rooms to seasonal California cuisine, every detail is designed to create unforgettable moments. el PRADO is where your story begins—refined, warm, and unmistakably you.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Provides setup and cleanup
  • Both indoor and outdoor options
  • All-inclusive venue packages

Venue considerations

  • Does not provide event staff
  • No in-house lighting and sound packages available
  • No on-site guest accommodations
Awarded Best of Zola
We had the absolute best experience working with Sherry at el PRADO Hotel, and the best wedding day! el PRADO is a gorgeous boutique hotel with so many picturesque spots. Sherry gave us the tasting of our lives where we got dream and plan our wedding over delicious in-house food and wine. She made our fairly fast 3-month planning time so easy and helped us feel so excited and at ease about all of the details of our day. We couldn't have done it without her! So many of our guests loved the hotel, the wines at cocktail hour, and the wedding feast (shoutout their broccoli cheddar soup). el PRADO also gave us a 2-night stay for our wedding weekend, and another night for our 1 anniversary! We would do it all over again el PRADO with Sherry if we could :)
You Jin J., a year ago
Nobu Hotel Palo Alto 
Rating: 5.0 (1 review)
Palo Alto, CA
  • Up to 54 guests
  • Select services
  • Outdoor & indoor
  • Starts at $10,000

The Garden at Nobu Hotel Palo Alto is a tranquil, open-air oasis nestled in the heart of downtown. Surrounded by lush greenery and sleek modern design, it offers a peaceful yet sophisticated setting ideal for intimate gatherings, ceremonies, or stylish receptions.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Provides setup and cleanup
  • Flexible event spaces
  • Provides lighting and sound

Venue considerations

  • No dedicated areas for getting ready
  • Does not have a dance floor
  • Does not allow pets
The Events team were a pleasure to work with! They made everything clear and seamless. Love the Zen Garden and cannot wait until our next visit. Thank you!!!
David E., a year ago
Palo Alto Hills Golf And Country Club 
Palo Alto, CA
  • Up to 300 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor & outdoor

Thank you for your interest in Palo Alto Hills Golf and Country Club for your Wedding! We are delighted that you are considering the club for your special day. As your Wedding experts, we specialize in tailoring your wedding solely to your expectations. From special decorative touches, fine dining cuisine to exceptional service, we will plan with you to create the wedding of your dreams. At Palo Alto Hills Golf & Country Club we strive to create a truly exclusive wedding experience for you and your guests. While planning, we will guide you every step of the way to ensure a seamless, stress-free experience. Whether it is an intimate gathering of 20 or a larger affair we guarantee that every detail will be attended to with utmost importance and precision. The Club is known for its welcoming atmosphere and stunning ambiance. The Grand Ballroom boasts floor to ceiling windows showcasing the beautiful golf course and cascading waterfall (a fabulous backdrop for photos).

Why you'll love this venue

  • Has a dance floor for celebration
  • Bridal suite on site
  • Offers full-service amenities

Venue considerations

  • Not for you if you are drawn to more unconventional venues
  • Best for events with big guest lists
  • Does not allow pets
GemHidden gem
Shashi Hotel Mountain View, an Urban Resort 
Rating: 4.7 (3 reviews)
Mountain View, CA
  • Up to 72 guests
  • Select services
  • Outdoor & indoor
  • Starts at $2,500

Welcome to Shashi Hotel. Create memorable experiences with our modern, minimalist, and purposeful design, thoughtful lifestyle amenities and highly personalized guest service. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, near the Shoreline Amphitheater, Google HQ, a block away from the Computer History Museum. Shashi Hotel is perfectly situated near some of the most captivating and sought after wedding venues in the Bay Area, only 1.8 miles away from Rengstorff House. We are honored hotel partners for Filoli, Hakone Gardens, and Saratoga Springs.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Both indoor and outdoor options
  • Provides catering services
  • Pets can join the celebration

Venue considerations

  • No dedicated areas for getting ready
  • No in-house lighting and sound packages available
  • Not wheelchair accessible
Shashi Hotel Mountain View was the perfect venue for our wedding celebration! From the moment we met Madeline Villanueva, the wedding coordinator, we knew we were in great hands. Her warm and friendly communication style made us feel like we were planning a birthday party with a close friend, rather than a formal wedding. The hotel staff were incredibly accommodating and went out of their way to fulfill all of our requests, ensuring our special day was flawless. The food and service at Broma, the on-site restaurant, was excellent, though the bar drinks were quite expensive. Overall, the value was excellent - our guests raved about the friendly service and amazing hotel amenities. We are thrilled with our decision to host our wedding at Shashi Hotel Mountain View and highly recommend working with Madeline and her team!
kennethpeters, 2 years ago
Quick responder
Los Altos History Museum 
Rating: 4.9 (15 reviews)
Los Altos, CA
  • Up to 225 guests
  • Select services
  • Outdoor
  • Starts at $8,500

Opened in spring of 2001, the Los Altos History Museum resides in an impressive three-level, 8,200-square-foot building – built entirely with private donations; building ownership was transferred to the City of Los Altos in 2002. The Museum features a changing exhibits gallery as well as the permanent exhibit, “Crown of the Peninsula,” that describes the rich history of Los Altos and the surrounding area.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Pets can join the celebration
  • Dressing room available
  • Space for a large guest list

Venue considerations

  • Venue feels large for events with small guest lists
  • Requires outside catering services
  • No on-premises lodging options
Bride’s Perspective Our wedding was a candlelit pizza party in the garden—casual, approachable, and elegant all at once. About 80 guests came. The ceremony was under the tree near the entrance. During cocktail hour, some guests (especially families with kids) enjoyed docent-led tours of the house. For dinner, we seated everyone at two long banquet tables on the bricks. While a lot of us were dancing inside, guests also gathered outside around the heaters under blankets we provided. The venue’s gardens and old trees meant we needed very little décor — we went with some DIY Trader Joe’s flowers & lots of candles. When the sun set, the glow from the candles and string lights provided by LAHM was magical. One highlight was cutting the cake at the end of the tables, looking out at our laughing, candlelit guests. We expected warm October weather, but the forecast dipped into the low 60s. Propane heaters worked perfectly, and combined with candles, lights, and blankets, the night felt intimate and warm. We live close to the venue and got ready at home, which turned out to be ideal—relaxed, convenient, and comfortable. Before planning, I imagined a rustic barn wedding, while my husband wanted something elegant. The museum was the perfect balance — and better than either of us pictured. Working with Lisa was wonderful. She was professional, responsive, and calm from the first walkthrough through the end of the night. I enjoyed checking in with her throughout the event, and everything ran smoothly. We trusted her recommendations and appreciated how she coordinated with all our vendors. We joke that if we ever got married again, we’d do it all the same — same space, same people, same Lisa! Groom’s Perspective We knew our venue search was over when we found the Los Altos History Museum. Lisa, the venue coordinator, not only manages a beautiful space but also brings clarity with straightforward policies and transparent pricing, which gave us freedom to design the day exactly how we wanted. The event moved naturally through the property: ceremony under the trees, cocktails near the house, dinner on the bricks, and dancing inside. It felt private but accessible, and the gardens were perfect for photos. My favorite moment was watching the sun set over dinner as candles and string lights took over. Lisa was fantastic — responsive, flexible, and organized. She met with our vendors in advance and made space to store supplies several days ahead of the wedding. She was the first to arrive and last to leave. She even helped pack our car at the end of the night. A few notes for future couples: there’s limited getting-ready space (we used our home, which worked great), tenting for rain can be tricky and expensive, and there’s no commercial kitchen. None were issues for us, and Lisa explained these points to us early so there were no surprises. Vendor List: Coordinator: Taylor Rae Weddings Catering [Appetizers, Dinner]: Gigi mobile wood-fired kitchen Catering [Service, Setup, Breakdown, Bar]: Heirloom Catering Co. Wedding cakes: Draeger's grocery store DJ: DJTN Photography: Doug Despres - Amari Productions Rentals: Charis4Events Hair & makeup: Dreamcatcher Cocktails: 
 His: Paper Plane Hers: NA Paloma w/optional tequila
Liz, 10 months ago
Quick responder
Thomas Fogarty Winery 
Rating: 5.0 (2 reviews)
Woodside, CA
  • Up to 200 guests
  • Raw space
  • Outdoor & indoor

Thomas Fogarty Winery is an intimate, elegant, and relaxing setting for memorable events! Surrounded by our working vineyards & handsome redwoods, our event spaces flow down the mountainside on three separate levels, each offering stunning views. Our spacious Hill House & Pavilion accommodates indoor and outdoor weddings, corporate, and other private events. The 4,000 sq. ft. covered Pavilion overlooks our Damiana Chardonnay vineyard and can host the ultimate outdoor reception. It also serves as an elegant alternate ceremony space for our special wedding couples. Our Pavilion's unique copper roof and open air feel make the structure truly a Bay Area "one of a kind.” The Hill House and its adjoining Terrace is perfect for an indoor dining reception, lined with glass windows on runners allowing it to be closed off on cooler days without sacrificing our famous view. Contact us for a site visit! We would love to meet you!

Why you'll love this venue

  • Multiple event spaces
  • Private area for the wedding party
  • Raw space for complete customization

Venue considerations

  • Best for events with big guest lists
  • Couple must handle cleanup and setup
  • Not for you if you're looking for a sleek and contemporary space
We absolutely adore working with the team at Thomas Fogarty. They are responsive, kind, helpful and have become fast friends with our team. You also cannot beat the view or the wine! Everyone on their vendor list is also top notch and we always enjoy working with everyone!
Beth & Team Diva, 3 years ago
Quick responder
The Mountain Terrace 
Rating: 4.9 (32 reviews)
WOODSIDE, CA
  • Up to 250 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Outdoor & indoor
  • Open house

Whether you are looking for a complete wedding and reception experience or a special place for an intimate wedding or commitment ceremony, The Mountain Terrace is a stunning outdoor and indoor venue that will engage you and your guests in a beautiful celebration. Experience your ceremony in our sprawling grassy meadow with bay views peeking through towering redwood trees. Dining outdoors on the expansive redwood deck offers rustic elegance and allows your reception guests to be charmed by the breathtaking views at The Mountain Terrace while savoring our top notch in-house catering. The rustic beauty of our country-style lodge provides an alternative backdrop for a cozy and intimate reception or after dinner dancing. We celebrate a variety of different cultural and lifestyle ceremonies and welcome your individual rituals and traditions. The Mountain Terrace is a place for you to celebrate your special day in the style you feel most accustomed.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Feels like a getaway
  • Provides a dedicated team on-site
  • Multiple event spaces

Venue considerations

  • No in-house lighting and sound packages available
Awarded Best of Zola
The team at The Mountain Terrace was a dream to work with from start to finish. Their communication was always quick, accurate, and efficient, and they were incredibly helpful and supportive throughout the entire wedding planning process. The venue itself is stunning - it was recently renovated and the new touches are simply beautiful. The location was already gorgeous, but the updates have made it even more breathtaking. The Mountain Terrace team went above and beyond both during the planning stages and on the day of our wedding. We had a phenomenal time and I was completely stress-free thanks to their efforts. We loved our time and the warm, down-to-earth people that worked with us at Mountain Terrace. I cannot recommend them highly enough, especially since the wedding process can sometimes feel a bit cold - this team is truly wonderful.
Brianna V., a year ago
Menlo Circus Club 
Atherton, CA
  • Up to 450 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor

Nestled in the heart of the town of Atherton, the Menlo Circus Club offers inviting and gracious accommodation for your wedding. The grand entrance immediately creates a sophisticated ambiance that will compliment any event. The Clubhouse seats up to 350 guests for your event. Each separate room has views of the Club's beautifully landscaped grounds. We offer private outdoor receptions overlooking one of the Bay Area's finest Polo Field and our exquisite menus have been thoughtfully selected by our amazing culinary team.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Versatile for various event styles
  • Feels like a getaway
  • Has a dance floor for celebration

Venue considerations

  • Not for you if you are drawn to more unconventional venues
  • Additional event staff required
  • No in-house lighting and sound packages available
Shoreline Golf Links 
Mountain View, CA
  • Up to 200 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $6,000

With sweeping views of the iconic San Francisco Bay and the lush greens of Shoreline Golf Links, this serene setting in the heart of Silicon Valley is perfect for your wedding day. Nestled within the grounds of the golf course, Michael’s Restaurant serves as the premier event space, offering a spacious indoor dining area and scenic outdoor ceremony options overlooking the lake. Whether you're planning an intimate celebration or a grand affair, Michael’s at Shoreline combines natural beauty with elegant hospitality. Our experienced event team is dedicated to making your day seamless and unforgettable — from the moment your guests arrive to your final toast. Host your dream wedding at Shoreline, and let Michael’s be the backdrop to your most cherished memories.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Classic elegance
  • Flexible event spaces
  • Has a dance floor for celebration

Venue considerations

  • Not for you if you are drawn to more unconventional venues
  • No on-premises lodging options
  • No on-site bridal suite
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Rosewood Sand Hill 
Menlo Park, CA
  • Up to 250 guests
  • Select services
  • Outdoor & indoor

Nestled in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, this venue offers a stunning blend of Northern California beauty and refined celebration. With sweeping views, sunlit terraces, and lush gardens framed by heritage oaks, it’s the perfect backdrop for unforgettable moments. Whether hosting an intimate gathering or a grand celebration for up to 300 guests, every wedding is infused with understated luxury and warm West Coast hospitality.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Flexible event spaces
  • Allows pets
  • Caters to out-of-town guests

Venue considerations

  • Lighting and sound are not included
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • No venue-provided food services
Santa Clara Marriott 
Santa Clara, CA
  • Up to 800 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Outdoor & indoor
  • Starts at $30,000

The Santa Clara Marriot is located in the heart of Silicon Valley and in close proximity to the Santa Clara Convention Center, as well as local businesses like Cisco, HP EMC and Intel. The contemporary facilities of the Santa Clara Marriot make a great setting for your meeting, event or wedding. Treat your guests to top notch accommodations, relaxing surroundings and extraordinary service at this northern California hotel. The Santa Clara Marriot features 24 meeting rooms for a total of 23,500 square feet of meeting space. Accommodate up to 1,200 guests in the California Ballroom, 400 guests in the Hall of Cities Ballroom and 500 in the Grand Ballroom.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Has a luxe vibe
  • Has a dance floor to dance the night away
  • Flexible event spaces

Venue considerations

  • Best for events with big guest lists
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • On-site parking not available

About wedding venues in Palo Alto, CA

California offers an incredible 840 miles of coastline, 3,000+ wineries and ancient redwoods for your wedding day. When you choose the Golden State, you're getting exceptional natural lighting for your ceremony across diverse settings from Mediterranean coastal zones to alpine mountain backdrops. Each region has its own distinctive character that can perfectly match your vision.

What Makes California Wedding Venues So Special?

Northern California's Napa Valley welcomes you with rolling vineyards and Spanish colonial architecture where intimate wine cave ceremonies create unforgettable moments. Head to Southern California and you'll find oceanfront venues like Duke's Malibu where you can exchange vows with the Pacific stretching out behind you while enjoying fresh coastal-inspired cuisine. Palm Springs offers dramatic desert venues with mountain backdrops and striking midcentury modern architecture that photographs beautifully.

How Much Do Wedding Venues in California Cost?

Wedding venues in California typically run between $9,600 and $11,700 which aligns nicely with the national range of $6,500-$12,000. This represents about 18% of your total wedding budget. Your overall costs will vary based on guest count: - 50 guests: $26,190 - 100 guests: $43,692 - 150 guests: $60,141 - 200 guests: $74,836 - 250 guests: $89,530 - 300 guests: $104,224

Which California Venues Are Fully Accessible?

The Griffith House features wheelchair-accessible pathways throughout its Spanish-style grounds including the private ceremony lawn and separate preparation spaces for couples. You might also consider Holman Ranch Sunstone Winery and Villa del Sol d'Oro though you'll want to directly confirm their specific accessibility features when you visit. Accessibility options have improved greatly across California venues in recent years.

When Should You Book Your California Wedding Venue?

October leads venue inquiries in California with couples typically booking venues about 13 months (400 days) before their wedding date. If you're dreaming of a Northern California wine country wedding during peak season you'll want to book up to 18 months in advance. Southern California venues offer more flexibility especially during winter months when you can still enjoy beautiful weather while potentially securing better rates.

Where Can You Find Exceptional Culinary Experiences in California?

La Valencia Hotel in La Jolla delivers impeccable service with menu options from lobster bisque to perfectly prepared steak. You'll love Vibiana in Los Angeles with its chef-driven menus served in a stunning restored cathedral setting. Rosewood Sand Hill in Menlo Park offers Michelin-star fine dining while Bali Hai Restaurant serves authentic Polynesian cuisine with breathtaking views overlooking San Diego Bay. California's culinary scene truly elevates the wedding experience.

How Do California Wedding Costs Break Down?

VendorAverage Cost% of Total (150 guests)
Venue$10,66518%
Catering$8,53214%
Florists$7,82113%
Bar Services$6,82611%
Photography$4,7648%
Wedding Planners$4,8358%
Videography$4,3097%
Hair & Makeup$6001%
Cake & Desserts$8181%

Which California Venues Offer Enhanced Remote Participation?

Parq Event Center in San Diego features state-of-the-art sound LED screens and projection walls that support advanced streaming capabilities for guests who can't attend in person. You'll find Exchange LA and Wing Tip in San Francisco offer flexible spaces that adapt beautifully for innovative tech integration. These can include virtual reality experiences interactive live streaming and 360-degree cameras that make remote guests feel like they're right there with you. Technology has transformed how we can include loved ones from anywhere in the world.

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