An Outdoor Wedding in the Beautiful Redwood Circle
Weddings at Quaker Center
Quaker Center is a simple, rustic retreat and conference center in the rugged Santa Cruz Mountains. We cannot offer most of the “bells and whistles” available from commercial catering establishments. However, what we can provide is a stunningly beautiful and peaceful setting for your celebration, simple but comfortable accommodations, all at a modest cost.
Frequently Asked Questions about Weddings at Quaker Center
How many guests can we invite to the wedding? The Redwood Circle (pictured) can accommodate about 150 guests in a beautiful outdoor setting in a grove of tall redwoods. Each of our lodges can accommodate up to 100 guests for a ceremony, and the Casa de Luz can hold about 60 people. Parking is very limited (maximum of about 30 cars per lodge), so we suggest carpooling and shuttling guests from a parking area in Ben Lomond. For large groups at the Circle you may need to rent chairs.
How about the reception? You can feed up to 80 guests inside each of our lodges, and you can add some outside seating to increase the capacity. Both lodges have fully equipped commercial kitchens. Please see photos and information about each lodge on our Group Rentals page. For large groups you may need to rent tables and chairs.
Are your buildings accessible? Both lodges are accessible for guests who cannot use steps. They both have accessible overnight accommodations. The Redwood Circle can be accessed from a paved road down a broad, slightly inclined dirt path.
What overnight accommodations are available? Each lodge can comfortably accommodate 25 to 30 overnight guests. Bed-rolling and tent camping can greatly expand the capacity. We also have two personal retreat facilities that accommodate up to four people each that can be rented as well.
What about catering? Quaker Center does not offer catering services, but we can refer you to good local cooks. You are also free to bring your own cook.
What does a wedding cost? The cost depends on what facilities you rent, how long you stay, and how many people attend and/or stay overnight. Please look over this Wedding Rates sheet to help you decide what works for you.
Are there any restrictions? We do not permit outside noise or amplified music anywhere after 10:00 pm (10:30 pm on weekend nights), or before 8 am. Alcohol can be served to your guests of legal age for alcohol consumption, but we ask that you monitor their behavior. We ask our guests to smoke tobacco only in their cars. With prior approval of the staff, scented candles or herbs can be burned outdoors and unscented candles can be used indoors. For more details about our rental policies please see our “Policies and Information” sheet.
How do I book? We encourage you to visit Quaker Center if possible, to see our facilities and environment first hand. We book group rentals up to 12 months in advance, and our weekends fill first!
Before contacting us, you may want to review our policies for group rentals.
