The Top Mendocino Wedding Venues + Things to Do in Mendocino

Your wedding weekend or an intimate elopement

Whether you’re from the Bay Area, Sonoma, or further from Northern California, you can still have a “destination wedding” getaway in Mendocino county. Our venue has so much to offer, and so does the surrounding area. This blog will highlight Mendocino wedding couples’ favorite features about Mountain House Estate as well as our favorite local activities.

Mountain House Estate is a family-run property conveniently located in Mendocino County in Northern California. If you’re searching for Mendocino wedding venues, you might consider looking at our private estate for the best wedding experience.

When you book our wedding venue, you’ll benefit from our 40 rolling acres, Redwood forests, garden, and 100-year-old ancient Oak trees, beautiful fire pits, ceremony & dining chairs, dining tables, recycled wine barrel bistro tables, cocktail tables, market umbrellas, patio furniture, and starry lighting to set the mood.

Why wedding couples love our outdoor Mendocino wedding venues

Our rustic wedding venue has elegant, timeless indoor and outdoor spaces that make for gorgeous photo opportunities. And not to mention, multiple ceremony and reception locations to choose from.

Our Ten Favorite Mendocino CA County activities to plan around your wedding

When you get married at Mountain House Estate, you not only get to benefit from our gorgeous property but also the inland and Mendocino CA coast activities.

Mendocino County is more like waves, wine, and woods. If you’re looking for a relaxed, laid-back, and local vibe without a Mcdonald’s in sight (and gorgeous ocean views of the Pacific Ocean – P.S. visit Glass Beach!), you’ll want to pay a visit to Mendocino County.

It evokes that warm fuzzy feeling – and maybe that’s why we call it California’s Cozy Coast, or Mendo Mellow. From farm-fresh produce to wine tastings and breaking your neck to look at the tallest Redwood forests’ trees, here are our ten favorite Mendocino County activities from us and our top wedding planner advisers to partake in before or after you wed at our venue.

1. Start your journey with a scenic cruise down Highway 128.

From San Francisco, this scenic byway features rolling hills and some of the world’s tallest trees (Redwood forests and Oak trees). And best yet, this winding road leads you right to Mountain House Estate, in the Yorkville Highlands AVA – bring on the wine tasting!

2. Taste organic wines at Yorkville Cellars

Certified organic since 1986, this small-lot winery. If you get a chance to visit, ask for a blind tasting of their Bordeaux varietals – it’s an interactive and intimate tasting room experience.

• You can reserve a tasting here.
• P.S. If you get to meet Kevin, ask him how he became the “rockin’ shepherd.”

3. Indulge your sweet tooth at Paysanne in Boonville, CA.

If old-fashioned charm is your thing, you need to visit Paysanne. From colorful candy to organic ice cream scoops, locally roasted espresso, and baked goods made with love from Chloe at the local Boonville hotel, we think you’ll be able to satisfy your sweet tooth and take a few treats on the road with you to snack on later.

• See what’s on the menu at Paysanne this week here.

4. Take a farm tour at Pennyroyal Farm.

You can’t miss Pennyroyal Farm when visiting Mendocino County – it’s cheese is featured at many local businesses. So while you’re in the area, be sure to take a guided tour of their farmstead creamery and vineyard. The tour includes a walkthrough of their fully solar-powered barn to meet some of their friends 🐐🐑 and learn about their integrative methods behind their artisanal wine and cheese. And the best part? You get to indulge in a wine and cheese tasting at the end of it!

Note: tours are currently postponed but will be back.

• You can learn more about the Farm Tour here.

5. Have a rustic and refined dining experience on a rural backroad.

Chef Janelle Weaver and her partner Daniel founded the Bewildered Pig in their 1978 Volkswagen Westfalia. They stumbled upon the most idyllic spot in an old loggers’ bar and general store “At the Townsend” in the quaint village of Philo, CA (located in Anderson Valley AVA in Mendocino County). Weaver has a knack for conjuring the most unexpected dishes, making this a must-visit culinary destination along your Mendocino CA County trip.

There are lots of cozy restaurants along Highway 101, and you won’t be short of finding somewhere special!

• See what’s on the menu this week here.

6. Strain your neck to view the Redwoods at Hendy Woods State Park.

Hendy Woods State Park protects two groves of towering redwoods, some more than 300 feet tall and over 1,000 years old. Stretch your legs out on five miles of trails to take in the fresh air and marvel at the fern-filled forest.

• Learn more about the park’s latest news and updates here.

7. Stroll through Mendocino Village and tackle your fear of heights at Mendocino Headlands State Park.

You can’t ignore the New England vibes of Mendocino Village. It’s where the “Murder She Wrote” TV show with Angela Lansbury was filmed (ask your Mom). This village features whimsical shops and galleries while you can hear the waves softly crashing against the cliffs. Grab an ice cream from Frankie’s (made from mushrooms 🍄, how cool is that?) and head over to Mendocino Headlands State Park. Gentle trails, rugged coastline, and sequestered beaches envelop the charming Mendocino Village on three sides. Miles of trails weave along the cliffs, giving you panoramic views of sea caves and hidden grottos.

• Get the latest info and updates from Frankie’s here.
• Read more about the park’s latest news and updates here.

8. Paddle off those calories and befriend a few otters and seals.

If you’re feeling full from your wine, cheese, artisanal lunch, ice cream, and other delicacies we recommended in this itinerary, a canoe trip along The Big River may be just the thing to prevent your impending food coma. In the summertime and at dusk or early evening, pulling your paddle through the water will stir up blooms of glowing plankton. And if you’re paddling earlier in the day, you’ll be sure to float amongst river otters, harbor seals, and great blue herons.

• To learn about a canoe trip, visit this website.

9. Hop aboard the world-famous Skunk Train.

If you want an up-close view of old-growth redwoods, scenic trestle bridges, historic tunnels, and panoramic views of the Noyo River Canyon, step aboard the Skunk Train.

• Learn more about a ride aboard the Skunk Train here.

Fun fact: Back when motorcars were introduced (AKA railcars), gasoline (fuel) combined with crude oil (which was burned to keep passengers warm) created a very pungent smell. Thus, it was nicknamed “Skunk,” and although the scent doesn’t stick around today, the nickname did.

10. Take in the views at Point Arena Lighthouse

Located on one of the most beautiful roads – California Highway 1, the Point Area Lighthouse is a must-visit because of its longstanding history and postcard-perfect views. This 115-foot lighthouse towers over a dramatic bluff that drops into the Pacific Ocean’s whitecaps.

• Learn more about Point Arena Lighthouse here.

BONUS 11. Soak and relax at the Orr Hot Springs.

Situated between Mendocino and Ukiah, this resort sits on 27 acres, featuring springs at the Big River’s headwaters. Clothing is optional, but those who are more modest bring a robe and head over to the creekside clawfoot tubs. But our advice? Relax, it’s Mendo Mello. These hot springs are frequented mostly by body-pos hippies 🛀 ☮️.

• Learn more about Orr Hot Springs here.

Have you been to Mendocino CA County, or are you planning on it? Are you dreaming of a Northern California wedding? Do you need help in planning activities around your wedding day? Reach out to us, and we’re happy to give you our best advice and tips.

Wedding Venues Mendocino County Ca – Northern California

If you’re searching for wedding venues in Mendocino County CA and Fort Bragg, Mountain House Estate is the top-rated and only Diamond Certified ® wedding venue in California. But, there are many other wedding venues if your heart isn’t set on our Redwood and Oak forests, rolling hills, and picturesque gardens.

How much does it cost to get married in Mendocino County?

Your Mendocino wedding can cost you anywhere between $500-$500,000. There is such a broad spectrum and it is hard to tell you without knowing how many guests you’ll have, as well as other factors such as a sit-down rehearsal dinner. Most wedding couples at Mountain House Estate spend between $35,000-$100,000 on their wedding – all-inclusive.

Other Wedding Venues in Mendocino – North/Mendocino Coast Coast

Can’t live without your wedding venue being on the Mendocino/North Coast, overlooking the Pacific Ocean? Is your heart set on Fort Bragg? Or you’re looking for a venue on the Navarro River? There are so many Mendocino wedding venues to choose from.

We aren’t a Mendocino wedding venue with beach ocean views, so if that is a must-have for you, try checking out some other Mendocino wedding venues/locations for your destination wedding.

• Albion River Inn
• Friends of the Ledford House Restaurant
• The Albion Schoolhouse
• The Farm Mendocino
• Mendocino Bay Overlook
• Boonville Hotel
• Buckner Mountain Estate
• Mill Creek Weddings
• The Land
• Toll House Inn at Bell Valley
• Bell Valley Retreat
• Testa Vineyards
• Caspar Community Center
• Fortunate Farm
• Jug Handle Creek Farm
• Mountain House Estate
• The Highlands Estate
• Elk Cove Inn
• Greenwood Pier Inn
• Cuffey’s Cove Ranch
• Holly’s Ocean Meadow
• Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens
• Skunk Train
• Pacific Star Winery
• Weller House
• The Nye Ranch
• The Inn at Newport Ranch
• Ocean View Lodge
• Gualala Arts Center
• Mar Vista Cottages
• North Coast Country Inn
• St. Orres
• Whale Watch Inn
• Warner Ocean Point
• Brutocao Contento Vineyard
• Brutocao Schoolhouse Plaza
• Campovida
• Cobble Creek Ranch
• Emerald Pharms
• Jaxon Keys Winery
• Jeriko Winery Estate
• Real Goods aka Emerald Pharms
• Red Barn Ranch
• Saracina Vineyards
• Solar Living Center
• Terra Savia
• Weibel Family Vineyards
• Black Oak Ranch
• Mendocino Magic
• Redwoods River Resort
• Mendocino Woodlands State Park
• Heritage House Resort
• Inn at Schoolhouse Creek
• Little River Inn
• Mendocino Inn
• Mallory House
• Spring Ranch
• Agate Cove Inn
• Mendocino Grove
• Sea View Gardens
• Stanford Inn by the Sea
• Crown Hall Inc
• Brewery Gulch Inn
• Hill House Inn
• Mendocino Crown Hall
• Mendocino Hotel
• Mendocino Woodlands Camp
• The Barn Studio and Forest Suite
• Ellie’s Farmhouse
• Point Cabrillo Light Station
• Camp Navarro
• Rivers Bend Retreat Center
• Farm Stay Inn at Blackbird Farm
• Goldeneye Winery
• Indian Creek Inn
• Lula Cellars
• Philo Apple Farm
• The Brambles
• Wild Iris Retreat
• The Madrones
• B. Bryan Preserve
• Casari Ranch
• Oz Farm
• Point Arena Lighthouse
• Oak Granary
• Barra of Mendocino Winery
• Leonard Lake Reserve
• Wine Country Villa Destino
• Chiarito Vineyard
• Mendocino Farmhouse
• Seebass Vineyards
• Bartlett Hall
• Lake Mendocino Event Center
• Mendocino Hill Event Center
• Mendocino Lake Event Center
• Nelson Family Vineyards
• Orr Hot Springs
• Shambhala Ranch
• The Terrace House
• Yokayo Ranch
• Switzer Farm
• Westport Beach RV
• Westport Hotel
• Seabiscuit Heritage Foundation – Ridgewood Ranch
• Brooktrails Lodge
• OakHorn Ranch Weddings
• Camp Noyo
• Emanuel Farm
• Groundswell Institute
• Le Vin Winery & Inn
• Redwood House
• Elope Mendocino
• Noyo Harbor Inn
• Ukiah Valley Conference Center
• Bramasole