Eloping at the Sea Ranch Lodge offers an intimate, stress-free, and breathtakingly scenic wedding experience unlike any other. Perched on a remote patch of the rugged Northern California coastline, this secluded venue provides a stunning backdrop of dramatic cliffs, gorgeous mid-century architecture, and endless ocean views — perfect for couples who want a romantic, nature-inspired ceremony without the chaos of a traditional wedding. With its cozy yet elegant accommodations, locally sourced gourmet dining, and personalized elopement packages, Sea Ranch Lodge makes it effortless to plan the intimate ceremony of your dreams. Plus, the Lodge’s remote location ensures a peaceful escape, like a built-in honeymoon destination where you two can relax and soak in that just-married feeling.


What is the Sea Ranch Lodge? 

The Sea Ranch Lodge is at the heart of Sea Ranch, a thoughtfully designed community spanning ten scenic miles along California’s Sonoma Coast. This unique destination emphasizes sustainability, seamlessly blending with its natural surroundings — from coastal bluffs to lush forests — while prioritizing minimal environmental impact and "living lightly on the land." Originally constructed in the 1960s and fully renovated in 2020, the Lodge now features 17 stylish, modern, and inviting guest rooms. Each room intentionally excludes televisions, encouraging guests to fully immerse themselves in the breathtaking ocean views and tranquil ambiance, creating an unforgettable overnight experience.

Wedding ceremony takes place outdoors with an officiant and couple surrounded by floral arrangements and rustic fencing.
Dramatic coastal cliffs overlook a curving sandy beach with turquoise waves crashing on the California shoreline.

Why Choose The Sea Ranch Lodge for Your Elopement?

Many couples choose to elope to celebrate in a personal and intimate way, free from the stress and expectations of a large wedding. At Sea Ranch Lodge, custom elopement packages and a team of experienced event professionals ensure a seamless and unforgettable experience. Here, you can have a luxurious yet effortless ceremony, allowing you to fully focus on each other in a breathtaking coastal setting.


Renowned for its stunning natural beauty, sustainable architecture, and understated elegance, Sea Ranch Lodge offers the perfect blend of sophistication and rugged wilderness. It’s more than just a wedding venue; it’s a romantic escape, combining the magic of a wedding day with the serenity of a honeymoon, all in one unforgettable destination.


Activities include: 

  • Romantic dinner at The Dining Room
  • Hiking around Sea Ranch and relaxing at the many beaches
  • Attending the many activities and events hosted at the Lodge including yoga, art exhibitions, musical performances, and tours. Check the Programming Calendar for more specific information
  • Popular attractions in the Sea Ranch:
  • The Sea Ranch Chapel
  • Black Point
  • Pebble Beach
  • Stengel Beach
  • Shell Beach
  • Walk On Beach
  • Bluff Top Trail
  • Exploring nearby towns of Gualala and Point Arena
  • Enjoying drinks and bites at The Bar + Lounge


Packages & Pricing

2026 elopement packages range from $2k–7k, with optional add-ons including custom menus, private cocktail hour and dinner spaces, and seating for up to 20 guests. Menus and additional guest rooms are priced separately and customized for your elopement. Detailed pricing and availability for your wedding date will be provided upon inquiry submission.

Modern hillside condominiums with large windows overlook a grassy slope at dusk, creating a peaceful coastal setting.
Oceanfront restaurant with screened porch seating offers panoramic views of the beach and dunes through large windows.
Modern wooden deck framing a view of the ocean through a square opening with pendant lights mounted above the entrance.
A wooden deck and walkway with minimalist architectural features and curved metal railing against a blue sky.

Steps to Elope at the Sea Ranch Lodge

1. Secure Your Date.

The first step to planning your Sea Ranch elopement is to contact the Lodge and check availability. The Lodge books out quickly, so if you are set on a specific date, it is recommended to reach out early, with more flexibility given to weekday elopement dates.


2. Understand the Venue Options

The Sea Ranch Lodge offers a variety of indoor and outdoor event spaces to fit your elopement.


Ceremony areas:

  • Barn Meadow: A small meadow next to the historic Black Pointe Barn that allows couples to wed framed against the Pacific Ocean. This area is recommended for ceremonies as it is slightly shielded from the wind.
  • Bihler Point: Some couples eloping opt to exchange vows on the bluff.


Reception and cocktail hour areas (available to add-on):

  • Ocean Meadow: Outdoor grassy space overlooking the ocean, just in front of the Lodge. Some weddings set up one long dinner table, joining all guests together for an unforgettable meal.
  • The Solarium: Indoor space with sweeping ocean views from the large windows, perfect for smaller dinner parties.
  • The Dining Room: Formal dining space with larger capacity. Outside of events, the Dining Room hosts restaurant guests here for dinner.
  • The Ocean Deck: A blend of outdoor charm overlooking the Ocean Meadow, allowing guests to enjoy cocktails with panoramic ocean scenery on the main deck.


As part of your elopement package, the Lodge will set up and furnish your ceremony space with tables, chairs, and spa water. Working with the experienced Sea Ranch Lodge events team will help you figure out which spaces fit your vision best.


3. Plan Your Guest List and Accommodations

Elopements at the Sea Ranch Lodge are designed for parties with two to 20 guests. As part of your elopement package, you are required to book a guest room for at least one night, although it is recommended to spend 2-4 nights on property to fully soak in all Sea Ranch has to offer. Additional guests can stay with you on property at the Lodge or in nearby hotels and vacation rentals in Sea Ranch, Gualala, or Jenner.


4. Prepare for the Weather

The Sea Ranch is known for its cool coastal climate and high winds. Even in summer, temperatures can be breezy and foggy. Consider providing blankets or heat lamps for guests if you are hosting any, and opt for wedding attire suited to the coastal weather.

Dark interior room with corner windows overlooking ocean view, featuring two wicker chairs at a wooden table.
Three vintage photographs arranged on a brown surface showing landscapes and buildings in natural lighting.
Modern hotel room interior with light wood platform bed, white bedding, built-in nightstands and blue accent chair.

Final Tips for a Seamless Sea Ranch Lodge Elopement

  1. Book early to secure your date.
  2. Collaborate with the Lodge's event team to ensure a smooth and stress-free celebration.
  3. Embrace the natural beauty of the Sea Ranch and get excited — you are about to get married in one of the most beautiful places on earth!


Looking for a Sea Ranch Elopement Photographer?

Your wedding photos should reflect the joy, beauty, and intimacy of your Sea Ranch Lodge wedding day. As a film and digital photojournalistic photographer, I am focused on capturing your genuine moments and emotions. Let’s create memories that you’ll cherish forever.

Two Adirondack chairs on a wooden deck overlooking the coast with a glass-enclosed structure nearby.
Dark hallway with pendant lights opens to a wooden deck and scenic outdoor view through framed rectangular opening.
Vintage polaroid photo shows modern apartment building with dark and light sections against cloudy sky and grassy hill.
Silhouetted wedding reception scene in modern wood-paneled venue.
A couple embracing at their wedding ceremony on a coastal cliff overlooking turquoise waters while holding a colorful bouquet.
Black and white architectural interior shot through window frames.
Photographer in olive green shirt holds professional camera against white background.
About the author

hi, i'm annalee, a wedding photographer based in san francisco.

You deserve to look back on your wedding photos and remember how the day felt — all of your nerves, your laughter, and, of course, your overwhelming joy. Together, we'll tell your story how you want it told, striking a balance between creating gorgeous moments with documentary-style gentle observation on digital and film.

The Sea Ranch Lodge Wedding Photographer, Sea Ranch Wedding, San Francisco Wedding Photographer, Northern California Bride, Bay Area Brides