If you’ve ever dreamed of a wedding that feels more like a joyful weekend retreat than a formal event, this Mendocino Woodlands wedding is the perfect inspiration.
Located just outside the town of Mendocino, Mendocino Woodlands is one of Northern California’s most unique Mendocino wedding venues, offering couples the chance to host a full weekend retreat surrounded by redwood forest.
This wasn’t a styled shoot — it was a Mendocino Woodlands wedding that actually felt like the people in it, not a Pinterest board come to life. Surrounded by ancient redwoods and real moments, Shannon + Alan’s day was full of connection, color, playfulness, and the sort of intention that makes you forget whoever told you “weddings have to be traditional.”
As a Mendocino wedding photographer, I’m here to document what actually happened — the laughter, the tears, the spontaneous scenes that become your memories — and this weekend retreat at Mendocino Woodlands was exactly that.
Real Moments From the Start
Guests arrived at the retreat-style wedding with vibrant outfits and big energy. Instead of a typical cocktail hour beginning, they were invited to make their own boutonnieres and hairpieces at a station hosted by the bride’s best friend, Jessica — whose own, San Francisco wedding, I later photographed. This little creative corner wasn’t a prop, it was a living moment: people talking, laughing, helping each other wind greenery into place. It set a tone of connection that carried through the whole weekend.
This isn’t just about pretty details — it’s about the life around them.
A First Look You Could Feel
Before the ceremony, Shannon and Alan shared a first look under the redwoods. No posing for the perfect photo — just a quiet, emotional exchange between two people about to say “yes” in front of everyone they care about.
Then Shannon pulled out her ukulele and surprised Alan with a song. No staging. No orchestration. Just love in real time.
That’s what I live for as your Mendocino photographer — the moments you wouldn’t plan, but the ones you never forget.
Ceremony Under the Trees
Guests filtered down a hill carpeted in forest light, streamers in hand, color everywhere. There wasn’t a stiff aisle. There wasn’t a static lineup. There was laughter and movement and real enthusiasm — because this wasn’t just a ceremony, it was part of an experience.
Shannon + Alan chose a knot-tying ritual that felt grounded and meaningful. It wasn’t for the photo. It was for them.
Playful, Intentional Celebration
After the ceremony, everyone made their way back up the hillside for cocktail hour — but not before waving brightly colored streamers as the newlyweds led the group back up. This wasn’t posed; it was joyful and spontaneous and real.
During cocktail hour, Shannon + Alan handed out a scavenger hunt — a list of scenes and moments for people to photograph throughout the weekend. The winners received the bride’s famous granola recipe. No cheesy prizes, just something genuine that said these memories matter.
Old friends caught up. Family members met for the first time. Conversations ebbed and flowed through the pines. That’s the thing about a Mendocino Woodlands wedding venue — it isn’t about perfection, it’s about presence.
Candid Portraits in the Redwoods
Because the pace of the weekend allowed for real time, we didn’t rush portraits. Shannon + Alan were relaxed, playful, and present with each other — which made documenting their connection effortless.
One of my favorite images from the day came when we stepped deeper into the woods. Using flash to separate them from the background, we got this glowing, fairytale-feeling shot of them holding each other. Not because we forced it, but because the moment was there, and it felt true to who they are.
That’s why I keep my approach documentary and honest — I let your story unfold, and then I show up to catch it when it hits.
Dinner, Speeches, and Dancing
Dinner happened in the cozy lodge — squeezed in and full of warmth. Speeches were heartfelt and funny and unscripted. The night ended in drinks and dancing, not because the schedule demanded it, but because no one wanted the weekend to stop.
One of the best parts of a Mendocino wedding is that your people get to spend real time together — not just show up for a few hours, but build memories over the whole weekend.
If This Feels Like You…
If you’re planning a Mendocino wedding at a place like Mendocino Woodlands and you want a Mendocino photographer who shows up for the real stuff — the laughs, the tears, the quiet in-between moments — I’d love to talk. Not to stage your day, but to document your life as it happens. Contact Me
Why Mendocino Woodlands Is an Incredible Wedding Venue
A Mendocino Woodlands wedding venue offers something truly special: a chance to slow down, unplug, and celebrate in nature with your favorite people. From the redwood groves to the cozy lodges and open spaces designed for connection, it’s an ideal setting for couples who want their wedding to feel meaningful, immersive, and joy-filled.
As a Mendocino wedding photographer, weddings like this are why I love what I do — documenting love stories that feel as good as they look.
