Amphitheatre of the Redwoods at Pema Osel Ling 2013 Eureka Canyon Road • Corralitos • CA 95076

Amphitheatre of the Redwoods is part of the Pema Osel Ling Retreat Center, a name that means “Lotus Land of Clear Light”. The phrase conjures up images of a mystical mountain paradise, and it’s an apt vision: Sequestered on over 102 acres of redwood forests, open meadows, and gardens, this natural haven provides a sense of tranquility that’s often missing from the frenzy surrounding a wedding. That peaceful easy feeling begins as you start the drive up Eureka Canyon into the wilds of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Dense woods with mist-shrouded treetops and an occasional deer prepare you for the center’s rustic yet welcoming ambiance.

With a variety of on-site accommodations ranging from large family homes to cozy cabins and campsites, you’ll want to take over the entire center for your own destination wedding weekend. (Or opt for a mid-week elopement, and whisper your vows to each other among the redwoods!) Guests often meet up at the Orchard House, a two-story lodge with a fireplace and a towering redwood growing right up through the front deck. Greet everyone with the center’s signature mint iced tea, hand out maps and itineraries, and let the fun begin.

The retreat center has two extraordinary locations for ceremonies. The Amphitheatre of the Redwoods is a real-life “fairy ring”—a circle of redwoods born from one “grandmother” tree that survived a storm. Underground, all the trees’ roots intertwine for added strength—just as you and your spouse will support each other during your marriage. As you exchange vows, a soaring canopy of magnificent redwoods stretches heavenward, weaving patterns against the blue sky. What an inspiring place to say “I do”! The Bay View Meadow and Terrace is another beautiful ceremony site: With guests seated on the treelined meadow, you’ll wed on a redwood deck at the edge of a hillside. Behind you, green thickets soften the view, while the distant blue waters of Monterey Bay wink in the sunlight.

Receptions are held in the Gallery Meadow, an expansive lawn where you can add your creative vision. Or, reserve the Celebration Hall, a ranch-style A-frame that opens to a lawn and plaza and gives you an indoor/outdoor option. Several more benefits are worth noting: You receive the benefits of an experienced wedding coordinator, who will help you carry out your vision for your special day. In fact, all of the knowledgeable staff are happy to assist you in structuring your agenda to include yoga, massage, lawn games, hikes, fire circles, pool parties or whatever you can dream up. Then there’s the award-winning gourmet catering—from vegan to prime rib, the on-site culinary team will whip up a delicious wedding feast, as well as provide brunch, picnic lunch, rehearsal dinner, late-night snack, and s’mores packages.

This remarkable retreat truly has so much to offer for a memorable destination wedding weekend: beautiful scenery, friendly banquet staff, and a refuge of freedom and renewal to call your own.

The Pema Ling Osel Retreat Center, run by the Vajrayana Foundation, is a nonprofit organization that preserves the spiritual, cultural, and artistic traditions of Tibetan Buddhism. Couples who reserve the retreat center for their event have the added pleasure of supporting the foundation’s mission to cultivate the Buddhist ideals of peace and compassion in the world.