How to Plan a Dreamy Saratoga Springs Wedding

Now, it’s no secret that there are some gorgeous wedding venues in Northern California, and Saratoga Springs 100% falls on that list. If you want to feel calm and present, tucked away in the redwoods, or carefree and fully immersed in your little world together, this California wedding venue makes space for that. I’m here to give you all the information you need to plan your own Saratoga Springs wedding, plus some inspiration from Nicole and Jeremy’s big day that I had the honor of capturing, as their Northern California wedding photographer! 

Couple standing in front of bridal party for wedding photos

Why Choose a Saratoga Springs Wedding?

There’s honestly SO much to love about this venue, but I’m gonna really try to condense it all into a few main points instead of talking about it forever (which I could do, for sure). 

  • The views

This wedding venue straight-up looks like a movie scene. I mean, you’ll spend the night surrounded by twinkling string lights and a redwood forest (it’s giving Twilight wedding vibes), and trust me when I say it makes your photos fricken gorgeous. 

  • They offer six different venue spaces

Each of the six private venue spaces gives you a stunning backdrop for an outdoor wedding. No matter which one you choose, you’ll get those classic California redwoods and a private, secluded feel. The venue can hold between 50 and 2,000 guests, depending on which area you pick! You can see information and photos of each one when you click here.

Nicole and Jeremy picked the Longbridge area, and it made the most gorgeous backdrop for their traditional wedding! It all turned out so cute, it made me sick. 

Bride and groom's first kiss photo at the Longbridge venue at their Saratoga Springs wedding
  • They have all-inclusive packages 

Saratoga Springs offers all-inclusive weddings that include a coordinator and in-house catering (and trust me, it’s SO good). Having this option can take so much stress off of you two while you’re planning your big day, so it’s nice to choose a venue that has the option of that. 

My Favorite Spots for Photos At Saratoga Springs

As a Northern California wedding photographer, you know I have my list of photo-op spots for a Saratoga Springs wedding! Here’s my guide to getting romantic, cinematic photos at the Saratoga wedding venue: 

  • Under the bridge

In the Longbridge area, there’s a spot where you two can sneak away to get some couple portraits under the arch of the bridge. These pictures always turn out SO good, because it’s the perfect little private area to get those editorial, romantic shots. 

  • In the woods 

Going to the creek in the woods is where I like to get my candid wedding photos of the two of you. There’s a lot more movement here, so this area honestly makes it feel more like a date night, and less like a photoshoot. It’s all so good, I’m literally dying behind the camera taking these!

Black and white photo of bride and groom in the woods above a creek at Saratoga Springs
  • In front of the trees

Having the trees as a backdrop for the bridal party or family photos is perfect because I can get those wider shots with a stunning view. The couple surrounded by the love of their favorite people in a spot like this? SO emotional. 

Wedding family photo under string lights and in front of redwood trees
Unique wedding party photo under string lights in front of redwood trees at Saratoga springs

What Makes Saratoga Springs Wedding Photos Timeless

What I love about photography is capturing the true feeling of the day, and letting that nostalgia live on forever. And Saratoga Springs is just a place that makes it so easy to do so, with the gorgeous lighting, the captivating trees, and the stunning architecture. 


It’s nearly impossible to not get images that feel timeless in a space like this. The Saratoga wedding venue could honestly do all the work for you, but as a California wedding photographer, I work with it. My approach? I gently guide you, but let the moments unfold naturally. I’m all about highlighting connection, and with every photo I take, I make sure it’s an heirloom that you feel like you can pass down forever.

Groom crying during wedding ceremony

FAQs About Saratoga Springs

I help my couples plan their weddings a LOT, and these are the most common questions I hear from couples who are looking into a Saratoga Springs wedding: 

When is the Best Time of Year to Get Married at Saratoga Springs? 

The venue holds weddings year-round, but I find that spring or fall is the best time to plan your Saratoga Springs wedding. California has milder temperatures at these times, so you’ll be most comfortable then! 

How Long Will I Have Venue Access at my Saratoga Springs Wedding? 

One thing I love about Saratoga Springs is that you get all-day venue access, from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm. It gives you ample time to get ready and enjoy the day without rushing for anything, and there’s no time limit for pictures (my personal favorite part). 

Are There Indoor and Outdoor Venue Options Available? 

There are no indoor wedding options available at Saratoga Springs. The venue is all outdoor, giving you that serene, open-air feel! So, definitely plan to have umbrellas, or a just-in-case tent, in the event that it rains! 

Is Saratoga Springs Wheelchair Accessible? 

Yes, everywhere in the venue is wheelchair accessible!

Wedding ceremony setup at Saratoga Springs

Nicole and Jeremy’s Saratoga Springs Wedding

This day was a dream. So much love, so much joy, and so much laughter! Nicole and Jeremy had a simple and traditional wedding, and let their love shine through above everything else. So adorable.


And these two were surrounded by love. Everyone was so happy for them, and it’s one of those things where you can just tell these two were destined for each other by taking one look at their wedding. I mean, these photos?! Absolutely filled with romance and nostalgia. 

I am SO glad I got to work with these two as their Saratoga wedding photographer. They booked me early on in their engagement, so we got to have some fun days spent planning timelines together and finding vendors that matched their vision. Nicole and Jeremy are some of the clients who became friends, and I’m so thankful to have a job that lets me create that bond. 

Neon sign with bride and groom's new last name

Lani’s Vision | Northern California Wedding Photographer

I hope this guide helped you learn everything there is to know about planning your own Saratoga Springs wedding. If you’re looking for more Saratoga wedding venues, you need to check out this Montalvo Arts Center Wedding. Ready to book a Northern California wedding photographer who will capture your day with a nostalgic, cinematic lens? You can inquire right here. I can’t wait to see your love story unfold at Saratoga Springs!

Bride and groom kissing during first dance while wedding guests watch
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