Redwood Romance at Deer Park Villa Wedding Venue

Close your eyes. Picture yourself stepping into a circle of colossal redwood trees in your wedding-day attire. Now imagine all of your closest friends and family are there, waiting for you beneath twinkle lights and tree branches. Welcome to Deer Park Villa wedding venue in Fairfax, California. Located in the small town of Fairfax in Marin County, Deer Park Villa attracts local and out-of-state couples who are looking for their dream destination wedding venue.   

Fairfax is a Northern California town filled with redwoods, retail and restaurants. It is often regarded as the gem of Marin County. Situated about 30 minutes north of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, Deer Park Villa is easily accessible for Bay Area guests. Loved ones who are arriving by air can fly into San Francisco International Airport (SFO) or Oakland International Airport (OAK). Fairfax is about a one-hour drive from SFO and a 45-minute drive from OAK.

Outstanding Indoor & Outdoor Event Spaces

Hiking on local trails and in National Parks are popular date activities for California couples. So, it doesn’t surprise me that many of my couples want a wedding venue with both indoor and outdoor event spaces. Deer Park Villa wedding venue offers exactly that, and more. As you step onto the magical four-acre property, you and your soul mate will likely recall sweet memories of hiking and backpacking together.

In addition to outdoor event spaces, Deer Park Villa’s indoor areas offer a warm atmosphere of welcome and comfort. The dance hall is a cool 1920s-inspired space that can accomodate 200 seated or 300 standing guests. Nestled in a section of Deer Park’s historic restaurant “Bootlegger’s Lodge,” the dance hall features rustic-chic lamps and handsome hardwood floors. Rental of the venue comes with tables, chairs, indoor and outdoor bars, heaters, restroom access and a fully equipped catering kitchen. Deer Park Villa is completely surrounded by nature and easily accessible. It’s a win-win! 

Keep scrolling to learn more about Deer Park Villa wedding venue in Fairfax, California!

Family-Owned Deer Park Villa Wedding Venue

As if Deer Park Villa could get any better, this Northern California wedding venue is also family-owned! The story behind the venue is super sweet. Here’s the SparkNotes version: 

Joseph Ghiringhelli and Antoinette Pagani held their wedding-night dinner at a Fairfax restaurant in 1927. That night, the newlyweds promised each other to one day own the restaurant and venue together. In 1937 Mr. and Mrs. Ghiringhelli made their dream a reality by purchasing the property (originally established as a lodge in 1916). Joseph, aka Joe, planted a grove of redwood trees on their property in celebration. The circle of redwood seeds grew into what the family lovingly calls an “Enchanted Forest.” Today, the villa is run by a third generation member of the Ghiringhelli family and celebrated its centennial anniversary in 2016.

Imagine Your Big Day at Deer Park Villa Wedding Venue

Have I successfully convinced you that Deer Park Villa wedding venue is the best? If you’re still unsure, keep reading to learn more about their amazing wedding packages.

Deer Park Villa wedding packages include use of a bridal room, redwood grove, outdoor fire pit, lounge, heaters, indoor and outdoor bars / dancing locations, tables, chairs, restrooms, and parking. Bar packages and an in-house DJ are also available for an additional fee. For your ceremony, Deer Park Villa can seat 200 guests indoors or 350 guests outdoors. The venue accommodates 200 seated or 300 standing guests for an indoor reception. For an outdoor reception, Deer Park Villa can seat or stand 350 guests. While couples get access to an on-site kitchen, they must select a caterer from Deer Park Villa’s approved list.

Alicia Parks Photography’s Favorite Villa Details

Bridal Suite

Originally a carriage house, Deer Park Villa’s bridal suite is a real-life fairytale. The cottage is filled to the brim with vanity mirrors and chic vintage furnishings. Get ready for one of the biggest days of your life in luxury and comfort. You’ll have plenty of space and beautiful natural light for getting ready photos with your closest friends and family. Pro tip: hang your wedding dress on the trunk of a massive redwood tree for a romantic getting ready snapshot.

Enchanted Forest

This sacred circle of redwood trees planted by the owner feels otherworldly. Say “I do” below the magnificent limbs of redwoods and twinkling market lights strung from trunk to trunk. This outdoor event space is so stunning that you don’t even need to break your bank account on extra decorations. 

Dance Hall

This incredible indoor reception space was formerly a historic restaurant named “Bootlegger’s Lodge” for the Prohibition Era. Dance across dark, hardwood floors that glow warmly beneath wrought-iron light fixtures. 

The Dance Hall is also home to The Lodge Bar, which stays open late so you and your guests can wind down the evening without feeling rushed. Ask about the venue’s new Late Night VIP Room when you book your special day.

Bonus Amenities

After dinner, your guests can take a break from dancing by playing bocce ball and roasting s’mores around fire pits outside. Or, guests can grab a cocktail from the bar and head over to the Zen Grove. This tranquil spot features a circular flowerbed at its center that can be set with chairs, tables, or lounge furniture.

Deer Park Villa wedding packages start around $9,000 and can stretch to $14,000. Prices vary depending on the day, time and season, guest count and type of event.

Things to Do Near Deer Park Villa

Whenever I photograph Deer Park Villa weddings, I try to visit at least one of these amazing local places. Here are my recommendations for things to do nearby.

For foodies: 

Sol Food Restaurant in San Rafael – Puerto Rican cuisine cooked to perfection. 

Piazza D’Angelo in Mill Valley – Favorite trattoria of Marin County families and local celebrities.

For night owls: 

Gravity Tavern in Mill Valley – 19th century-inspired tavern with fine dining and gilded decor. 

Floodwater in Mill Valley – Bar-forward restaurant with drinks by James Beard-nominated Julian Cox.

For adventurers: 

Muir Woods – Hike and explore the trails of this awe-inspiring redwood forest. Muir Beach & Muir Beach Overlook – Soak up the sun in this quiet cove, beloved by locals. Catch a jaw-dropping view of the Pacific Coast and Point Reyes Peninsula from Muir Beach Overlook.

Looking for more indoor-outdoor wedding inspiration? Click here to witness Jane and Ron’s beautiful wedding at Blue Ridge Kitchen in Sebastopol, California.

Photographer Alicia Parks Photography 

Venue Deer Park Villa