Scott Valley changes completely through the year, and each season makes a different kind of wedding. Here is how each one works from Blossom Sanctuary, a private retreat house just outside Etna, California.
Spring: green and quiet
The valley turns green, the creeks run full and the gardens at Blossom wake up. Spring is the quietest time to marry here, which makes it ideal for a small ceremony in the garden and a long weekend with your closest people. The high lakes are still snowed in, so plan the vows at the house.
Summer: long golden evenings
Summer is high season for ranch venues like Lonesome Longhorn in Quartz Valley and Dowling Ranch, so book early. Taylor Lake opens for elopements from mid-June, at about 6,500 feet and a short, wheelchair accessible walk from the car. Evenings are long and warm, and the garden is in full bloom. Della of Circle Bar Co. books 2027 weddings from May through October.
Fall: gold oaks and cool nights
Warm days, cool nights and the oaks turning gold, usually peaking in late October. Taylor Lake stays open through October. A fall wedding weekend pairs well with a spa day at Citrine Lounge Spa and dinner at Denny Bar Co.. See Scott Valley fall color.
Winter: the wood stove and the lights
Winter is the coziest wedding of all: snow on the peaks, a fire in the wood stove, and December lights across Etna and Scott Valley. Vows by the fire, dinner by a private chef, and a night at Yreka Night of Lights if your dates line up. Winter is also when the founding member rate starts from $555 a night. Check Caltrans QuickMap for chains before you drive.
Season at a glance
Best for a garden ceremony: late spring through early fall.
Best for an elopement at Taylor Lake: mid-June through October.
Best value: winter, and longer stays in any season.
Best for a big ranch wedding: summer and early fall, booked well ahead.
Plan it in the Members Portal
Members of the Sovereign Circle get a wedding planner in the Members Portal: choose the parts you want, add your date and your people, and it lays out your wedding year in order, with every booking and every vendor. Send it to the concierge with one tap.
Join the Sovereign Circle free through December 31, 2026 to open it, lock in the founding rate, and get a free night on your second stay of two nights or more.
Common questions
What is the best month to get married in Scott Valley?
For a garden or ranch wedding, June through September. For a mountain elopement, mid-June through October. For the quietest and best value, winter and early spring.
Can we get married at Taylor Lake in winter?
Usually not. Taylor Lake's season runs mid-June through October, and the road depends on snow. In winter, bring the vows home to the wood stove.
Ready to hold your dates? See open dates and prices on the home page, or text the concierge at 530 572 1122. Every detail of the wedding year is in our wedding planning guide.
