Vows at a mountain lake, toasts in the garden and a house for the people closest to you. Here is how a wedding or an elopement works in Scott Valley, told honestly.
Wind moving across a mountain lake at 6,500 feet. A few people who know you best. Dinner back at the house as the stars come out. Some vows want a ballroom; others want exactly this. Here's how Blossom Sanctuary works as a base for a wedding or an elopement in Scott Valley, what the Forest Service asks on the mountain, the license basics, and who we'd call.
The house as your base
The house is made for up to four adults, or a family of up to six, and the living room couch makes a comfortable extra bed. The couple takes the main bedroom, a California King under vaulted ceilings. Two more share the queen in the second bedroom, where the writer's desk is a good place to finish your vows, and the loft's full bed sits up a ladder. That's the two of you and your closest people, getting ready together. The kitchen is set for a dinner party, a private chef can be arranged for an added fee, and you can ask about audio equipment for the toasts. If you marry at the house, fast internet lets family far away watch live.
Ceremonies, toasts and rehearsal dinners at the house
Small ceremonies, toasts, rehearsal dinners and celebrations are all welcome. The gardens bloom from spring into early fall, so the backdrop arrives dressed. If more than 14 people will be on the property at one time, tell us ahead so we can help with the proper permits. Prefer the rehearsal dinner out? Book Denny Bar Co. on Tock, a short walk from the house.
Eloping on the mountain
Three spots on the Klamath National Forest suit a small ceremony:
Taylor Lake. About 13 miles from Etna, with a 0.6-mile round trip walk that's wheelchair accessible, at about 6,500 feet. Its season runs mid-June through October.
Kangaroo Lake. About 17 miles from Callahan: 1.1 miles out and back, with the first quarter mile paved and wheelchair accessible. The road closes with snow.
Etna Summit. A trailhead with parking where the Pacific Crest Trail crosses, at 5,956 feet and 10.5 miles from Etna. Access depends on snow.
The high roads usually open summer to fall, so confirm with the ranger district before you set a date. Out of season, bring the ceremony home: vows by the wood stove, toasts in the kitchen.
The permit rule. The Forest Service treats a wedding as noncommercial group use. Under 75 people, guests and spectators together, you need no permit. At 75 or more, apply for a group use permit at least 72 hours ahead. Anyone paid to work on forest land, such as a planner or guide, needs their own permit, so ask every paid vendor to check. Questions go to the Klamath National Forest at (530) 842-6131. On the Mount Shasta side, the Shasta-Trinity National Forest uses the same 75-person threshold.
The California marriage license
The basics, statewide:
Both of you apply in person with valid photo ID. A license issued anywhere in California is good statewide for 90 days.
A public license needs at least one witness and no more than two. A confidential license needs no witnesses, but you must already live together.
Your officiant returns the signed license within 10 days.
Want a friend to officiate? In many places a friend can be deputized for the day; ask about two weeks ahead when you apply.
Who to call
We'll be straight with you: the valley is small, so plan to bring your photographer and officiant, or deputize that friend. Here's who we'd call for the rest:
A bigger celebration. When the guest list outgrows the house, Dowling Ranch is a wedding venue on a historic Scott Valley ranch, with a barn about 150 years old. Stay at Blossom with your closest people and celebrate at the ranch.
Flowers. The Flowers Nest, a local florist, does fresh flowers for any occasion, from wrapped bouquets to ones you build yourself.
Sweets. My pick is Little Whisk Baking Co.: the best baked goods around, by custom order, and known for her macarons.
Dinner. A private chef at the house, for an added fee.
Getting ready. Citrine Lounge Spa in Etna does facials, lashes, waxing and pedicures Monday to Saturday, so book the day before or the morning of.
Everything else. Text the concierge, and we'll help connect you with people.
An elopement in three days
Thursday. Arrive, walk to dinner at Denny Bar Co., and end the night under the stars in the walled garden.
Friday. Citrine in the morning and a slow lunch at the house. Vows at Taylor Lake at golden hour, in season, then home to a private chef's dinner and the toasts.
Saturday. Sleep in. Friends drive up for a toast in the garden, or the honeymoon starts right here.
Good to know
Taylor Lake's season runs mid-June through October; Kangaroo Lake and Etna Summit depend on snow. Confirm road access with the ranger district.
On the national forest: under 75 people, no permit; 75 or more, a group use permit at least 72 hours ahead.
At the house: for more than 14 people on the property at one time, tell us ahead so we can help with the proper permits.
Citrine is closed Sundays, and Denny Bar Co. closes Monday and Tuesday. Check hours before you go.
There's no taxi or ride-share in Scott Valley, so plan sober drivers for guests heading home after the toasts.
Blossom is space for those who care, and a wedding is the time to fill it with your people. See open dates and prices for your stay at Blossom Sanctuary, or join the Sovereign Circle free through December 31 to lock in the founding rate. Planning for a group? Text the concierge at 530 572 1122 or write to Concierge@blossomsanctuary.com.
