RyanJulie
May 3rd, 2025
Watsonville, CA
Our venue
Amphitheater of the Redwoods at Pema Osel Ling
We're thrilled to host our wedding weekend at the Amphitheater of the Redwoods at Pema Osel Ling, nestled in the hills above Santa Cruz, California. This unique venue, typically a haven for Buddhist retreats, offers a tranquil escape into nature's embrace.
Surrounded by towering redwoods, Pema Osel Ling provides an intimate setting where we can not only celebrate together but also immerse ourselves in nature. Its peaceful ambiance makes it an ideal spot for our special day.
We hope that being here together will create opportunities for meaningful connections and lasting memories. We look forward to welcoming you to this special place!
Friday
Welcome drinks
Saturday
Ceremony
Reception
Post-reception
Sunday
Brunch
Travel
🛬 Getting there
When traveling to Pema Osel Ling it is best to fly into the San Jose Airport and then rent a car to get to the venue. From there, it's about a 1 hour drive without traffic. Oakland International Airport and San Francisco International Airports are two other options, your drive will just be a bit longer. If renting a car is an issue, reach out to us! We'd be happy to connect you with someone driving from the Bay Area. There is often traffic driving towards Santa Cruz, especially on weekends, so leave extra time if possible. Also, be prepared for some winding forest roads for the last twenty minutes of the drive. Ubers are not reliable in the mountains and our venue has very limited cell service, so do not rely on them to get around.
🏠 Staying there
Santa Cruz is a destination location, so we recommend getting your hotel room or Airbnb sooner rather than later! There are some Airbnbs near the venue, but not many. We've listed a few hotel options below that are about a 30 min drive to the venue. We do not have a room block, so please choose what works best for you.
7500 Old Dominion Court, Aptos, California 95003
Best Western Plus Capitola By-the-Sea Inn & Suites
1435 41St Avenue, Capitola, California 95010
Hampton Inn & Suites Watsonville
75 Lee Road Watsonville, California 95076
Holiday Inn Express & Suites: Watsonville
1855 Main Street, Watsonville, California 95076
📍 Exploring there
Check back closer to the date for recommendations around Santa Cruz and beyond! We're excited to share this beautiful place with you all and we are scoping out the places to eat & explore.
Q & A
Where and when can I RSVP?
We'll be adding a spot on this site to RSVP once the invitations are sent out, so check back here once you see that in the mail.
What time should I arrive?
Please try to arrive at least 15 minutes early. You are welcome to come earlier as well, we have the venue for the whole weekend and will have lawn games and activities available.
What is the dress code?
Our dress code is “Garden Party” - so men can wear suits, shirt & tie with slacks, or forego the tie for a jacket. Women can wear jumpsuits, cocktail dresses, or pant suits. Julie loves florals and wildflowers so the more colorful dresses, the better! We do recommend wearing flats or block heels rather than stilettos as all events will be outdoors and there is grass and some uneven ground.
The welcome drinks on Friday and the brunch on Sunday are casual, so wear whatever you're comfortable in!
Is the wedding indoors or outdoors?
The entire wedding (ceremony and reception) will be outdoors. We will have space heaters for the evenings. Nights can get chilly (typical lows between 45-55°) so please bring a jacket (or stay warm on the dance floor). We have rain contingency plans if the forecast turns.
Can I bring a plus one?
Your invitation and RSVP will include those invited to our wedding. We unfortunately cannot accommodate any guests not listed on your invitation.
Are kids allowed?
While we love kids, we can only accommodate the kids in our immediate families (i.e. our nieces and nephews). If you have any concerns or questions please reach out!
Am I allowed to smoke at the venue?
No smoking of any kind is allowed at the venue, including vaping, tobacco, and marijuana. This is a strict policy of our venue in accordance with their spiritual practice on the land. We appreciate your understanding and let us know if you will need any accommodation for this.
Is there onsite parking?
There is onsite parking available. We will also be providing shuttles from a few locations in Santa Cruz if you would prefer not to drive. Check back later for more details on getting a spot on a shuttle.