A Historic Redwood Wedding, Tour & Lodging Estate In Humboldt County, California
Nestled in the heart of Benbow Valley near Garberville, Julia Morgan Redwood Grove is a private historic estate and redwood wedding venue in Humboldt County. The property is surrounded by towering Northern California redwoods and bordered by the South Fork of the Eel River, creating a serene natural backdrop for weddings, estate events, and overnight stays. With formal gardens, timeless architecture, and exclusive use of the grounds, the estate offers an intimate and distinctly Northern California setting.
Our Estate Services & Experiences
Weddings Beneath the Redwoods
Celebrate your wedding at a private historic estate surrounded by towering redwoods and the South Fork of the Eel River in Humboldt County. Julia Morgan Redwood Grove offers an elegant garden setting framed by Northern California’s iconic landscape, creating a stunning natural backdrop for ceremonies and receptions. As a licensed private estate wedding venue, the property provides exclusive use of the grounds and on-site lodging for an unforgettable redwood wedding experience.
Begin Your Experience at the Julia Morgan Redwood Grove
Timeless Tales, Extraordinary Spaces…….
In 1926, San Francisco hotel heiress Margaret Stewart commissioned legendary architect Julia Morgan to design a secluded country estate in the heart of Humboldt County. Envisioned as part of a grand 1,290-acre resort community developed by the Benbow family, the estate would become a treasured retreat now known as Julia Morgan Redwood Grove.
Best known for her iconic work on Hearst Castle in San Simeon, Julia Morgan was California’s first licensed female architect and one of the most prolific and influential designers of the 20th century. Over the course of her career, she designed more than 700 buildings across the state, pioneering the use of reinforced concrete while blending structural innovation with a deep respect for the natural environment.
The Julia Morgan Redwood Grove stands as a striking expression of her Craftsman-Tudor revival influences. Gabled roofs, elegant stonework, and exposed wooden beams crafted from local redwood are complemented by delicate artistic details, birds, stags, rosettes, and leaves, woven throughout the architecture. Together, these elements reflect Morgan’s signature ability to harmonize design with the surrounding landscape.
Set on a privately owned three-acre estate, the property features a year-round cutting garden ideal for weddings, family reunions, company events, and special gatherings. Limited on-site lodging accommodations are also available for honeymoons, anniversary escapes, and short-term stays, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the peaceful redwood forest setting.
The estate offers private, docent-led tours by advance reservation. Guests are invited to stroll the meandering pathways, explore the historic interiors, and experience first hand the magic of Julia Morgan’s work. Tours include a brief history of the region and the estate, insight into Morgan’s architectural legacy, and a rare glimpse into one of Humboldt County’s most enchanting hidden treasures. Today, this historic redwood estate wedding venue in Northern California continues to welcome visitors for tours, stays and special gatherings.