A Wedding Amidst The Giants: Tying The Knot At Calaveras Big Trees

Calaveras Big Trees State Park is a popular wedding venue in California. The park offers several outdoor areas for private functions, including weddings, with the most popular venue being the Standing Sentinel Tree, a giant sequoia that can accommodate 75-100 people. Another popular option is the Jack Knight Hall, a rustic, historic building that can accommodate 100 people and is often used for wedding receptions. The park also offers other scenic locations, such as the Beaver Creek Picnic Area and the Campfire Center, providing a memorable setting for special events.

Venue options and fees

Calaveras Big Trees State Park offers several venue options for weddings, with fees varying according to the chosen location and duration of the event. Here is a detailed breakdown of the venue options and their associated fees:

The Stump (Discovery Tree)

The stump of the Discovery Tree, left after the tree was cut down in 1852, creates a massive platform nearly 25 feet in diameter. This unique venue option guarantees exclusive use of the stump, while still allowing the public to view and pass by. The fee for this venue is $100 for 30 minutes, with a maximum duration of 2 hours.

Jack Knight Hall

Jack Knight Hall is a rustic, historic building with open-beam ceilings, hand-hewn wood, and a giant stone fireplace. It can accommodate up to 100 people seated and is often used for wedding receptions. The rental includes 18 eight-foot tables and 100 chairs. Many couples choose to have their ceremony at the Big Stump or the Standing Sentinel and then move to Jack Knight Hall for their reception. The fee for this venue is $800 per day, from 8 am to 10 pm.

Standing Sentinel Tree

The Standing Sentinel is a popular choice for wedding ceremonies, with its giant Sequoia providing a majestic backdrop. Approximately 75-100 people can be seated around the tree. The fee for this venue is $100 for 30 minutes, with a maximum duration of 2 hours.

Sentinel Picnic Area

Located next to the Sentinel trees, near the Big Stump, and adjacent to a seasonal creek, this picnic area can accommodate approximately 100 people. It includes eight picnic tables and one standing grill. The fee for this venue is $300 for up to 6 hours.

Campfire Center

The Campfire Center is traditionally used by Rangers for campfire talks. It offers a small stage, a fire pit, and bench seating for up to 100 people. Please note that this space is not available past 5 pm on weekends. The fee for this venue is $75 per hour.

Beaver Creek Picnic Area

The Beaver Creek Picnic Area is located at the far end of the park, a short walk from the creek. Couples can have a quick ceremony by the creek and then return to the picnic area for their reception. The site includes six picnic tables, one BBQ, an ADA-accessible restroom, parking, and shade. The fee for this venue is $300 for up to 6 hours.

In addition to the venue fees, there is also a permit application fee. If the request is made 31 days or more before the event, the cost is $25. For requests made 30 days or less in advance, the fee increases to $100. It is important to note that requests made 14 days or less before the event will not be permitted.

Permit requirements

To host a wedding at Calaveras Big Trees State Park, you will need to obtain a Special Event Permit. The first step is to contact the Senior Park Aide & Special Events Coordinator, Yvonne Herring, at [email protected] or (209) 795-2334. She can provide you with details about venue rentals and a copy of the Special Events Guide.

All special event applicants are required to pay a permit application fee. If your request is submitted 31 days or more before the date of your event, the cost is $25. If your request is submitted 30 days or less before the date of your event (rush permit), the application fee is $100 and must be paid by cashier’s check or money order. Requests for events 14 days or less from the start date will not be permitted.

In addition to the permit application fee, a permit may require additional fees such as a rental fee, monitor fee, deposit, and entrance fees. These fees must be paid by cashier’s check, money order, company check, or personal check, made out to California State Parks.

A permit may also require a Certificate of Liability Insurance, vendor list, ABC license, and a Calaveras county food permit.

It is important to note that events may only be scheduled between May 1 and November 1, and reservations for events may be made up to one year in advance. Permits are not issued for holidays or holiday weekends.

Catering and accommodation

Calaveras Big Trees State Park offers a range of options for catering and accommodation for your wedding. The park has several spectacular outdoor areas available for private functions, including the famous Big Stump, which can be reserved for ceremonies. The Standing Sentinel Tree is another popular choice for wedding ceremonies, with seating for approximately 75-100 people around the giant sequoias.

For wedding receptions, the most popular venue is Jack Knight Hall, a rustic, historic building with open-beam ceilings, hand-hewn wood, and a giant stone fireplace. The hall can accommodate up to 100 people seated and includes 18, 8-foot tables and 100 chairs. The rental fee for Jack Knight Hall is $800 per day.

If you're looking for a more intimate setting, the park also offers the Sentinel Picnic Area, located next to the Sentinel trees and a seasonal creek. This area can accommodate approximately 100 people and includes eight picnic tables and a standing grill. The rental fee for the Sentinel Picnic Area is $300 for six hours.

For catering, you will need to obtain a Calaveras County food permit and submit a vendor list. The park does not allow wood gathering or flower picking, and there are restrictions on certain florals and plants due to their environmental impact.

In terms of accommodation, the park offers two main campgrounds with a total of 129 campsites. Additionally, there are Calaveras Big Trees Cabins, which offer furnished mountain vacation homes close to the park. These cabins include running water, electricity, wood floors, and fully equipped kitchens. Each cabin has an outside picnic table, a fire ring, and two parking spaces. The rental fee includes park admission for two vehicles, and daily housekeeping is available for an additional fee. The cabins vary in size, sleeping between 4-7 people and 6-9 people, with different amenities and features to suit your needs.

History of the park

Calaveras Big Trees State Park was established in 1931 to preserve the North Grove of giant sequoias, the world's largest trees. The park is a mixed-conifer forest, meaning a variety of trees live together. The North Grove includes the "Discovery Tree", also known as the "Big Stump", the first Sierra redwood noted by Augustus T. Dowd in 1852. The area has been a major tourist attraction ever since and is considered the longest continuously operated tourist facility in California.

In addition to the giant trees, the park features the Stanislaus River, Beaver Creek, ancient volcanic formations, and natural meadows. Trails throughout the park allow visitors to discover the natural beauty that has awed visitors since 1852. The park also houses two main campgrounds with a total of 129 campsites, six picnic areas, and several miles of established trails.

The park offers a range of activities for visitors, including evening ranger talks, interpretive programs, environmental educational programs, junior ranger programs, hiking, mountain biking, bird watching, and activities for school children. In the winter, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are popular activities.

The park is open daily from 6 am to 6 pm, with camping allowed all hours from March through November. The park is accessible from various locations in California, including Stockton, Sacramento, and Angel's Camp.

Things to do in the park

Calaveras Big Trees State Park offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. Here are some things to do when visiting the park:

• Explore the North and South Groves of giant sequoias, which are the world's largest trees. These groves have been a major tourist attraction since 1852 and include the "Discovery Tree" or the "Big Stump," the first Sierra redwood noted by Augustus T. Dowd.
• Discover the Stanislaus River, Beaver Creek, ancient volcanic formations, and natural meadows.
• Enjoy the park's facilities and activities, such as the Lava Bluff Trail, Bradley Trail, and six picnic areas.
• Partake in summer activities like evening ranger talks, interpretive programs, environmental educational programs, junior ranger programs, hiking, mountain biking, and bird watching.
• During winter, try cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
• Rent the historic Jack Knight Hall for meetings, receptions, dinners, or other special occasions.
• Bring your leashed dogs to developed areas like picnic sites, campgrounds, paved roads, and fire roads.
• Go camping at one of the two main campgrounds with a total of 129 campsites.

Frequently asked questions