Planning a wedding in Northern California offers countless breathtaking options—but if you’re dreaming of a ceremony under towering redwoods, surrounded by gardens, ponds, and a storybook forest, Nestldown in Los Gatos is likely already on your radar. Located in the Santa Cruz Mountains and set on 32 private acres, Nestldown feels like a hidden world away from Silicon Valley’s hustle, even though it’s just a short drive from San Jose.
What makes this venue especially appealing for couples? It’s not just the redwood cathedral ceremony space, the whimsical cocktail train, or the charming Fantasy Cottage. It’s the overall experience: a full-property rental that gives you ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception spaces all in one naturally stunning setting—with an experienced onsite events team and a curated list of trusted vendors to simplify planning.
But what does it actually cost to get married here? The Tulle Together Wedding Pricing Transparency Project is on a mission to collect all of the pricing PDFs for wedding venues across the country. All of the PDFs in our database – 1,700 total and more than 200 in California – are contributed by other couples planning their weddings. That means we can walk through the venue costs for you – without you having to email them. Below, we’ve broken down everything—from base fees to additional costs you’ll need to consider—to help you figure out whether Nestldown fits your budget and your vision.
Want to access the original pricing PDF and help estimating your potential cost? Log in to Tulle Together‘s Wedding Pricing Transparency Project to access the full venue pricing PDF and more than 1,700 other pricing PDFs.
Individual Costs and Fees at Nestldown
Ceremony & Reception Fees
Nestldown, tucked in the redwoods of Los Gatos, CA, offers a private, 32-acre estate for weddings. Rather than booking individual spaces, couples receive access to the entire property—including lush gardens, ponds, redwood groves, and charming gathering areas. It’s ideal for those looking for a naturally beautiful, immersive setting with flexible outdoor and indoor options.
Here’s a quick overview of what’s included:
- Ceremony spaces throughout the gardens and redwoods
- Outdoor cocktail areas
- Reception spaces, including the Barn and Atrium (for larger events)
- Use of specialty features like the Fantasy Cottage, bocce ball courts, life-size chess set, and scenic pond
Guest Capacity:
- Standard: 150 guests included
- Maximum: 200 guests (with additional rental of the Atrium for dinner)
- Lower guest counts apply for early spring, late fall, and winter dates.
Venue Fee
Pricing at Nestldown varies based on the season and day of the week:
March & December:
- Weekdays: $14,950 – $19,600
- Weekends: $18,260 – $21,900
April, Early May – Mid October:
- Weekdays: $15,770 – $21,400
- Weekends: $19,920 – $27,400
Late May – Early October (Peak Season):
- Weekdays: $18,260 – $26,800
- Weekends: $26,560 – $36,000
Saturday is considered Nestldown’s peak day of the week. Events are held Thursday through Monday.
What’s Included with the Venue Fee
- 9-hour exclusive rental of the 32-acre property
- Special Events Manager throughout the planning process, plus a day-of coordinator and site & safety manager
- Access to Aisle Planner (wedding timeline and layout tools)
- Ceremony and reception tables, chairs, and firepits
- 5-passenger golf cart transportation for guests
- 22-passenger cocktail hour train ride
- 1967 Old London Taxi for photo ops
- Outdoor games and whimsical spaces like the Fantasy Cottage
Food and Beverage Costs
Nestldown does not provide onsite catering or bar services. Couples must select from Nestldown’s required vendor list for:
- Catering
- Bar services
- DJ or band
- Wedding planner
- Shuttle and rental companies
Catering Expectations:
- Pricing will vary based on the approved caterer you choose, your menu selections, and your service style (buffet, plated, etc.).
- Typical full-service catering costs for Bay Area weddings range from $150 to $300+ per guest, factoring in food, bar packages, staffing, and rentals.
- Final catering costs will depend on the caterer you select from Nestldown’s list and your event’s specific details.
Alcohol Policies:
Alcohol must be served by a licensed bartender—no self-service (e.g., no wine bottles on tables, no shots, and no straight-pour cocktails; only mixed drinks are allowed).
Additional Fees
Additional Fees & Taxes to Budget For
When planning your Nestldown wedding, it’s important to budget for a few extra costs beyond the venue rental:
| Fee | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Sales Tax | ~9.13% on catering, rentals, and some vendor services. (Venue rental fees are typically not taxed in California.) |
| Service Charge | Typically 18–22% added to catering and bar totals (on top of sales tax) |
| Shuttle Transportation | Often required due to limited onsite parking; costs vary based on guest count and distance |
| Overtime Fees | Charged if you exceed the standard 9-hour rental window |
| Vendor Gratuities | Optional but customary (suggested 15–20% for catering, bartending, and planning teams) |
| Upgraded Rentals | Costs for specialty chairs, linens, tents, or decor beyond Nestldown’s standard inventory |
🔹 Tip: Always request itemized quotes from vendors that include taxes and service charges upfront, so you have a clear view of your true total—not just base prices.
Additional Fees and Policies
- Required use of vendors from Nestldown’s approved list for catering, music, and planning.
- Limited noise ordinance: Last dance must end by 9:35 PM; all guests must depart by 10:45 PM.
- Parking is limited; shuttle services are often required (additional cost).
How much could your total wedding cost be if you got married at Nestldown?
When you factor in everything — from venue fees to vendor costs — Tulle Together’s Cost Forecast Tool projects that the total budget of wedding at Nestldown on a Saturday during the peak season could land around $92,000, depending on your guest count, design scope, and other vendor selections. This estimate factors in a range of typical wedding expenses beyond the venue itself, helping couples get a realistic view of what their wedding might actually cost before making any commitments. Of course, someone with a high budget could easily spend more than this – but it’s a starting estimate for what that total wedding cost could look like.
The Cost Forecast Tool is just one of Tulle Together’s budgeting resources. On the website, you’ll find a variety of budget tools designed to help couples plan out their total wedding costs before they book anything. Whether you’re estimating expenses, tracking your spending, or looking for real venue pricing, Tulle Together’s tools provide a transparent approach to wedding budgeting—so you can plan confidently and avoid unexpected surprises. Sign up here for a smarter way to plan your wedding!
Final Thoughts
Choosing Nestldown means embracing a magical, redwood-filled setting with built-in beauty at every turn. Between the stunning natural surroundings, the charming extras like the cocktail train and Fantasy Cottage, and the structured vendor guidelines, couples have a solid framework to build a memorable event.
While Nestldown’s venue fee covers a lot, it’s important to plan ahead for off-list vendor restrictions, noise curfews, and transportation logistics. If you’re dreaming of a forest wedding that feels private, luxurious, and one-of-a-kind, Nestldown offers an unforgettable experience.
Want to access the original pricing PDF and help estimating your potential cost? Log in to Tulle Together‘s Wedding Pricing Transparency Project to access the full venue pricing PDF and more than 1,700 other pricing PDFs, as well as leveraging our Venue Calculator to help estimate your potential costs at this venue!
Photo Credit: Nestldown Website
