Wilder Ranch State Park
Santa Cruz · Santa Cruz County · West · Evening
A coastal ranch north of Santa Cruz: 1800s farm buildings, open bluffs above the water and terraces running back into the hills.
West-facing coastal bluffs, minimal obstruction.
Buildings and trails here close periodically after winter storms and flooding, sometimes for long stretches while the park itself stays open. The park page carries current closures. Drones are prohibited park-wide, and dogs are not permitted except service animals.
The site
Orientation
West
Tree cover
None / Open
Fog exposure
Coastal
Best light
Evening
The practical details
Commercial photography
The park lists two separate documents: the current special event form for the ceremony, and the current film and photography permit guidelines for commercial work.
Prohibited
Drones park-wide. Dogs, except service animals.
Permit authority
Santa Cruz District, California State Parks, Special Events Office. (831) 400-8519, SCD.specialevents@parks.ca.gov.
Pricing
Day-use parking $10, or $9 for age 62 and over. Bus parking $50 for 10 to 24 passengers, $100 for 25 or more.
See it on your wedding date
Set your date and this page fills in with the tides, what the weather is usually like, sunset, and where the sun will be.
Checked against the agency's own page on September 7, 2026
Sunrise, sunset, and twilight computed for this location. The marine layer rating reflects the time of year on this coast. Orientation and cover recorded for this spot.